A selection of April 2016 special events in the Fredericksburg region. Click the hyperlinks for more details.
April 1 – 6
Un-Mask Sexual Violence Artesian Mask Gallery
Friday, April 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Kybecca, 402 William St., Fredericksburg.
RCASA , ArtMart and Kybecca have partnered to display masks created by local artists. The event will feature a signature cocktail and a professional photographer “photo booth” for supporters to model the masks and promote the event on social media.
Free admission.
UWM Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble Concert
Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.
University of Mary Washington Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall, 1301 College Ave. in Fredericksburg.
The two groups present a joint concert.
Free.
Virginia Horse Festival
The Meadow Event Park, 13111 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, Va., 23047
Friday, April 1, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Three-day pass is $20 in advance, $25 at the gate.
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the gate.
Children age 5 to 12 are $7 in advance, $10 at the gate.
Children age 4 and under are free with an adult admission.
Fredericksburg 10th Anniversary Spring Arts & Crafts Faire
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fredericksburg Expo Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg.
The Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire features a variety of handmade arts, crafts and gifts.
Admission $6 – $8, kids 12 and under free
April 7 – 13
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 9, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
James Monroe High School auditorium, 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg.
The Academy of Arts presents the play version of C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Tickets, which range from $20 to $48, may be purchased online.
Tartuffe by Moliere
April 7 – 17
UMW Klein Theatre, duPont Hall, at the intersection of College Avenue and Thornton Street.
Moliere’s comedy has stood the test of time. The play focuses on a con man hell-bent on swindling the patriarch of a well-to-do family out of everything he holds dear.
$8 – $18
Northern Virginia Relic Hunters Association American Civil War Show
Friday, April 8, 12 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fredericksburg Expo Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg.
Civil War and earlier military relics, books, art, antique weapons and more.
$6 admission is good both days. Children 12 and under free with an adult.
Fredericksburg HeartChase 2016
Saturday, April 9, 9 – 11:30 a.m.
Mary Washington Hospital Campus, 1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg.
HeartChase is a good-cause community adventure game. Teams of 2 – 5 people compete against each other in a chase through the community, with checkpoint challenges.
Free.
Stratford Hall Forum on Racial Understanding: American Denial
Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Stratford Hall, duPont Library, 483 Great House Rd, Stratford, Va.
A free showing of Swedish researcher and Nobel Laureate Gunnar Myrdal’s film American Denial, followed by a discussion. Suggested age for viewing and participating is 13 and older.
Free.
UMW 26th Annual Multicultural Fair
Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — rain or shine
University of Mary Washington Campus, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg.
The annual fair provides an entire day devoted to multicultural entertainment, children’s activities, international and American food, and ethnic craft vendors.
Free.
7th Annual Rites of Spring Wine Fest
Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 10, 12 – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Virginia After Hours, 2150 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd, Fredericksburg.
Award-winning Virginia wines, artisans & crafters, food concessionaires and live entertainment.
$15 admission.
Fredericksburg SPCA Fur Ball
Saturday, April 9, 6 – 10 p.m.
A. Smith Bowman Distillery, 1 Bowman Dr, Fredericksburg.
A fundraising event for the Fredericksburg SPCA.
Tickets $40 – $125.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont Spring Open House
Sunday, April 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St, Fredericksburg.
Enjoy the restored gardens in bloom, the art of Gari Melchers and the history of Belmont.
Free
UMW Choirs
Sunday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
University of Mary Washington Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall, 1301 College Ave. in Fredericksburg.
Free
Hunter’s Island Hike
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Participants will meet at the FOR office, 3219 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg, and ferry to the island in canoes.
Capt. John Smith, exploring the Rappahannock River in 1608, met native fishermen at the site. Bring a bag lunch and water bottle for a scenic picnic. Minimum age is 8 years. The backup date is Sunday, April 17.
Cost is $30 per individual and $90 for families, or $24 and $72 for FOR members. For more information call 540-373-3448. Please pre-register at www.riverfriends.org.
Fit-History Hike
Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meet at the Chancellorsville Visitor Center, 9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, 22553.
Join historian Frank O’Reilly for a hike on the Chancellorsville History Trail (4 mile loop), one of the park’s most popular trails.
Free.
April 14 – 20
Snowy Landscapes: Japanese Woodblock Prints by Kawase Hasui
Exhibit opens Friday, April 15, and runs through August 3, 2016
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Va.
A leading printmaking artist, Kawase Hasui was known for his vivid winter landscapes. This exhibit was curated to demonstrate Hasui’s remarkable skills as a printmaker and colorist, as well as his extraordinary ability to capture Japan’s identity and spirit in his landscapes.
Free.
Ninth Annual Kids Trout Fishing Day
Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m.
Old Cossey Pond, Kenmore Avenue near Mary Ball Street, Fredericksburg.
This event for kids 12 and under is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Loaner rods and reels are available. A hot dog lunch is included.
Free.
Courthouse Village Food Truck Rodeo
Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Courthouse Village, 9019 Old Battlefield Blvd, Spotsylvania.
Stop by to visit and vote on some 20 food vendors, browse local shops, and relax to music offered by a the local Grassland Bluegrass Band.
Admission is free.
Ballet and Beyond III
Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
University of Mary Washington Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall, 1301 College Ave. in Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg’s Avery Ballet is hosting this dance and music showcase, featuring their own dancers, along with performances by other local musicians and artists. Proceeds benefit the Vicky Nichols Wilder/Florence Overley Ridderhof Scholarship in Dance at the University of Mary Washington.
Tickets are $15.
