May Events
>Suggest events we might have missed
"Pup Stars" Pub Crawl
Starts at 5:30 PM - The second annual Olde Towne Pub Crawl will take place this Spring! PortsEvents is teaming up with the Portsmouth Humane Society, so your ticket will benefit two great nonprofits in Portsmouth, Virginia! Ticket price includes t-shirt, koozie, gift bag, map, and discounts at participating restaurants. Come dressed as your favorite pop star or celebrity! Win prizes for best costumes!
Purchase tickets and see participating pubs and restaurants at www.OldeTownePubCrawl.org
Bee Keeper Demonstration at Hoffler Creek
1 - 4 p.m. Listen to a Tidewater beekeeper talk about a bee’s life and the life of one who raises them. Admission: $5/Adults, $2.50/Children, FREE/Members.
The Olde Towne Antiques to Flea Market
Conveniently located in the Middle Street Garage at the corner of Middle & London streets and is held year round, rain or shine on the first Saturday of each month. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. Always Free Admission & Free Parking!
Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association | 757-405-3500
Vintage and Classic Cars
On display along High Street in Olde Towne
Olde Towne Farmer's Market
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Courthouse Galleries Parking Lot - The Olde Towne Farmer’s Market has items for sale including fresh seasonal produce, flowers, plants, canned goods, baked goods, jams, breads, honey, and more!
Check out the Portsmouth Farmer's Market Blog for the latest news
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
A collaboration between the Courthouse Galleries in Portsmouth and the BeachEvents program, the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is an exciting weekend of high-flying kites and fun for families, participants, and spectators of all ages! Free and open to the public.
On May 2, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Portsmouth City Park becomes the venue for the kite festival as kite fliers are invited to participate in workshops, view demonstrations, and learn techniques for flying kites of all shapes and sizes.
• The Kite Festival features kite flyers from the associate chapters of the American Kite Association (AKA) who share their skills in flight. Demonstrations of dual and quad line kites will be featured along with kite ballet performed to music. Weather permitting, giant kites will fill the skies that range in scale of up to 80’ in length (a giant octopus) flown by AKA president Gary Engval, who specializes in large-scale kites.
• This year, we are also offering a contest for participants to “build and fly” their own kites. Participants are to design, build and fly their own kites. The theme for this year’s “build and fly” is “Flights of Fantasy.” Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third in the categories of novice, master and youth (ages 7 - 14).
• If you don’t have a kite, Archie Stewart returns to teach workshops on kite building. Materials for the workshop are available for a nominal fee. Kite vendors including Jackite, Inc., and 2 Guys Flying will also be at both sites for those looking to purchase a kite. Offered are single-line, dual and quad-line kites.
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
Virginia Arts Festival Coffee Concert Series II presents:
Cavani String Quartet
10:30 a.m. - One of a select group of chamber ensembles honored with the Naumburg prize, the Cavani String Quartet has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and in great European festivals. They have been seen on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS television. “Superb…the Cavani held the audience spellbound” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer).
Trinity Episcopal Church, High and Court streets, Portsmouth, VA 23704.
Admission:
$20 admission.
Call 757-282-2822 or visit www.VirginiaArtsFest.com for tickets.
FirstEvents - Olde Towne Portsmouth
Held the first friday through sunday of each month, Olde Towne Portsmouth's business community opens it's doors along High Street between Effingham Street and the riverfront. Events and activities include Arts to Antiques Flea Market, free museum admission, exhibit openings and art afternoons, and a lot more.
7First Friday
The Olde Towne Portsmouth business community opens it's doors along the 12 historic squares. Held rain or shine. Free admission. Most shops & galleries are open from 5 to 8 pm. Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association | 757-405-3500
7 FAIRY TALE ART:
Illustrations from Children’s Books
Opening Reception
5:00-8:00 p.m. - The fairy tales and folk tales featured in the exhibit celebrate the wisdom of past cultures and honor the symbolism and metaphoric language of stories handed down through the ages. Such traditional stories include: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood along with prize winning illustrations by such contemporary artists as Kinuko Y. Craft, Trina Schart Hyman, Barry Moser, Demi, Susan Paradis, Marilee Heyer, Jane Dyer and Jim LaMarche.
