What's Happening Next?

May 1-21
It's Newport News vs. Greifswald as the 
the International City Cycling Campaign Returns!

On Tuesday, May 6
Support Sister Cities with Give Local 757!
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Over the past 43 years, Sister Cities of Newport News (SCNN) has supported youth/adult exchanges, cultural festivals and events, educational programs, lectures, geography competitions, and economic missions. Our mission is "to build and strengthen international cooperation, understanding, and development between the citizens of the City of Newport News and those of the world."
Click the links below for more information about the programs your donation will help fund: 

Looking for more?
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
or volunteer today by calling 757-697-3129

VIEW PAST EVENTS BELOW...

Welcome in the Lunar New Year! 

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Weihnachtsmarkt 2024
3rd Annual German Christmas Market
December 6 & 7
3-9 both days!
 City Center, Oyster Point

Travel as Citizen Delegate for the City of Newport News!

Japan: Nov. 23 - December 1 - exchange is full
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All-American City Celebration plus the Made in Newport News Festival!
Saturday - August 17
4:00 pm - 9:15 pm in City Center at Oyster Point

Immerse yourself in all things "Made In Newport News" and celebrate our city’s milestone achievement of being named an All-America City by the National Civic League! The All-America City Award is given annually to just 10 communities across the nation. It recognizes efforts to tackle critical City issues and strengthen connections among residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government leaders.

From our rich history to our innovative spirit, this year's festival highlights corporations, small businesses, community partners, and city services that make Newport News a remarkable place to live, work, and play. And as the sun sets, get ready for a mesmerizing conclusion to the celebration with Newport News’ very first drone show! This dazzling display is sure to be a highlight you won’t want to miss.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FESTIVAL INFORMATION!

Make an Impact on April 23, 2024 with Give Local 757
All donations support SCNN's Youth Travel Scholarship Fund!

Wednesday, March 20
​5-8 pm

DRINK BEER & DO GOOD 
w/ Sister Cities and our friends
at COASTAL FERMENTORY

Come learn about the opportunities to exchange with our international partners!

"Japanese Cultural Program"
Delegation Meet-n-Greet!
4:30 - Friday, March 8
@ the Main Street Library
10 Main St, Newport News, VA 23601

Come meet the 19-member delegation from Newport News' Sister City of Neyagawa (Osaka) Japan. Delegates have prepared a program that includes origami, calligraphy, and games - prizes and fun for all ages. Great way to meet our delegation and learn more about being a member of SCNN's outgoing delegation to Japan this fall - bring the who family and come early as the library is hosting a story-time at 4 n the multipurpose room.
FREE - All ages welcome;
Library Closes at 6PM!

Support the Japanese Delegation Visit to Newport News -March 6-13
7 Mature Adult Delegates (aged 53-83)
​12 Youth Delegates (aged 16 to 22)
There is still time to get involved!
EMAIL for details or check our social media sites 

Friday, February 16: BEER - BREAD & A BOWL!
Sister Cities' Greifswald, German Committee invites you to join us for a fun night of friends and food. We are offering up goulash or lentil soup in a / space is limited to 50 guests ; register online: 
​Sister Cities is hosting a meeting of the Irish Committee, and anyone interested in our twinned city of Carrigaline, on Thursday, February 8th, 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Coastal Fermentory, 206 23rd Street, Unit B, Newport News.  (Downtown behind NN City Hall in the “Yard District”) 

We will discuss our plans to send a delegation to Carrigaline May 19 - May 25, 2024. During this same time period, Christopher Newport University is sending a delegation of students from the President’s Leadership Program (PLP) which will be led by Will Reddy. Will is the Associate Director, of PLP and a SCNN Board Member. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand the partnership between our cities. Will has details of CNU’s travel plans. Our group will discuss how Sister Cities can support the students and begin planning our part of the visit.  A Taco Food Truck will be on site as well as plenty of great beer! 
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​Come out and hear more about our Irish connection and enjoy an evening of fun and friends.

