Thursday, March 20

BINGO – American Legion Post 49 will host a Community Bingo Game at 7 p.m. at 818 S. Church St., Smithfield. New equipment and several progressive games with payouts of over $1,000. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Sandwiches and snacks are available from the Legion Auxiliary.  For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post’s Facebook page or call 757-357-9239.

​​Friday, March 21

OPEN MIC NIGHT – 7-9 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church St., Smithfield. Grab the mic to participate or enjoy the entertainment, including music and poetry, in a “coffeehouse” atmosphere. Snack bar is available. All donations go to the church’s outreach ministries. Held third Friday of each month. Admission is free.

Saturday, March 22

FLEA MARKET – The Smithfield Woman’s Club Flea Market will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St. Featuring linens, home decor, treasure chest (antiques), furniture, outdoor and garden, sporting goods, children’s area, clothing, crafts and more. Admission is free. To donate items, drop off at The Smithfield Center 9 a.m.-noon March 21. All items should be clean and free of damage. 

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 will hold a fundraising breakfast 7-10 a.m. at 223 Washington St., Smithfield. Menu items include omelets to order, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, sausage gravy, grits, hash browns, biscuits, mixed fruit, coffee and juice. The price is $11 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. Children under 5 eat free. Proceeds support local veterans and community projects.

Sunday, March 23

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY – New Bethany United Church of Christ, 15496 Benns Church Blvd., will celebrate the 21st anniversary of its pastor, the Rev. Douglas Jones Sr., and first lady at 2 p.m. The guest speaker for the morning service will be Pastor Foster Baskerville Jr. from Friends of Christ Ministry. The guest speaker for the afternoon service will be Rev. Blackwell and the congregation of Little Zion Baptist Church of Smithfield.

VIETNAM VETS RECOGNITION – The Smithfield American Legion invites all Vietnam-era veterans and the families of casualties in that conflict to a recognition dinner and program at 2 p.m. at 818 S. Church St. Reservations are required; call 757-357-9239 prior to March 15. This event recognizes the March 29 National Vietnam Veterans Day. Servicemen and women who served anywhere during the period of that conflict are welcome to attend and bring a guest. Gold star family members are also invited. 

GOSPEL CONCERT – Surry Baptist Church will host a gospel concert featuring Streets of Gold at 5 p.m. A fellowship meal will follow the concert.

Wednesday, March 26

JOB FAIR – Camp Community College will host a Job Fair 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Workforce Development Center in Franklin. Interested employers should email Lisha Wolfe at lwolfe@pdc.edu to reserve space. The fee is $150.

Thursday, March 27

WOMEN’S HISTORY PROGRAM – Camp Community College’s Renaissance program will host a Women’s History presentation on Sarah and Angelina Grimke at 6:30 pm at the college’s Smithfield center, 253 James St. The Grimkes were born into the upper echelons of a slave-holding Charleston, South Carolina, society and not only challenged their state’s directives, but their family’s.

BINGO – American Legion Post 49 will host a Community Bingo Game at 7 p.m. at 818 S. Church St., Smithfield. New equipment and several progressive games with payouts of over $1,000. Doors open at 5 p.m.; card sales begin at 6 p.m. Sandwiches and snacks are available from the Legion Auxiliary.  For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post’s Facebook page or call 757-357-9239.

Friday, March 28

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST – The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Post-Legislative Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St., featuring the county’s General Assembly delegation, state Sen. Emily Jordan, Del. Otto Wachsmann and Del. Nadarius Clark. Registration closes March 21. Admission is free for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. For information or to register, contact Celeste Draughn at cdraughn@theisle.org or 757-357-3502.

Saturday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY – The Isle of Wight County Museum, 103 Main St., Smithfield, will commemorate National Vietnam Veterans Day at 2 p.m. After an overview of the war’s history with images from the museum’s collection, Sgt. Maj. William Wiggins, who served as a computer supervisor at Military Assistance Command headquarters in Saigon, will share his experiences of the war. For information visit www.historicisleofwight.com or call 757-356-1223.

Monday, March 31

DINNER CHURCH – Surry Baptist Church will host its monthly Dinner Church at 6 p.m. Food, fellowship and worship are planned.

