Virginia Peninsula

Everything

To See, Hear Or Perform

(Courtesy of Carlton P. Hardy, II)

Peninsula Community Theatre

The Virginia Air and Space Center and Hampton Roads Histor y Center in Downtown Hampton is the newest addition to the Virginia Peninsula’s expanding galaxy of arts and cultural stars.

The Center is a dynamic addition to the Downtown Hampton skyline. Planes and space artifacts are just an arm’s length away, providing visitors with a breathtaking view of the pioneering work done at the NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. Interactive displays allow visitors to launch a rocket and touch a mock-up of the Mars surface. The 300-seat IMAX theater presents state-of-the-art films on aviation and space.

A short distance away is the Hampton University Museum, which houses one of the nation’s finest collections of art reflecting African, American-Indian, Oceanic and Asian cultures.

The Hampton Arts Commission’s Great Performers Series annually brings national and international performers to the Peninsula. The series, now broadcast to over 15 million public radio listeners, presents ballet, contemporary dance, instrumental and choral music, mime and drama. The Arts Commission also maintains the Charles H. Taylor

Arts Center featuring classes and lectures, exhibits and juried shows which change every six weeks.

In Newport News, the Mariners’ Museum chronicles maritime life and industry over the past 3,000 years. Unique artifacts from vessels such as the Monitor, Titanic and United States bring maritime history alive. The museum is home to the August Crabtree Collection of miniature ships and a worldrenowned maritime library.

Next door to the Mariners’ Museum is the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, an affiliate of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. The PFAC features displays of local, regional and national artists via ever changing exhibits.

At the Virginia Living Museum, visitors explore Virginia’s natural heritage. The museum features native wildlife in natural habitats, fresh and saltwater aquaria, native wildflower gardens, indoor and outdoor aviaries, fossils, planetarium theater, observatory and environmental education center—all in one wooded lakeside setting.

A short drive away is the Virginia War Museum which traces U.S. military history from 1775 to the present. Several times each year, re-enactors stage encampments on the museum’s grounds.

A few miles north, Ft. Eustis is home to the Army’s Transportation Museum — the only U.S. museum devoted to the history of military transportation. Nearly 100 vehicles, amphibious, aircraft and experimental craft are displayed on the grounds.

The Hilton Village area of Newport News is home to the Peninsula Community Theatre at the Village Playhouse. Close by is the Main Street Library, where the Virginia Collection is housed.

Newport News is also home to the second oldest performing group in Hampton Roads, the Virginia Choral Society. Other performing groups include the Peninsula Youth Orchestra, the Hilton Brass, and the Peninsula Concert Band.

Just up the Peninsula from Newport News and Hampton is Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, which comprise the Historic Triangle. Jamestown served as the first capitol of Virginia until the capitol was moved to Williamsburg. Jamestown Island is the site of the first permanent English-speaking settlement in North America. Today, visitors may visit the reconstructed fort and ships and historic exhibits.

Thanks to the vision of the Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., 173 acres of

Williamsburg have been restored to their appearance during the first half of the 18th century.

In Yorktown, the fledgling nation won its independence with the defeat of British General Cornwallis. A visitor center provides exhibits on the Battle of Yorktown while the National Park Service maintains the battlefield and old fortifications. Henricus College (1619), Inc., provides personalized and guided tours of the Triangle.

Several outstanding museums and cultural organizations have their homes in the Historic Triangle. Williamsburg hosts the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Collection, Muscarelle Museum of Art, DeWitt Wallace Gallery, Williamsburg Choral Guild, Williamsburg Women’s Chorus, Williamsburg Players, Contemporary Ballet Theater, Williamsburg Symphonia, and Dukes of Gloucester Chorus.

Yorktown and York County are home to the York River Orchestra, On the Hill and the Watermen’s Museum. Close by are the Poquoson Island Players, a community theater group.

Colleges and universities, such as the College of William and Mary, Hampton University and Christopher Newport University, present professional quality drama, musical performances and exhibits of visual arts throughout the year. Each summer the William and Mary campus welcomes the nationally acclaimed Virginia Shakespeare Festival.

