Local Happenings for Tidewater VA

COMMUNITY EVENTS / FESTIVALS / LOCAL THEATER / CONCERTS / LECTURES / TALKS

Ongoing Holiday Events

Now thru Dec 26 - Snow Wonders at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, Fri/Sat 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 pm, High St., Portsmouth. Snow will fall from the sky, music will fill the air and we hope it brings back fond memories from other places you may have lived and enjoyed in the past.http://www.childrensmuseumva.com

Now thru Dec 26 - d'Art Center Holiday Exhibition & Sale, The Granby Street Gallery, 112 Granby St., Norfolk. Opening Reception on Sat Nov 7, 6-10 pm, with live music by Blushing Melons. Live Painting & Live Music on Sat Nov 14, 6 - 10 pm, with Artist Andre Davis, and music by Blood For Guns. Poetry Night on Sat Nov 21, 6-10 pm, with Madeliene Garcia, Taz Weysweete, and James DeVille.

Now thru Dec 27 - Holt Family Lights, Mon-Thu & Sun 5:15 - 10:00 pm; Fri/Sat 5:15 - 10:30 pm, 900 Teakwood Court, Chesapeake. Enjoy this annual Christmas display at the home of Allen and Cattina Holt. Featuring new lights, new characters, new elements, and new surprises. Open rain or snow if possible. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holt-Family-Lights/163705990330762?sk=timeline

Now thru Dec 27 - Santa’s Seaside Village, Atlantic Avenue & 30th Street, Thu-Sun 2 - 10:00 pm, Oceanfront, Virginia Beach. A new holiday tradition is coming to Hampton Roads this winter! Santa’s Seaside Village, presented by Catch 31,  to delight the young and young-at-heart with animated displays, shopping, live entertainment, and Santa Claus himself. All with a “Beachy” twist! .Walk through the animated displays in our giant tent.  See Santa’s elves busily building, packing, and shipping toys to be delivered on Christmas Eve to boys and girls everywhere. Feast on and sample the goodies in Santa’s Sweet Shoppe. Enjoy live entertainment like carolers, storytelling, and arts and crafts demonstrations. Shop at the quaint merchandise booths, and take a spin on the carnival rides. Best of all, visit with Santa and take a photo as a reminder of your family’s visit at Santa’s Seaside Village!http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals/santas-seaside-village

Now thru Dec 30 - Harlequin’s Holiday, Kimball Theatre, 7:30 pm, Merchants’ Square, 428 West Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg. Follow a mischievous scamp as he tricks his way into earning the heart of his true love in this hilarious silent comedy, done entirely in the tradition of 18th century pantomime. Adults $18, Youth $9.

Now thru Dec 31 - Winter Wonderland at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, during normal opening hours, High St., Portsmouth. Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderland, a holiday classic for generations of Hampton Roads visitors and residents which includes scenes from the famed Coleman Collection. From Victorian scenes of animated skaters and carolers to the enchanted forest of bears, deer and Santa’s workshop, the displays are sure to delight visitors of all ages. During Winter Wonderland we also offer an array of holiday activities including crafts, face-painting, tasty treats, performances including plays, music and song, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Join us for opening weekend November 27-29 for a weekend of music, crafts, face painting and more. The Olde Towne Santa also returns to meet children and listen to their wishes for the Holiday Season, from Fri, Nov 27 thru Dec 20. See if you are on Santa’s naughty or nice list. http://www.portsmouthartcenter.com

Now thru Dec 31 - 15th Annual Pagoda & Garden LightFEST, Freemason Pagoda Garden, 5 - 11:00 pm, W. Tazwell St., Norfolk. A festive event featuring over 40,000 lights and sparkles of friendship glowing in the Garden and The Pagoda.

