1
Hampton Roads September 2007 Events
Through Sept. 2 Williamsburg
SMITH! BEING THE LIFE AND DEATH OF CAP’N JOHN BY IVOR NOEL HUME. The year is 1631 and
Captain John Smith, the legendary hero of Jamestown, lays dying. As his faithful servant, his doctor and
a serving girl struggle to keep Smith alive, they unravel the mystery of Smith’s life of adventure, intrigue,
betrayal and triumph. This historical drama by archaeologist Ivor Noel Hume is a haunting portrayal of
Jamestown’s most intriguing character. Kimball Theatre. $. 5-6:30 p.m. (866) 430-1630, (800) HIS-TORY.
E-mail: pptvirginia@peoplepc.com. Web site: www.vptheatre.com.
Through Sept. 3 Newport News
THE SKIES OF JAMESTOWN AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. Imagine being on a ship on the
open sea where the stars are vital to finding your way to the New World. In this planetarium show, hear
the words of the brave men as they found their way to a new life. Discover the importance of the stars to
the early settlers and the local peoples. A staff astronomer will guide viewers through the skies of
Jamestown, both then and now. $. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 595-1900, (757) 595-9135. E-mail:
webmaster@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org.
Through Sept. 3 Portsmouth
RENDEZVOUS, MILE MARKER ZERO. This social event is for owners of powerboats and yachts. The
event at the Tidewater Yacht Marina includes a cocktail party, crab feast, pig picking, yacht rally, dinghy
scavenger hunt, bands, brunch and dancing on the docks. $. (757) 393-2525, (888) 390-0080. E-mail:
marina@tyamarina.com. Web site: www.tyamarina.com.
Through Sept. 3 Yorktown
LABOR DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL AT RIVERWALK LANDING. Say goodbye to summer and welcome
in fall this weekend. Daily entertainment, evening concerts and children’s activities will be featured. Free.
10 a.m.-9 p.m. (757) 890-3500.
Through Nov. 25 Newport News
SURVIVOR: JAMESTOWN! AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. You are among 104 colonists arriving
in the New World in 1607. Your goal? Survive for one year. Wind your way through a maze to make
choices, meet challenges, work hard and, if you are lucky, survive. Pick a life chart of an actual colonist
and work through the seasons. Climb the Rocky Fall line, ride a zip line, discover resources hidden in the
wilderness and engage in costumed role playing. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 595-1900. E-mail:
marketing@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org.
Through Nov. 25 Newport News
THE VIRGINIA GARDEN TOURS AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. Celebrate Jamestown 2007
with a tour through Virginia’s gardening history highlighting the colonists’ interaction with plants of all
types. See native plants used by Indians and how colonists utilized these in their struggle to survive.
Learn what plants they brought from Europe and how they became “naturalized” into Virginia’s flora. 9
a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 595-1900. E-mail: marketing@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org.
Sept. 1 Portsmouth
FIRST SATURDAY IN OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH. Hunt through the huge collection of unique and
antique wares as more than 100 dealers and vendors offer a great selection of antique and estate
furniture, art, decorative accessories and flea market items in the Middle Street Garage, corner of Middle
& London streets. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (757) 405-3500, (757) 399-5012. E-mail: jmacdou561@aol.com.
Web site: www.oldetowneportsmouth.com.
Sept. 1 Virginia Beach
PADDLE ALONG BACK BAY. Join False Cape State Park staff for a relaxing paddle along Back Bay
while you learn interesting facts about the area and its wildlife. All equipment is provided; meet at Little
Island City Park in Virginia Beach for transport into the park. $; reservations are required. (757) 426-3657.
E-mail: falsecape@dcr.state.va.us. Web site: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml.
-more-
2
Sept. 1 Yorktown
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY CONCERT AT YORKTOWN VICTORY MONUMENT. The Virginia Symphony
will perform a free outdoor concert beneath the stars at 7:30 p.m. A preconcert performance by The Fifes
and Drums of York Town and picnic judging will also take place, beginning at 6 p.m. 6-10 p.m. (757) 890-
4490. Web site: www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism.
Sept. 1, 15 Williamsburg
JAMES RIVER PLANTATION HARVEST PROGRESSIVE CANDLELIGHT TOUR & DINNER. Explore a
unique collection of antiques, beautiful gardens and historic buildings during a special evening at
Williamsburg’s James River Plantation Country. Enjoy tours by the owners of Piney Grove (1790),
Ashland (1835), Dower Quarter (1835), Ladysmith (1857) and Duck Church (1917) and savor an elegant
four-course candlelight dinner. $. 5-9 p.m. (804) 829-2196, (804) 829-2480. E-mail:
tours@pineygrove.com. Web site: www.pineygrove.com.
