Reasons to Leave Your House this Weekend
Words Jennifer Mackey
Thursday, June 9th, 2011 at 8:09 am
It’s hot as H, E, double hockey sticks outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Rough the heat, leave the air conditioning behind (at least for a little while), and see what the world has to offer. We promise it’s worth it.
Here’s a list of the things to do:
Thursday
The Great Giveback
Presented by Head Hunters
10-2am @ Shakas
21&UP $5 | 18&UP $10
DJS:
DJ AETGY ( Grime Time / CMMDR / Head Hunters )
DISKO DAVE (Better Beat Bureau/KUYA TRIBE/BTYM)
CO-PILOT (Head Hunters)
With the promise of playing every genre of music and with the hopes of raising funds for Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (to purchase a new MRI machine that will impact the lives of a countless number of people), the Great Giveback is a perfect excuse to start your weekend on a Thursday. I know sometimes people get their panties in a bunch over cover charges, but this time all proceeds are being donated. So what’s five dollars when it’s going to save lives? All three DJs will surely give you your money’s worth in bangerz and bass. So no more belly achin.’ We’ll see you on the dance floor.
Kayaking On Lake Whitehurst
5:30 @ Botanical Gardens (Norfolk)
$55 Per Person
Paddle your way thru a sunset tour of beauty and wonders. Relax and prepare yourself for the weekend by enjoying a great evening kayaking trip on Lake Whitehurst and explore all the plants and animals that live on the shore. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary.
WRV Night
7-10pm @ the Boxx
FREE! 21&UP
Do you want free stuff from WRV, Reef, and Dragon? Well, then head on over to the Boxx. With $1 vodka drinks and DJ Doodie on the 1s and 2s, even if you don’t win something, you won’t be a loser.
HarborFEAST
6-9PM @ Town Point Park
$35 in Advance | $40 @ The door
Come hungry and ready to pig out! HarborFEAST officially kicks off the highly anticipated and long celebrated Harbor Fest. FEAST on crab cakes on a bun, fried fish filets, sauteed scallops, oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, steamed clams, barbecued chicken, and clam chowder as well as side items like hush puppies, coleslaw and french fried sweet potatoes. Wash all that deliciousness down with Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime and Shock Top craft beer as well as wine, soft drinks and bottled water.
Bike Nights
4-7pm @ Botanical Gardens
Free With Garden Admission
Bike your way thru the exciting and beautiful Botanical Gardens. Enjoy 12 miles of adventure.
Chop, Lock and Drop It
9-2am @ Lolas
FREE?
DJS:
Raw Russ (aka Berk Visual) (Elm and Oak, Boulder, CO)
Gabe Niles (Rebel E. VA)
An0dyne (VA Pressure)
It’s a good night when friends come back to visit the 757. Raw Russ, aka Berk Visual, is in town to get your weekend started with a bangers and bass party. Carry your ass to Lola’s. You won’t want to miss out on this!
Friday
35th Annual Harbor Fest
12-11pm (Thru Sunday) @ Town Point Park
Tickets are $35 in Advanced | Per Day
What can you expect at Harborfest? Well, in case you’re unaware Harbor Fest includes a plethora of activities including: the Parade of Sail, the largest fireworks show on the East Coast, local, regional and national entertainment, family activities, unique and unusual performances, water activities and much more. This year you can participate in The Harborfest Lazy Lizzy Anything That Floats But A Boat Race, catch live music by Indigo Girls, Matt Nathanson, Phil Vassar, Heidi Newfield, and more, as well as, shop, eat and play.
Old Dominion Nationals BMX Race
6pm (Thru Sunday) @ Hampton BMX
Free for Spectators | $20 to Race
More than 600 BMXers are ready to compete in front of an expected 1,500 spectators from all over the country. Watch as the battle for the top spot is fought for vigorously.
Battle of Big Bethel 150th Anniversary
6:30pm @ Hampton History Museum
Free for Members | $3 for Non-members
Did you know the June 10th Battle of Big Bethel was when a lot of the Civil War first happened? Such events as the first friendly fire incident, death of the first Union soldier in combat, the first battlefield amputation, the first West Point graduate killed in action, and the mortal wounding of the first Confederate infantryman. The Battle of Big Bethel marked the first time during the Civil War that Union and Confederate soldiers engaged in open combat. Come journey back in history and even perhaps learn a thing or two. On Saturday from 10-11:30 am there will be a dedication ceremony presenting, and preserving, a section of this historic battlefield. brand new Vermont Monument honoring Union soldiers will also be dedicated.
Friday Night Films: Harvey
Gates @ 6:30 | Movie @ 8 @ Hermitage Museum & Gardens
$7 Admission
Watch the 1950s hit “Harvey” starring James Stewart outside and under the stars. As usual, bring blankets and cash (for the bar) and enjoy the beautiful backdrop that is the Hermitage.
Craft Party 2011
6-9pm @ 757 Creative Space
FREE
Come together crafters! Meet like-minded people and enjoy Make n’ Take Demos, cupcakes, a photo booth, music, and an enter to win prize raffle just for coming and who knows what else! It’s gonna be a great night for creativity, so do yourself a favor and meet up!