Now thru Dec 31 - Dominion Garden of Lights, Norfolk Botanical Garden, 5:30 - 10:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk. Don’t miss Virginia’s  favorite holiday tradition. Bring your family and friends to our 20th annual light show extravaganza for a magical holiday experience. During this event, the Garden is transformed into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy a 2-mile drive through a million sparkling lights bringing the four seasons to life. General Admission: $25 Per Car (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), BEST VALUE: $20 Per Car (Monday-Thursday).http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/events/dominion-garden-of-lights-2015-2015-11-26/

Now thru Dec 31 - Holiday Magic, Virginia Living Museum Planetarium, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News. Kick off your holiday season at the Virginia Living Museum with “Holiday Magic,” a wonderful new laser program full of classic holiday hits all set with lasers. The whole family will enjoy this delightful show - the most amazing holiday light display you’ll see all season. Recommended for ages 6 and above. Note for daytime laser shows: Due to time limitations, not all songs may be included in every program. Your actual playlist will be determined by your laserist. Daytime shows will be reduced to 30 minutes. http://thevlm.org/events/museum-events/calendar/events/categories/holiday/

Now thru Dec 31 - Star of Wonder 50 cents, Virginia Living Museum Planetarium, 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News. Since 1965, we have journeyed in the footsteps of the Magi, seeking the identity of a mysterious star which foretold the coming of a king. Over the years, the scientific thinking has changed, archeology has revealed new clues about the lands in which these events took place, and our understanding of who the Magi might have actually been has grown. Our best theory for what the sign of the wise men might have been has changed, too. The show was completely revised in 2008 to offer a truly immersive look at the journey of the Magi while examining the latest clues and seeking once more to understand the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. VLM members free. In celebration of the Museum’s 50th anniversary, non-member tickets will be 50 cents.http://thevlm.org/events/museum-events/calendar/events/categories/holiday/

Now thru Jan 1 - Pugh Family Christmas Light Show, 5:30 to 9:30 pm weeknights, 5:30 to 10:00 pm weekends, 902 Heydon Court, Chesapeake. Welcome to the home of Charlie and Bridgette Pugh. Enjoy this annual Christmas display of synchronized lights and music.

Now thru Jan 2 - 2015 Celebration in Lights, Newport News Park, Daily 5:30 - 10:00 pm, intersection of Ft. Eustis Blvd. and Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Celebration in Lights, Virginia’s first drive-through holiday light event, opens for its 23rd season on Thanksgiving night.  Newport News Park will be transformed by over 800,000 individual lights, creating animated holiday and fanciful scenes. Over 300 individual display pieces (70 animated), 43 arches, and three miles of rope lighting enhance the natural beauty of the two-mile drive along Newport News Park’s main road. The event continues to refurbish old displays with energy efficient LED bulbs.  $12.00 per car and $60.00 per bus (cash, credit cards Visa/MC), and checks made payable to the City of Newport News are accepted; advance/gift tickets may be purchased at the Newport News Visitors Center. For more information, call 757-926-1400

Now thru Jan 2 - McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, 2nd Street & the Boardwalk, Sun-Thu 5:30 - 10:00 pm, Fri/Sat 5:30 - 11:00 pm, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Take a shining journey into nautical, holiday, and adventure lands - all along the beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk.  Festive fish, jumping dolphins, frolicking porpoises - all in bright, colored lights against the clear night-time sky, are the stars of McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach.  They are joined by Santa, elves, and a 40-foot tall Christmas tree erected on the beach and in the beautiful parks along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. - See more at: http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals/mcdonalds-holiday-lights-beach#sthash.shV1ryNK.dpuf

Now thru Jan 3 - A Colonial Christmas, Yorktown Victory Center & Jamestown Settlement, daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Yorktown & Jamestown. Closed Christmas and New Year’s days. Holiday traditions of 18th-century Virginia are recalled through special interpretive programs. Yorktown Victory Center - Hear accounts of Christmas and winter in military encampments during the American Revolution and glimpse holiday preparations on a Revolution-period farm. Jamestown Settlement - Visitors will learn about Jamestown colony’s early years as well as the English colonists’ Christmas at sea in December 1606 and the Powhatan Indian hospitality shown to Captain John Smith’s trading party in 1608 during a winter storm. With paid admission.  757.253.4838

