| Williamsburg's annual art and music festival, "An Occasion for the Arts," will return to Merchants Square on Oct. 4 - 5 for its 57th year.
The two-day event celebrates the work of artists from across America and features live music from local performers and a food court highlighting the culinary tastes of fall.
More than 150 artists will showcase their original work at the festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A wide range of styles and mediums will be represented.
Over a dozen performances will be held on two stages, including music, dance and theatrical arts.
A Youth Art Tent will showcase the work of talented artists from area schools. Children's art activities will also be offered.
An Occasion For The Arts draws over 35,000 attendees every year, according to the organization. The event is made possible through the work of over 100 dedicated volunteers.
In the lead up to the weekend of creativity, a soulful night of blues will be held in the Merchants Square courtyard tent on Friday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. The free concert, featuring Kevin Burt and Big Medicine, marks the final performance of the Merchant Square 2025 concert series.
This week's live music lineup also includes performances by Chong Band (New Town Tunes), Heather Edwards Band (Rhythms at the Riverwalk) and the final show of the season for the Tech Center 2025 Concert Series.
Additional highlights this week include the two-day Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival in Yorktown, the annual Fall-O-Ween festival at Newport News Park and fundraiser walks benefitting Here for the Girls and The Arc.
See below for our curated guide to things to do around the Historic Triangle, Sept. 30 - Oct. 5. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK |
| Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional event details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked titles. |
Tuesday, Sept. 30 |
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| The third and final public input session for the Rent Ready program is set to be held at the Stryker Center at 6 p.m. on Sept. 30. (Image by the City of Williamsburg) |
| FILM |
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Art House Café: "Local Color" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This series features art house films, film expert guests and a discussion after the film. This week's feature is "Local Color" (2006, R), which tells the story of an elderly artist who reflects upon a time in his life when he befriended a famous but reclusive painter. 1hr 47min. Free. 2 - 4 pm.
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| PUBLIC MEETING |
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Rent Ready Public Input Session | Stryker Center | Williamsburg | Renters, landlords and neighbors are invited to offer their feedback on the proposed Rent Ready Williamsburg program. This 90-minute session will feature an overview of the program and a question-and-answer period. Feedback regarding the program can also be submitted online here. 6 p.m.
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Wednesday, Oct. 1 |
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| Chong Band will perform in the New Town Tunes Fall Concert Series on Oct. 1. (Photo courtesy of James City County Parks & Recreation) |
| MEDITATION |
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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New Town Tunes: Chong Band | Sullivan Square in New Town | The New Town Tunes Fall Concert Series continues this week with Chong Band (reggae, rock, funk, Americana and bluegrass). Weather permitting. Lawn chairs or a blanket recommended. Dogs are welcome. Free. 5 - 8 pm.
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Thursday, Oct. 2 |
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| Heather Edwards Band will take the stage at Rhythms on the Riverwalk on Oct. 2. (Photo courtesy of York County) |
| VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK |
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Nuestra América | Virtual | Attend a conversation with Smithsonian professionals as they discuss inspiring stories of Latinos throughout history, including their contributions to the cultural, social and political character of the U.S. Register here. Free. 2 pm. |
| FILM |
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Throwback Thursday: "The House on Telegraph Hill" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This film series screens a variety of classic and contemporary movies for an adult audience. This week, "The House on Telegraph Hill" (1951, NR), tells the story of a concentration camp survivor whose new life is threatened by a murderous conspiracy surrounding a large inheritance. 1hr 33min. Free. 2 - 4:30 pm. |
| HISTORY |
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Rail Heritage Lecture: The Church Hill Tunnel Disaster | Lee Hall Depot | Learn about the Church Hill Tunnel, which was built 4,000 feet under the Church Hill district of Richmond in the 1870s. The tunnel collapsed on Oct. 2, 1925, trapping nearly 200 workmen. Free admission. 7 pm. |
| LIVE MUSIC |
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Organ Recital: Maurice Clerc | Bruton Parish Church | Attend a performance featuring Maurice Clerc, an internationally renowned concert organist and Organist Emeritus of the Cathedral in Dijon, France. Free; freewill donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.
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Rhythms on the Riverwalk with Heather Edwards Band | Riverwalk Landing | Historic Yorktown's popular fall concert series continues this week with The Heather Edwards Band. Specializing in country hits and Southern rock, the band has opened for top talent like Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean. Free. 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
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Friday, Oct. 3 |
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| Kevin Burt and Big Medicine will close out the Merchants Square 2025 Concert Series on Oct. 2. (Photo courtesy of Merchants Square) |
| RECREATION |
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Ride for a Reason | James City County Recreation Center | Wear pink and pedal on the rec center's indoor bikes for breast cancer awareness. This spin class celebrates survivors, raise awareness about early detection and includes educational materials and giveaways. No experience needed. Free. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
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| TEENS |
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| KIDS |
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Passport Pollinator Challenge | Freedom Park | This program allows children to discover the importance of pollinators. They'll learn about host plants, create seed balls, dodge pesticides on the obstacle course and try snacks made possible by pollinators. For ages 5 - 12. Free. 5:30 - 7 pm.
