May Events
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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.
1First 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
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival Kick-off Party Event
Join kite flyers from along the eastern seaboard to kick-off the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival weekend sponsored by Jackite Inc., Beachevents and Portsmouth Museums. Enjoy free admission to exhibits, refreshments and live entertainment by Lewis McGehee.
St. Paul's Catholic Church Docent Guild Open House and Tour
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - In 1897, St. Paul’s parishioners dreamed and then made a reality the current Gothic Revival Architecture church with its treasury of Christian Art. This beautiful historic church is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmark Register. It is a distinguished landmark in the city of Portsmouth.
2First Saturday
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
PIRATES! at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Visitors to the museum will be able to muster in for the School of the Pyrate, build their own pirate ship, and go on a scurvy scavenger hunt! As part of the Portsmouth Museums’ First Weekend Series, activities will be free and open to the public. Presented by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, corner of High and Water Streets | 757-393-8591 www.portsnavalmuseums.com
Living High Tour: High Street Living in Downtown Olde Towne
10 a.m. to 4 p.m - From riverfront condos at Admirals Landing to lofty apartments at Montgomery Square, experience the best of urban living in historic Dowtown Olde Towne Portsmouth. Tickets for the home tour are $10, available at the Portsmouth Visitors Center and Starboards Coffee Kiosk.
St. Paul's Catholic Church Docent Guild Open House and Tour
Noon - 3:00 p.m. - In 1897, St. Paul’s parishioners dreamed and then made a reality the current Gothic Revival Architecture church with its treasury of Christian Art. This beautiful historic church is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmark Register. It is a distinguished landmark in the city of Portsmouth
3First Sunday Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch
Participating Restaurants: A Taste of Culture, Brutti's, The Coffee Shoppe, The Deck, Flagship, Foggy Point Bar & Grill, Gosport Tavern, Logan Raye's Key West Grille, Longboards, Olde Towne Bakery & Cafe, Paddy O'Brian's, Starbucks, Starboards, Stove
From Manila to Peking:
Asian Treasures from the MacArthur Collection
Samurai armor, antique ivory figures, wood sculptures, cloisonné, porcelain, lacquered chests, and elegantly painted scrolls are some of the outstanding treasures on view at the Courthouse Galleries through May. The exhibit, pulled from the MacArthur Memorial’s collection of over 2,000 rarely shown artworks, were gifts to General Douglas and Mrs. MacArthur in appreciation for their contributions to Asian nations in the postwar-era. The gifts came from the Emperor and Empress of Japan; the first president of the Republic of Korea, former Philippine Ambassador Carlos Romulo and China’s Madame Chiang Kai-Shek, among others. The exhibit in the main gallery is open through May 31.
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
National Drug Court Month
In celebration of "National Drug Court Month", the Portsmouth Drug Treatment Court Program under the direction of the Honorable Johnny E. Morrison and Staff will host in a number of different scheduled events to celebrate the recovery of the participant's of Portsmouth.
Schedule of Events:
May 1, 2009 - Mile Walk
May 8, 2009 - Worship Together with Third Baptist Church
May 12, 2009 - Bowling Activity
May 15, 2009 - Habitat for Humanity ( A Brush For Kindness)
May 29, 2009 - Ferry Ride to Waterside
Contact Miss Brittany Jones at jonesb@portsmouthva.gov 391-3232 or Mrs. Yvette Watkins-Cherry 391-3280
March of Dimes "March for Babies"
When you walk, you give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick. The money you raise supports programs in our community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten our babies.
Registration: 1:00 p.m. or online
Start Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: 221 High Street
More Information: March for babies website
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
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 Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is free and open to the public.
Presented by the Courthouse Galleries, Corner of High and Court St., Portsmouth
757-393-8543 | www.courthousegalleries.com
Virginia Arts Festival:
Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio and Miami String Quartet
Hear two of the most acclaimed ensembles in one unforgettable evening of music. The esteemed Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio" are matched gems..." (San Francisco Chronicle). The prize-winning Miami String Quartet is "everything one wants in a quartet: rich, precisely balanced sound, a broad coloristic palette, real unity of interpretive purpose" (The New York Times). They will perform Ellen Zwilich's new Septet, fresh from its world premiere in New York.
