Mathews County Visitor Center

2nd Sunday Shopping & Artisan Showcase
2025-04-13 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Etc. Vintage, 2066 Buckley Hall Road, Cobbs Creek, VA, 23035, United States

Party at the Wharf 2025 Concert Series
2025-04-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Williams Wharf, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Stay tuned for a listing of performers and food trucks!
All concerts are family-friendly! All cost $5, except 5/17 Party, which is free as part of the Tour de Chesapeake.

Party at the Wharf Summer Series 2025
2025-04-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Williams Wharf, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Mathews Land Conservancy for the kickoff to their Party at the Wharf Summer Series with live music by Mercy Creek, and delicious Salty’s Bob Oyster and Seafood!
Gates open at 5 pm, with live music from 6-9 pm. All ages are welcome: tickets are $5 (12 and under are free!) Cash bar- wine and beer available. Bring your lawn chair!

Disney's "Newsies"
2025-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Harry M. Ward Auditorium – Mathews High School, 9889 Buckley Hall Rd, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Joint the Court House Players for the presentations Disney’s “Newsies!”

Dates: Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m.
Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m.

The Court House Players production of the musical “Newsies” bursts with energy and excitement as it tells the tale of the 1899 newsboys strike against the titans of the newspaper industry.

In it, Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies,” decides to fight against an increase in distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense and rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions.
An ambitious young reporter, Katherine Plumber, working hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when women aren’t taken seriously, attempts to capture the voice of a rising new generation in her coverage of the strike.
Based on the 1992 Disney film and inspired by a true story, “Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for students. Available online at courthouseplayers.org; at CHP outlets (with a $1 discount): Mathews Pharmacy in Mathews and Office Supply and Franktronics in Gloucester; and at the door.

Gavin Dustin 5k
2025-04-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Mathews Elementary School, 347 Church Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join MHS student Gavin Dustin on the morning of April 19th as he hosts a 5k race at Mathews Elementary School to benefit the youth soccer program at the Mathews Family YMCA, while fulfilling the requirements of a school project.

Race start time is 9:30am and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels. You can register at the link below for only $10: https://www.ymcavp.org/program-search?locations=&categories=&exclude=&ages=&days=&weeks=&keywords=Gavin%20Dustin&no_results=0&sort=ASC__name

Mathews Community Easter Egg Hunt
2025-04-19 11:00 - 11:30 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Children ages 3-10 are welcome to join for the Community Easter Egg Hunt on the Court Green! Costumes are welcome, and please bring a basket. This free event is open to the whole community, and the Easter Bunny himself will make an appearance!

Gwynn's Island Raw Bar Run
2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Oyster Seed Holdings, 425 Callis Wharf Rd, Grimstead, VA, 23064, United States
The 11th annual race is entering its second decade & re-branded as the Gwynn’s Island Raw Bar Run. The event features a brand-new 5k course, an all-new name & vibe, and a waterfront post-race celebration. This year, we’re taking the action to the historic Callis Wharf, where participants will run along the stunning Piankatank River and Milford Haven, soaking in the best waterfront views Gwynn’s Island has to offer.

Hosted by: The Hatchery x Mathews Outdoor Club
Registration opens on March 1, closes April 20. No race day registration.
What’s Included:
New 5K Race Route along the shoreline: Views of the water, wharfs, the Island bridge & marina!
3 Age Groups: Under 40, 40-59, Over 60. Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place male and female finishers in each bracket.
Post Race Celebration:
Live music & Free oyster raw bar for runners. The Food Truck will be open for lunch serving food & beverages, so stay and order some lunch, oysters, and enjoy some music by the water. Limited picnic tables available, bring a chair.
Perks in your packet: Stickers & magnet, wristband access to raw bar, 1 free beer ticket for ages 21+, $5 gift voucher for a future visit to the Hatchery Food Truck.
One-of-a-kind event shirts will be available for sale; we are excited to be partnering with artists every year to create special annual swag for the event! This year’s t-shirts will be made my Maria-Emilia. T-shirt graphics will be released soon and runners will be notified about the pre-ordering window to purchase one at a discounted rate. Limited shirts will be available at the race for sale at full price.

