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Things to do in Newport News 1/16 - 1/22

January 16th

Naturally Speaking – Finding Baby Louie

Virginia Living Museum  - January 16; 6 p.m.

Florence Magovern, co-creator of the exhibit, Tiny Titans, will share her story behind the discovery of “Baby Louie” the most complete dinosaur embryo ever found. Join us in learning about new scientific discoveries that fill in the gaps of what is known of dinosaur family life. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

January 17th

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Ferguson Center for the Arts - January 17; 8 p.m.

April 2019 marks the 26th anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, cofounded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. The band’s efforts to promote and revitalize swing music have taken shape as much more than a simple tribute. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy. 1 Avenue of the Arts, 757-594-8752, Click here for more information.

January 18th

Chills in the Mill – Harwoods Half Marathon & 5K

Harwoods Mill Park - January 18; 8:30 a.m. & 9:15 a.m.  

Chills in the Mill offers a half marathon or 5K option through the challenging terrain of Harwoods Mill in Yorktown/Newport News. The course is a combination of wide, open trail roads and single-trail bicycle paths. Are you up for the challenge? Oriana Road (SR 620), 757-886-7912. Click here for more information.

Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies

Virginia Living Museum - January 18 through May 3; 11 a.m.

Bring your little ones to learn about how dinosaurs raised their tiny titans. On display in our Changing Exhibits Gallery, this special exhibition is a remarkable hands-on exhibition that offers an astounding array of authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe – including those of each of the major plant and meat-eating dinosaur groups. Kids can dig for eggs, dress up like a parent dinosaur to brood their nest, and feel the texture of dinosaur eggs. Cute babies and fun dino facts will keep everyone entertained on your next trip to the museum. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

Dino on the Loose

Virginia Living Museum - January 18; 1 p.m.

Join our walking T. rex for a 15 minute dinosaur parade, photo ops and a roaring good time on the Dinosaur Discovery Trail! 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

90s R&B Yoga Pop-Up Class with Sariah Allmond

Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center- January 18; 10 a.m.

Sariah Allmond is leading this one-time class where you can relax and do yoga while listening to the sweet sounds of 90s R&B. This class is only $8 and equipment is not included. For more details, please click the button below. 2410 Wickham Avenue, 757-247-8950. Click here for more information.

January 19th

Bird Walk

Newport News Park - January 19; 7 a.m.

Join other bird enthusiasts and enjoy viewing birds in their natural habitat. No experience necessary! The group meets at the Picnic Area 1 Parking Lot at Newport News Park, but may drive to other areas of the park during the program. Dress for the weather and don't forget your binoculars! Co-hosted by the Hampton Roads Bird Club. 13560 Jefferson Avenue, 757-926-1400. Click here for more information. 

Sensory Friendly Sundays

Peninsula Fine Arts Center - January 19; 1 p.m.

Sensory Friendly Sundays take place the third Sunday of every month at PFAC from 1 pm until 2 pm for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to have a fun, enjoyable and learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment! Our Sensory Friendly days are a great way to explore exhibitions, during quieter times. You can also enjoy self-guided art activities in our Hands On For Kids Gallery. Gallery Guides are available. A quiet sensory zone is available with noise deafening headphones. Accessibility: PFAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its programs and services accessible to everyone. Wheelchairs and gallery stools are available at no charge. Guide Dogs are permitted in the galleries and a water bowl is available upon request. Large caption panel copy and gallery guides are available – but advance notice is needed. 101 Museum Drive, 757-596-8175. Click here for more information.

January 20th

Annual Museum Kids' Day

Virginia War Museum - January 20; 10 a.m.

Come enjoy the Virginia War Museum with kid friendly activities! 9285 Warwick Boulevard, 757-247-8523. Click here for more information.

Maritime Mondays

The Mariners’ Museum and Park - January 20; 10:30 a.m.

Designed for children 18 months to 8 years. FREE with Museum admission. Fun for children! Join us Monday mornings for engaging learning activities for children that include story time and a craft! 100 Museum Drive, 757-596-2222. Click here for more information.

Laser U2

Virginia Living Museum - January 20; 8:30 p.m.

The ultimate band from Ireland’s ultimate laser show! Featuring classic U2 hits like “Pride (In the Name of Love),” “New Year’s Day,” “October” and many, many more, this show will astound you with its awesome laser effects! Cost for VLM members is free, non-members is $4 plus Museum admission. Recommended for ages 6 and above. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

January 21st

Preschool Pals Playdate

Virginia Living Museum - January 21; 9 a.m.

Every Tuesday, join us for coffee, toddler play, and a Preschool Pals Planetarium show from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.! Sip on coffee while you watch your little scientist explore in the natural world and build in our toddler-friendly indoor build zone. Don’t forget to take in a Preschool Pals Planetarium show starting at 9:45 a.m. Come join us and get ready to build and play every Tuesday morning! 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

January 22nd

Art Start – Look Look

Peninsula Fine Arts Center - January 22; 10:30 a.m.

Visit the Peninsula Fine Arts Center on Wednesdays to take part in guided activities for budding artists and play in our Hands on for Kids Gallery. New, creative and fun lessons each week will introduce preschool-aged children to visual learning and creative expression. Classes are at no additional cost with the price of admission and free for members. Children five and under are free. Registration for each week’s classes is required and walk-ins cannot be accommodated if the class is at capacity. RSVP to jdobson@pfac-va.org. 101 Museum Drive, 757-596-8175. Click here for more information.

Continuing Events

Newport News Restaurant Week

Various Locations in Newport News - Continuing through January 25

Newport News Restaurant Week is back for its 7th year! Started in 2014, this two-week event is a time for participating restaurants across the city to offer two or three-course meals from a set menu for a fixed, affordable price. 757-886-7777. Click here for more information.

Toys Ahoy! A Maritime Childhood 

The Mariners’ Museum and Park - Continuing through September 2020

Toys Ahoy! is a new and fun exhibit that connects the young and the young at heart. With 100 different items on display such as children’s books, games and toys, this exhibit will excite everyone of all ages! The collection includes wood and paper battleships, board games, card games, puzzles, motorized miniature engines and other historic toys and collectibles from years gone by. Take a look at the Lego room in the Model gallery, where a continuation of the Lego ship building competition is on display. There will also be a STEM activity to design your own toy boat, and the opportunity to hear stories and learn amazing facts from toy collectors and designers. For the holiday season, the Museum is sponsoring a maritime toy drive in conjunction with “Toys for Tots.” Come explore your childhood again and delight in this wonderful exhibit as we take you down memory lane with Toys Ahoy! at “America’s National Maritime Museum!”

100 Museum Drive, 757-596-2222. Click here for more information.

Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies

Virginia Living Museum - Continuing through May 3

Bring your little ones to learn about how dinosaurs raised their tiny titans. On display in our Changing Exhibits Gallery, this special exhibition is a remarkable hands-on exhibition that offers an astounding array of authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe – including those of each of the major plant and meat-eating dinosaur groups. Kids can dig for eggs, dress up like a parent dinosaur to brood their nest, and feel the texture of dinosaur eggs. Cute babies and fun dino facts will keep everyone entertained on your next trip to the museum. 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, 757-595-1900. Click here for more information.

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