Now thru Jan 3 - Antebellum Holidays, Lee Hall Mansion, 163 Yorktown Road, Newport News. Guests step back in time to enjoy the elegance of a mid-nineteenth century Christmas. Period decorations enhance the historic interiors and illustrate how Richard Lee and his family celebrated the holidays in the years before the Civil War. Guided tours are offered. Regular hours and admission rates apply. 757-888-3371 | http://www.leehall.org/

Now thru Jan 3 - Christmas at Endview, Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News. Greenery and period decorations brighten the house for the 1861 holidays.  Learn about the families and local history that surround this historic plantation home.  Included with regular admission. 757-887-1862 | http://www.endview.org/

Now thru Jan 18 - MacArthur On Ice & Winter Carnival, MacArthur Center Square, all day, Monticello Avenue and Freemason Street, Norfolk.  MacArthur Center kicks off the eleventh season of ice skating at the coolest place in town. Whether it’s a family tradition or a first date, the center’s 7,200-square-foot outdoor ice rink is the place for good times this winter. Also enjoy an outdoor Winter Carnival featuring nine family-friendly rides, including a 55-foot-tall, LED-lit Ferris wheel. www.macarthuronice.com

Thu, Dec 24 - Father Christmas, Outdoors in Merchants Square, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Historic Williamsburg. Greet Father Christmas in the Square throughout the week. Find him at the Christmas tree outside from the Precious Gem each day.

Thu, Dec 24 - Holiday Kid’s Classics, Kimball Theatre, 2:00 pm, Merchants’ Square, Williamsburg. Free rated G shows for the whole family! No extra ticket required. Take a break from holiday shopping in Merchant’s Square to enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) and Disney’s Very Merry Sing Along Songs. Stop by anytime as these will run continuously in our main theater.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sat, Dec 26 - Winter Waterfowl Walks, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 am, 4005 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach. Call to reserve binoculars, 301-7329 ext 152.

Sat, Dec 26 - Dickens’ Christmas Towne Toy Parade, 10:30 am, Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, 1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk. Each Saturday children are invited to bring a favorite toy and parade through the magical streets of Dickens’ Christmas Towne! The parade will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m.  Free admission to Dickens’ Christmas Towne will be granted to every child participating in the parade. http://www.dickenschristmastowne.com

Sat, Dec 26 - “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, Kimball Theatre, 12:00 pm, Merchants’ Square, Williamsburg. Harry finds himself mysteriously selected as an under-aged competitor in a dangerous tournament between three schools of magic. Tickets $4 per person/Rated PG-13/157 minutes/2005.

Sat, Dec 26 - Umoja at the Slover Library featuring the Original Production of “The Tale of the Twisted Stick”, 6:00 pm, 235 E. Plume Street, Norfolk. In the spirit of unity, Atumpan Edutainment and the Norfolk Public Libraries are partnering to bring the “Umojaa at the Slover” Kwanzaa celebration to Hampton Roads. This year’s Kwanzaa celebration will feature Corey the Talented Blind Guy’s original stage-play production entitled “The Tale of the Twisted Stick.” This play will blend traditional folklore, songs, music and dance to celebrate the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org/events

Sat, Dec 26 thru Tue, Dec 29 - 2015 Scope Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament, Scope Arena, 201 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. Following on the success of the Eastern Region High School Basketball Tournament, which has been held at Scope for the past few years to the delight of thousands of fans, the 2015 Scope Holiday Classic will showcase the region’s immense pool of talent in boys basketball. Bruce Phelps, former Coordinator of Student Activities for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, will serve as the Holiday Classic Director. http://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/2015-scope-holiday-classic

Sun, Dec 27 - Sunday Classic Movie Series: “An Affair to Remember”, the Kimball Theatre, 1:30 pm, Merchants’ Square, Williamsburg. A couple falls in love and agrees to meet in six months at the Empire State Building Ð but will it happen? Starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Tickets $4 per person/Rated NR/1957/119 minutes.