Thursday, February 8
Carrigaline Committee Meeting
Coastal Fermentory - The Yard District​

Host Family Information Session
Thursday, February 15
​7PM at City Space in City Center
11820 Merchants Walk Ste 100
🏡🏠🏡🏠🏡🏠🏡🏠
Homestay Hosts are a vital link in successful international exchanges. Host families are the faces and hearts of our community. By opening your doors to an international guest, you show them who we are as Americans. Our families are as diverse as our community. We try to match hosts with delegates 1 month prior to each exchange so you can communicate in advance.
​QUESTIONS? call 757-697-3129 or email us

Welcome 2024!
New Year brings 2 New Events...

Thursday, February 1st
​6 PM

Saturday, February 3rd
​4:30 PM

GOODBYE 2023! You were great.
We are looking forward to more in-person exchanges in 2024.
Become a member of Sister Cities and join in on the adventure!
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Greifswald Committee
Tuesday, October 24
7 PM at CITYSPACE
Join the group preparing for the German Christmas Market on December 1 & 2 as well as other exchange programs with our sister city of Greifswald.

Volunteer with Sister Cities in the ticketing and beverage tents for this fun-filled, fall event!
Saturday, October 28 / 12-6 
City Center at Oyster Point

2nd Annual
Weihnachtsmarkt
December 1 & 2 in City Center

​Sister Cities Newport News (SCNN) invites you to attend in our 2nd Annual German Christmas Market or WEIHNACHTSMAKT. The market is located in the retail area of City Center, Oyster Point and is reminiscent of the Christmas Markets that dominate German cities each season. Features local vendors, and Gluevhein in hand-made cups and lots of holiday cheer!
NOTE: This event is hosted by the non-profit, Sister Cities of Newport News, Inc. at City Center at Oyster Point and is not an official event of the City of Newport News. 

Friday October 6, 2023

at the Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort
8 AM - Registration Opens / 9 AM - Shotgun Start

October 6th
​Volunteer with us in the Beverage Tent 

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Two Shifts Available
4:45 to 9:15 - 2 shifts
All beverage sales benefit Sister Cities!
FREE Event fore the community! Located in City Center, Oyster Point near the Market Stage- features  live music & vendors. 
​Saturday, July 29th
World Arts Celebration
12-5 PM @ Victory Landing Park
hosted by Newport News Special Events
Culture, craftsmanship and cuisine. International vendors, performers, artists, interactive education stations, as well as food and beverages.
Volunteers Need to work the Sister Cities Booth.
Volunteer Here
Tuesday, August 15
5:30 to 6:30 at CITYSPACE
Build a New Sister City in Africa!

Lilongwe Advocacy Committee Meeting
RSVP to 757.697.3129
Volunteer & consider traveling this fall!
Saturday, July 8 / 7-9 PM
in CITYSPACE
Japan Interest Group Meeting

​MAKE AN ORIGAMI SPINNER!

Neyagawa members will walk us through how to make the origami spinners LIVE! We will provide origami paper, but please feel free to bring your own if you have a particular color combination in mind for your spinner. 

Prior to the 8:00 virtual exchange, Sarah and I will present a cultural origami lesson filled with details and fun facts surrounding this beloved art of paper folding.
RSVP to 757.697.3129

 April 25 & 26 - Give Local 757!
24 hours only! Starting Tuesday, April 25 @ 10 am
​and ending Wednesday, April 26 @ 10 am
The Give Local 757 Initiative is a program created by the Peninsula Community Foundation to spark and grow philanthropy in the Hampton Roads region. The event has united our community like no other to help raise unrestricted funds for the organizations that strengthen the Hampton Roads region

May 1-21 is City Cycling Campaign

A friendly competition against our German Sister City
​to improve the climate encourage cycling in our communities!

On March 17, we celebrated St. Patrick's Day locally with Green Beer in City Center and by sending an official to Newport News' newest sister city of
Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland!

