Special Events
The City sponsors many annual special events including the Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife in October, the Children's Festival of Friends in May, and the Celebration in Lights from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. These activities take place in Newport News Park. In addition, the City sponsors a spectacular entertainment and fireworks display for the Fourth of July Stars in the Sky in Downtown. In August, the City presents the King-Lincoln Music Festival at the southern end of Jefferson Avenue in King-Lincoln Park.
The City sponsors many special events and exhibits throughout the year at the Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center, and the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center.
Re-enactments of significant military engagements are sponsored annually by the City at the Lee Hall Mansion and Endview Plantation.
The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism conducts several events in City Center at Oyster Point including the Shamrock Party on O’Plaza held in March; the Fiesta by the Fountain held in May; concerts by the Virginia Symphony in May and September; the Oyster Point Oyster Roast in October and Hollydazzle in December which provides a variety of entertainment for all ages. Drawing thousands of people for each event, these special events with a regional appeal continue to enhance the image of the area as a safe, enjoyable and easily accessible place to visit.
A variety of other cultural events occur year round. These events are regional in scope, include small, special interest exhibits, events and celebrations that attract visitors nationally, and provide entertainment and enrichment for our citizens.