Summer On Ice
7-9pm (& Saturday 3-5pm or 7-9pm) @ the Scope Arena
$5 Per Person
Beat the heat and get your ice skating on! Enjoy an indoor rink of fun!
Beach Fam Fest Pre-party
8pm @ 17th Street Park & Starfish Pavillon
FREE
Do your kids (or maybe even you, yourself) have BIEBER FEVER? If so, enjoy a free showing of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never at the beach. It’s the kick off movie for the 10 week long celebration of free family fun at the beach. So, sit back and enjoy, sing along (it will be hard not to), and have some free fun.
The Spirit in Out-of-Body Experiences
7-9pm @ A.R.E Visitors Center
$25 in Advanced | $35 at the Door
Learn about the history of out-of-body-experiences from guest speaker Dr. Carlos S. Alvarado. Dr. Alvarado will talk about OBEs in which people who have experienced them bring back verifiable information about the places to which they traveled. He will also be discussing notable cases from the 1860s-1950s that defend the notion of the spirit and the subtle mind being capable of leaving the physical body. For anyone who has experienced an OBE, this is the event for you.
The Princess Bride at the Naro
9-12am @ the Naro
$9 Admission | $2 PBRs
Come hang out with AltDaily as we present “The Princess Bride” (Think: Sword fights, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and even a happy ever after!) This is a cult classic and is perfect for the young, the old, and the young at heart. PBRs will be sold (two bucks) to benefit the Muse, so come out for a good time.
Saturday
Summer Celebration Wine Festival
11am-6pm @ Lee Hall Mansion (Yorktown)
$15 for Tasters | $10 for Observers
Celebrate Virginian wines in a historical setting, the Lee Hall Mansion. Sip on the finest vintages from Virginia’s best wineries, while listening to live music and shopping for unique crafts.
Fantastic Planet
10-2am @ Jewish Mother Hilltop
$10 Day Of | $8 Pre Sale @ WRV, Commonwealth, & Jew Mas | 18&UP
DJS:
Lunice
Wizard
LRDMRCY
FANTASTIC PLANET! FANTASTIC PLANET! FANTASTIC PLANET! There I’ve said it three times, and now it’s back (just like Beetlejuice) to have you falling in love, dancing your ass off, and celebrating summer the way it should be celebrated. It’s gonna be a great time with the huge dance floor, multiple bars, outside patio, concert like visuals, and of course all the crazy antics the Noah Larmz family has up their sleeves.
Laser Lights Night
8:30-12:30am @ the Virginia Living Museum
$6 for Non-members | $3 for VLM Members | Grads bring your tassels for $1 off
Do you love lasers? Well, the Virginia Living Museum has three different shows to delight you with in their state of the art Abbitt Planetarium. The first is a tribute to rock n’ roll legends U2, called Laser U2. Enjoy smash hits from the band set to a dramatic and intense laser show. At 10pm, Hypnotica takes over and combines lasers and techno (you know, two peas in a pod). Hear bands like the Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method, Delirium, and more. Finally, at 11:30, The Wall combines lasers and selections from Pink Floyd. Experience Pink Floyd (and lasers for that matter) like never before.
Diversity and Pride 2nd Annual Festival
11am-6pm @ Millpoint Park
FREE?
If you can’t hit up DC Pride then go to the next best thing in Hampton! Enjoy live performances by Mermaids in the Basement, Narissa Bond, Naomi Black, DJ Sporty, and Kj Skyler Smith. Proceeds from this event benefit Peninsula SPCA, Newport News Foodbank and Equality Virginia. So enjoy yourself. It’s a worthwhile cause with a great message!
Sunday
Ballet Virginia International Academy Student Showcase 2011
2pm @ the Sandler Center
$12 General Admission
Support up and coming dancers from ages 4 to adulthood! Watch as they perform contemporary, classical ballet, modern, jazz, and tap for your entertainment!
Plan B x 3
9-12am @ Belmont House of Smoke
FREE!
It’s a brand new comedy show from your old familiars! Enjoy a beverage, some delicious BBQ, and watch Plan B do some funny stuff.
Ladies Only Sex Toy Party
2-5pm @ Mermaids
FREE? | 18 & UP
Wanna spice up your life? Shop and sip (on beers and delicious cocktails) as Nancy’s Nook hosts a sex toy and clothing party like no other.Sorry boys, this is a girls only party.
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ABOUT THE WRITER
I like blaring shitty pop punk, singing along to Taylor Swift, Jellyfish, hair dye, video games (currently Skyrim), and anything Queen Elizabeth I. Oh, and I also am a worthy competitor when it comes to Just Dance.
Email me at jenmackey@altdaily.com if you want to get your event featured on Reasons To Leave Your House This Weekend.
Other posts by Jennifer Mackey.
Other posts by Jennifer Mackey.

















I’m pretty sure Harbor Fest is completely free!
The dinner on Thursday night – Harbor FEAST costs money, but I’m almost certain it’s not $35 a day to get into HarborFest or I cheated them out of a bunch of money last year :)
It’s definitely free.