ONGOING AND UPCOMING

YOUTH ART – The Arts Center @319 on Main Street in Smithfield is hosting a youth art exhibit through March 22 featuring various mediums of art by local students. Admission is free. For information call 757-357-7707.

BOOK SALE – Friends of the Smithfield Library will have its annual book sale March 19 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; March 20-21, 9-5 p.m., and March 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be audiobooks, DVDs and music CDs for all ages. All proceeds benefit Smithfield Library, 255 James St. For information, call 757-357-2264.

INTRODUCTION TO ACRYLICS – The Arts Center @319 on Main Street in Smithfield will offer this painting class March 19-21, 1-3 p.m., daily with instructor Athena A. Rhodes. No experience necessary. Students will learn basic techniques of color mixing, brushwork and more. Supplied materials include brushes, paint and canvas. Class fee is $75 for Isle of Wight Arts League members ($85 for non-members) plus a materials fee of $25. For information or to register, call 757-357-7707, email info@smithfieldarts.org or visit www.SmithfieldArts.org

GRAIF CONCERT SERIES – The Susan A. & Joseph N. Graif Foundation Inc. begins its third season with a concert and silent film presentation featuring internationally acclaimed theatre organist Clark Wilson at 4 p.m. April 6 at the home of Sue and Joe Graif, 162 Lexington Square, Carrollton. Following a short program of solo pieces, Wilson will cue the 1927 classic photoplay “My Best Girl.” Admission is free. A free will offering will be accepted. Only 65 seats are available. Reservations required. For information visit https://www.graiffoundation.org or call 703-380-8995. 

SPRING NATURE WALK – Hosted by Historic Southside Chapter of Master Naturalists at 10 a.m. April 5 in Windsor Castle Park. Participants will look and listen for the arrival of spring and become familiar with seasonal activity that can be seen and that which is hidden. Meet at the dog park. For information call 757-242-9642.

INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES EXHIBITION – Through April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at the Isle of Wight County Museum, 103 Main St., Smithfield. “Indigenous Perspectives,” a traveling exhibit from the Library of Virginia, synthesizes three years of conversations with representatives from the commonwealth’s 11 tribes and recognizes that Virginia’s Indigenous communities have been and remain a vital part of Virginia’s history and culture. The exhibition is organized around the themes of sovereignty, environment, identity, community, language and future. For information visit www.historicisleofwight.com or call 757-356-1223.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING – Artists age 16 and over are invited to gather 8-11 a.m. April 12 to paint on location in downtown Smithfield with instructor Barbara Harris. Students should have some familiarity painting in the medium of their choice. Class fee is $35 for Isle of Wight Arts League members ($45 for non-members). Register by April 10. For information or to register, call 757-357-7707, email info@smithfieldarts.org or visit www.SmithfieldArts.org

CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS – The Church of the Good Shepherd’s Ladies’ Guild will take orders for half-pound, handmade, dark chocolate-covered Easter Eggs through April 6. The cost is $8 each. This year’s flavors are peanut butter, butter cream, chocolate cream, cherry cream, nutella, cookies & cream, and Tropical Delight (lemon, coconut and almond flavorings). Place orders at gsegglady@gmail.com no later than April 6.

FISH FRY – The Men’s Club of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 300 Smithfield Blvd., will sell fish fry dinners every Friday of Lent, through April 11. Dinner consists of fish fillets, french fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. Cost is $12 per meal and is takeout only from 5-7 p.m.

CEC JAM – 7:30-9:30 a.m. each Saturday at Christ Episcopal Church. Musicians and “musicians in progress” get together to play and sing a wide range of music, including the Beatles, Eagles, Frank Sinatra, gospel, blues, Pearl Jam and CCR, to name a few. The lyrics and chords are displayed on a large screen near the Gene Lowery Stage in the church parish hall. Participants are invited to bring their favorite instrument and make a joyful noise. Admission is free. For details call 757-675-5777.

