What You'll Do: Aug. 13-15

By WYDaily Staff Friday, August 13, 2010

This is going to be a nice weekend – a little rain, a little sun, a little time to enjoy the slowdown a Friday through Sunday gives us. Lots to do, as usual. If you are aware of other things we’ve missed, please share them below in the comments and encourage the event planners in your world to use our free, well-read Talk of the Town calendar. To the weekend!

Meet “Linger,” “Shiver” author Maggie Stiefvater
She’ll be in town Friday night, signing books and giving a talk at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the signing, and then Stiefvater – who spent some time living in Ford’s Colony and as a student at Walsingham Academy – will speak at 7 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. Click here for more info.

Explore NASA with a visit to Busch Gardens
Scientists, interactive programs and even an astronaut from NASA are special guests this weekend at the amusement park – and included in regular park admission. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Astronaut Roger Crouch will give presentations both days at 11:30 a.m. in the Festhaus, and again at 3:30 p.m. in the Globe Theatre. Click here for details.

An evening 5K for Child Development Resources
Lots of local runners have signed up for the Vineyards 5K, a race that benefits Child Development Resources. If you run, it will cost $30 but get you a T-shirt and food vouchers. There’s a one-mile fun run, and you can walk or run the 5K. It all starts at 5 p.m. Click here for details.

Last muster weekend in Gloucester
There’s a Civil War reenactment this weekend in Gloucester and looks to be a big event. It starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday afternoon. The free event depicts the last muster of the 21st  regiment, with lots of information to give what you’re seeing some context. Click here for directions and details.

Make a fabulous, fun day with some girls
It’s a Fun and Fabulous Fancy Nancy lunch this Saturday at Yankee Candle’s flagship store in Williamsburg. Lunch and a story begin at 11 a.m. in the café, and all girls are asked to “dress fancy.” Cost is just $6 per person. Click here for more info on how to take the special young lady in your life to lunch.

Mingle with the mighty mammoth
Or at least with people who know a lot about wooly mammoths! It’s the Virginia Living Museum’s Mighty Mammoth Day on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. There will be Ice Age fossils to touch and learn about and a not-very-scientifically correct for the Ice Age but still hugely entertaining puppet show by the Rainbow Puppets called “The Really Big Dinosaur Show.” Museum admission gets you in. Click here for details.

Grand Funk at BG
For real, it’s Grand Funk Railroad at Busch Gardens as this weekend’s featured IllumiNights concert. Admission to the park is all you need, nothing extra. The concert starts at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more info.

Explore the many styles of belly dancing – without having to do it yourself
Belly up to the stage to see the variety of styles that are considered belly dancing. Janna’s International Dance Studio will demonstrate with a show Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. Tickets are $10 each. Click here for details.

A beautiful voice, in concert
Rebecca Evans is a rising sophomore at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, which means she’s headed back to school very soon. Before she does, she’ll hold a concert Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church on Jamestown Road. Evans will be accompanied by pianist Cathy Combs and will sing pieces by Caccini, Respighi, Schubert, Schumann, Debussy, Handel and Rodgers & Hammerstein. Click here for details. Cathy Combs and will sing pieces by Caccini, Respighi, Schubert, Schumann, Debussy, Handel and Rodgers & Hammerstein. Click here for more details.

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 an homage to chef-in-charge Julia Child on her birthday – “Julie and Julia.” Get details and the summer schedule right here.

School’s on the way, and so is help with supplies
The Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors continues its school supply collection daily from 8:30 a.m.  to 4 p.m. at their office, 5000 New Point Rd., in Williamsburg. FISH is the beneficiary of this collection of new supplies. Click here for details. http://www.wydaily.com/component/content/article/111-content/3456-wy-daily-events-calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D90456008

Outdoor music not to be missed
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 by Bob Ranson. Click here to get all the info.

The Matoaka Summer Concerts are back, with this week bringing  crowd favorite The Rhondels 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.

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: Hard Travelin’ Blues. There’s special family pricing, and even a season pass, and you can details by clicking here.

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. but call 875-1522 if in doubt. For more info, click right 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.

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.

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. We have to say these are a couple of the very best things to do in our area – seriously. Check it out, and click here to learn more.