Each of the Peninsula’s communities have local visual and performing arts groups, exhibits, presentations, performances and festivals showcasing outstanding local and national talent. Whether you prefer to be a spectator or want to be actively involve, the Peninsula truly offers something for everyone. The following list highlights only a few of the area’s many arts and cultural organizations. For more detailed information, consult local newspapers, the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads (889-9479) or the reference desk at the Hampton Public Library (727-1154).

Arts &Culture

KEY: Hampton (H): 727-6197

Newport News (NN): 926-8451

Norfolk (N): 926-8451

Williamsburg (W): 220-6170

James City County (JC): 220-4700

Poquoson (P): 868-3581

Portsmouth (PM): 868-3581

York County (Y): 890-3500

Gloucester County (G): (804) 693-2355

Isle of Wight County (IW): 357-2291

Art

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center (W) 220-7671 American folk art.

The Chrysler Museum (N) 664-6200

One of the nation’s Top-20 art museums.

DeWitt Wallace Gallery (W) 220-7554 English and American decorative arts.

Hampton University Museum (H) 727-5308

African, American-Indian, Oceanic and Asian art.

Muscarelle Museum of Art (W) 221-2700 17th- to 20th-century works.

Arts Commissions

Hampton Arts Commission (H) 727-6434

Newport News Arts Commission (N) 926-8451

Virginia Commission for the Arts(804) 225-3132

Williamsburg/ James City County Arts Commission (W) 220-4095

York County Arts Commission (Y) 890-3500

Choral Music

Dukes of Gloucester Street (W) 564-1963

Williamsburg Choral Guild (W) 220-1808

Virginia Choral Society (NN) 851-9114

Williamsburg Women’s Chorus (W) 253-8639

Sweet Adelines (W) 566-3933

Dance

Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts (W) 229-8535

Hampton Roads Civic Ballet (H) 722-8216

Institute for Dance (W) 229-1717

Galleries

Charles H. Taylor Arts Center (H) 722-ARTS

On The Hill (Y) 898-3076

Peninsula Fine Arts Center (NN) 596-8175

Williamsburg Regional Library & Arts Center (W) 229-4198

General

Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center (W) 220-7645

Hampton Convention 727-1102 & Tourism (H) 1-800-800-2202

Isle of Wight Visitor 357-5182 Center (IW) 1-800-365-9339

Newport News Visitor 886-7777 Center (NN) 1-888-493-7386

Norfolk Visitor Convention 664-6620 Bureau (N) 1-800-368-3097

Virginia Beach Visitor Information 437-4888 Center (VB) 1-800-822-3224

Williamsburg 253-0192 Convention &1-800-368-6511

Visitors Bureau (W)

Yorktown Visitor Center (Y) 898-3400

Historic Sites

Casemate Museum (H) 727-3391

At Fort Monroe, focuses on the Civil War and the U.S. Army Coast Artillery Corps.

Colonial

Williamsburg (W) 229-1000

Shops, events and restored buildings, depicting early 18th century life.

Colonial National Historical Park (Y) 898-3400

Historic battlefield and homes from Revolutionary War period.

Fort Boykin

Historic Park (IW) 357-2291

Fort started in 1523; used in major battles throughout the Civil War.

Fort Wool (H) 727-1102

Island Fortress awash with military adventures since the Civil War.

Historic St. Luke’s Shrine (IW) 357-3367

Oldest existing church (1632) of English foundation in the U.S. Gothic building.

Jamestown Island (JC) 229-1733

Ruins, monuments and original landing site of the first settlers of 1607.

The Old Courthouse (IW) 357-5182

Built in 1750.Completely restored.

St. John’s Church (H) 722-2567

Oldest continuous English-speaking U.S. parish.

History

Hampton Roads History Center (H) 727-0800

HamptonRoads

Naval Museum (N) 322-2987

The museum is dedicated to the study of 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region and is also responsible for the operations of the historic battleship Wisconsin.