ART WORKSHOP – The Isle of Wight Arts League will host an Alcohol Ink Workshop at 319 Main St., Smithfield, 7-9 p.m. March 26 and 10 a.m.-noon March 27. Instructor Tammy Burgett will teach students age 16 and over how to paint using brilliantly colored alcohol inks. Reference provided by the instructor. Fee is $40 for Arts League members and $50 for non-members plus a materials fee of $10. All paint, synthetic paper and brushes supplied by instructor. Register by March 22 at 757-357-7707, info@smithfieldarts.org or www.SmithfieldArts.org

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS – Applications for the 2025 Isle of Wight Training School/Westside High School Legacy Group Inc. are being accepted through midnight on April 11. The scholarships are given to preserve the legacy of Isle of Wight Training School and Westside High School and are therefore open only to graduating African American/Black seniors at Smithfield and Windsor high schools. Multiple $1,000 scholarships are available. Applicants must complete the online application that is found on Facebook. First, find the group named “Isle of Wight Training School/Westside High School Legacy Group, Inc.” and request to become a member. Once approved, open group and click the banner tab named “Files” and select “IWTS-WHS 2024-2025 Legacy School Application.pdf”. Applications are also available in both schools’ guidance offices. For information email IWTS.WHSlegacy@gmail.com or write to P.O. Box 279 Carrollton, VA 23314.

ED BLAND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP – Applications are being accepted for the $1,000 Ed Bland Music Scholarship that honors composer/filmmaker/record producer Ed Bland. Previous winners are performing professionally in the U.S. and abroad. High-school seniors who play an instrument (acoustic or electronic) and who plan to pursue a professional career in music are eligible to apply. Eligible students must be enrolled in a high school in the Hampton Roads area. Homeschooled students who meet the requirements are also eligible to apply. Application requirements include an audition demo of the applicant playing their instrument (demo should contain one 3-minute performance of an excerpt of a well-known musical composition and one 3-minute performance of an improvised or original composition); two letters of recommendation; high school transcript; proof of residency; a brief biography; applicant’s artistic statement of career goals and plans; and acceptance letter from a higher education program, conservatory or university. Submit application materials by March 31 to Osmundmusic@gmail.com. Learn more about Ed Bland at www.edblandmusic.com  

WINDSOR SCHOLARSHIPS – The Woman’s Club of Windsor, Inc. will offer three scholarships to 2025 graduates of Windsor High School: a $1,000 Educational Scholarship, a $1,000 Dot G. Gwaltney Scholarship and a $1,000 Trade/Vocational Scholarship. Applications are available at the Windsor High School Guidance Department or www.womansclubofwindsorva.org. Applications are due by April 4.

SMITHFIELD FARMERS MARKET – The 2025 season opens April 5 and continues through November every Saturday 9 a.m.-noon in the BSV parking lot, 115 Main St. Vendor applications are available at smithfieldfarmersmarket.com or 319 Main St. For information email sdooley@iwus.net.

ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES – Isle of Wight County’s Commission on Adults with Disabilities meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the boardroom of the Community Development building at the Isle of Wight County courthouse complex, 17090 Monument Circle. The commission invites residents to provide input on the unmet needs and challenges facing adults with disabilities and their caregivers. For information, contact Jamie Klak at 757-365-1663 or email jklak@isleofwightus.net.

GAME KNIGHTS – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation is launching a weekly tabletop gaming night called “Game Knights” at the Windsor Town Center for ages 12 and up every Wednesday in March from 6-8 p.m. Youth games are from 6-6:45 p.m. Adult games are from 7-7:45 p.m. The event is open to players of all skill levels in classics like Catan, Ticket to Ride and Dungeons & Dragons. Cost is $1 for participants 17 and under and $2 for adults. For information, contact Mark Matthews at 757-242-8513 or markm@isleofwightus.net.

COED ADULT SOFTBALL – Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation is accepting team registrations for coed adult softball through March 30. The $400 fee and forms must be turned in by that date. There will be a mandatory coaches’ meeting on April 3 at 6 p.m. at the Nike Park Recreation Hall. Games are typically on Wednesdays beginning April 16 at Nike Park. Each team must have a minimum of five women to play. Forinformation on how to register or to sign up as a “free agent,” contact William Winstead at 757-365-6235 or wwinstead@isleofwightus.net.

TOUR DE CURE – The annual bicycling event will be held April 26 at Windsor Castle Park to benefit The American Diabetes Association. Participants can ride their bikes on well-marked, supported routes of 10, 30, 63 or 100 miles. To volunteer, sign up or to donate, go to https://tour.diabetes.org/team/Smithfield_Rotary_Club.

