What You'll Do: July 29-Aug. 1

By WYDaily Staff Thursday, July 29, 2010

We have skidded into the summer doldrums. It is a good thing that the old faithful summertime events are making their weekly appearance this weekend, in addition to some new ones. Dust off that summer bucket list and starting checking off. To the weekend!

Succeed as a first-time homebuyer
One way to be sure you’ll have a busy weekend every weekend is to be a homeowner. Those little castles have a way of demanding free time (and any extra cash). Realize that dream of home ownership and succeed at it by being informed. The James City County Office of Housing and Community Development is holding a seminar on the topic tonight at 6. Local professionals will present information and answer questions. Call 259-5436 to register, and click here for more details.

Get the sitter for a girls’ night out
Ken Matthews’ Garden Center had a GNO from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday but the storm that blew through made it a little hard to see and experience everything, so they're holding a GNO again on Friday, same time - 5 to 8 p.m. Bring your friends for a free wine tasting in the garden, along with all sorts of products and advice geared toward women – more than 30 vendors. Think food, pampering services, automotive servicing tips and more. Also, count on lots of giveaways and savings of up to 75 percent on stuff for the garden. Click here for more info.

A final 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. you’ll settle in the air-conditioned comfort to see “The Caine Mutiny,” an engrossing drama about mutiny on board a U.S. Navy ship during World War II and the resulting court martial. It’s based on Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Director Edward Dmytryk and the cast, Humphrey Bogart (you could make it a Bogey weeked), Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson and Fred MacMurray, all do fine work. 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 enough to patronize a local business (Wythe Candies, anyone?) – and this week’s film is the classic “African Queen,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Take your kids to see some great performances not enhanced by special effects. Imagine that! Get details and the summer schedule right here.

Downward dogs and kids
Body Balance Studio is offering some zen moments to parents and their young children with yoga classes for kids this summer. You can sign up for a bunch or just drop in. It’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for ages 3-5; and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for ages 6-8. Click here for details.

Summertime cookout and car show
Verena at the Reserve is the place to be on Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. The newest senior living complex is hosting a free cookout with items fresh off the grill, along with a car show and music. The car show (rides courtesy of Hometown Cruisers of Richmond) runs from 1 to 5; the cookout from 1 to 2:30 p.m.; and the Dog Street Rhythm Kings will play two sets of jazz from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Expect a few rounds of bingo, too. Click here for info, including how to make a reservation.

Willy Wonka, on stage
We love Willy, even that creepy Johnny Depp version of a couple years back. This Friday night at 7:30 and Saturday at 2 and 7 see it live, with StageLights’ production of Willy Wonka, Jr. at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. It’s a great opportunity to get kids interested in theater – with a production led by kids. Tickets are an affordable $8 each for those ages 3 and up. Click here for details.

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.

Tales for those with tails
The Williamsburg Storytelling Collaborative will present a fundraiser for the Heritage Humane Society with stories Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Kimball Theatre. Admission is a freewill offering at the door, with all money raised going toward the HHS and its mission. Get details on where to pick up tickets (though technically free, you’ll need one) here.

Free legal help
These popular legal help clinics offer free assistance on basic matters for those whose income is low enough to make them eligible. The Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency is sponsoring the legal outreach at the College of William and Mary Law School on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to learn more about the types of services that will be offered, and how to make an appointment.

Try something new and artistic
This is cool – there’s a monotype printmaking workshop on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Quarterpath Recreation Center. You’ll learn how to make these beautiful prints, and go home with one ready to frame. Click here for more info.

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 Butter, a high-energy, four-piece dance 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 Copper Ridge, whose bluegrass will have you get out of that lawn chair to do more than tap your toes. Click here for more info.

Friday at High Street check out the Hot House Band on Friday night starting at 6:30 p.m. at High Street, in the Exchange Courtyard between Plaza Azteca, Kilwin’s and Terra. The music is free, and you can drop in to one of the High Street restaurants for a bite before, during or after. Click here for more information.

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 acoustic rock by Stone’s Throw. Click here to get all the info.

Shagging on the Riverwalk makes its regular Friday appearance in Yorktown. This week features Mark Roberts and Breeze. It’s free and events get going at 6 p.m. You can get more information by clicking here.

The Matoaka Summer Concerts are back, with this week bringing Borderline Crazy 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.

Other notable music events
Squires Everyday Café across from Sentara Williamsburg is the spot on Thursday to see London, a pop folk trio that delivers music from the British Invasion. It’s free, and things get rolling at 7 p.m. Click here for details, including a map to the café.

Karaoke Fridays at the Rivah Café - If the Friday night shagging concerts on the Riverwalk make you want to sing, here’s your chance. Every Friday through July and August there’s karaoke in the Rivah Café courtyard. Things get going at 8:30 p.m. For more info, click right here.

On Saturday, from 7 to 10 p.m., is the latest installment of the Presidents Park Summer Concert Series, located among the quite large sculptures of our forefathers (minus our current president; they’re raising funds to build that one). This week: Emerald Storm. There’s special family pricing, and even a season pass, and you can details by clicking here.

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. Click here for details, including a map of just where you’ll find the new High Street development.

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. 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.