Isle of Wight County Museum (IW) 357-7459

Houses histor y of Smithfield hams, Indian artifacts and Civil War relics.

Endview Plantation (NN) 887-1862

Jamestown Settlement (JC) 229-1607

Recreates America’s first permanent English colony: ships, fort, Indian village.

Lee Hall Mansion (NN) 888-3371

Mariners’ Museum (NN) 595-2222

Newsome House (NN) 247-2360

Celebrating the contributions of African-Americans.

US Army Transportation Museum (NN) 878-1182

Virginia War Museum (NN) 247-8523

Watermen’s Museum (Y) 887-2641

Yorktown Victory Center (Y) 887-1776

Chronicles the Revolutionary War.

Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg/Feldman Chamber Music Society (W) 220-4801

Peninsula Concert Band (NN) 877-2836

The Music Theater of Williamsburg (W) 564-0200

Peninsula Youth Orchestra (NN) 380-6959

Virginia Symphony (N) 892-6366

Williamsburg Symphonia (W) 229-9857

Yoder Barn (NN) (Box Office) 249-4187

York River (Box Office) 989-6603 Orchestra (Y) (Manager) 877-3132

Performing Arts

Chrysler Hall (N) 664-6464

Hampton Coliseum (H) 838-4203

Hampton Jazz Festival (H) 838-4203

The Historic Williamsburg Theater (W) 229-1475

Featuring live performers in addition to classic films.

New American Theater (H) 722-ARTS

Peninsula Community Theatre (NN) 595-5728

Poquoson Island Players (P) 881-9797

Scope (N) 664-6464

Virginia Air and Space Center (H) 727-0800

Virginia Ballet Theatre (N) 622-4822

Virginia Beach Pavilion (VB) 437-4774

Virginia Stage Company of Norfolk (N) 627-6988

Williamsburg Players (W) 229-0431

Science/ Technology

Children’s Museum of Virginia (PM) 393-8393

Nauticus (N) 664-1000

Norfolk Botanical Garden (N) 441-5830

Virginia Air & Space Center (H) 727-0800

Virginia Living Museum (NN) 595-1900 Plant and wildlife exhibits native to Virginia.

Virginia Marine Science Museum (N) 425-3474

Virginia Zoo (N) 441-2706

Music Bay Youth Orchestra (VB) 479-1800

Virginia Opera (N) 623-1223

Virginia Shakespeare Festival (W) 221-2660

Faustwork

Grand Illumination Fireworks in Williamsburg

The Peninsula and the Southside, collectively known as Hampton Roads, offer year-round festivals, celebrations and historic re-enactments. The following calendar shows just a small sampling of the numerous activities occurring annually. Admission fee charges for some events.

Because dates tend to change from year to year for most events, contact the local municipality’s recreation office for further details or look for publicity beforehand in local newspapers, on TV and on radio. In addition to this calendar, contact local colleges and high schools for their sports events. Hampton University, Christopher Newport University, Newport News Apprentice School, The College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyan College and Norfolk State University — among others — field baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer teams with games open to the public.

January

Hampton Roads Waterfowl and Wildlife Festival (NN)

Virginia Living Museum

Lee-Jackson-King Day (NN) Ceremony at Virginia War Museum.

February

Black History Month

Special programs at Hampton University, military installations, cities, counties and museums.

Home Expo

For consumers, featuring all aspects of home building and remodeling. Sponsors include the Peninsula Housing and Builders Association. Latter part of February and early March.

Jazz Series

Nationally known jazz musicians perform throughout the month. Williamsburg Regional Library & Arts Center.

March

Barter Theatre

Performances by the State Theatre of Virginia. Williamsburg Regional Library & Arts Center. March or April.

Doo Dah Parade

Noontime nonsense of zany brigades marching in downtown Norfolk. March or April.

The Greening of Ghent (N)

A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. A block party in historic neighborhood.

