It's hot, hot, hot outside in the 757 so distract yourself from the heat with these fun summer activities!           

Check out this compiled list of everything going on in Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Williamsburg this weekend, July 19-21! 

Hampton Roads

Big Something | The NorVa, Norfolk | Saturday

Enjoy a unique band that fuses the sounds of rock, pop, and funk. Tickets are $15 each. Learn more here!

Chess | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | Friday–Saturday 

Who knew a game of chess could really be turned into a musical? Watch as this game of chess turns into a love triangle between an American chess star and a Russian champion. Who will she choose? Chess is filled with intense matches, a conflicting and interesting love story, and super-power politics. This is the last weekend to see it, so get your tickets here!

Dino on the Loose | Virginia Living Museum, Newport News | Saturday

Admit it, you have always wanted to encounter a dinosaur! The Virginia Living Museum is putting on a special show where we'll get to witness 30 dinosaur replicas ranging from 1/3 to full size. Face your fear for $15-$20. Learn more here!

Earthquake | The Funny Bone, Virginia Beach | Friday-Sunday

Listen to comedian Earthquake joke about life, culture, jobs, relationships, and more! Tickets are $25 each. Check out the event here!

Eric Carle: Moonlit Nights and Other Illustrations | The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk | Ongoing

Eric Carle's unique style of works uses handpainted tissue paper which highlights bugs and nighttime scenes. There are selections from The Very Hungry CaterpillarDraw Me a StarThe Secret Birthday Message, and more! The event is free and open to the public – see it here!

Forgotten Soldier | American Revolution Museum, Yorktown | Ongoing

Are you curious about the American Revolution and how both free and enslaved African Americans played a part? If so, check out this historical event! Tickets to the event are $7.50-$15 each – learn more here!

Grooving by the Bay | Buckroe Beach, Hampton | Sunday

Every Sunday this summer, enjoy live music and dancing to the good ol' oldies! The event is free and open to the public – see it here!

Norfolk Tides vs. Leigh Valley IronPigs | Harbor Park | Friday-Sunday

Watch your Norfolk Tides play against the Leigh Valley IronPigs in a day of baseball fun! There is no better summer activity! Tickets are $9-$13 each – check out the event here!

Satellite Gallery: In Service | The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach | Ongoing

Venture over to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) to see an exhibit created by veterans that will highlight what it means to be a member of the military. See each service member's experience in the military through their artwork, and witness some outstanding talent! Admission to the museum is only $7. Find out more here!

Richmond

Animal Control | Firehouse Theatre | Friday–Sunday

Animal Control focuses on what it's like to be bothered and treated differently by others. The play focuses on a stray pit bull roaming the streets looking for shelter. Tickets are selling for $15-35 each. Check out the event here!

La Belle Époque: French Design in Maymont's Gilded Age Mansion | Maymont | Ongoing

Celebrate the French art of the 19th century with chosen pieces from the Gilded Age Mansion of James and Sallie Dooley. You will see pieces were chosen from clothing, tapestries (Don Quixote), decor, furniture, and more! Discover what the late 1800s had in store, including the dining experience! There is no ticket price; just a suggested $5 donation – discover more here!

Stony Point Wine Festival | Stony Point Fashion Park | Saturday 

Partake in tasting different types of wine, delicious seafood, cider, and live music! They have compiled different award-winning wines from all over Virginia for you to taste so be sure to bring a palette cleanser with you! Tickets are $25-30 each. Learn more here!

Science After Dark: Moon Landing | Science Museum of Virginia | Friday

Celebrate the first man landing on the moon with other science admirers! Join in on the fun as you explore several exhibits and space-themed activities. Tickets are $10 each for the general public, and admission is free for museum members. Check out the event here!

Waterplay in the Children's Garden | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Ongoing

Cool off this summer by running through gentle water sprays. Tickets are between $8 and $13 each – Check out the event here!

Williamsburg

Christmas in July | Williamsburg KOA | Friday-Sunday

Celebrate Christmas early while camping out around a bonfire. They will be having Christmas decorations, activities, and winter magic this one weekend only! Admission to the event is free with a reserved spot on the campground. Find out more, here!

Free Beer Garden Concert Series | The Virginia Beer Company | Friday

Sip on your favorite beer and jam out to some local live talent! Beer + music = everything you could ask for! The event is free and open to the public; just pay for the beers! Find it here!

Lux Ice Cream Festival | Sullivan's Island | Saturday

There will be plenty of tasty treats available, including ice cream, funnel cakes, floats, sundaes, popsicles, and more. If you need a moment to cool off, they will be providing cooling tents while your kids indulge in the several kids' activities too. There will be free admission with registration here. Check out the event page, here!

Origins of American Democracy | Jamestown Settlement | Ongoing

Participate in a monthlong set of events honoring the 400th anniversary of the first representative legislative assembly from 1619. You will be able to participate in plenty of interactive events that will keep you and the kids occupied. Admission to Jamestown is $8.50-$26 each. Find out more here!

Summer Nights | Busch Gardens | Ongoing

When the sun goes down, the air is cooler, and Busch Gardens transforms into a playground for lasers, pyrotechnics, popular TV performers, fireworks, cool zones, super shakes, and tie-dyed crepes! The Summer Nights at Busch Gardens is included with an admission ticket. Find out more here!

Did we miss your favorite event? What do you plan on doing this weekend? Tell us in the comments!

Caitlin Helveston
Caitlin Helveston is a recent graduate of Old Dominion University (ODU) with a Bachelor's in English: Professional Writing. Her number one goal in life is to help people through her writing. She spends her spare time working out, writing two books, and hanging out with her cats while reading or watching movies.
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