A selection of Labor Day Weekend 2016 events in the Fredericksburg region. Click the hyperlinks for more details.
First Friday Fredericksburg
Friday, Sept. 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Fredericksburg
The galleries and studios of downtown Fredericksburg host open houses, with featured artists, refreshments and often live music. Many businesses are open late. There is a free shuttle service operated by the Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg.
Free admission.
First Friday History Trivia Night
James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, 908 Charles St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
Friday, Sept. 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Join celebrity hosts for a history trivia contest in the museum garden. Cash bar, prizes, 50/50 raffle.
Free admission.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Friday, Aug. 26, 7 – 9 p.m.
Historic Market Square, 907 Princess Anne St., in downtown Fredericksburg.
The Working Effective will be performing.
Free.
Living History Weekend at Fredericksburg Battlefield
Saturday, Sept. 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
The smells of campfires and gun smoke will once again fill the air on Marye’s Heights at the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Talk with Union soldiers as they show the weapons, uniforms, and equipment carried by the armies over 150 years ago. Watch as troops march in formation, and hear about the techniques used to fight battles during the Civil War. Walk through the camps to learn how the troops lived in the field. Musket firing demonstrations Saturday at 11:30, 2:30, and 4:30; Sunday at 11:30 and 2:30.
Labor Day Weekend at James Madison’s Montpelier
James Madison’s Montpelier, 11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station, Va. 22957
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gilmore Cabin Workshop Series – “Decorative Beadwork” with Kathleen Conery
Oral tradition passed down through the Gilmore family stated that Polly Gilmore was a seamstress who added to the family’s income through sewing-related work. During an archaeological excavation beneath the cabin’s floorboards, large quantities of beads, buttons, pins, and needles were discovered. Joined JMU’s Costume Shop Manager Kathleen Conery, as she introduces the art of decorative textile beadwork. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free; includes all materials. Lunch provided. Register in advance.
Historic Landscape Tour
Peel back 250 years of landscaping, one layer at a time, to learn how the grounds of Montpelier evolved through generations of owners from a working plantation to a trove of champion trees and unique plantings. Begins at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Free.
Hands On History
Look for the tan tent and the “Hands On History” banner to join family-friendly free activities. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free.
Saturday in Mary’s Garden
Saturday, Sept. 3, 12 – 2 p.m.
Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
Use vines from the house to make your own grapevine wreath. Crafting is suitable for ages 8 and up.
Free with your paid admission.
Hoptoberfest – a Gnarly Hops Fall Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 3, 12 – 5 p.m.
In the Depot District of Downtown Culpeper, Va.
American craft beer, Virginia wine, food, music and dancing.
$30. $5 non-drinkers.
Companions in Battle: Animals of War Campfire Program
Saturday, Sept. 3, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center at 1013 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401
Animals hold a special place in the hearts of many people, and Civil War soldiers were no exception. Park Ranger Peter Maugle will present a family-friendly program discussing the mascots, mounts, and pets that accompanied the armies.
Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and flashlights. Pets are welcome.
Free.
Lake Anna Sunset Concert
Sunday, Sept. 4, 5:30 p.m.
Anna Point Marina, 13703 Anna Point Lane, Mineral, Va.
Lake Anna Sunset Concerts at The Pavilion at Anna Point Marina offer live music, adult beverages, soda, water and food concession for locals and visitors, plus spectacular lakeside sunsets! The concert is free. Bring a lawn chair and join us lakeside.
More
Fredericksburg’s Live Music Calendar
