What You'll Do: July 15-18

By WYDaily Staff Thursday, July 15, 2010

We may have, but not everyone has given up on the garden – one more reason why we love the weekend, when the farmers markets’ local bounty reminds us about the good things in life. Beyond the markets, there is an abundance of free stuff going on. Take advantage of this benefit of living in a tourist destination. To the weekend!

See Colonial Williamsburg’s art museums for free
It’s this Saturday, which promises to be hot (of course) and perfect for spending a day indoors a climate-controlled building filled with beautiful things. The free admission is also extended to Bassett Hall, the one-time home of CW benefactors Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. In that home you’ll find the extensive folk art collection of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Click here for more information, including where to park.

Sew what(ever you want)
Learn to sew at the Historic Triangle Center. Classes are available for adults and also for kids ages nine and up. The Williamsburg James City County Community Action Agency is the sponsor, with help from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Participants must meet federal income guidelines, and you can learn more about this program by clicking here.

Another fan favorite at WRL’s free film series
The Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre’s the place every Thursday for their free films. This month’s theme is the winners of the patron’s request poll. Thursday at 2 p.m. expect to see the one of Alfred Hitchcock’s best, 1946’s “Notorious.” An American agent (Cary Grant) recruits a disgraced party girl (Ingrid Bergman) to infiltrate a spy ring in Brazil. Ben Hecht wrote the taut script with Claude Rains and Leopoldine Konstantin doing stellar work in supporting roles. Click here for more information.

Another free film, but outdoors
Blue Talon Bistro again sponsors its Sunday evening film on their giant, blow-up screen they’ll plunk in the middle of Prince George Street. It’s free and it is really fun – be sure to arrive early to patronize a local business – and this week’s film is the very classic and wonderful “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Take your kids to see some great performances not enhanced by special effects. Imagine that! Get details and the summer schedule right here.

See ‘War of the Worlds’ performed live for free at the WRL – but get a ticket now
A live performance of Orson Welles’ classic Martian invasion fakeout, “War of the Worlds,” happens Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. Palomino Entertainment Group will reprise its very popular performance of an event that proved am epic national scare. At 4:40 p.m., following the stage performance, will be a screening of the documentary, “The Day That Panicked America: The H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds Scandal,” which tells the story of the original radio broadcast and the startling effect it had on the country. Both presentations are free of charge thanks to a gift from Lee and Betty Ann Griffin, but advance tickets to guarantee admittance will be distributed at the Williamsburg Library. Click here to learn more.

Pick your paddle and get on the water
You can choose – creek or river – in these paddling programs at our tucked-away state park jewel, York River State Park. Rangers guide the tours, which are perfect for first-timers, novices or the experienced just looking for a knowledgeable person to lead the way. Click here to learn more.

Outdoor music not to be missed
Make an exception to staying indoors with some outdoor concerts, many of which are free.

Thursdays by the Lake is the Mariners’ Museum’s free almost-end-of-week event, which begins at 6 p.m. Get the summer’s lineup by clicking here. This Thursday’s band is the Heather Edwards Band. Click here for details about the weekly concerts.

Thursday Sounds on the Square is New Town’s weekly July event at Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall, which starts at 6:30 p.m. It’s free and sponsored by James City County parks and rec. Pack a picnic and bring your lawn chair – this week’s band is Shake Down, with their classic rock mix. Click here for more info.

Yankee Candle Flagship Summer Concert Series & BBQ is the weekly spot on Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m. There’s a different local band each week, with a special bbq dinner at Mrs. Claus’ Café – and special pricing for kids. This week’s featured artist is jazz musician Bob Ransom. Click here to get all the info.

Shagging on the Riverwalk makes its regular Friday appearance in Yorktown. No word on this week’s band, but things are free and get going at 6 p.m. and you can get more information by clicking here.

The Matoaka Summer Concerts are back, with this week bringing high-energy favorite Butter to the stage on the shores of beautiful Lake Matoaka on the William and Mary campus. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 with a W&M I.D. and free for kids under 12. You may bring you own food for a picnic, but you’ll have to buy drinks at the event. All proceeds benefit Inclusion, a nonprofit dedicated to the area’s underprivileged kids. Click here to get all the details.

The Presidents Park Summer Concert Series returns on Saturday, from 7 to 10 p.m. Located among the quite large sculptures of our forefathers (minus our current president; they’re raising funds to build that one), this week's band is Fat Skippy. There’s special family pricing, and even a season pass, and you can details by clicking here.

Rwandan reconciliation on a personal level
The story of how two families forgave after the 1994 Rwandan genocide is the topic of the film “As We Forgive.” It’s being screened Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Following the screening, Willnette “Cookie” James, an ordained minister and founder of Tree of Life International, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering impoverished women and children around the world, will discuss her spiritually transformative work providing literacy training for widows in Rwanda. Click here for more information.

Farmers Markets – aka where to buy local
High Street’s market is on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m., and features the best in local produce, including just-picked Virginia sweet corn. You’ll also find arts, crafts and prepared foods.

Merchants Square Farmers Market happens on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, but also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect fresh produce, flowers, meats and all the rest on both days, but Saturdays feature presentations by local chefs, musicians and master gardeners. Next Tuesday features painter Elaine Abbot and paper mache artist Hank Mook. Click here for a schedule, and where to park.

Yorktown Market Days at the River happens Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. You’ll find the standard fare of a farmers market, including organics, plus featured local musicians, artists and chefs each week. Click here for details.