Sept. 1-30 Williamsburg
RULE OF LAW MONTH. September interpretive programs at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown
Victory Center examine how martial law, deemed necessary at Jamestown during periods of warfare,
would give way to representative government. This is among the 2007 events and themes marking the
400th Anniversary of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English settlement. $. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (757)
253-4838, (888) 593-4682. Web site: www.historyisfun.org.
Sept. 2 Chesapeake
SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS WITH FIREWORKS. Enjoy the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and
fireworks free on the “Buddy” Bagley Stage, Chesapeake City Park. At 6 p.m., Tidewater Pipes & Drums,
with assistance of Sheriff’s Pipe Band, opens the evening. Melodious patriotic sounds of our nation’s birth
and growth, in recognition of the 400th Anniversary of the landing at Jamestown, can be heard at twilight.
$. (757) 382-6411. E-mail: prgeneral@cityofchesapeake.net. Web site:
www.CityofChesapeake.net/parks.
Sept. 2 Norfolk
CINGULAR WIRELESS BIG BANDS ON THE BAY. Come enjoy big band sounds at Ocean View Beach
Park. Free. (757) 441-2345. Web site: www.festeventsva.org/.
Sept. 2 Virginia Beach
ROCK ’N’ ROLL HALF MARATHON. More than 17,000 runners descend on the Virginia Beach
oceanfront for this 13.1-mile race. Bands along the racecourse help motivate runners to cross the finish
line. Participants compete for the largest half marathon prize purse in the U.S. A postrace concert with a
national recording act tops off the fun-filled day. Entry fee for the race; the postrace concert is a ticketed
event. (800) 822-3224, (800) 311-1255. Web site: www.rnrhalf.com.
Sept. 2 Virginia Beach
TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE. Join False Cape State Park staff for an exciting bus tour through
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge into False Cape. Explore a coastal environment, learn interesting facts
about wildlife and look for deer, bobcats, foxes and birds. Meet at Little Island City Park for transport into
the park. $; reservations are required. (757) 426-3657. E-mail: falsecape@dcr.state.va.us. Web site:
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml.
Sept. 2 Virginia Beach
THE VERIZON WIRELESS AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL. Nearly 50 concerts explode over stages all
across the Virginia Beach oceanfront with music that touches every generation and style. This festival
features national acts, and is also a showcase for some of the most popular local and regional bands.
Tickets are required for certain concerts on the main stage. (757) 491-SUNN. Web site:
www.beachstreetusa.com.
-more-
3
Sept. 2, 16 Newport News
BIRD WALKS. 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 for some early-morning birding. Be
prepared to carpool to several areas in the park. Beginners are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are
recommended. Free. (757) 886-7912. E-mail: sbuck@nngov.com. Web site: www.nnparks.com.
Sept. 3 Hampton
PORT HAMPTON LECTURE SERIES—2007. Hear authors, living historians and local history buffs
discussing topics from Hampton’s past as well as related historical subjects of a regional and national
flavor. $3/person; free/museum members; membership is available at the door. 7-8 p.m. (757) 727-1610.
Sept. 7 Hampton
SUMMERFEST. The Fort Monroe waterfront area is the place to celebrate the end of summer with the
treat of music by local talent, pool activities, volleyball, children games and more. (757) 788-3151, (757)
727-1102, (800) 800-2202.
Sept. 7 Norfolk
FIRST FRIDAYS IN GHENT—NORFOLK. This upscale, gallery-crawl event will have diners and
shoppers enjoying Norfolk’s Historic Ghent with street musicians and entertainers, specialty retail
shopping until 9 p.m. and excellent dining opportunities. Free parking and transportation are available. 6-
9 p.m. (757) 353-6063. E-mail: ken@nvmservices.com. Web site: www.destinationghent.com.
Sept. 7 Portsmouth
FIRST FRIDAY—HIGH TIME ON HIGH STREET IN OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH. Come hang out
with locals and visitors alike as art galleries, antique and specialty gift shops and restaurants participate in
this event. We all look forward to the month’s new art shows, special sales and the friendly sharing of
news and information. There really is something for everyone. 5-8 p.m. (757) 397-7173, (757) 399-5012,
(757) 405-3500. E-mails: jmacdou521@aol.com, cjelder@verizon.net. Web site:
www.oldetowneportsmouth.com.
