Gallery at York Hall

The Gallery at York Hall recently opened for its ninth season. The gallery features themed exhibits that showcase more than 30 local artists to increase awareness of high quality art in the community. Spring exhibits include quilts and watercolors, featuring artist Jack Zanks. Summer exhibits continue with watercolors and pottery, featuring artist Martha Hayes. The Gallery at York Hall is located at 301 Main St. in Yorktown. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 890-4490 or visit www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism for a complete listing of 2010 exhibits.

South King St.

The Hampton History Museum is featuring a special exhibit through Aug. 15 to honor the 400th Anniversary of Hampton. “South King: Hampton’s Waterfront Through the Ages,” features the waterfront of Hampton along South King St. as it has changed over the past 400 years. Many drawings and photographs portray the different moods and looks of this area, while artifacts from archaeological excavations and from the still-existing ship chandlery and seafood businesses will provide multiple foci of information and stories about the oldest continuous English settlement in North America. The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. For further information, call 727-1610.

April 3

Easter Eggstravaganza

Sandy Bottom Nature Park celebrates the arrival of spring during the annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features the Easter Bunny, a children’s craft area, storytelling, live bunny displays, prizes, food vendors and Hampton Sheriff’s Department IDent-A-Kid service. Sandy Bottom Nature Park is located at 1255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton. More than 20 Easter egg hunts will take place throughout the day, with two beginning every half hour starting at 10 a.m. and the last set beginning at 2:30 p.m. The hunts will be arranged by two age groups: up to 6 years of age and 7 to 12 years of age. Children will also have a chance to get their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. The cost is $5 for the photo. Admission price is $5 for children up to age 12, and adults are free. For more information, call 825-4657.

The Common Object

“The Common Object,” an exhibition of artworks by Zeuxis, an association of realist painters, headlines a series of exhibitions beginning at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center on Saturday and continuing through July 11. Featuring 30 works by 25 artists, The Common Object explores how different artists incorporate and interpret the same object, in this case a dish towel, in each of their work. Organized in association with “The Common Object,” “Looking Large” includes the work of two Virginia photographers presented in large format. Sarah Hazelgrove, an artist from Roanoke who spends time in Paris, presents two multi-part photographic series, “Les Chaises de Paris” and “The Anatomy of Trees.” The abstract, yet recognizable imagery of Georgianne Stinnett’s Daemons is comprised of six photographs of taxidermist’s animal forms. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is located at 101 Museum Drive, Newport News. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday (free Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m.), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission price is $7.50 for adults; $6 for active duty military, seniors, students and AAA; $4 for children ages 6 to 12; and free for children age 5 and under. For more information, call 596-8175 or visit www.pfac-va.org.

April 5

Port Hampton Lecture

Mr. Wilford Kale, Williamsburg author and historian, will host a book signing and discuss his new book, “Parke Rouse’s Hampton: A New Look at the Old Town” at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Hampton History Museum. The museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Fee is $3. For details, call 727-1610 or visit www.hampton.va.us/history_museum/main.html.

April 7

Celtic Film Series

An IRA gunman on the run from the government meets up with an idealistic young woman and attempts to win her support for his cause in “The Dawning,” April’s Celtic Film Series offering by Williamsburg Regional Library. This 1990 PG-rated film stars Anthony Hopkins, Jean Simmons, Trevor Howard and Hugh Grant. The film is free of charge and will be shown at 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Williamsburg Library Theatre, 515 Scotland St. For more information, call 259-4070 or visit www.wrl.org/programs.

April 8

Thursday Film Series

Williamsburg Library’s Thursday Film Series for April features historical epics. On Thursday, Land of the Pharaohs (1955, unrated) will be presented. Pharaoh KhuFu (Jack Hawkins) spends decades building a huge pyramid to entomb his mortal remains and accumulated wealth. Unfortunately for him, his greedy second wife (Joan Collins) wants the treasure all to herself. The great Howard Hawks directed this mini-epic co-starring Charlie Chaplin’s real-life son, Sydney Chaplin. On April 15, Kings of the Sun (1963, unrated) will be featured. An exiled Mayan king (George Chakiris) and a North American Indian (Yul Brynner) must find a way to settle their differences and unite against a common enemy in this unusual historical film. Shirley Anne Field plays the lovely Mayan girl desired by both men. For more information, call 259-4070 or visit www.wrl.org/programs.

