Quick look at what’s happening in Coastal Virginia
Compiled by Butch Maier / Photo Above: The Library Natural Playground is now open at James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road, Williamsburg.
CHESAPEAKE
Calling All Paddlers
Bring your own kayak/canoe/stand-up paddleboard for Paddle Your Way—July 11 and Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—at Oak Grove Park, 409 Byron St. There also are kayaks and canoes on site, with limited availability, for a free 30-minute session. Those age 17 or younger must wear a personal flotation device and be able to swim. Those 12 to 17 may paddle in a separate boat but must be accompanied by an adult chaperone in another boat. There must be one adult chaperone for each youth participant. Those age 11 or younger must paddle in the same boat with an adult. For more information, go to cityofchesapeake.net/761/Paddle-Your-Way.
HAMPTON
Supernova Ska Festival Sept. 12-13
The Supernova Ska Festival is Sept. 12-13 at Fort Monroe. Scheduled to perform are: Jeff Rosenstock, Derrick Morgan, The Pietasters, The Slackers, The Impossibles, The Planet Smashers, Suburban Legends, MC Lars, Catbite, Susan Cadogan, Dan Potthast, Eastern Standard Time, Rude Girl Revue, Chris Murray, Middagh Goodwin from This is Ska, The Boy Detective, Jackie Mendez, Blake Rules, Detroit Riddim Crew, The Skavelinas, and Cote Percussion. For more information, go to supernovaska.com.
NEWPORT NEWS
Care Professional Honored
Home Instead, a leading provider of in-home care for older adults, named Natalie Blizzard, a caregiver based in Newport News, as one of its Care Professionals of the Year. This national honor is awarded to just eight caregivers out of more than 100,000 worldwide. Blizzard, who has worked with Home Instead for 17 years, has supported a client through six years of Alzheimer’s progression, bringing joy through shared activities.
NORFOLK
Illumination Parade Application Deadline Sept. 13
The Downtown Norfolk Council announced “Ruby Radiance” as the theme for the 40th annual Grand Illumination Parade, set to light up the streets of downtown. The council invites local organizations, marching bands, performers, and businesses to submit their participant applications by Sept. 13 for this year’s Nov. 21 parade. Parade participants are encouraged to interpret “radiance” in creative and captivating ways—through the bold use of color, dynamic movement, engaging textures, or innovative lighting design. Apply via downtownnorfolk.org/explore/grand-illumination-parade-2026.
PORTSMOUTH
Dolly Parton’s Imagination
Library Launches
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) of Portsmouth is a book gifting program that mails age-appropriate, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, regardless of a family’s income, to inspire a love of books and reading. The books come with a letter from Parton, reading tips, and activities for families to engage with each book. There are nearly 7,000 children in Portsmouth who need equitable access to books in their homes. ChainBreakers, a Portsmouth-based nonprofit, serves as the local program partner. Families can enroll at dpilofportsmouth.org.
SUFFOLK
Oil Painting Class at Center for Cultural Arts
The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts offers an oil painting class on Thursday evenings, July 23 – Aug. 27. Students will receive basic and intermediate oil painting instruction from plein air artist Elizabeth Blanchard. This class is for someone wanting to try oil painting for the first time, for the oil painter wanting to grow, or for the independent oil painter wanting dedicated studio time to paint. Paints and supplies are available for new students, who are asked to bring their own canvas. Registration is required. For cost and more information, go to suffolkcenter.org/class/oil-painting.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Wildlife Rescue Changing Exhibit Open
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers the Wildlife Rescue Changing Exhibit through Sept. 13. The outdoor installation will include 12 detailed sculptures of animals pushed to the brink of extinction but with the help of the humans have been successfully reintroduced to their natural ranges. The exhibit on the aquarium’s nature trail includes sculptures such as a burrowing owl, toad, leatherback sea turtle, red panda, and bald eagle. Free with admission. For more information, go to virginiaaquarium.com.
WILLIAMSBURG
Regional Library Gets Awards, Playground
Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) received four awards from the Virginia Public Library Directors Association: the Unique Outreach Award, the Impactful Technology Use Award, the Outstanding Program/Event/Class for Adults Award, and the Gold Standard of Excellence Award. In addition, the WRL celebrated the opening of the Library Natural Playground outside James City County Library at 7770 Croaker Road. Learn more about the library at wrl.org.
YORKTOWN
Free Trolley Offers Extended Hours
The Yorktown Trolley operates daily with extended summer hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day. The free, air-conditioned, and heated trolley is one way to see Historic Yorktown during peak tourist season and special events. The transportation service travels from Historic Yorktown to the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center and the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. There are several convenient stops in between, including the Victory Monument, Historic Main Street, Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown Beach, Watermen’s Museum, and the York County Courts and Office Complex. The overall route takes 20 to 25 minutes to complete. For more information, go to visityorktown.org/trolley.
Butch Maier