Gloucester/ Mathews Historic Garden Week
2025-04-26 10:00 - 17:00 | Holly Knoll, 3201 Leadership Drive, Gloucester, 23061
Presented by the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews
The beauty and history of Gloucester County abound in its rivers and exquisite shoreline homes. Historic Garden Week in Gloucester, presented by the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews, includes access to three amazing waterfront properties and the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester. Visitors will enjoy the warmth and tradition of two homes along the North River, Exchange (early 1700s) and Blythelea, as they walk between the grounds taking in the views and gardens. A third home, Holly Knoll, was built in grand Georgian style on the York River for the second president of the Tuskegee Institute, Dr. Robert Moton. It was designed as a place to gather, mentor, and support national civil rights leaders. It received National Historic Landmark designation and now operates as the Gloucester Institute, a training ground for tomorrow’s African American leaders.
Historic Garden Week is the only statewide house and garden tour in the nation and is organized by the Garden Club of Virginia. It offers visitors a chance to tour inspired homes and private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia. In addition, more than 1,000 world-class floral arrangements adorn the houses.
Tickets: vagardenweek.org
Question: gloucester@vagardenweek.org

12th Annual Art Speaks Juried Exhibition Opening Reception
2025-04-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Please join us for the opening reception and awards ceremony of the 12th Annual Arts Speaks Juried Exhibition on April 26, 5:00-7:00 pm. The exhibit showcases the work of 66 artists living and working in Virginia, 18 years and older. Both 2D and 3D media are represented in the show and $6,350 in prize money will be awarded!
The exhibition will be on display April 26-May 26, and available online for viewing and purchase subsequent to the reception.

May Faire 2025- A Rural Life: Country Stores, Post Offices & Wharfs
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-03 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Friday, Saturday, May 2 & 3, May Faire 2025
“A Rural Life: Country Stores, Post Offices and Wharfs”
This year, a two-day county fair-type of event, with crafters, food trucks, and entertainment, a children’s corner, Pound Cake contest, photography contest and our traditional May Pole dance. May Faire is sponsored by the Mathews Museum, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Visit www.mathewsvamuseum.org for information.

May Faire, A Rural Life: Country Stores, Post Offices & Wharfs
2025-05-02 - 2025-05-03 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Kick off the Spring season with May Faire, in Mathews County, Virginia, the first weekend of May every year; join us for a community heritage festival.
The 2025 May Faire theme will be A Rural Life: Country Stores, Post Offices & Wharfs.
The county’s 7th annual spring heritage festival will feature a “county fair” atmosphere and will examine our very rural way of life—the people, their histories, their agricultural heritage, and their stories both past and present—focusing on farming, fishing and families.
This year, May Faire will be a two-day county fair-type of event, with crafters, food trucks, and entertainment, a children’s corner, Pound Cake contest, photography contest and the traditional May Pole dance. May Faire is sponsored by the Mathews Museum, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Visit www.mathewsvamuseum.org for information.
We welcome anyone interested in helping develop this exciting event. For more information, questions, contact the chair at cbbbbb@va.metrocast.net
The event celebrates Mathews County’s past with a different history theme each year.

Music on Maple with Tristan Dougherty Trio
2025-05-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Thomas James Store, 44 Maple Ave, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Our first Music on Maple concert of the year will be on May 2nd, and the band is the Tristan Dougherty Trio!

Tristan Dougherty is a folk musician and songwriter based in Richmond, Virginia. By combining meditative, finger-style guitar playing with warm, illuminative lyrics and innovative arrangements, he’s developed a refreshingly original sound that draws on indie, classic country and Appalachian music traditions. Whether performing solo or with his string band, his work reflects a deep reverence for the craft, rooted in the belief that live music is essential to keeping our souls awake and our communities connected.

We are thrilled to have this talented act joining us, and to also have local favorite Hunter Owens Music playing on set breaks!
Small Town Burger will also be set up at this event, and we’ll be selling beer from Gloucester Brewing Company, as well as wine, soft drinks and water!

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at the Mathews Visitor Center, so grab yours quickly, as this is anticipated to sell out! Individual tickets are $30/ each, and include one beverage.