SHS PLAY – The Smithfield High School Drama Club will present “The Wiz” on May 16 at 6 p.m., May 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and May 24 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the school, 4171 Turner Drive.

SMITHFIELD ARTS FESTIVAL – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 17 in the 100-300 blocks of Main Street in downtown Smithfield, celebrating visual, performing, culinary and literary arts. Free admission. Vendors can apply by calling 757-357-5182 by April 15.

MENTAL HEALTH FAIR – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17 at 1821 South St., Franklin. RSVP by May 5 by calling Lynnora Sumblin at 757-742-2391.

AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING – The Schoolhouse Museum and Main Street Baptist Church are offering free After-School Tutoring and Enhancement classes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4-5 p.m. Enroll your child at https://tinyurl.com/ms78csyv

FOOD & HISTORY TOUR – Participants can spend the afternoon savoring tastes of pork, seafood, desserts and more from up to eight Smithfield restaurants while uncovering the history of the pork and peanut industries that put Smithfield on the map. $75 per person. Duration is 2.5 to 3 hours. Offered most first and third Fridays of the month at 2 p.m. For information, call 757-357-5182.

SENIOR BINGO – 2-3:30 p.m. each Monday at Hardees, Church Street, Smithfield, and 1:30-3 p.m. each Tuesday at Bubba-N-Franks, Carrollton Boulevard, Carrollton. First-come, first-play according to seating availability. Food prizes provided by the restaurants. Free to play.

GOP MEETING – The Isle of Wight Republican Committee General Meeting is held every fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club, 17011 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor.

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER – Joe Grocki is available at Smithfield American Legion Post 49, 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield, on Mondays 9-11 a.m. to assist veterans with questions about their benefits, issues with discharge paperwork or filing claims with Veterans Affairs. Appointments can be made by calling 757-357-9239.

COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR – Every Wednesday 9 a.m. – noon at Cure coffee shop on Church Street in Smithfield with pastor Chris Andress of Bethany United Methodist Church.

1750 ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE – The historic courthouse on Main Street in Smithfield is open Sunday-Thursday 1-4 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March through December.

SMITHFIELD RURITAN CLUB – The Smithfield Ruritan Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at Smithfield Station. Social hour is at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and meeting starts at 7 p.m.

ROTARY CLUB OF SMITHFIELD – The traditional club holds its membership meetings each Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Smithfield Station, 415 S. Church St. The Rotary Happy Hour Club 

meets at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Gatling Pointe Marina.

KAYAK RENTALS – Windsor Castle Park, 705 Cedar St., Smithfield. The free launch is open 365 days a year. The park offers kayak rentals using a self-service kiosk. The rate is $25 for two hours and includes a life jacket. To use the kiosk, first download the Rent.Fun app and create an account. Next, scan the code on the lock to unlock the kiosk and remove your kayak, paddle and life jacket. Return your equipment within the two-hour limit and select “End Rental” in the app. Go to WindsorCastlePark.com for more rules and safety tips. ,

VFW MONTHLY MEETING – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545 holds its monthly membership meeting the second Wednesday of each month at 223 Washington St., Smithfield. Social at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. and membership meeting at 7:30. Cost for dinner is $15. 

MANNA – 5:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Healing Waters Worship Center, 12172 Smith’s Neck Road, Carrollton. Drive-thru free groceries to all in need. Visit www.hwwcnow.org for more information.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION – Isle of Wight Christian Outreach is offering extended hours for food distribution Mondays from 4-6:30 p.m. This is in addition to the regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. distribution. Call 757-356-9267 for information. The mission is located at 402 Grace St. in Smithfield. 

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY – Second Thursday of each month at the Luter Sports Complex. Sponsored by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM – Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for ages 18 and up. Interpreting local history, the museum’s exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a country store and the museum’s most notable artifact — the world’s oldest, edible cured ham. The 1902 pork product exemplifies the patented Smithfield curing process. 

FIELD TRIPS IN ISLE OF WIGHT – Choose from several categories, including History, Art, Agriculture and Plants and Animals. Visit https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/events/detail/410/family-field-trip—plants-and-animals/80721

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES – Has launched a street outreach program to pair those experiencing homelessness with resources available to them in Western Tidewater. To refer someone in need, contact Ashli Hill at 804-546-7529 or the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202.