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by Christin Nielsen July 22, 2026 |
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The 3rd Annual National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals kick off on Friday, July 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hennage Auditorium at Colonial Williamsburg.
The competition brings middle school finalists from across Virginia together for a fast-paced civics test.
Participants are competing for cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. The state champion will advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in November.
The National Civics Bee is designed to encourage more young Americans to become engaged citizens. The state finals are organized through a partnership between the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
In April, a group of 20 sixth- through eighth-grade students took part in the 2026 Regional Civics Bee competition at Jamestown Settlement.
The finalists faced a panel of judges featuring Vice Chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors Ruth Larson, City of Williamsburg Vice Mayor Pat Dent and York County Chairman Douglas Holroyd.
The top three contenders from that competition will advance to the statewide competition on Friday.
Recent studies have found significant gaps in Americans' understanding of the nation's democratic processes. More than a third of U.S. adults are unable to name the three branches of government, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Civics Bee is part of a broader initiative to expand civics education throughout the country.
"We are sounding the alarm on the declining civic knowledge among our nation's youth," said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. "The National Civics Bee is designed to showcase the knowledge and skills all of us need to thrive in the 21st Century. Let's work together to address this crisis in civics education."
The community is invited to attend the National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals and cheer on the competing young scholars. The event is free and open to the public.
Several free history presentations will also be held in the Historic Triangle this week, including "Titanic: Fate and Fortune" at Yorktown Library on Friday and "From Colonists to Revolutionaries" at the Stryker Center on Saturday.
Additional event highlights this week include free concerts by Wonderland at Port Warwick on Wednesday and Tidewater Drive Band in Yorktown on Thursday.
The Merchants Square Movie Series returns on Sunday with a free screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" at the Kimball Theatre.
Below is our curated guide to events happening in and around the Historic Triangle, July 22 - 26. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK: JULY 22 - 26 |
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 details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked event titles. |
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Wonderland will perform in a free concert at Port Warwick on July 22. (Photo courtesy of the City of Newport News) |
WEDNESDAY |
DOWNSIZING |
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FOOD |
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MUSIC |
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THURSDAY |
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The Tidewater Drive Band is set to take the stage at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown on July 23. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown) |
FILM |
Throwback Thursday: "The Right Stuff" | Williamsburg Library | This film series screens a variety of classic films for an adult audience. The feature this week is "The Right Stuff," a movie that recounts the early days of the U.S. space program and stars Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn and Ed Harris. 3 hrs 12 mins. Free. 2 - 5:30 pm.
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HISTORY |
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MUSIC |
Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Tidewater Drive Band | Riverwalk Landing | The Tidewater Drive Band energizes crowds with powerful vocals, bold brass and high-energy hits. Food trucks from Burger Mania and Coastal Thirst Beach Deli will be on site throughout the event with to-go meals for purchase. Guests are permitted to bring lawn chairs, blankets and small coolers. Free & open to the public. 6:30 - 9 pm.
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Harpsichord Recital: Dr. Faythe Vollrath | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a harpsichord recital featuring Dr. Faythe Vollrath, International Touring Harpsichordist based in Sacramento, CA. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.
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FRIDAY |
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Coasters After Dark returns to Busch Gardens Williamsburg on July 24. (Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
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NATURE |
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WILDLIFE |
Wild Side Talks: Tiger | Stryker Center | Learn about one of the world's most recognizable, iconic animals: The tiger. This program is designed for an adult audience. Presented by Pam Witt, former educator and guide at the San Francisco Zoo. Free. 2 - 3 pm.
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TEENS |
Teens Night Out | James City County Library | Teens are invited to celebrate the end of the month with friends, snacks, games and more. This week's theme is "Christmas in July." For ages 13-18. Free. 6 - 8 pm.
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KIDS |
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HISTORY |
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ART |
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SATURDAY |
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York River State Park will hold a "Living Shoreline Trek" on July 25. (Photo courtesy of Virginia State Parks) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
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NATURE |
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AUTHOR TALK |
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MEDICARE |
Medicare Made Clear 2026 | Gina Bundy, an independent Medicare insurance broker, will provide an overview of the basics of Medicare and share resources to help you choose the right coverage. Spots are limited; see the website to sign up. Free. 1 - 2:30 pm.
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MUSIC |
Stand By Me Day | Alewerks Brewing Company | Celebrate summer, friendships and good times with an evening of nostalgic fun. Live music will be performed by The Kingsmill Band. A memory photo station will be set up, and an adventure scavenger hunt will be held at 7:15 pm. Vintage-inspired attire corresponding to the theme, "Summer of '59'" is encouraged. 5 - 9 pm.
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MARKETS |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | Downtown Williamsburg | Shop from over 40 vendors offering produce, prepared foods and baked goods, flowers, artisan chocolate, local honey, handmade soaps and more. Live music is performed weekly. Free admission. 8 am - noon.
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- Yorktown Market Days | Riverwalk Landing | Discover freshly picked produce, warm baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, hand-poured candles and local art that’ll brighten your home. Ami Baker will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage this week. Free & open to the public. 9 am - noon.
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- Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Find fresh produce, baked goods, artisan-crafted products and more at Toano's outdoor farmers market. Free admission. 9 am - noon.
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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 - noon.
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Roots and Rhythm Marketplace | Achievable Dream Tennis Center | Newport News | Be part of the Roots & Rhythm Marketplace—where fresh produce, local flavor, live music and community come together. Vendor applications are currently being accepted for farmers, seafood vendors, exhibitors and crafters. 10 am - 1 pm.
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SUNDAY |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
Summer in the City Picnic | Tradition Brewing Company | Attend a full summer picnic featuring hot dogs, smash burgers, shaved ice, lawn games, live music and more. There will be wading pools and other summer activities for kids. Free. 12 - 4 pm.
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Harry Potter's Birthday Celebration | Alewerks Brewing Company | Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with a magical afternoon of trivia, shopping, food and Butter Beer. Costumes are encouraged. 2 - 6 pm.
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KIDS |
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FILM |
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MULTI-DAY |
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg's Summer of Wonder Drone Show runs through July 26. (Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Williamsburg) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
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250 Rewind | Various Newport News Museums | July 1 - 31 | Celebrate 250 years of America by exploring the people and places that shaped our nation and community. Throughout the month of July, the public is invited to enjoy free admission at Newport News museums and historic sites, including the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot, and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center.
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THEATRE |
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EXHIBITIONS |
Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | July 1 - Jan. 31, 2027 | Presented by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and produced in partnership by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, this exhibition highlights Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution and invites visitors to uncover the stories and accomplishments of Virginia’s founders. Included with general admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency.
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The Great American Birthday Quilt Exhibition | Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center | Daily, 9:30 am - 5 pm | The Great American Birthday Quilt, created by Visit Williamsburg in collaboration with the Muscarelle Museum of Art, will be displayed throughout 2026. The meaningful piece brings together squares from people across the country to contribute to a powerful, shared story on America's 250th birthday. Free & open to the public.
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FUTURE EVENTS TO NOTE |
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Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Nashville Nights Band | Riverwalk Landing | The Nashville Nights Band is made up of seasoned country musicians who have a passion for the music of the 90s country era. From Garth Brooks to Alan Jackson, they have an extensive repertoire of hit songs that will have the audience singing and dancing all night long. Free & open to the public. 6:30 - 9 pm.
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