Explore 30 cultures from around the world at the World Arts Celebration on Saturday, May 20, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Find the activities and entertainment around the fountain at City Center at Oyster Point. International food vendors, free children’s activities, cultural exhibits, and three stages full of non-stop entertainment make for an evening of fun for the whole family. Dozens of Chinese artists are bringing over 100 original oil paintings for a “pop-up” exhibition in City Center in conjunction with the World Arts Celebration (see article below).
Visit exhibits from Taiwan, Africa, Germany, China, Japan, France, Mali, Egypt, West Indian Islands, Ukraine, Vietnam, Polynesia, Poland, America, and Cambodia. Free children’s activities include face painting, henna designs, and international “make and take” crafts. Families can take photos with props representing a variety of countries from around the world. Free sombreros, Chinese Yo Yos, Tiki sunglasses and animal berets are available while supplies last. Artwork and crafts from Ghana, Peru, Mexico, Germany, and America can be purchased from vendors.
Enjoy Folkdance, music and martial arts performances as it fills three stages throughout the event. The World Stage features a variety of artist including Scottish Bagpipers, Atumpan African Dance, the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads, the Peninsula Chinese American Association, the Hampton Roads Korean Dance Ensemble, the Ohana Arts Hula and the headlining performance of Sharon Clark with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Big Band at 7:00 p.m. Sharon Clark is an international touring soloist who has headlined the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, the Cape May Jazz Festival, and the Savannah Music Festival. She is performing “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” as part of Newport News’ year-long Ella Fitzgerald Centennial Celebration.
Check out the Discovery Stage to see David Gussman (French Accordion), Enosis – Hellenic Youth Dancers of Hampton Roads, Micha’s Polish Folk Dancers, and the Rhythm of Ireland Irish Dancers. The Gazebo Stage features the Rhythm Project Steel Drummers a, Brave Chanteys with Heely Interactive Sea Chanteys, Atumpan The Talking Drum Folklore, and Drum Your Dream. Strolling performers include a Roman living statue, a stilt walker, a Cirque troupe, the Jow Ga Kung Fu Association’s Dragon & Lion Dance and more.
International food vendors are selling food representing Italy (Over the Moon Pizza, Made 4 U Italian Ice, Taste Unlimited, Travinia), Brazil (Tucano’s Brazilian Grill), Puerto Rico (El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine), and the Caribbean Islands (MP Island Café).
The World Arts Celebration is presented by the City of Newport News, Sister Cities of Newport News, and the Virginia Arts Festival. Admission and parking are free. For additional information, call 757-926-1400. Find updates and announcements (including weather-related announcements) on
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