Tuesday, February 28
Membership Social!
starting at 5:30 PM
Tradition Brewing in Oyster Point
Includes a Tasting & Tour by the Brewmeister!
One beverage ticket included for current SCNN Members

Friday, February 24​
Neyagawa (Japan) Committee Social at CITYSPACE

Lunar New Year Celebration  - Saturday,  February 4, 2023
2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. The New Year began January 22 (Chinese New Year), and will end on February 9, 2024 (Chinese New Year's Eve). The rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. People born in a year of the Rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious. Thanks to all the wonderful guests who attended this special event at CITYSPACE. 

2022 marked 40 Years of Sister Cities in Newport News!
Scroll below to check out all the great events that occurred.

4th  QUARTER  2022

2022 Annual Membership Meeting
Thursday, December 8
7-9 PM at CITY SPACE / $10
Featuring live music with harpist Mel Lauf, Jr. & flutist MSgt Anne Epperly

Each year, Sister Cities members gather for our Annual Membership Meeting to elect Board Members, review the activities of the last year and announce coming events and exchanges. This year we will also celebrate 40-years of Sister Cities in Newport News.

Saturday – December 3 from 1-8 PM
German Christmas Market​

Thanks to all the visitors who supported our 1st Holiday Market with Local Craftsmen, Live German Music, Glühwein in hand made cups, Tradition Brewery's Wit’ner Wonderland Beer & 
Newport News Grown Christmas Trees!

Thanks to Coastal Fermentory & Ironclad Distillery for hosting us as their fantastic facilities!
Be sure to drop by and visit them both!
Or follow them on facebook!

3rd QUARTER 2022 
2nd Annual Chinese Moon Festival
​2nd QUARTER 2022
WORLD ARTS CELEBRATION
Sat. May 21 @City Center, Oyster Point
CITYSPACE will be open with exhibits and crafts
​1st QUARTER 2022
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Sat. Feb. 12 at 5:30 PM @ CITYSPACE
FOOD - MUSIC &  ART to WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR!

Sister Cities Newport News did not let COVID-19 slow us down in 2021

Check-Out these Quarterly Lectures and Seminars for the community which were a HUGE SUCCESS!
​​4th QUARTER
Chinese Moon Festival Celebration
Thursday, Sept 16
6:30 to 8:30 pm 
@ CITY SPACE, City Center Oyster Point 
featuring a live stream with Sister Cities officials in Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
Live Music, Food and Drink
FREE to SCNN Members
$10 non-members

​3rd QUARTER
Carrigaline & Newport News
Thursday, July 29 / 6-8 pm  - FREE Admission
@ Coastal Fermentory (The Yard District) 
and on  Facebook Live

Featuring Guest Lecturer, Luke Pecoraro, Ph.D.
Director of Curatorial Services at Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

​400 years ago (Nov. 1621) an English settler from Carrigaline, Ireland helped establish the town of Newport News. It would be great to make something of that connection. All invited. FREE admission.

​Learn more about our communities' 400 year old history below:
www.carrigdhoun.com/post/from-carrigaline-to-virginia-usa

​2nd QUARTER
​Thursday, April 29 (2021) via ZOOM
Perspectives on US-CHINA Relations

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Many thanks to our guest speaker!
Paul Stempel is a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and currently serves on the Bilateral Affairs Unit of the China Desk in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.  He has previously served in Africa and China and speaks Mandarin and French.  Prior to joining State, Mr. Stempel served as an officer and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Air Force.  He is a member of the Virginia State Bar and originally hails from Colorado.

​1st QUARTER
​Wednesday, February 10 (2021) via Zoom
CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR!

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is an annual holiday that falls on different days each year according to the cycle of the lunar calendar.To celebrate the upcoming Year of the Ox, William & Mary Confucius Institute (WMCI) and Sister Cities of Newport News (SCNN) invited guest speaker Xin Ma from Christopher Newport University (CNU) to present a special lecture on the traditions and trends surrounding Chinese New Year.