Fredericksburg Spring Brewfest
Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fredericksburg Fair Grounds, 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg.
Sample craft brews while enjoying food and live music. Home brewing demonstrations will be provided by The Brew Shop.
Tickets — available online — range from $11.54 – $53.74.
Monte Carlo Casino Night
Saturday, April 16, 6 – 11 p.m.
Daniel Technology Center, 18121 Technology Dr, Culpeper.
the Germanna Community College Educational Foundation hosts its 22nd Annual Scholarship Monte Carlo Casino Night. The black tie event featuring mock gambling, food and libations raises money for student scholarships.
Tickets are $90, and can be purchased online.
UMW Jazz Festival
Sunday, April 17, 4 p.m.
Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg.
UMW Jazz Festival with special guests The Blues Buckets and The White House Band.
Free. No ticket required.
April 21 – 27
UMW Philharmonic Spring Concert: South of the Border
Friday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg
Philharmonic hosts renowned Argentine conductor Lucia Zicos as they perform music from South America and Latin America. The orchestra will feature UMW faculty pianist Andrew Krauss.
Tickets range from $15 – $55, and are available by phone at 540-654-1324, or online.
5th Annual FredTech STEM 16 Summit
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg.
For registration and information, contact [email protected] FredTech, an affiliate of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, supports, enhances, educates, and attracts technology businesses to the region.
Family Fun Fest
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spotsylvania Towne Centre, 137 Spotsylvania Mall, Fredericksburg.
Visit with The Real Housewives of Potomac. Cheer for the fastest crawling baby in the Diaper Derby. Vendors and activities for the family. Hosted by B101.5 FM.
Fredericksburg Food Truck Rodeo and Beer Fest
Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate Virginia After Hours, 2150 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd, Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg’s first Food Truck Rodeo and Beer Fest will feature some 30 food trucks and four micro breweries, plus a variety of other vendors.
$5 admission.
Mary Washington House Spring Garden
Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mary Washington House garden, 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg.
Garden tour is free, and features a chat with the gardener.
Earth Day on the Rappahannock
Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Rain date is Saturday, April 30)
Old Mill Park, 2410 Caroline St, Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation sponsors Earth Day on the Rappahannock to provide an enjoyable and engaging family-friendly event devoted to environmental awareness and stewardship. Activities interactive exhibits by participating environmental groups, wildlife shows, children’s activities, live music and food for sale. There’s a free shuttle to the park from James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg.
Free admission.
Moss Free Clinic 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, April 24, 8:30 a.m.
Race starts and finishes at the Moss Free Clinic, 1301 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg.
The 6th Annual Moss Free Clinic 5K Run/Walk is held on a USATF certified course.
Registration is $25/person by April 8 to guarantee a t-shirt. Price goes up to $30 after April 8.
Organ Concert
Sunday, April 24, 3 p.m.
St. George’s Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg.
Featuring St. George’s organists John Vreeland, Kelly Kazik, Trystan Bennett, and Achim Loch.
Free. Donations welcome.
Spring Opening of St. James’ House
April 25 – 30, 1 – 4 p.m.
St. James’ House, 1300 Charles St, Fredericksburg.
St. James’ House was built about 1768, and is one of the few 18th-century frame houses still standing in Fredericksburg. It’s open for tours only a few times a year.
$3 admission.
April 28 – May 1
Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week 2016
April 23 – 30
Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.” This 8-day statewide event provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with over 2,000 flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members.
Local gardens featured include Orange County/Culpeper on Saturday, April 23, Chatham on Sunday, April 24, and Fredericksburg on Tuesday, April 26.
Tickets, which may be purchased online, range from $15 for some individual locations, to $300 for a statewide pass.
State Theatre Bluegrass Triple Feature: Big Daddy Love, Forlorn Strangers, & Circa Blue
Friday, April 29, 3 – 10 p.m.
State Theatre of Culpeper, 305 S Main St, Culpeper, Va.
A Bluegrass triple header.
$37 Front Orchestra; $32 Rear Orchestra; $27 Balcony
Fit-History Hike
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meet at Stop #4 on the Wilderness Battlefield.
Join historian Becky Oakes on a rarely walked trail from the Higgerson Farm to the Federal Line (2.5 miles) at Wilderness Battlefield.
Free.
Fredericksburg Beach Music Blast
Saturday, April 30, 12 – 8 p.m.
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg.
The Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Rotary Club will host their inaugural Fredericksburg Beach Music Blast, featuring Steve Jarrell, Ammon Tharp and Ammon’s All-stars, Charlie Thomas and the Drifters, and The Tams.
Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the show. Money raised will help the club support local non-profit projects and organizations.
Culpeper’s Fourth Annual ‘Gnarly Hops and Barley Fest’ Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, April 30, 12 – 5 p.m.
Spencer Street parking lot, Historic Downtown Culpeper, Va.
Ticket holders can look forward to several new breweries on tap, 70 different beers, a wide selection of local food, and music.
Tickets range from $5 (non-drinking) to $55 (VIP).
Masquerade Ball
Saturday, April 30, 7 – 11 p.m.
Bowman Center, 1 Bowman Dr., Fredericksburg.
Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) is holding its 30th anniversary Masquerade Ball. The annual fund raising event will feature music by the Fredericksburg Big Band. Tickets are $50 a person, $80 a couple, and may be purchased online or by calling 540-371-6771. You may also purchase $25 tickets to donate to clients and volunteers who cannot afford them.
RCASA provides counseling, education, and training to sexual violence and abuse survivors and their families.
More
Fit-History Hikes Offered at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Battlefields
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Spring Hours and Tours
