The City of Newport News is taking residents and guests on a journey filled with culture, craftsmanship, and cuisine during the World Arts Celebration at City Center at Oyster Point on Saturday, May 21, from noon to 5 p.m. This event, which also celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Sister Cities program in Newport News, explores cultures from around the world with international vendors, performers, artists, interactive education stations, as well as cosmopolitan food and beverages for all to enjoy!
The event headliner, Kadencia, is a Puerto Rican rhythm-infused band that uses bomba, plena, and salsa to promulgate Puerto Rican culture, educate audiences on the island’s native musical expressions, and encourage audiences to move in ways they never knew possible.
Throughout the afternoon, enjoy additional performances, artwork, and exhibits representing a variety of countries, including Japan, China, France, Africa, South America, and Germany. Free children’s activities include face painting, henna designs, and international “make and take” crafts. Families can take photos with artistic props representing a variety of countries from around the world. Free Japanese fans, International flag lanyards, French berets, Mexican sombreros, tribal ethnic bracelets, and Chinese yo-yos will be given away while supplies last. Vendors will have artwork and crafts available for purchase.
Along Mariners Row, folkdance, music, and arts will take over the picturesque street with performances on the International Market Stage, La Danse Performance Floor, and on-street entertainment. The dynamic schedule features:
International Market Stage Schedule:
12 PM - Mosaic Steel Orchestra
1 PM - Atumpan
2 PM - Rhythm of Ireland School of Irish Dance
2:30 PM - D Westry Speed Painter
3 PM - Mayuko Chida, Japanese Koto
3:20 PM - D Westry Speed Painter
4:00 PM - Kadencia
La Danse Performance Floor Schedule:
12 PM - Jow Ga Kung Fu Lion Dance
1 PM - Latin Ballet of Virginia
2 PM - Red Crooked Sky
2:45 PM - PCAA Chinese Demonstration
3:30 PM – Atumpan
On-Street Entertainment and Demonstrations:
Die Zeitlosen Musiker (1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:15 PM)
French Mimes
Stilt Walkers
Spray Paint Artists
Plein Air Painters
The following food vendors and restaurants will have items available for purchase.
International Food Vendors:
American Fruity Smoothie
Aux Delices - desert crepes and macaroons
Had dash Grill - gyros and Greek specialties
Indulge Bakery & Bistro - quiche, croissants, truffles, baguette sandwiches
Jem's Caribbean Food - jerk, curry and fried chicken with fixins
Jessie Lou's - artisan grilled cheese sandwiches and soups
Lorna's Kitchenette - lumpia delights and Filipino foods
City Center Restaurants:
City Center Ice Cream
Cove Tavern
Good Vibes - Outdoor Festhaus-style seating with a special German menu
Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
Juicing LIFE Bar & Cafe
Mr. Boil - Cajun Seafood & Poke Bowl
MyPi Pizza
Salsa's Mexican Restaurant
Taste Unlimited
Tucano's Brazilian Grill
VEDEAT
The World Arts Celebration is presented by the City of Newport News, Sister Cities of Newport News, and Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Admission and parking are free. For additional information, call 757-926-1400 or visit nnparks.com.
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