Mathews Museum to Host Presentation on Historic Williams Wharf
2025-05-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Mathews Museum, 200 Main Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
As part of May Faire, join the Mathews Museum to hear Pam Muffelman speak about the history of Williams Wharf Landing from the 1600s to present day! This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.
Local historian and longtime Mathews resident Pam Muffelman will lead the presentation, guiding attendees through a rich timeline of Williams Wharf and its surrounding area—from its earliest days in the 1600s to the present. Muffelman, known for her engaging talks and extensive research, has long been involved in efforts to preserve and reimagine the site as a public waterfront park that honors its unique past.
“The Wharf was very active from its inception,” Muffelman explains, “with its founding by the Williams family prior to the Revolutionary War. It was a well-established port of call—particularly for British ships—and played a significant role during the war as both a lookout and a center for continued trade and shipbuilding activities.”
Drawing from the research of respected Virginia historian Martha McCartney, Muffelman will highlight the ongoing maritime economy of the East River during the Revolutionary War, including local shipbuilders who continued crafting vessels, sails, rigging, and equipment to support the war effort. The talk will also touch on the once-thriving tide mill at Poplar Grove—believed to have ground cornmeal for Washington’s troops in nearby Yorktown. As the last tide mill of its kind in Virginia and one of the few remaining in the nation, Muffelman notes its historical significance and urges greater recognition of this rare local landmark.
“With the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what life may have been like at the Wharf during the colonial era,” Muffelman says. “The ships, the families, the bills of lading—they all help tell the story of how deeply Mathews was connected to the early maritime history of this country.”

Raku Firing & Pottery Throwdown
2025-05-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join us for this double-header event! Learn the ancient art of raku firing with our own modern twist and/or compete in wheel-throwing challenges to win prizes and bragging rights.
Pottery from Clay by the Bay Ceramics Guild will be for sale. Refreshments will be available.
Tickets can be purchased at the door (check or cash preferred) or online in advance.
Get Your Tickets NOW!
Annual Raku Firing
Join in the fun and take your piece home with you the same day! This part of the event will be held in The Bay School Backyard. A variety of options are available for you to participate in the event:

Choose a pot, glaze it with our raku glazes, and watch it be fired to 1800°F in less than an hour! ($30)
If you are a potter, you can bring your own pot or small sculptural piece to glaze and fire. Raku clay or any clay with grog will work for this process. ($15)
Kids or adults who don’t want to do raku, can paint a pot with acrylic paint—no firing needed. ($10)

Pottery Throwdown
This part of the event is new this year and will be held in the studio!
Sign up to compete in wheel-throwing challenges. The judge will decide the challenges and judging criteria. Competition will be bracket-style, with winners of each round advancing to the next. Plan to stay all day to take part in this new adventure. There will be prizes for winners at each level. ($10 to compete)
Experience the excitement of a raku firing and join in the fun of throwing pots or cheering on your favorite potter—What a great way to spend a Saturday! See ya there!

"Hey DJ" Dance Recital
2025-05-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Harry M. Ward Auditorium – Mathews High School, 9889 Buckley Hall Rd, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
More information coming soon… stay tuned!

Dine to Donate
2025-05-06 11:00 - 20:00 | Richardson’s Cafe, 12 Church Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Gwynn’s Island Civic League and Richardson’s, for a DINE TO DONATE Event, Benefitting the MCPS schools!
Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Ice Cream – or ALL, Dine In or Take Out, Proceeds Provide Classroom Supplies to MCPS Schools
SPECIAL THANKS to Richardson’s Cafe for donating a portion of the day’s sales, and to the Community Partners for their contributions:
New Point Life Services
Noble Pest Control
Oyster Seed Holdings/The Hatchery
Water Pro, Inc.

Spring Community Litter Cleanup
2025-05-10 08:00 - 12:00 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
PLEASE NOTE- This is a rescheduled event from our original date of 4/12.
Help us clean our roadways, waterways and neighborhoods!
MCVIC is hosting our annual spring community cleanup, and we’d love to have you join us! Whether you are a civic organization, school group, or just an individual looking to do some good, we need you! All are welcome! We do require you register ahead of time using the link below so we can make sure we have enough food and supplies.
We will provide everything you need, including a to-go breakfast, and a pizza lunch afterward! All you need to bring is yourself and some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty- we recommend boots! We have vests, gloves, grabbers, nets and trash bags!
Meet at the Mathews Visitor Center at 8 am, and pick a road to clean, or we can assign you a route. All groups must have at least once person 18+ accompanying them. Keep track of how many bags you fill, and report back to us at the end! VDOT will pick the bags up, so just leave them off of the roadway when they’re full.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, and we can’t wait to see you on 5/10!
Register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/?sm=_2BTkKoKIdTwaJTP9HSct1YS81F1eLOSqqHaWAgS5R0fhpwRDjPvVXDwDZ4Mp8XFSF