Sept. 7-9 Hampton
HAMPTON BAY DAYS FESTIVAL—25TH ANNUAL. Celebrate life on the Chesapeake Bay along the
historic streets and scenic waterfront of Downtown Hampton. Enjoy entertainment on three stages, a
world-class fireworks display, a carnival, Chesapeake Bay educational displays, sporting and water
events, a car and motorcycle show, an arts and crafts show, children’s activities, succulent seafood and
much more. Free. Fri., noon.-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. (757) 727-1641, (757)
727-1132, (800) 800-2202. E-mail: info@baydays.com. Web site: www.baydays.com.
Sept. 7-9 Virginia Beach
OCEANA AIR SHOW. Enjoy the power and precision of the breathtaking U.S. Navy Blue Angels as well
as thrilling aerobatics from the world’s top civilian performers. Marvel at the awesome might of U.S.
military aircraft like the F/A-18C Hornet, the F/A-18E Super Hornet and the E-2C Hawkeye. Be sure not to
miss the smoke and thunder of the Shockwave Jet Truck. (800) 822-3224. E-mail: vbresort@vbgov.com.
Web site: www.oceanaairshow.com.
Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 Yorktown
“RHYTHMS ON THE RIVERWALK” CONCERT SERIES. Join us for this annual concert series featuring
some of the area’s finest in jazz, big band, swing and patriotic music. Lawn chairs and blankets are
welcome. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. (757) 890-3500. Web site: www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism.
-more-
4
Sept. 8 Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH MUSEUMS GALA. This formal event includes cocktails, dancing, an auction and a
progressive dinner featuring the Portsmouth Naval Museum, the Courthouse Galleries and the Children’s
Museum of Virginia. Begin with a cocktail party under a tent at the Portsmouth Naval Museum from 6:30
to 7:30 p.m., followed by a seated dinner on the second floor of the Children’s Museum of Virginia,
capped off by dessert and dancing under a tent at the Courthouse Galleries. $; proceeds benefit the
Portsmouth Museums. 6:30 p.m.-midnight. (757) 393-8983. E-mail: fortsonm@portsmouthva.gov.
Sept. 8 Virginia Beach
SK8R BASH. This event is for the skateboard enthusiast. Held at the 24,000-square-foot Mount
Trashmore Skate Park, it offers competitions, a new vert ramp and a street course. Plus, you can rock out
to the live sounds of local bands. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (757) 427-2990. E-mail: jlbass@vbgov.com. Web
site: www.vbgov.com/parks.
Sept. 8-9 Charles City
HOME TO THE COUNTY FAIR. Enjoy an old-fashioned county fair complete with home and garden
exhibits, a car show, horseshoe tournament and live entertainment. Special exhibits and displays will
include traditional artisans displaying their skills and selling their wares, antique tractors and other antique
farm equipment, and a logging competition. Charles City County Recreation Center, 8320 Ruthville Road.
Free. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. (804) 652-1601. E-mail: info@charlescity.org. Web site:
www.charlescity.org.
Sept. 14-16 Virginia Beach
BLUES AT THE BEACH. Pay tribute to the riveting sounds of one of the most cherished musical genres
of all time as local, regional and national blues headliners take the stage for a “jamming” weekend filled
with unforgettable music. Workshops round out a festival that grows in popularity each year. (757) 491-
SUNN. Web site: www.beachstreetusa.com.
Sept. 14-Oct. 28 Williamsburg
HOWL-O-SCREAM. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is the perfect place to be scared silly this Halloween
season. Throughout October, the park transforms after dark into a “scream park” for guests to enjoy
Howl-O-Scream festivities. Howl-O-Scream is included in regular park admission. (800) 343-7946, (800)
880-8861. E-mail: bgw.guestrelations@buschgardens.com. Web site: www.buschgardens.com/va.
Sept. 15 Portsmouth
RUN FOR HOLIDAY HOUSE. A kickoff event to Portsmouth’s Umoja Festival, this 1-mile walk and 5K
run benefit the Holiday House, an intermediate care facility for mentally disabled children ages 4 to 21. $.
(757) 484-8674, (757) 627-7223. E-mail: alexanderj@portsmouthva.gov. Web site:
holidayhouse.portsmouth.va.us.
Sept. 15-16 Virginia Beach
NEPTUNE WINE FESTIVAL. Sip, savor and purchase wines from the Old Dominion’s leading vineyards
in an oceanfront setting. Food, live music and specialty vendors will also be a part of the event. Noon-5
p.m. $. (757) 498-0215, (800) 822-3224. Web site: www.neptunefestival.com.
Sept. 16 Suffolk
AMERICAN GIRL PROGRAM FEATURING “JOSEFINA.” Learn about Josefina, a New Mexican girl
growing up in 1824 who is having a hard time without her Mamá to teach and guide her. Enjoy craft
making and refreshments. Free; reservations are required. (757) 934-1390. E-mail:
riddicksfolly@prodigy.net. Web site: www.riddicksfolly.org.
