Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events
JANUARY
Recent Work
January 11 – February 17, 2008
Celebrate the recent works of three men working in different mediums: George Tussing’s paintings,
Christian Johnston’s photography and Mike Bell’s sculptures fill the Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
MARCH
The Nature of Tidewater: Al Benas and Phyllis Slate
February 29 – April 6, 2008
A pair of local photographers highlight regional landscapes and wildlife in this exhibition at the
Portlock Galleries at SoNo. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
Mid-Atlantic Beadin’ Bazaar
March 29-30, 2008
Beads galore make this event shine at the Chesapeake Conference Center. Shop, design or create
in a selection of workshops and classes. Ticketed admission. For more information, call 757/3822516 or visit www.beadinbazaar.com.
APRIL
Chesapeake Dog Fanciers Show
April 17-18, 2008
More than 100 different dog breeds are represented each day during this pair of American Kennel
Club all-breed dog shows which draw exhibitors from southern, eastern and mid-western states to
Chesapeake City Park. For tickets and more information, call 757/421-2656.
Peninsula Glass Guild Juried Exhibition
April 18 – June 1, 2008
A special glass exhibition in the Portlock Galleries at SoNo features the original works of Guild
members. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
2nd Annual Great Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon and Inaugural
Children’s Half Mile Fun Run
April 19, 2008
Run along the new Great Dismal Swamp Trail with lush landscape and a straight, pancake-flat
course to enhance the 13.1-mile journey. ChampionChip-timed with cash prizes totaling $10,000.
New children’s half mile Cub Run added this year. Registration required. A Health and Fitness
Expo precedes the run on April 17 and 18 at the Chesapeake Conference Center. For more
information, click on www.dismalswampstomp.com or call toll-free 888/889-5551.
(more)
Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events – page two
APRIL (continued)
4 th Annual Chesapeake Arts Festival
April 26-27, 2008
More than 50 artists display their original works at Lakeside Park, complemented by live music all
weekend. Proceeds benefit the Hope House Foundation. For more information, call 757/6256161 or visit www.hope-house.org.
Miami String Quartet
April 27, 2008
One of the most sought-after chamber music quartets in America, the Miami String Quartet
performs at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church as part of the 12 th Annual Virginia Arts Festival.
For tickets and more information, call 757/282-2822 or visit www.vafest.com.
MAY
5th Annual Paddle for the Border
May 3, 2008
Paddle along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal in your own canoe or kayak from South Mills, NC
to Chesapeake. The 7.5-mile trip begins at 8:00 am and is limited to 200 vessels that converge
for a picnic lunch. For more information and to register, call 757/382-6411.
Shrimp Feast
May 15, 2008
Succulent shrimp is served in a bevy of varieties at Chesapeake City Park as a prelude to the
popular Chesapeake Jubilee. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis charities. For tickets and more
information, call 757/482-8004.
26th Annual Chesapeake Jubilee
May 15-18, 2008
Having celebrated its silver anniversary in 2007, Chesapeake City Park again comes alive with
family fun, festival food, carnival rides, animal shows, livestock auction, live musical
entertainment and a tasty barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society
boasting a $10,000 prize purse. For tickets, performance schedules and more information, call
757/482-4848 or click on www.chesapeakejubilee.org.
JUNE
12th Annual American Indian Festival
June 7-8, 2008
The outdoor celebration features American Indian storytelling, traditional dancing and
demonstrations with Native American fare in Chesapeake City Park. Native jewelry, crafts and
more are offered for sale. Free. For more information, call 757/382-6411.
Grandparents Fishing Day
June 7, 2008
Make memories across the generations during a fun fishing weekend at Northwest River Park, no
license required. Tackle and bait available, with certificates, prizes and souvenir photos offered.
Free. For more information, call 757/421-7151.
(more)
Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events – page three
JUNE (continued)
Family Fishing Rodeo
June 8, 2008
The whole family can learn the secrets of the sport at Northwest River Park, no license required.
Basic fishing instruction, prizes and souvenir photos offered. Free. For more information, call
757/421-7151.
Agustin R. Rojas: With Their Own Hands
June 13 – July 20, 2008
Prints and etchings by Cuban born artist Agustin R. Rojas is displayed at Portlock Galleries at
SoNo. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
10th Annual Phelps Brothers Music Festival
June 15, 2008
Come celebrate the 60-year music and entertainment careers of local legends –Norman, Willie, &
Earl Phelps—at Lakeside Park with a series of Country and Bluegrass performances. Free. For
more information, call 757/467-2149.
Shakespeare in the Grove
June 25-29, 2008
This annual event is performed in the outdoor, wooded grove of Tidewater Community College’s
Chesapeake Campus. Free. Blankets, picnics and lawn chairs welcomed. For more information,
call 757/822-5219.
Boardapalooza 2008 – Wake Competition
June 28, 2008
Professional and amateur wakeboarders strut their stuff competing and performing extreme aerial
demonstrations. Wakesurfing and wakeskating competitions also are held during the weekend
waterfront event. Oak Grove Lake Park. Free. For more information, call 757/436-0904.
JULY
Fine Arts Commission “Under the Stars” Performance Series 2008: Pops @
the Bagley
July 3, 2008
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a concert featuring Todi Summer Symphony at Chesapeake City
Park’s Buddy Bagley Stage followed by a grand fireworks display. Free. For more information,
call 757/382-6411.
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2008
Celebrate America’s birthday at Lakeside Park with a parade, entertainment, food, games, crafts
and paddleboat rides. Free. For more information, call 757/382-6411.
8th Annual Chesapeake Open Horseshoe Tournament
July 11-13, 2008
Male and female champion pitchers from all over the East Coast try to get a ringer at
Chesapeake City Park. Free. For more information, call 757/366-9609.
