Our picks for what’s happening in Hampton Roads this week.
Greek cuisine and culture back under the big tent
The Newport News Greek Festival is returning June 2 through 5 with in-person dining and activities, the first time since 2019. Enjoy authentic Greek foods such as rice-stuffed grape leaves called dolmades, gyros packed with seasoned lamb and beef, baklava with layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, and much more. Listen to Greek music and learn a few Greek dance moves. Before going home, don’t forget to stop by the vendor tables to find a piece of jewelry, clothing or art.
June 2 to 4, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; noon to 5 p.m. on June 5. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News. newportnewsgreekfestival.org for details and online ordering.
Outdoor fun for the family
Grab the kids, cousins and friends and head to the Backyard Bash on June 4 in Newport News. Play a nine-hole game of putt putt, ride a mechanical bull, throw cornhole bags and participate in other interactive lawn games. Want something more relaxing? Take in the live music while chilling in your chair or sitting on a blanket. There will be seven food trucks to keep the gang hydrated, fed and happy.
4 to 8:00 p.m. Superblock Park 2601 Washington Ave., Newport News. Event parking located at Newport News City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave. with free shuttle service. nnparksandrec.org/event/backyard-bash
All-you-can-eat BBQ for a cause
Help raise money for a worthy cause by attending the Pig Pickin’ and Family Fun Day hosted by the Virginia Beach Crime Solvers. Indulge in Malbon’s all-you-can-eat barbecue. Kick back with a cold beverage and watch the plane demonstrations and cornhole tournament while the children jump the afternoon away in the bounce house and explore a fire truck.
June 4, 1 to 5 p.m. at Military Aviation Museum, 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. Tickets: $40 adults; kids 6-17 $10; children under 6 free; tinyurl.com/pigpickinevent
Calling beer lovers in N.C.
Ghost Harbor Brewing Company is normally closed on Mondays but will be open June 6 for a Beer Tasting & Bottle Swap. Admission is 32 ounces or more of a craft beer to share with others. Homebrewers are welcome to bring samples from their stash. Cheers!
7 to 9:00 p.m. at 602 East Colonial Ave., Elizabeth City. tinyurl.com/beertastingbottleswap.
Other events to explore
Café Geneviève Grand Opening: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 1. Selden Market, 208 East Main St., Norfolk. Free. tinyurl.com/cafegenevievemacarons
Eat for Education Fish Fry: 4 to 7 p.m. June 3. Farmers Bank, 1119 South Church St., Smithfield. Tickets $12. isle-of-wight-community-foundation.square.site
Summer Sippin Market: noon to 5 p.m. June 4. O’Connor Brewing Co., 211 W. 24th St., Norfolk. Free. tinyurl.com/summersippinmarket
Rekaya Gibson, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedai.com, 757-295-8809, follow on Twitter @gibsonrekaya