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
Pirates! Naval Shipyard Museum Exhibit
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Join us for our May First Weekend event, for a fun, pirate filled day! Come meet the dreaded Moody Crewe pirates and muster in for the School of the Pyrate. Also, join our scurvy scavenger hunt and build your own pirate ship! As with all our First Saturday programs, admission is FREE to both the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Lightship Portsmouth!
Presented by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
2 High St. | 757-393-8591 | www.portsnavalmuseums.com
Olde Towne Farmer's Market
9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Courthouse Galleries Parking Lot - The Olde Towne Farmer’s Market has items for sale including fresh seasonal produce, flowers, plants, canned goods, baked goods, jams, breads, honey, and more!
Check out the Portsmouth Farmer's Market Blog for the latest news
9First Sunday Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch
Participating Restaurants offer delightful dining options. Visit the official Portsmouth, Virginia tourism website for a list of restaurants in Olde Towne and Downtown Portsmouth.
Steeple to Steeple Tour
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Stained Glass, Art, Architecture & History in Olde Towne, Portsmouth. Starting at the corner of Washington and High streets, a walking tour of seven historic churches and one synagogue led by Col. William Crawford (founder of the town), Rev. John Braidfoot (parish priest 1773) and other costumed guides. Tour includes: Court Street Baptist Church (1789), Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (1772), First Presbyterian Church (1822), Monumental Methodist Church (1772), St. John’s Episcopal Church (1848), St. Paul’s Catholic Church (1804), Trinity Episcopal Church (1762) & Chevra Thelim Synagogue (1918).
Tickets: $20 – lunch included
Preregistration is strongly recommended – only 100 tickets are sold.
Call Dean Burgess at 757-393-0973, e-mail redlion3@juno.com, or send a check made out to the Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth to P. O. Box 126, Portsmouth, VA 23705-0126
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Portsmouth, Virginia
Proceeds benefit the HER Center and other Kiwanis charities.
The 40th Annual Gosport Arts Festival
Two-day juried art show | Show benefits EDMARC Hospice for Children
In addition to providing a valuable art venue for the region, the Gosport Arts festival also serves as a benefit for the Edmarc Hospice for Children. Traditionally, more than 135 artists have represented a wide variety of mediums, styles, tastes and cultures. Past shows have included artists presenting oil, watercolor, pastels, charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, mixed media, photography, pottery, sculpture, fiber, stained glass, jewelry, metal, wood, clay, clothing, furniture, musical instruments, paper and much more.
www.gosportartsfestival.com
Why Women Cheat - presented by Willett Hall
The hit stage play by playwright Priest Tyaire, is about three women who fall into the trap of infidelity. Beverly, Patricia, and Dominique each look for love outside their home for different reasons. Starring Priest T. Cephas, Tiphani Mallory, and Bac II Bac.
Willett Box Office: www.willetthall.com | 757-393-5144
Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/venue/8280
FRIENDS LECTURE SERIES: Paul Clancy, Hampton Roads Chronicles: History from the Birthplace of America
6:00-7:30 p.m. - Sponsored by the Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, join us for a presentation by local historian and columnist Paul Clancy as he discusses historic Hampton Roads. Drawing from his weekly Virginian Pilot column, Our Stories, Mr. Clancy will provide historical highlights of the region. Also, come and meet Mr. Clancy after the lecture as he signs copies of his book, which will be available for purchase in the Museum Shoppe.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum | 2 High St. | 757-393-8591 |
Spring Fling
4:30-8:00 p.m. - Spring Fling is the first outdoor networking event of the year in Portsmouth at Portside at North Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Meet and mingle with business people in the community. Enjoy great food, drinks, and live entertainment!
Location: Portside At North Landing
More Info: Contact Sarah Kingsley (757) 664-2535
Tickets: available at the Courthouse Galleries Museum Shop, Corner of High and Court St. | 757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
Monthly Book Sale
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Preview for members only is on Fridays from 1-6 pm. Membership to the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library is available onsite.
Presented by the Friends of the Portsmouth Public Library | 757-393-8501
STAR 1310 Presents Picnic at the Pavilion
Featuring Earnest Pugh Darrell McFadden & The Disciples, M.D. Stokes & Victorious Praise, Karima Kibble and more! Showtime: 3:00 PM at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion
• Click here for concert details and ticket information (tickets on sale March 15 at 10 a.m.)