Gypsy Birthday Bash
2025-05-16 14:00 - 18:00 | Gypsy’s Wagon, 302 Main Street, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join your friends at the Gypsy’s Wagon for birthday cake, refreshments, prizes & general revelry at the shop on Friday afternoon from 2-6 pm!
All weekend, visit for shop-wide sales and specials from many unique vendors! Visit Friday from 10-6, Saturday from 10-5, and Sunday from 12-4!

Tour de Chesapeake
2025-05-17 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Mark your calendar for the third weekend in May! This tour is the only Coastal Virginia, Chesapeake Bay bike tour — over a thousand visitors come each year to enjoy the flat roads, beautiful scenery, and over 100 miles of routes that are friendly for all levels.

Are you outdoorsy, active, and like to visit new places? We guarantee this week will be authentic! Biking along the beautiful fields, peninsulas, and marshlands of Mathews is one perk among the many ways you can experience the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle.

Visit tourdechesapeake.org or our event page for more information about this year’s tour!

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced rider, you will find routes appropriate for all skill levels. Come down for a day trip, Saturday May 17th, or spend the weekend in Mathews to experience all this small, quaint Chesapeake Bay Town has to offer.

RIDE FEATURES:

Beautiful, natural sandy beaches. Learn more about local beaches.

Great scenery of marshland, waterfront views, and a bike route to the famous New Point Comfort Lighthouse

Historical Sites and an “Art de Tour” Saturday to explore local artwork in town.

Fully Supported Saturday Ride (Rest Stops and SAG)

Free Onsite Camping Available or local lodging options

4 Route Choices – over 100 miles

Saturday Night Seafood Feast and Party at the Wharf (Free admission)

Dessert Reception at THMS, Ride Headquarters, and other add-on meals

Plenty of restaurant options in town for fresh seafood, and local cuisine.

TDC'S Party at the Wharf
2025-05-17 17:00 - 21:00 | Williams Wharf, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Tour de Chesapeake for a special, FREE Party at the Wharf! Open to all!
Band: 7th Street Dance Band Food Truck: Creekside Catering

Sunday Shopping with Fairy Hair Garden!
2025-05-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Etc. Vintage, 2066 Buckley Hall Road, Cobbs Creek, VA, 23035, United States
Book your appointment to get your fairy hair done by The Wandering Arts at ETC Vintage for a Sunday Shopping event!

Rotary's Party with a Purpose
2025-06-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Williams Wharf Landing, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Mathews Rotary Club for an afternoon of fun and fundraising with live music on the East River!
This event features GOOD SHOT JUDY band, food trucks, beer and wine truck, and dancing at Williams Wharf Landing.
Food trucks: On the Flip Side, Small Town Burger and Short Lane Ice Cream.
Bring your own lawn chairs and your dancing shoes!

LOVEworks Sign Dedication
2025-06-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Liberty Square Complex, 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Mathews LOVEworks Committee for the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the newest LOVE sign at Liberty Square!

Saltwater Learn to Fish Day
2025-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Williams Wharf Landing, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Mathews Land Conservancy for a chance to learn to fish, with fishing and learning stations provided by partners.
Refreshments provided, rain or shine, free and open to all! No license required on day of event.

Family Port Fun Day
2025-06-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Port Fun Park, 9763 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
The second annual Family Port Fun Day will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at the Port Fun Park next to Mathews High School on Buckley Hall Road in Mathews.
There will be open play and learn-to-play lessons at the pickleball courts (equipment will be provided), along with basketball court activities and playground games for children and adults. The adult exercise fitness trail surrounding the playground will be available for use, as well.
The event, coordinated by the Mathews County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, is free and open to the public.
The rain date is Saturday, June 14. Children and adults of all ages are invited.
Call Nick Koch at 804-908-4856 for more information.