Sun, Dec 27 - Sundays at Four presents: Brendon Elliott Violin Recital to Benefit Childhood Cancer Research, Christ Episcopal Church, 4:00 pm, 111 S. Church Street, Downtown Smithfield. Brendon Elliott, a former ‘Sundays at Four’ Terrific Teen performer, returns to play a benefit recital for the Isle of Wight Optimist Club supporting Childhood Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins. Brendon is a senior at the famous Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He has been awarded many outstanding performance opportunities within the United States including the Tanglewood, Heifetz and Aspen Music Festivals, an appearance with the New York Philharmonic and our Virginia Symphony with whom he will perform again this spring. Contributions to Childhood Cancer Research will be expected. For further information or to purchase tickets call 757.375-9140, or go to: SundaysAtFourVA.org.

Mon, Dec 28 - Mad Science Winter Show, Williamsburg Main Library, 11:00 am, Theatre, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg. Mad Scientist Atomic Ali is back by popular demand! She’ll use dry ice and other scientific tricks to entertain and teach about science.

Mon, Dec 28 - Celebrating Kwanzaa, Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 4:30 pm, 111 W. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk. This celebration honors African heritage in African American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Learn some of the customs of Kwanzaa and do a craft. (School Age)

Mon, Dec 28 - Watermen’s Museum presents Story Tellers, 7 - 8:30 pm, Watermen’s Museum, 309 Water Street, Yorktown. True personal stories related to each month’s theme. The storytellers will be selected ahead of time by the Weavers of the Word Storytelling Collaborative. If you would like to submit a story for consideration in the program send your name, brief bio, and story synopsis to YorktownStorySlam@gmail.com by the Friday prior to the program. For the second half of the program there will be stories chosen from a random selection of entries made at the door. $  For more information call 757.887.2641.

Tue, Dec 29 - Float-a-Rama, Princess Anne Recreation Center, 1 - 4:00 pm, 1400 Nimmo Parkway, Virginia Beach. It’s a day of huge, fun floats that are so big the pool is devoted just to them! Enjoy Claw Daddy, Sky Totter, Space Mountain and many more!  Recreation center membership or day pass needed, but no additional cost. fun@VBgov.com | (757) 385-5950

Tue, Dec 29 - Thursday Film Series: “Never Say Goodbye”, Williamsburg Main Library, 2:00 pm, Theatre, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg. Seven-year-old Phillippa 'Flip’ Gayley wants a family … her own. So she plots to get her divorced parents, who love her, and secretly each other, back to the altar. 1946, 94 Min.

Tue/Wed, Dec 29/30 - Reebok Crossover Boys Basketball Showcase, Hampton Coliseum, Start Times: Tue 4:00 pm, Wed 1:00 pm, 1000 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. The Reebok Crossover Boys Basketball Showcase will be hosted by former NBA great and future Hall of Famer, Allen Iverson. Participating Schools: Bethel, Hampton, Phoebus, Kecoughtan, Denbigh, Woodside, Norcom, Heritage, Williamsburg Christian, Hampton Christian, Granby, L.C. Bird and Lake Taylor. http://www.hamptoncoliseum.org/events/detail/reebok-crossover-high-school-basketball-christmas-holiday-classic

Wed, Dec 30 - Just Throw With Rick Softball Clinic, Crossroads Softball Field, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, 8044 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk. Don’t let those softball skills go over the winter, join the Virginia Lady Rebels for a softball clinic and work on fielding, hitting, throwing, catching and sliding! $20 per player (cash only). All softball players welcome, ages 7-17. Parents must arrive at 8:00 a.m. to sign the release forms.