Trinity Episcopal Church, High and Court streets, Portsmouth, VA 23704. $45 admission.
Call 757-671-8100 or visit www.VirginiaArtsFest.com for tickets.
Spring Fling 2009
The Chamber's first outdoor networking event of the year in Portsmouth. Meet and mingle with hundreds of other business people in the community. Enjoy great food, drinks, and live music.
Tickets: $15 Chamber members; $20 prospective members.
Price includes BBQ dinner. Adult beverages available for purchase.
Time & Location: 4:30 - 8 p.m., Portside at North Landing, Olde Towne Portsmouth
Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, 2:00 p.m.
Annual event to honor and remember Portsmouth law enforcement officers and employees who have died in the line of duty.
St. Mark's Missionary Baptist Church 2714 Frederick Blvd., Portsmouth
For info contact: Christie Saunders (757) 393-8752 ext. 10
The 5 Browns
"One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years," the New York Post wrote last year of The 5 Browns, adding, "When these kids do Rachmaninoff, they'll make you forget about Marshall amps." A youthful, all-American quintet of brothers and sisters, each a virtuoso concert pianist, The 5 Browns swept the classical world in 2005 with the release of their self-titled first recording for RCA Red Seal, which landed them at the top of the weekly Billboard charts and, at the end of the year, as one of the Top Classical Artists of 2005.
Willett Box Office: www.willetthall.com | 757-393-5144
Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com/venue/8280
Co-sponsored by Virginia Arts Festival and Portsmouth Community Concerts
Patriotic Program and Bench Dedication
Lafayette Park - Corner of Glasgow & Crawford Street
Guest speakers: Capt Walt Towns Commanding Officer of USS Kearsarge (HDL 3) and Author/Historian: Alf Mapp
10:30 am Special patriotic music & show tunes by the Brass Quintet,
TRADOC BAND from Ft. Monroe
(in case of inclement weather event will be held at the Virginia Children's Museum)
The event is sponsored by the Portsmouth Area Council of Garden Clubs
Meet the Artists at Skipjack Marine Gallery
Stop by and meet two of our exceptional artists at Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery. Marine artists Bill Allen and Shirley Cook will be at the gallery Saturday throughout the day and Sunday afternoon to work on new paintings and to discuss their artwork.
Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on the riverfront next to the High Street Landing and our front doors open to the Hog Island Lighthouse fresnel lens. Be sure to visit our gallery this weekend with expanded hours in celebration of the Gosport Arts Festival!
• Friday, May 8- 10 am to 8 pm
• Saturday, May 9- 9 am to 8 pm
• Sunday, May 10- 10 am to 5 pm
1st Annual Churchland Spring Festival
Activities include arts & crafts sale, inflatable slide and moonwalk, antique car show, food, snow-cones, ice cream, Churchland Infused Art Exhibition, LIVE music by REDshift and 4th Day
11 A.M. until 5 p.m at the Churchalnd Shopping Center
Mid-May Open House in Olde Towne Portsmouth
The Mid-May Open house is the traditional kick off to the summer season's outdoor festivals and events with spring being a truly lovely time to experience Olde Towne. In addition to refreshments and other special activities, visitors can expect to find: a treasure hunt for prizes; art galleries and museums; specialty, antique and gift shops; and a broad selection for dining. Sponsored by the Olde Towne Business Association
The 39th 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
Friends Lecture Series:
The Enduring Journey of the USS Chesapeake
Author, Chris Dickon will be discussing his book, The Enduring Journey of the USS Chesapeake: Navigating the Common History of Three Nations. Mr. Dickon will discuss the travels of the U.S. Navy frigate Chesapeake, launched at Gosport Navy Yard (now the Norfolk Naval Shipyard) in 1799, through the common history of three nations and continuing into the 21st century. Also meet Mr. Dickon after the lecture as he signs copies of his book, which will be available for purchase in the Museum Shoppe.