Sept. 16 Virginia Beach
NEPTUNE FESTIVAL SANDMAN TRIATHLON. One of the mid-Atlantic’s best-known triathlons kicks off
at Atlantic Avenue at 31st Street. A 1K open-ocean swim is followed by a 14-mile bike race through Fort
Story, concluding with a 5K run along the boardwalk. Registration fee. (757) 498-0215, (800) 822-3224.
Web site: sandmantri.com/.
-more-
5
Sept. 19 Charles City
CHARLES CITY COUNTY RURITAN STEAK FEAST—29TH ANNUAL. Come chow down at historic
Berkeley Plantation overlooking the beautiful James River, 11602 Harrison Landing Road. Enjoy a full
ribeye steak dinner, refreshments and music. $; tickets may be purchased at Haupt’s Store, Sandy Point
Superette or Sandston Cleaners. Rain or shine, 3:30 p.m. to dark; dinner will be served 5:15-6:15 p.m.
(804) 788-8364.
Sept. 21-22 Virginia Beach
FESTA ITALIANA. Join us at the Virginia Beach oceanfront for a fun-filled weekend saluting all things
Italian. This second annual event will feature Italian cuisine, entertainment and merchandise. Food is the
heart and soul of Festa Italiana; however, merchandise vendors and entertainment are also a big part of
the festival. There’s something for everyone. Free. (747) 491-SUNN. Web site: www.beachstreetusa.com.
Sept. 22 Norfolk
MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL. This annual festival rich in Asian culture and tradition celebrates family
and friends and commemorates one of the most important holidays celebrated by Chinese communities
around the world. Enjoy a traditional menu and traditional dance presentations. (757) 664-6620, (757)
441-2345. E-mail: festevents@festevents.org. Web site: www.norfolkcvb.com.
Sept. 22 Portsmouth
FISH BOWL CLASSIC PARADE. For more than half a century, this annual event has been sponsored by
Arabia Temple #12. The parade starts at I.C. Norcom High School and travels down London Boulevard to
Olde Towne Portsmouth, and is followed by the Fish Bowl Classic football game held at Norfolk State
University. 11 a.m.-noon. (757) 397-0550, (757) 467-5299, (757) 523-0069.
Sept. 22 Virginia Beach
LUMBERJACK COMPETITION. Flying woodchips, sturdy axes and roaring chainsaws make this
competition exciting, entertaining and educational. Noon-4 p.m. (757) 427-2990. E-mail:
dmarley@vbgov.com. Web site: www.vbgov.com/parks.
Sept. 22-24 Newport News
FALL WILDFLOWER SALE AT THE VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM. More than 40 species of summer-
and fall-blooming native wildflowers, shrubs and trees for a variety of garden sites will be available for
purchase. All are ready for fall planting; many will attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife to
your back yard. All plants are nursery propagated. Free. Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., noon-3 p.m., rain or
shine. (757) 595-1900, (757) 595-9135. E-mail: webmaster@thevlm.org. Web site: www.thevlm.org.
Sept. 28-30 Virginia Beach
NEPTUNE FESTIVAL BOARDWALK WEEKEND. A boisterous and beloved send-off to summer, this
festival offers everything from a wine tasting and world-class sandcastle competition to numerous athletic
competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air show and the famous Neptune Parade.
(757) 498-0215, (800) 822-3224. Web site: www.neptunefestival.com.
Sept. 29 Virginia Beach
BLOWIN’ THE DUST OFF CONCERT AT FIRST LANDING. Come to the state park to enjoy a special
concert featuring Steve Bassett, collaborator of the hit single Sweet Virginia Breeze; and the award-
winning bluegrass band Michelle Nixon and Drive. Before the concert, get an up-close view of unique,
period instruments and hear stories about where they’ve been. There’s also a special after-concert
“pickers’ camp” for folks camping in the park. $. 7-8:30 p.m. (757) 412-2300, (800) 933-PARK. E-mail:
firstlanding@dcr.virginia.gov. Web site: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml.
-more-
6
Sept. 30 Charles City
COLONIAL POLO CUP 2007. Join President Jefferson and the Williamsburg Kiwanis Foundation for the
party of the season at Shirley, Virginia’s oldest plantation. The day benefits area youth/community
programs. Enjoy the presentation of the hounds, a parade, six-chukker polo match and divot stomp,
shopping, contests, food, music and fun for all. Ticket choices include general admission, tailgates,
Players Club memberships and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (757) 873-7333. E-mail: info@colonialpolocup.org.
Web site: www.colonialpolocup.org.
-End-