Thu, Dec 31 - Ring in the New Year, Suffolk Art Gallery, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, 118 Bosley Avenue, Suffolk. Ages 5-14. $5 (Members) / $8 (Non-Members). Come join the Suffolk Art League to make your New Year’s Eve party favors! They’ll be making several items for you to wear to celebrate the New Year in style. Instructors: Linda Bunch and Beth Netts. 757.925.0448 |www.suffolkartleague.org

Thu, Dec 31 - Noon Year’s Eve Party for Kids, James City County Library, 11:00 am, Kitzinger Community Room, 7770 Croaker Road, Williamsburg. Celebrate 2016 at the library with stories, crafts, dancing and a countdown to 12:00 pm.  We’ll provide party hats, noisemakers and a balloon drop!

Thu, Dec 31 - Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Virginia Living Museum, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (museum open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. The whole family can enjoy this seventh-annual daytime New Year’s celebration at the Virginia Living Museum. This year’s event is space-themed as the museum turns back the clock to the 1960s Race for Space to launch a year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Dress as an astronaut or your favorite space alien. Enjoy NASA space exhibits and meet members of area Science Fiction groups. Make crafts, play games, enjoy fun activities. Count down to the New Year at noon and help us bury a time capsule at 1 pm. Included in museum admission.

Thu, Dec 31 - Noon Year’s Bash: Countdown to Noon, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, corner of High & Court Streets, Portsmouth. There is no better place for families to ring in the New Year. Countdown to noon with a glittery ball drop, and a toast to the New Year. Face painting, magic, and balloon-making will be held in the Art Annex prior to the countdown, along with a photo booth and refreshments. After the “Noon Year” has arrived, kids can create their own fireworks by walking on the “carpet of bubbles’ that pop underfoot. Families can enjoy these New Year’s festivities - all well before bedtime. For more information, please call 757-393-8543.

Thu, Dec 31 - First Night Greater Williamsburg, 1:00 pm to Midnight, throughout the City and on the campus of the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg. First Night of Williamsburg is a family-oriented, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration of the performing arts presented throughout the City. 21 Years of Memories & Entertainment. Enjoy the area’s finest professional entertainers including singers, instrumentalists, magicians, storytellers, puppeteers, jugglers, clowns, bands, a Big Band orchestra and more! A variety of music is featured, including classical, shag, blues, R&B, Broadway, jazz, country, blue grass, folk and patriotic. A children’s show begins at 3 pm and ends at 7:30 pm.  Admission buttons are available at 20 retailers or may be ordered online.  Buttons ordered online will not be shipped; they may be picked up at Sadler Center, William & Mary Campus.http://www.americantowns.com/va/williamsburg/organization/first-night-williamsburg

Thu, Dec 31 - Last Night on the Town, Virginia Beach Town Center, 2:00 pm - Midnight, Fountain Plaza, Central Park Ave., Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach will once again celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a festive "Last Night on the Town” New Year’s Eve event, hosted by the Central Business District Association. The 3rd Annual Last Night On The Town begins with a family-friendly celebration at Pembroke Mall, then continues right through the night with entertainment at Town Center, culminating with a live performance by this year’s headline band: Smash Mouth! - See more at:http://www.beachstreetusa.com/last-night-town-1#sthash.t4UJB4Zw.dpuf

Thu, Dec 31 - Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk, 3:30 pm, at Queen and Washington Streets, Olde Towne Portsmouth. The Olde Towne Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland’s Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchant’s, wishing all the best luck and prosperity in the coming year.  A procession of local family, friends, and visitors will be led by bagpipe-and-drum music down Queen and Washington Streets to High Street Landing for a flag raising ceremony that honors George Washington’s raising of the first flag, The Grand Union.

Thu, Dec 31 - Harbor Lights Lighted Boat Competition, Tidewater Yacht & Ocean Marine, 8:00 pm, Downtown Portsmouth. For more information please contact Susan Heeley 757-650-3052.

