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Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism's Festivals and Special Events
E-mail: festivals@nngov.com
Office: Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Fountain Plaza Two, 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320, Newport News, VA 23606
See our current Quarterly Tabloid Page on Festivals & Special Events (page 48)
For additional community events in Newport News, please see the Newport News Community Events Calendar.
2008 Newport News Special Events:
March 14; 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Shamrock Party on O'Plaza
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
The magic of the leprechauns will transform the Fountain Plaza into a “wee bit” of the Emerald Isle. Live music by Carbon Leaf. Food ($) and beverage ($) vendors on site. Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 4,000.
April 30; 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fiesta by the Fountain
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
This event offers “South of the Border” fun for the whole family. Spicy food ($), cool beverages ($), and hot music by TimbaSon fill the Fountain Plaza . Free games and crafts for kids. Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 2,000. See here for complete Fiesta by the Fountain information.
May 3; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
19th Newport News Children's Festival of Friends
-Newport News Park
Kids ages 2 -12 will enjoy over 100 free hands-on activities, entertainment by Yosi & The Superdads, costumed characters including Marvel's The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man, free children's rides. $3.00 per car parking fee, all activities are free. Food vendors ($) on site. Attendance: 10,000. See here for complete 2008 Newport News Children's Festival of Friends information.
May 30; 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Virginia Symphony Concert
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
Enjoy a free sunset performance by the Virginia Symphony. Food vendor on site ($). Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 2,000
July 4; 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
4th of July Stars in the Sky
-Victory Landing Park
The Virginia Peninsula 's biggest July 4th event features national entertainment, food vendors ($), children's rides ($), and fireworks over the James River . Free admission; Attendance: 30,000
August 2, 9, 16 & 23; 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Family Films by the Fountain
-City Center at Oyster Point
Free “film-themed fun” starts the evening with pre-show entertainment and hands-on activities based on the theme of the film. Enjoy classic and new family films under the stars on the beautiful City Center Fountain Plaza . Food vendor ($) on site. Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 1,000 per week.
August 16, 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.
King-Lincoln Music Festival
-King-Lincoln Park
Enjoy a variety of musical styles, including R & B and Jazz, by regional musicians at this family festival featuring free kids' activities and rides. Food vendors ($) on site. Free admission; Attendance: 2,000
August 29; 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Virginia Symphony Concert
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
Enjoy a free sunset performance by the Virginia Symphony. Food vendor on site. Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 2,000
October 4 & 5; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day
35th Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife
-Newport News Park
Southeast Virginia's biggest traditional craft show features over 200 vendors, traditional crafts and trades, folk entertainment, food ($), and children's activities. $5.00 per car parking fee; Attendance: 70,000. See below for crafter/vendor applications, applications due April 4, 2008.
October 24; 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Oyster Point Oyster Roast
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
This popular event features live music, seafood, watermen's displays, and free children's activities. Food ($) and beverage ($) vendors on site. Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 2,000
October 25; 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Great Pumpkin Party
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
Join us for some “not-so-scary” fun with entertainment, “make-and-take” crafts, and special surprises! Food vendors ($) on site. Free admission, free parking. Attedance: 2,000.
November 27 - January 1; 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. each night
Celebration in Lights
-Newport News Park
Drive through two miles of holiday light displays. $10.00 per car, $50.00 per bus; Attendance: 100,000
December 5; 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Hollydazzle
-City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza
This unique holiday event combines fireworks, special effects, and music in a spectacular show presented “in the round” on the Fountain Plaza . Free children's activities, holiday performances, and food vendors ($). Free admission, free parking. Attendance: 15,000.
Event details subject to change. Check on-line for updates or call (757) 926-1400.
Vendor, Exhibitor, Entertainer, and Sponsor information for Newport News Special Events:
Vendors (selling on site at events):
Commercial vendors interested in selling food, crafts, or other merchandise at Newport News Special Events should contact Denine Miller at (757) 926-1400. The deadline for craft and merchandise vendors for the Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife is April 1st of each year (the festival is always the first full weekend in October).
2008 Mechandise Vendor Application (events other than the Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife)
2008 Food Vendor Applications (all events):
2008 Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife applications:
Crafter/Vendor application deadline April 4, 2008.
Exhibitors:
Non-profit and community groups can apply to be exhibitors at Newport News Special Events by calling Denine Miller at (757) 926-1400. Check here for updates on events that accept non-profit and community group exhibitors.
Entertainers:
Local, regional, and national entertainers can submit resumes, CD’s, or videos for booking consideration by mail to:
Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Fountain Plaza Two, 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320, Newport News, VA 23606
Sponsors:
Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available for all events. Sponsorship rates are based on benefits requested by each sponsor and benefits can be customized to meet individual sponsor needs. In-kind (trade of services) contributions may be accepted in combination with/in place of cash contributions. Please call Renee Popernack at (757) 926-1400 for additional information.