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Kevin Burt and Big Medicine | Merchants Square | Attend the final Merchants Square concert of the season featuring Kevin Burt and Big Medicine. Burt, an Iowa-based bluesman, is known for his powerful, soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Free. 6 pm.
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Beethoven's Choral Fantasy & Sibelius's Second Symphony | Ferguson Center | Newport News | Featuring pianist Albert Cano Smit, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy is an uplifting and familiar predecessor, in both melody and message, to his Ode to Joy, uniting virtuosic piano writing with chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra. Tickets range from $15 - $135. The concert begins at 7:30 pm.
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Saturday, Oct. 4 |
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| A free family pumpkin carving event will be offered at the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center this Saturday. (Photo courtesy of WRL) |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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16th Annual Run for the Hills | New Town | This popular annual walk raises funds for "Here for the Girls," a 501(c)(3) organization that provides resources for young women affected by breast cancer. The family-friendly event begins at 8 am with a health expo followed by a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk at 9 am and 5K at 9:30 am.
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Williamsburg Landing 5k Run/Walk for The Arc | 3000 The Mall | Attend the annual Williamsburg Landing 5K Run/Walk for The Arc. The event raises funds for The Arc, which has proudly served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Williamsburg community. See the website for registration details. 7:30 - 11 am. |
| HISTORY |
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Witchcraft in Colonial Virginia | Jamestown Settlement | Learn about the dynamics of the witchcraft mania that swept through Salem, MA in the colonial era, long after a similar craze took root in Virginia in the early 1600s. Included with museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. See the website to reserve your seat. 2 pm. |
| INFORMATIONAL |
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| KIDS & FAMILIES |
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| OUTDOOR RECREATION |
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| CRAFT |
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Choral Concert: Centenary United Methodist Church | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a candlelit concert featuring the Choir from Centenary United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia, directed by Carina Brackin, Organist. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. |
| MARKETS |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | 345 W Duke of Gloucester St. | Shop from the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. This farmers market features over 40 vendors, live music and children's programming. Rain or shine. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm.
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- Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Toano | Shop from various vendors selling their finest products. Located on the Village Green near Hohl. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.
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- Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.
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Sunday, Oct. 5 |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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Annual Sister Cities Chinese Moon Festival | City Center at Oyster Point | Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, the second most important festival in China after the Chinese New Year. Discover the customs of this traditional holiday, enjoy cultural performances, learn about Newport News' Sister City of Taizhou, Jiangsu Province and try mooncake and Chinese tea. $10. 3 - 4:30 pm. |
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| HISTORY |
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Career Criminal Masquerades in the Civil War Era and Gilded Age | York Hall | Charles Cowlam's career as a convict, spy, detective, congressional candidate, adventurer and con artist spanned the Civil War, reconstruction and Gilded Age. Historian Frank W. Garmon Jr. will discuss Cowlam's swindles which touched many of the era's most prominent figures, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Free and open to the public. 2 pm. |
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Hidden History of the James River Batteaux | Kimball Theatre | Discover the history, rise and revival of inland transportation in Virginia during this engaging program. Attendees will learn about the incredible archaeological discovery of an 18th-century flat-bottomed batteaux at the site of the old James River and Kanawha Canal. Register here. $10. 2 - 3 pm. |
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| KIDS & FAMILIES |
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Multi-Day |
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| The Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival returns to the waterfront Oct. 4 - 5. (Photo courtesy of York County) |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival | Riverwalk Landing | Yorktown's two-day Wine & Oyster Festival features the finest Virginia wines with the freshest local seafood. Live music, gourmet food trucks and artisan vendors will add to the atmosphere at the scenic waterfront. One-day tickets are $50; two-day tickets are $85. Proceeds benefit local organizations. Oct. 4 - 5. 12 - 6 pm.
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Fall-O-Ween | Newport News Park | Celebrate the spooky season with this two-day, family-friendly festival at Newport News Park. This event features traditional marketplace crafters, Halloween-themed vendors, live entertainment, kids' activities and more. Parking is $10/vehicle, cash only (admission is free).
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| SEASONAL |
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Howl-O-Scream | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Howl-O-Scream returns Sept. 5 to Nov. 2. There will be five haunted houses, six terror-tories, four sinister shows and more. Parental discretion is advised after 6 pm, as this year's event contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children.
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| KIDS |
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| HISTORY |
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| ART |
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| This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! |
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