Thu, Dec 31 - New Year’s Eve Celebration Downtown Hampton Block Party, 9:00 pm - 12:30 am, E. Queens Way, Hampton. The Block Party is continuing its new tradition. At Midnight, for the second year, we will be dropping a lit over-sized crab pot from the top of the Old Point National Bank. There will be live entertainment, fire barrels, food vendors and your favorite adult beverages. Downtown Hampton has over eight restaurants and bars open with no cover during this New Year’s Eve celebration.  Also, one block away is the Crowne Plaza with a New Year’s Eve Block Party Special rate.

Thu, Dec 31 - First Night Greater Williamsburg, Grand Finale and Fireworks, Zable Stadium, 11:30 pm, 100 Stadium Drive, Williamsburg. Join us for the annual Finale of Fireworks at midnight.

Fri, Jan 1 - Hair of The DoG 5K, Merchants’ Square, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg. Start the year off right by joining the folks at the DoG Street Pub for their inaugural New Year’s Day “Hair of The DoG” 5K in downtown Williamsburg! Wear your tuxes, gowns or pajamas – whatever works to get 2016 started on the right foot! The 5K starts at 10 am, and the Kids Fun Run starts at 11:30 am. http://www.hairofthedog.mettleevents.com

Fri, Jan 1 - Start Your New Year With Art, Chrysler Museum of Art, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. The Chrysler Museum will be open on New Year’s Day from 10 am to 5 pm. Come start a new holiday tradition!

Fri, Jan 1 - First Day Hike at York River State Park, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 9801 York River Park Road, Williamsburg. We will begin the day with a welcome to the New Year for all the hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. We will kick off the New Year with a trek to a distant, hidden gem in the park. The Pamunkey Overlook is at the bottom of a steep bluff along the York River. We will cover a little over 4 miles. Bring water and a lunch/snack and be prepared to pack in/pack out. Much of the terrain is flat. But, the hill leading to the overlook is steep. Dogs on leashes are welcome.http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info.shtml?id=YR160001-00

Fri, Jan 1 - Fourth Annual Hogs for Hope, Belmont House of Smoke, 12:00 pm, 2117 Colonial Ave, Norfolk. Ring in the new year at Belmont House of Smoke’s New Year’s Day pig pickin’ and oyster roast! Enjoy live music and traditional New Year’s good luck foods all you can eat Hoppin’ Johns, Belmont greens, and Brunswick Stew, in addition to the pig pickin’ and roasted oysters. All this will be available to help you get 2016 started off right. A portion of the proceeds benefit Hope House Foundation.https://www.facebook.com/events/1514463045519493/

Fri, Jan 1 - Garden 2.016 Fun Run, Norfolk Botanical Garden, 4 - 7:00 pm, 6700 Azalea Garden Rd., Norfolk. Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way. Run through 2.016 miles of spectacular light displays in the most beautiful place in Hampton Roads—Norfolk Botanical Garden! Last year more than 600 runners and their families enjoyed the Dominion Garden of Lights annual light show extravaganza while starting off the New Year on the right foot—and the left! The Garden 2.016 Fun Run is a fundraising event that helps support Norfolk Botanical Garden programs. This event is rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges. http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/events/garden-2-016-fun-run/

Sat, Jan 2 - Winter Waterfowl Walks, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 am, 4005 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach. Call to reserve binoculars, 301-7329 ext 152.

Sat, Jan 2 - Fly Fishing at Northwest River Park, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1733 Indian Creek Road, Chesapeake. Get hooked on fly fishing at this informative and hands-on seminar at Northwest River Park. The Bill Wills Southeast Chapter of Trout Unlimited will introduce you to the sport, gear and techniques that you’ll need to get into the sport. It all starts with an overview of the sport, gear and terminology lead by expert anglers from the club. Afterwards, grab your rod or borrow a loaner to get hands-on instruction and advice on perfecting your casting skills. You can also learn to tie a fly with supplies and expertise from members of the club. Adults and youth with adult supervision are welcome to attend. Please RSVP at 757-421-7151

Sat, Jan 2 - Olde Towne Portsmouth Antiques to Flea Market, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Middle Street Garage, 441 Middle Street, Portsmouth. The Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market is conveniently located in the Middle Street Garage at the corner of Middle & London Streets and is held year round, rain or shine on the first Saturday of each month. Gates open at 10 am and close at 2 pm. Always Free Admission & Free Parking! Call 757-339-1876 for additional information.