(more)
Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events – page four
JULY (continued)
Fine Arts Commission “Under the Stars” Performance Series 2008:
Bluegrass @ the Bagley
July 19, 2008
Enjoy a bluegrass extravaganza complete with instrument workshops and craft exhibits at
Chesapeake City Park’s Buddy Bagley Stage. Free. For more information, call 757/382-6411.
AUGUST
Bob Lerner and Betty Scott Owen
August 1 – September 7, 2008
Recent works by leading photographers Bob Lerner and Betty Scott Owen will be on display at
Portlock Galleries at SoNo. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
Mid-Atlantic Mustang Car Show & Swap Meet
August 2, 2008
Come rev your engine at this annual car show at Chesapeake City Park. While Mustangs are
featured, the event is open to all makes and models and benefits the Children’s Miracle Network.
Hosted by the Mustang Club of Tidewater. For tickets and more information, call 757/340-0627
or visit www.mustangcluboftidewater.com.
4th Annual Chesapeake Criterium Bicycle Race
August 9, 2008
Top-level bicycle racing returns to Chesapeake with races for all United States Cycling
Federation Categories plus age-graded State Championship Criterium races at the Chesapeake
City Municipal Center.
For more information, call 757/547–7188 or register online at
www.bikereg.com.
Fine Arts Commission Symphony Under the Stars and Fireworks – Virginia
Symphony Orchestra
August 31, 2008
Tidewater Pipes and Drums will open a patriotic al fresco performance on the Buddy Bagley
Stage in Chesapeake City Park at twilight. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra takes the stage with
“Americana” classics followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Free. For more information,
call 757/382-6411.
Wine for the Arts
August 31, 2008
Chesapeake Friends of the Arts presents the 3rd Annual Wine for the Arts. For more information
about this event held at Chesapeake City Park, call 757/410-3019.
SEPTEMBER
Tidewater Art Alliance: Significant Expressions
September 19 – October 26, 2008
An eclectic exhibition of work from the oldest artist's member organization in the area is displayed
at the Portlock Galleries at SoNo. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
(more)
Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events – page five
SEPTEMBER (continued)
Chesapeake Heritage & Civil War Days
September 20-21, 2008
This event commemorates the historical ideals of war and rural agriculture during the late 1800s
and features the 15th Virginia Calvary re-enactors, artisans from all over Virginia and North
Carolina, live acoustic music, educational displays and demonstrations, and fun educational
activities for children. It is a two day event that takes place at Chesapeake City Park. The event
gives local artisans, musicians, farmers, and agricultural organizations the opportunity to educate
people of all ages about the very important rural heritage of Chesapeake. For more information,
call 757/382-6411.
OCTOBER
Great American Food Fest
October 1, 2008
Sample some of the area’s best food and drink in Chesapeake City Park. Proceeds benefit the
Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office Elder and Indigent Victims Assistance programs. Advance ticket
required. For tickets and more information, call 757/382-6159.
DockDogs® National Sportsmen’s Series Competition
October 4-5, 2008
The DockDogs® National Sportsmen’s Series Tour returns to Chesapeake with its popular Big Air
and Extreme Vertical competitions. Competitions are open to all dogs and public viewing is free in
Chesapeake City Park. For more information, call 757/382-6411 or visit www.dockdogs.com to
register.
Bark in the Park
October 5, 2008
Bring your four-legged best friend to Chesapeake City Park for a doggone good time, including
the ever-popular “Bone Hunt,” Pups on Parade and interactive programs in the K-9 contest area.
Games, contests and demonstrations are offered for pets and owners alike. Free. For more
information, call 757/382-6411.
33rd Annual US Open 9-Ball Championships
October 20-26, 2008
Watch the world’s greatest 9-ball pool champions rack ‘em up at the Chesapeake Conference
Center for up to $200,000 in cash prizes. Custom product and accessory displays show you how
to replicate the experience at home. For tickets and more information, call 757/499-8900 or click
on www.usopen9ballchampionships.com.
Ghost Train at Northwest River Park
October 23-25, 2008
October 30 - November 1, 2008
Ghouls and goblins invade the woods of Northwest River Park to taunt and terrify train riders in
anticipation of Halloween. Reservations required. For tickets and more information, call 757/4217151.
(more)
Chesapeake 2008 Calendar of Events – page six
OCTOBER (continued)
Governor’s School for the Arts Themed Exhibition
October 31 – November 30, 2008
Student works focusing on Halloween will be displayed at Portlock Galleries at SoNo. Free. For
more information, call 757/502-4901.
NOVEMBER
Indian River Christmas Craft Show
November 15-16, 2008
Nearly 100 talented artisans display and sell their original works at Indian River High School, just
in time to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Pictures with Santa Claus, children’s activities
and concessions also are available. For more information, call 757/382-6411.
DECEMBER
Battle of Great Bridge
December 6-7, 2008
Commemorate a pair of pivotal Revolutionary War victories at Great Bridge during a living history
event complete with battle re-enactments, character portrayals, military encampments, skilled
trade artisans, children’s activities and demonstrations on the Great Bridge “Bridge.” Free. For
more information, call 757/382-6411.
Chesapeake Christmas Parade
December 6, 2008
Christmas isn’t complete without a hometown parade, complete with marching bands, costumed
characters, colorful floats and Santa Claus. Free. For more information, call 757/546-1321.
Ronn Maratea: Around the Globe
December 5, 2008 – January 11, 2009
Maratea’s wildlife photography illuminates his globetrotting adventures and is displayed in the
Portlock Galleries at SoNo. Free. For more information, call 757/502-4901.
--END--