April 9

Tykes and Troops

The fifth annual Bikers for Tykes and Troops will be held April 9 to 11 at Kampgrounds of America in Virginia Beach. The event features national and local music acts, vendors and exhibitors, tattoo and best bike contests, and a freedom ride. Advance tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster or in person at the KOA, 1240 General Booth Blvd., or Trav-L-Park, 1075 General Booth Blvd. Advance ticket prices are $20 for the weekend, $5 for April 9, $10 for April 10 and $5 for April 11. Tickets will increase by $5 when purchased at the gate. Military that show a valid identification card receive advance ticket prices at the gate, and children 12 and under are free. For more information, including additional information on other venues to purchase advance tickets from, visit www.bikersfortykesandtroops.org/virginiabeach. Jim Watson, a founding member of the Red Clay Ramblers, on bass and his distinctive harmony vocals, and bluegrass veteran Jimmy Gaudreau on mandolin and mandola. The Library Theatre is located at 515 Scotland St. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for Friends of WRL and students, and $9 for those under 16. Call 259-4070 to reserve tickets. For more information on this and upcoming Dewey Decibel Concert events, visit www.wrl.org/programs/concerts.

April 10

Space Party

“The world’s biggest space party” returns to Hampton Roads. Partygoers will join 90 cities, in 31 countries on six continents, for Yuri’s Night, a celebration of Space Exploration, on April 10 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Virginia Air & Space Center located at 600 Settlers Landing Road in downtown Hampton. Yuri’s Night creates a global community of young people committed to shaping the future of space exploration. These events showcase elements of culture that embrace space including music, dance, science and art. Yuri’s Night will focus on what is new and exciting at NASA. The event will feature a fusion of entertainment, dance demonstrations, state-of-the art exhibits showcasing NASA contributions, the Virtusphere, and more. Admission for Yuri’s Night is $10 per person and tickets are available in advance by calling 727-0900, extension 705. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.yurihr.com. Food is included with admission and beverages are available for purchase. Yuri’s Night is an 18 and older event.

National Zoo Kiwis

Come behind the scenes with the Virginia Living Museum on a special guided tour to look at one of the National Zoo’s most unusual animals, the Kiwi. Kiwi feathers, eggs, x-rays, skeletons and will be on display and time is built in to visit the pandas, elephants, reptiles, invertebrates, mammal and bird houses, the recently opened Asia Trail and some of the 400 species that live at the National Zoo. Those 18 and above are welcome and ages 8-17 with an adult. Transportation is provided, leaving the Virginia Living Museum on April 10 at 7 a.m. and returning at 9:30 p.m. The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News. Cost is $40 for VLM members and $60 for non-members. Register in advance by calling 595-9135 or register online at www.thevlm.org.

Star Party/Laser Light Shows

Free celestial observations begin at 8 p.m. on April 10 at the Virginia Living Museum. Explore the current night sky in the “Virginia Skies” planetarium program at 7:30 p.m., and then enjoy the state-of-the-art laser system that splashes brilliant high-color LED laser light all across the entire surface of the planetarium dome. Three shows are planned: Laser Magic (family) at 8:30 p.m., Laser Beatles (hard rock) at 10 p.m. and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” at 11:30 p.m. All shows $6. For more details, call 595-9135.

April 16

Arts and Crafts Fair

A Spring Arts and Crafts Fair will be held at Fort Monroe’s Community Activities Center April 16 to 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The CAC is located at 100 Stilwell Road. For vendor or visitor information, call 788-3151.

Art with Children

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center presents “Looking at Art with Your Children” on April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m., with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Parents will be oriented with the many activities and resources available to teach Virginia Standards of Learning in the center’s Hands on For Kids gallery. The event is free and open to the public and child care is provided. The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is located on 101 Museum Drive in Newport News. For more information, call 596-8175 or visit www.pfac-va.org.

April 17

International Children’s Festival

The International Children’s Festival returns to downtown Hampton’s Mill Point Park on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual free event features over 30 countries and allows a unique opportunity for children of all ages to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of cultures from across the globe. Activities include a costumed Parade of Nations that will showcase exquisite fabrics, bold colors and exciting designs. Entertainment for this year’s festival will include the popular Dragon Head Dance, strolling classical guitarists Jim & Sylvia Kalal, the Happy Dutchmen “Oompa Band,” Toni Crowder as the “Opera Clown,” animals from around the world by Busch Gardens Animal Ambassadors, and native folk dancers. For more information, call 727-8311 or visit www.hampton.gov/parks/icf.

Underground Railway Theatre

Underground Railway Theatre will perform “How Do You Spell Hope” on April 17 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the American Theatre. The performance celebrates reading and the power of literacy with actors, puppets and original music. The presentation includes three stories of courage and compassion in the face of illiteracy: the historical narrative of the great orator Frederick Douglass, the true story of a teenage star who overcomes dyslexia and the struggles of a contemporary immigrant family. The American Theatre is located at 125 E. Mellon St. in Hampton. For information, call 722-2787.