Sat, Jan 2 - Studio Ghibli Anime Marathon, Williamsburg Main Library, 10:00 am, Theatre, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg. Join us for a marathon of anime films from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. Call 259-4050 for more information about the films, ratings, and show times.  

Sat, Jan 2 - Twelfth Night, Francis Land House, 5 - 9:30 pm, 3131 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach. Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas season, and the 30th annual event at the Francis Land House will be the best one yet. The evening will be hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Land with music by the Itinerant Band. Traditional Twelfth Night cake and other 18th century-inspired foods will be served in the dining room, and guests will enjoy historical entertainment in the parlor before tossing greens on the bonfire for good luck in the New Year. Tickets are $12 per person and must be purchased in advance at the Francis Land House. (757) 385-5100

Sat, Jan 2 - Skywatch at Northwest River Park, Sunset - 9:00 pm, 1733 Indian Creek Road, Chesapeake. Free and Open to the Public. Join Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) as they bring their scopes and expertise to bear on the Galaxy weather permitting at the Equestrian Area at Northwest River Park. Several large telescopes are set-up and guests get a tour of the night sky, while learning about telescopes and astronomy. The event begins around sunset and ends at 11:00 pm. Call (757) 421-7151 to confirm.

Sat/Sun, Jan 2/3 - Free Admission Weekend, Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Drive, Newport News. Enjoy free admission to the Peninsula Fine Art Center!

Sun, Jan 3 - Bird Walks, Newport News Park, 7:00 am, 13560 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News. The Hampton Roads Bird Club has monitored the bird population of Newport News Park since 1965. Join club volunteers in the Picnic Area I parking lot every first and third Sunday of the month for some early morning birding. Be prepared to car pool to several areas in the park. Beginners are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are recommended. Free. 757-886-7912

Mon, Jan 4 - The Rise of Professional Baseball on the Virginia Peninsula, Hampton History Museum, 7:00 pm, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Join Attorney Frank Edgar, Jr., and Henry Morgan, owner of the Peninsula Pilots baseball team as they discuss the history of America’s favorite pastime in our area. Free to museum members, $5 for non-members. 757-727-1610

Tue, Jan 5 - The Art of Yoga, Chrysler Museum of Art, 8:45 am, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Have you ever tried the warrior pose in a room full of Baroque Paintings? Join our resident Yogi, Tenesha Bazemore, for yoga classes in a beautiful setting. Her teaching is appropriate for all skill levels. Bring your own mat and wear comfortable clothing. Cost: $5 per session for Museum Members, $10 all others. Save your space at reservations.chrysler.org. Sessions will run from 8:45–9:45 am every Tuesday.

Tue, Jan 5 - “Dance Around The World” Presented by Ramzi & Company, Williamsburg Main Library, 1:00 pm, Theatre, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg. Internationally renowned world dance artist Ramzi will perform dances from cultures throughout the world in this geographical exploration. The program is free. Recommended for school aged children.

Tue, Jan 5 - “Illustrating the Flora of Virginia” Lecture, Jamestown Settlement, 4:30 pm, the Robins Foundation Theater, 2110 Jamestown Road, Route 31 S., Williamsburg. Speaker Lara Call Gastinger is lead illustrator of Flora of Virginia, an illustrated catalog of more than 3,000 plant species. The lecture is the second in a series of public programs presented in conjunction with “Clayton & Catesby: Botanical Virginia,” an exhibit at Jamestown Settlement from December 5, 2015 to February 28, 2016.