Mid-May Open House, Olde Towne
Stroll along Olde Towne's High Street Historic District and enjoy fine art galleries, antique and specialty shops, plus delightful restaurants.
Inquire about the "Passport to Treasures" program at your favorite shop.
Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association | 757-405-3500
Spring for the Health of It
10 a.m.–6 p.m. - Health Fair • Churchland Shopping Center
For more information, call 638-7323
Fairy Tale Art Exhibit - special activity
1:00-4:00 p.m. - Zanville The Pretty Good (AKA Rabbi Arthur Steinberg) featuring family entertainment and magic tricks
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
TURTLE TIME at Hoffler Creek
10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a presentation by local turtle expert Garland Butler when he brings his turtles out in celebration of World Turtle Day (May 23rd). FREE Admission.
SUNSET KAYAK TOUR at Hoffler Creek
6 - 8 p.m. Kayak Hoffler Creek at sunset on a tour led by ODU Physical Geography student and naturalist Jack Cordial. Admission: $20, $10/Members. Kayak rental space limited. RSVP requested.
Michael Franti & Spearhead with special guest The Wailers
Franti has been bringing our world exceptionally powerful, deeply felt music under a variety of names in a wide range of genres for twenty years. From the intense punk rock of the Beatnigs, to the deeply political rap he made with the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy to his joyful and meaningful modern soul music with Spearhead, and now as Michael Franti & Spearhead, this still young man has released an impressive series of recordings that have vividly reflected his status as a musical citizen of this world. >Read more
Showtime: 8:00 PM at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion
• Click here for concert details and ticket information (tickets on sale March 19 at 10 a.m.)
Memorial Day Weekend Events
29
Elizabeth River Run & Children's Museum of Virginia Fun Run
We invite you to join us for a fun filled 31st Elizabeth River Run 10k. Started in 1979 by Jerry Bocrie, this Tidewater Striders Club race has always been a runners’ favorite. With magnificent views of the Elizabeth River, participants will traverse through Olde Towne with its towering monuments, museums, historical homes and the Portsmouth sea wall. Following the race will be a post race celebration at the spectacular nTelos Pavilion.
Proceeds from the Children's Fun Run to benefit the renovation and expansion of the Children's Museum of Virginia.
Download entry form here
Elizabeth River Run website
Fairy Tale Art Exhibit - special activity
1:00-4:00 p.m. - Come dressed as your favorite fairy tale character to join in the fun and magic carpet ride with the SonShine Artists. Join with some of your favorite characters and listen to enchanting stories passed down through generations. If you don’t have a costume, that is not a problem, the SonShine Artists offer face painting to help you get into character. Enjoy magic acts, balloons and more.
Dress as Your Favorite Fairy Tale Character and receive free admission!
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
31
126th Annual Memorial Day Parade
The nation's oldest annually held parade. The City of Portsmouth presents the 126th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Portsmouth.
Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the military and celebrates Portsmouth's proud military heritage.
The Parade Route: The 1800 block of High Street at I.C. Norcom High School will be the starting point for the parade which will travel east on High Street; turn right on Crawford Street; and end at Columbia Street.
31Tours of Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater
Coast Guard Cutter SHEARWATER will be mooring up at High Street Ferry Terminal on Monday around 11 a.m to conduct tours for the afternoon.
USCGC SHEARWATER (WPB-87349) is a Coast Guard coastal patrol boat that conducts SAR, PWCS, ELT (RBS and Fisheries), and Homeland Security missions throughout the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal waters within and surrounding the Fifth District. It was recently involved with providing security for the commissioning of the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77)
31Come Sea History!
1 - 5 p.m. - Following Portsmouth’s Memorial Day Parade, come learn about over 250 years of Portsmouth and naval history. Create shipbuilding crafts, play historic games, and go on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy guided tours at the Lightship Portsmouth Museum, and meet representatives from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Also, make sure to visit Trophy Park at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA, which will be open to the public for tours. Program included with Museum Admission Fee.
Presented by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
2 High St. | 757-393-8591 | www.portsnavalmuseums.com