Military Through the Ages

Military re-enactments from the Middle Ages to modern day. Jamestown Settlement.

April

Daffodil Festival in Gloucester County

The county’s nationally-known daffodil cultivation. First Saturday in April.

Downtown Hampton

Boat Expo

Watercraft, marine services, supplies, demos, entertainment, kids’ activities and refreshments.

Film and Video Festival (N)

Workshops, speakers and screenings at Old Dominion University.

Hampton Roads Regional Chili Cook-Off (H)

Virginia competition before national. National bands.

Historic Garden Week

Historic homes and special gardening areas are open to the public throughout the state. Last full week in April.

International Azalea Festival in Norfolk

Honors NATO and military communities throughout Hampton. Parade, ball, air show and food. March or April.

International Children’s Festival (H)

Offers a chance to explore the cultures of different nations through music, dance, history, food and children’s games.

Suffolk Spring Spectacular and Balloon Fest

40 hot-air balloons, air show car show, national entertainment and carnival.

Virginia Waterfront International Arts Festival

Eighteen-days of regional and worldrenowned music, dance and theater performances throughout Hampton Roads. Late April and Early May.

May

An American Heritage Festival

Yorktown Victory Center. Lifestyles, foods, crafts and trades from 17th, 18th & 19th centuries.

Children’s Festival of Friends Newport News Park. Special children’s activities & entertainment.

Cinco De Mayo (VB)

South-of-the-Border event. 24th Street Park.

Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival (NN)

Cla sses, workshops and performances at Christopher Newport University.

Jubilee on the James (NN) Celebration of the Fine and Performing Arts.

TimReid Celebrity Weekend (N)

Annual event features a tennis tournament, celebrity auction, brunch and black-tie dinner to benefit the Tim Reid Scholarship Fund.

Viva Elvis (VB)

A tribute to the “The King.” Impersonators such as Young Elvis and karaoke opportunities. 24th Street Park.

June

Af rican-American Festival (H) Mill Point Park. Reggae, gospel and jazz music with food, crafts and activities.

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival (N) Zydeco music and spicy food at Town Point Park.

Blackbeard Festival

Downtown Hampton becomes a haven for pirates and fun.

Boardwalk Art Show and Festival (VB) 21st to 2nd Street.

Hampton Jazz Festival

The HamptonColiseum. Features nationally known musicians.

Harborfest (N)

Seawall Festival (PM)

Celebrations drawing nationallyknown entertainment and featuring a parade of sail, arts and crafts, food, a ball and fireworks.

Olden Days Festival

Memorial Day weekend in Smithfield’s Historic District.

July

Buckroe Beach Jazz Festival (H)

Local and regional jazz artists, carnival midway, and arts and crafts.

Children’s Colonial Days

Yorktown Victory Center. Special activities for children.

Independence Day

Celebrations held in most cities and counties feature food, entertainment and fireworks. Special celebrations are held at locations such as Fort Monroe, Yorktown Victory Center and Busch Gardens.

Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival

Chippokes Plantation, Surry. Celebration of American rural heritage at this 19th century plantation.

August

Annual Hampton Cup Regatta Mill Creek. Largest and oldest inboard and hydroplane powerboat racing in the US. World championships sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association.

Hampton Saturday Block Party

East Coast Surfing Championships (VB)

Draws internationally known surfers.

Mathews Market Days

Art show, crafts, food, entertainment and street dance.

Yorktown Festival

Waterfront event. Food, wine tasting, Virginia Symphony, antiques, sailing regatta and other activities.

September

A Taste of the Bay (H)

Regional wines, gourmet foods, micro-brewery tastings and music on the waterfront.

American Music Festival (VB)

Biggest music event on the East Coast. 24th Street Park.

Crabtown Arts and Brew Fest

Downtown Hampton. Juried art show, performing arts, children’s activities, food and wine at Carousel Park.

Hampton Bay Days

Downtown Hampton. Chesapeake Bay-related exhibits and programs.

Food, games, national bands, water events, arts and crafts.