April 20

Introduction to Biomimicry

The Hampton Roads Green Building Council presents this month’s learning series event, “Introduction to Biomimicry,” on April 20 from noon to 1 p.m. “Introduction to Biomimicry” is a course designed to bring about basic understanding of this emerging science. It helps us to understand our innate tendency to connect with nature, and introduces us to a fresh “new” way to approach design. Starting from scratch, we’ll explore the beginnings of Biomimicry, and uncover the principles under which nature not only operates, but operates sustainably. Taking these principles, we will demonstrate the Biomimetic approach to solving problems (how does it work?), while looking to nature as model, mentor and measure. We’ll also explore how Biomimicry does and can relate to the various fields related to architecture and engineering. The presenter will be Lisa Schmidtke, CID, ASID, LEED AP from Clark Nexsen. This event has been approved for 1 GBCI Continuing Education Hour by the US Green Building Council’s Education Review Board. HRGBC Learning Series events are free for HRGBC members and $5 for non-members. Attendees may obtain official documentation of the GBCI Continuing Education credit hour for an additional $15 fee. Please visit the events calendar at www.hrgbc.org for more details. The course will be held in the HRGBC Clark Nexsen conference room, 6160 Kempsville Circle, Norfolk.

April 21

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returns to Hampton Coliseum April 21 to 25 with Barnum’s FUNundrum!, a celebration of P.T. Barnum 200 years in the making. Hop aboard and go on an unbelievable excursion that brings together performers and characters from exotic countries all over the world – even from places for which there are no geographic borders. Performance times are as follows: April 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m.; April 23, 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; April 24, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and April 25, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Door open one hour before performance. Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $14 to $85. For more information, call the Hampton Coliseum box office at 838-4203 or visit www.hampton.gov/coliseum.

Dee Dee Myers

The Virginia Beach Forum has announced that Dee Dee Myers will speak on April 21 at 7:45 p.m. at the Sandler Center at Town Center in Virginia Beach. After bursting onto the political scene as President Bill Clinton’s press secretary, the first woman and the second youngest person to hold that job, Myers never left. She sandwiched being an original consultant to the Emmy-winning NBC series “West Wing” with political commentary on CBS News. Ms. Myers is a contributing editor to “Vanity Fair” and author of the “New York Times” bestseller “Why Women Should Rule the World.” Tickets are $48 and available online at www.sandlercenter, by phone at 1-888-3-COXTIX or at the Sandler Center box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

April 22

Sunsets on the River

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk kicks off their Sunsets on the River three-part music series on Earth Day, April 22, with Lewis McGehee. Michael Clark Band will perform May 6, and the performer for May 20 will soon be announced. All events will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Guests are asked not to bring outside beverages, but do bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Beverages will be available. The event also provides an excellent opportunity to walk the garden paths and view the beautiful heirloom plants grown on the Hermitage property. Notable spring blooms include Peonies, Azaleas, Columbines, Irises, and Knockout Roses. Select plants will be available for purchase. Additionally, the Museum will remain open for free abbreviated house tours throughout the evening for those who are interested. Admission is $5 and free for Museum members and children 12 and under. The museum is located at 7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk. For additional information regarding Sunsets on the River, call Megan Frost at 423-2052, extension 205; email her at mf@thfm.org; or visit www.hermitagefoundation.org.

April 24

Saturday Summer Street Fest

Beginning April 24, the Saturday Summer Street Fest (formerly The Saturday Night Block Party- Downtown Hampton) returns to Queens Way with musical entertainment, refreshments and family fun. The street fest is scheduled every Saturday evening from April 24 to Sept. 4.

April 25

Hampton’s Annual Landing Day

The 400th anniversary of Hampton’s first landing in 1607 and the peaceful meeting between Native Americans and European settlers will be reenacted April 25 at 3 p.m. The free event will be held at Strawberry Banks, 30 Strawberry Banks Blvd. in Hampton. For more information, call 727-8311.

May7

Dream Kitchen Tours

Ferguson Center for the Arts partners with Junior League of Hampton Roads and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise awareness and educate about women’s cancers to present the Ferguson Kitchen Tour May 7 to 9. The tour will showcase 17 uniquely designed kitchens in private homes in Williamsburg, the Peninsula and the Southside. Tour participants can view the latest in kitchen design, technology and décor exhibited in a wide variety of private homes – from creative ranch style remodels to upscale new construction. Those thinking of remodeling or building their dream kitchen can find inspiration, architectural innovation and decorating ideas throughout the tour by exploring each kitchen’s creative use of space and unique features. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone of TLC’s “Take Home Chef” and now appearing on “Celebrity Apprentice” is the star for the opening gala on May 6, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Limited tickets are on sale for the “Get Fresh with Curtis Stone” opening event. Tour tickets are $25 per person. To purchase tickets for the tour and/or opening gala, visit the Junior League of Hampton Roads website at www.jlhr.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Ferguson Dream Kitchen Tour headquarters in the Peninsula Town Center in Hampton or at Ferguson locations in Williamsburg (6540 Mooretown Road), Virginia Beach (4712 Baxter Road) and Newport News (618 Bland Blvd.). Advance purchase is recommended; however, tickets will be available for purchase for $30 per person (to include the entire tour) at each home over the dates of the tour.