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free and Open to the Public
Refreshments will be served
Presented by Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
2 High St. | 757-393-8591 | www.portsnavalmuseums.com
12th Annual Portsmouth Schools Foundation Auction
The City of Portsmouth will host an Open Forum to present the “New” Draft Downtown Design Manual –
Tuesday, May 19th, from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 2117 London Boulevard.
Open Forum to present the "New" Draft Downtown Design Manual
Based on citizen input from the past winter workshops, the City of Portsmouth will host an Open Forum to present the “New” Draft Downtown Design Manual – from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 2117 London Boulevard.
Please cal 393-8836 for more details.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
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Opening Reception - The Wheels of Progress:
Portsmouth and the Navy Yard, 1881-1920
The Wheels of Progress will discuss Portsmouth's and Norfolk Navy Yard's role in the emergence of modern America; the "Gilded Age"; naval modernization; the "second industrial revolution"; and World War I.
A permanent exhibit presented by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
2 High St. | 757-393-8591 | www.portsnavalmuseums.com
Elizabeth River Run & Children's Museum of Virginia Fun Run
We invite you to join us for a fun filled 30th 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
The Wheels of Progress: Portsmouth and the Navy Yard, 1881-1920
Journey back to the dawn of the 20th century! Enjoy hands-on activities, living history, and discover Portsmouth’s historic role in the birth of modern America. At the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, corner of High and Water Streets in Downtown Portsmouth; 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. *Special activities included with paid admission - $1.50 adults; $1 for seniors; and 50 cents for students ages two to 17.
24Tour Naval Shipyard Museum and Schooner Virginia
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum will be open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
The Schooner Virginia will be at the High Street Landing for tour and open to the general public from 1 pm to 4 pm.
125th Annual Memorial Day Parade
The nation's oldest annually held parade turns 125 this year! The City of Portsmouth presents the 125th 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. This year’s parade will include floats, marching band units, military units, lots of excitement, and much more. Rear Admiral Bob Kiser, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, will be the Grand Marshal for this historic 125th parade.
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.
After the parade, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m:
• A United States Coast Guard cutter and The Portsmouth Fireboat will be open to the public at High Street Landing
• "Come Sea History!" - Tidewater Maritime Living History Association will be on site offering living history demonstrations
• The Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum will be distributing free maritime history books.
• Activities inside the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. All active duty and retired military members’ admission to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Courthouse Galleries will be free on Memorial Day with a valid military ID.
• Tour the Schooner Virginia: High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. The Schooner Virginia will be open to the general public for guided tours with the Virginia crew.
• Trophy Park’s Tar House Museum
Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth will open the Tar House Museum to the public from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Rarely open to the public, Trophy Park, established about 1870, houses a collection of naval weaponry and other artifacts. Cameras will be permitted.
• Many downtown restaurants will be open!
Chesapeake Bay Police
Motorcycle Rodeo and Competition
Training: Thursday - Friday, May 28-29 (Training all day)
Competition: Saturday, May 30th 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: WalMart Parking Lot * 1094 Frederick Blvd. 5th Annual event where Police Motorcycle Officers from Mid-Atlantic States compete in precision riding events. Fun for the entire family.
All proceeds go to March of Dimes, We Ride to Save Babies.
For additional rodeo info or for sponsorship forms contact:
Officer Gregg Fisher (757) 393-8013 ext. 16
U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus
From Boston to Bombay, Tokyo to Toronto, the United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than half a century—in all 50 states and 25 countries around the world. Through these concerts, the Field Band keeps the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts throughout the globe. Don’t miss this virtuoso band with the mighty massed voices of the Soldiers' Chorus—a stirring concert for the whole family to enjoy.
This program funded in part by the City of Portsmouth.
4:00 PM · n’Telos Pavilion Harbor Center, Portsmouth
FREE (Tickets required); Visit Festival Box Office or call 757-282-2822