Mathews Paint Out Reception
2025-06-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
As part of the 2025 Gloucester Arts Festival, The Bay School is hosting a reception at the Art Speaks Gallery, June 10, 5:30-7:00 PM for the artists participating in the day-long Mathews Paint Out, where plein air artists will be painting in various locations throughout Mathews County.
The reception is free and open to the public where they can meet the artists, purchase their paintings created that day, and enjoy a convivial atmosphere of food, drink, and creativity in the gallery.

Party at the Wharf Summer Series 2025
2025-06-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Williams Wharf, 1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
Join the Mathews Land Conservancy for their Party at the Wharf Summer Series with live music by Part Time, and two delicious food trucks!
Gates open at 5 pm, with live music from 6-9 pm. All ages are welcome: tickets are $5 (12 and under are free!) Cash bar- wine and beer available. Bring your lawn chair!

Family Arts & Barks Festival
2025-06-21 11:00 - 17:00 | Bay School Community Arts Center, 279 Main Street , Mathews, VA, 23109, United States
No one wants to leave their furry friend behind on a beautiful summer day and the Family Arts & Barks Festival at The Bay School is the perfect opportunity to join in the fun with EVERYONE—two- AND four-legged, with AND without fur! Join us for a fun-filled day of family-friendly activities at The Bay School and bring your dog along!
There will be a variety of activities to involve the whole family, including your dog:
Feeling artsy? These are just a few arts and crafts activities that will be available for you to explore:

Build a bug
Create a cardboard jellyfish
Construct an egg carton fish
Make a necklace from decoupaged shells
Tie dye a T-shirt
Paint with squeegees
Fashion a memory wire bracelet
Make and swap artist trading cards
Design and create wearable dog ears and a collar
Contribute to our yearly community painting
Entice your dog with peanut butter to create its own masterpiece

Many more activities are planned, including:

CA&J Farm drum circle
Yoga for all with Lisa White
Caricature drawing
Face painting
Photo booth
“Bark” sale of baked goods for dogs and people
“Pup-up” display and sale of dog-themed art
Showing of Canine Companion’s film Andy
Multiple raffles
Puppy splash pool
Rubber ducky race
Guess the number of dog biscuits in a jar
Puppy kissing booth
Giant Connect 4 game
Giant Plinko game

Musical entertainment will be provided by Hunter Owens 11:00 am-2:00 pm and a special musical guest from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.
El Padrino and Gloucester Brewing Company will be on hand serving up delicious food and beverages.
We’ll be adding even more activities in the coming weeks, as well as a listing of attending vendors providing art, canine products and services, and family-friendly products and services.
BUY TICKETS
Tickets range from $10-$25. Children five and younger are free. Dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, and well behaved.
Sponsor, Be a Vendor, or Donate Dog-Themed Art
If you’re interested in sponsoring the Family Arts & Barks Festival, information on the available levels, benefits, and costs is available HERE.
Have a product or service that would be of interest to dog owners? An art-related or family-friendly product or service you’d like to promote? Submit a Vendor Form.
Would you like to share your talent and donate a dog-themed artwork to the “Pup-Up” Art Show at the festival? Submit your artwork HERE.

Gwynn's Island Chicken Dinner
2025-06-27 16:30 - 19:00 | Gwynn’s Island Civic Center, 1996 Old Ferry Rd., Gwynn, VA, 23066, United States
Drive by in the drive through for the famous Gwynn’s Island Chicken Dinner with all the fixings!
4:30pm-7:00pm. No pre-sale tickets.

Coastal Reverie: Musings of Virginia's Coastal Shores from the Photographer's Eye
2025-06-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Gwynn’s Island Museum, State Rte 633, Gwynn, VA, 23066, United States
A Photography Show and Exhibit to Benefit the Gwynn’s Island Museum!
Opening Reception on Friday, June 27, 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Gwynn’s Island Museum
Join us as we muse over a collection of photographic works showcasing the uniqueness, beauty, and depth of our shores as seen through the lens of a camera.
Free entry to reception and exhibition; donations to the Museum accepted and highly appreciated. All works on display will be for sale. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
Music will be provided.
Prizes:
1st Place: Dinner for two at Hole in the Wall Waterfront Grill and a history cruise with Mathews Deadrise Charters. ($350 value)
2nd Place: $250 cash award
3rd Place: Custom Framing Gift Certificate ($150 value)