Hellenic Festival (NN)

Greek food, music, dancing and international market. Hellenic Community Center.

Neptune Festival (VB)

Family festival featuring a sand-castlebuilding contest, triathlon, parade, fireworks, entertainment and food.

Poquoson Seafood Festival

Lots of local seafood, entertainment, music, arts and crafts.

Virginia’s Children’s Festival (N)

Town Point Park . Creative and interactive activities, workshops and educational displays, entertainers and healthy snack foods.

October

Country Comebacks (H)

Bluebird Gap Farm Celebration of American rural heritage. 4th Saturday

Newport News Fall Festival

Newport News Park. Celebrates American heritage with folk entertainment, crafts and food. First weekend in October.

Occasion for the Arts (W)

Merchant Square. Invitational arts show featuring artists and craftsmen. First Sunday in October.

Phoebus Days (H)

Food, crafts and activities celebrating this unique neighborhood.

Seafest

Hampton Coliseum. Seafood-lovers’ extravaganza along with opportunity to do some business networking.

Yorktown Day

Memorial ceremonies, parade and military demonstration focusing on British surrender which ended the Revolutionary War. (19th)

November

Foods and Feasts in 17th-Century Virginia Jamestown Settlement. Demonstrations of Powhatan Indian and Colonial food preservation and preparation.

Oyster Bowl Parade and Football Game (N)

Parade and game to benefit burned and crippled children. In 2001, Christopher Newport University played Ferrum College.

“Star of Wonder” Annual Holiday Planetarium Show

Retrace the steps of the Magi in this annual holiday planetarium show at the Virginia Living Museum. “Star of Wonder” uses scientific data, religious history, beautiful imagery and traditional music to explore the mystery that has puzzled astronomers and theologians for centuries.

Urbanna Oyster Festival in Middlesex County Marks the beginning of the oyster harvest featuring arts and crafts, music and all types of oyster preparations.

Veterans’ Day (NN)

Virginia War Museum. Events and activities.

December

Celebration of Lights

Newport News Park. Dozens of large holiday displays.

Christmas at the Mariners’ Museum (NN) 18th- & 19th-century Christmas activities.

Christmas in the Field

Endview Plantation. (NN)

Re-enactment of the hard ships and joys of soldiers stationed on the Peninsula in the winter of 1862.

Evening Christmas Lantern Tours (H)

Fort Monroe. Hosted at Casemate Museum, reservations required.

Grand Illumination (W)

Kicks off an 18th-century style of celebrations in the restored area of the colonial capital. Several holiday programs are held in the area throughout December.

Ongoing Events

Daily Bandstand Concerts (May - Sept) Virginia Beach Ocean Front.

DailyBeach Street (June - Aug)

A bit of Keywest, Mardi Gras and Main Street musical entertainment. Virginia Beach Ocean Front.

Daily Boardwalk Kaleidoscope (June - Aug, 4pm - 7pm) Children’s Entertainment. Virginia Beach Ocean Front.

Friday Concerts at the Point (N) (May - Aug) Waterfront after-work gathering at Town Point Park.

Friday Wine and Jazz at Mill Point Park (H) (May - Aug) Classy waterfront after-work gathering. Arts &crafts.

Saturday Block Party (H) (Apr - Sept) Evening street festival in historic Downtown Hampton. Top-40 bands, street entertainers, food, music and children’s activities.

Sunday Big Band at Buckroe (H) (June - Aug) Dance under the stars to the sounds of swing.

Thursday Music Under the Stars (H) (June - Aug)

Waterfront. Fort Monroe. Musical variety by The United States Continental Army Band.

Thursday Summer Breeze Concert (July) Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg.

Wednesdays at the Point (H) (May - Aug) Waterfront after-work party at Mill Point Park. Music, food and beverages.

Wednesday Buckroe

Movie Series (H) (June - Aug) Family movies under the stars.

Wednesday Midweek Midtown in Oyster Point Business Park (NN) (May - Sept) Oyster Point Industrial Park. After-work party.