Thu, Jan 7 - Thursday Film Series: “Little Foxes”, Williamsburg Main Library, 2:00 pm, Theatre, 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg. Regina Giddens is a woman who will stop at nothing to outwit her brothers in running the family business, even if it means sacrificing the health of her husband or the love of her young daughter. 1941, 116 Min.

Thu, Jan 7 - Spring Lecture Series: The Underwater Photography of Liquid Light, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 7:00 pm, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. Cost: $5 for Non-Members. Free for Members. The Mariners’ Museum’s “Liquid Light” exhibition is a pioneering look at the world beneath the ocean. It would not have been possible without the efforts of world-renowned photography expert Jeanne Adams. Adams, the daughter-in-law of noted photographer Ansel Adams, is a strong advocate for the power of the photograph in telling nature’s stories. Her relationships with underwater photographers are helping to bring this beautiful, emerging art form into the global spotlight. Get an insider’s perspective of the making of Liquid Light from Adams in this presentation.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Five Points Community Farm Market, 2500 Church Street, Norfolk. 
Hours: Thu/Fri 11 am to 7 pm, Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Sun 10 am to 3 pm. 
The Five Points Community Farm Market is a project of the Five Points Partnership, a 501-c-3 non-profit formed in 2001. The Partnership is a grass-roots community organization based in the Norview section of Norfolk. The Farm Market began as a community project in 2002 in a vacant lot across from Norview Middle School, with volunteers selling Rodman’s peanuts and 3 small growers offering produce. We have been located on Church Street since May 3, 2008, and we continue to work to bring the city of Norfolk and surrounding cities fresh produce grown by local small farms, and we are always growing. Come on by and check us out! Located in the Farm Market is a unique collective of incubator businesses: Sabrosa Salsas, Seafood Cravers, Kombuchick Tea Bar & Microbrewery, Get Fresh Cafe, Diana Fields Bookstore, Whole-ly Rollers rolls, pies, cookies & more. 757-640-0300

The Virginia Beach Farmers Market, 3640 Dam Neck Road, Virginia Beach. 
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm, Sat 8:30 am to 4 pm, Sun 10 am to 4 pm. 
The Virginia Beach Farmers Market is open year-round and features a variety of agriculturally inspired shops and related businesses that offer seasonal, fresh vegetables and fruit in addition to many other products. An organic grocery, butcher shop, seafood market, dairy and ice cream, florist, candy store, bakery, full-menu restaurant, wild bird store, and home and garden gift stores offer a unique and varied shopping experience. Farmer-to-you seasonal produce allow you to experience some of the best the agriculture community has to offer. Special events are held monthly at the Farmers Market, offering family experiences of the heritage of Agriculture.  Friday evenings from April through October from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 'country or bluegrass’ music is featured at the Friday Night Hoedowns. There is no admission but a blanket or chair is recommended. 757-385-4388

Every Sat - Shore Drive Farm market, 9:00 am - Noon, 2947 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. Open all year. Bringing fresh, locally/regionally-sourced food to Shore Drive. Come eat breakfast from our prepared food vendors, buy some locally made gifts and shop for your weekly produce, meats, seafood and baked goods-savory and sweet. Halfway between the bridge and the Woods on Shore Drive. Across from Dish. Shoredrivefarmarket@gmail.com

Sat, Jan 16 - First Old Beach Farmers’ Market of 2016, 9:00 am until 12:00 noon, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, Virginia Beach.  Old Beach Farmers Market (OBFM) is a fresh outdoor marketplace in the heart of the resort area, just six blocks from the ocean and one block from the Virginia Beach Convention Center, in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro. We feature seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats (pork, bison, beef, chicken, turkey, sausages, charcuterie), eggs, seafood, cheeses, a wide assortment of baked goods (biscuits, pies, cakes, brownies and cookies), artisanal breads, and savory foods from local chefs (pasta, sauces, salsas, salads, tamales), soap, and flowers. Walk over or ride a bike. Bring a reusable shopping bag. Come discover the taste of fresh, seasonal fare. | www.oldbeachfarmersmarket.com/

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