Soak up the small town charm of Smithfield & Isle of Wight County
Tucked away in the southern most region of Hampton Roads is the charming hamlet of Smithfield in Isle of Wight County. Here, perched along the James River, summer days are steamy, the kids are out of school, and everyone is cruising for something fun to do. Have no fear; we have the 4-1-1 on summer events from outdoor concerts to classic car Cruz-Ins.
What better way to kick off summer than with an outdoor bluegrass concert? Flatfoot your way to downtown Smithfield on Friday, June 16 at 8:00 pm, where David Joyner will reunite his bluegrass band, Thunder Creek, after a decade. An eclectic mix of mighty musicians will pick and fiddle. Don’t forget your lawn chair! For further information go to SmithfieldArts.com.
What’s more summery than a car cruz-in? The Smithfield Lions Club is hosting the Lions Classic Car Cruz-In on Friday, June 16 from 6:00-9:00 pm. This classic car show is open to all makes and models. If you’re a lover of the classic automotive, you won’t want to miss it! For further information call 757.371.6061.
Show of hands….who likes wine? We thought so! The Wine Guild at Bon Vivant Wine & Brew will offer wine tastings on the third Friday of each month at 7 pm. Pair your whites and reds and mark June 16, July 21, August 18 on your calendar. Pre-tasting starts at 6:45. For more information email Mike at mike23430@yahoo.com.
Another opportunity for wine tasting occurs later in the month at the Monthly Wine Tasting at Pagan River Wine Merchants
Friday, June 30 at 7:15 p.m., at the Boardwalk Shops in Downtown Smithfield. Held the last Friday of every month, Pagan River Wine Merchants’ Wine Tasting guides guests through a series of six different wines and gives a brief talk on each. For more information call 757.357.5375 or email prwm@smithfieldstation.com.
Not to be outdone by the wine guilds, the Beer Club at Bon Vivant Wine & Brew will also provide monthly tastings on the last Friday of each month, starting Friday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m., 1504 S. Church Street, Smithfield. Beat the heat and enjoy great, local brews. Pre-tasting starts at 6:45. For more information email Mike at mike23430@yahoo.com.
Summer reading is a time-honored tradition, so be sure to catch the Book Signing by Ash Cutchin at the Blackwater Regional Library, Smithfield Branch. Saturday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Local author and illustrator, Ash Cutchin will be signing his book “Dog tails, fish tales and other Misadventures.” For further information email the author at ashappraz@charter.net.
What is summer without fresh veggies? Boogie on down to the Smithfield Farmers Market and gather up nature’s bounty on Saturday, June 17, 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. The market runs EVERY SATURDAY through October and has LIVE MUSIC. Pets are welcome. For further information contact Market Manager, Cheryl Ketcham at cketcham@isleofwightus.net.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for a movie under the stars, check out Movies in the Park, presenting the blockbuster Sing on Friday, June 23 at sunset. Popcorn is provided, so just bring yourself and your lawn chair for this family-friendly cinematic event in Camptown Park. For more information call 757.376.0316 or email lwood@isleofwightus.net.
We often reminisce about the “olden days,” and now you can experience them in real time on June 23 & June 24 in downtown Smithfield. Started in the 1980’s, the Smithfield Olden Days Festival is a wildly popular community event featuring crafters and artisans, antique cars, military vehicles, a ghost walk, live music, the “Kids, Bike and Pet Parade”, the Pagan River Raft Race, children’s area, great food and more! For more information call 757.357.5182.
Don’t miss the kick-off to Smithfield Olden Days on June 23rd, when Anthony Snape will give another spectacular concert from 6:00-7:00 pm. The Anthony Snape Concert will take place at the Bank of Southside Virginia. Snape is known for his “raw acoustic performances, lush with uplifting emotional songs.” For more information call 757.357.5182.
Speaking of the olden days, don’t forget your opportunity to shop the Smithfield Vintage Alley at Olden Days. This popular vendor offers antiques and vintage treasures in a market style fashion along North Mason Street in downtown Smithfield. Friday, June 23 from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information call 757.357.5182.
Transport yourself to the ocean with oldies and beach music during the Friday Night Summer Concert Series featuring Ocean Breeze on Friday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Smithfield Times Gazebo, in downtown Smithfield, will sound more like a resort cabana than a downtown street festival. Free and open to the public, just bring your lawn chair and appreciation of eclectic music. For further information go to SmithfieldArts.com.
For those feeling spooky, check out the Historic Ghost Walk on Friday, June 23 from 8:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Ghost Walk begins at the 1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse, in downtown Smithfield, and covers everything from the ghosts of Isle of Wight to the scandals and legends of the area. Peppered with a dash of history, there’s a little something for everyone. Get your tickets early, as this event often sells out! Buy your tickets early at the Smithfield Visitor Center 319 Main Street. For more information call 757.357.5182.
If the summer heat leaves you seeking water activities, consider the Pagan River Raft Race happening on Saturday, June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Smithfield Station, 415 S. Church Street in downtown Smithfield. Rafters will gather waterside at the Smithfield Station for this popular raft race closing out Smithfield’s Olden Days Festival. For more information call 757.357.5182.
Feeling artsy? Then grab your pals (and your wallet) and head out to the Birds of the World watercolor exhibition. Local Smithfield artist Glenn Ormsby will exhibit and sell his creations on June 27th at the Arts Center @ 319. Start your summer by embracing the watercolored beauty of dramatic raptors and plumed birds! . For more information call 757.357.7707.
Finish out the month with the Friday Night Summer Concert Series featuring The York River Band on Friday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Times Gazebo. This annual patriotic tribute makes way for the upcoming Independence Day celebration. Concerts are free; just bring your chair or blanket, a healthy dose of patriotism, and your appreciation for assorted types of music.
