Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Friday, May 5, 5 – 10 p.m., in Historic Market Square, 907 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg,
Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Free.
Fredericksburg First Friday Art Walk
Friday, May 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Join the art galleries and studios of downtown Fredericksburg for First Friday Art Walk every month. Opening receptions are from 6 – 9 p.m., unless otherwise indicated. Participating galleries and studios include: 810 Weekend Gallery, Art First Gallery, Artful Dimensions Gallery, Brush Strokes Gallery, LibertyTown Arts Workshop, and more. Free.
Eagles, Beetles and Wild Edibles
Saturday, May 6, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Meet at the Friends of the Rappahannock office, 3219 Fall Hill Ave. in Fredericksburg.
Join Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) on a nature walk with Joella and Michael Killian of the University of Mary Washington’s Department of Biological Sciences. Explore birds, plants, insects, and natural edibles along the Rappahannock River. The event is appropriate for all ages, and will be held rain or shine. Cost is $5 per individual and $10 for groups of 3 or 4. The price with the FOR member discount is $4 and $8. Please pre-register at http://www.riverfriends.org/event/eagles-beetles- and-wild- edibles/
Craft in the Garden at Mary Washington House
Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Mary Washington House 1200 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Make colonial and garden related crafts inspired by the Mary Washington House. Crafts include fan painting and watercolors. $8 – $10
https://www.washingtonheritagemuseums.org/meetings-events
Moments from the Homefront and the Battlefield: An All Encompassing Civil War Living History Event
Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7, at Ellwood Manor, 36380 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove, and Tapp Farm Field on the on the Wilderness Battlefield (GPS coordinates: 38.293674, -77.741269).
The National Park Service in conjunction with multiple living historian organizations will present interpretive programs and in-depth living history presentations covering unique aspects of the Battle of the Wilderness. Free.
https://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/living-history-event.htm
Fredericksburg Community Concert Band Annual Spring Fling Concert
Saturday, May 6, 7 p.m. at Massaponax High School, 8201 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Stafford
The performance will include “Chorale and Alleluia” by Howard Hanson, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”, “Man of La Mancha”, and “Princess Leia’s Theme” from Star Wars.
Admission $5 for adults, $2 for students.
http://fredericksburgcommunityband.com/#
Stafford County Public Schools Film Festival
Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, 6 – 8 p.m. at Colonial Forge High School, 550 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, Virginia 22554
Watch the best student-made films produced by the students and film clubs from the Stafford County Public School system. The event will include the premiere of a mini feature film, “The Exceptionals,” produced by the AGW Film Club. “The Exceptionals” is a story about a rough group of school kids who aren’t necessarily who they appear to be on the outside, coming together to do some good. Free.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1885427655067539/
The Virginia Renaissance Faire 2017
Weekends only 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania, Virginia
May 13 – 14: Opening Weekend
May 20 – 21: Celtic Heritage
May 27 – 28: Military History
June 3 – 4: Pirate Invasion
June 10 – 11: Closing Weekend
The faire brings a unique brand of educational interactive family entertainment. Ages 6 and up – $10; 5 and under – free.
http://www.varf.org/
Fredericksburg Cyclists Annual Membership Drive Ride
Saturday, May 13, 7 a.m., beginning at Ron Rosner Family YMCA, 5700 Smith Station Rd., Fredericksburg
Enjoy a bike ride through the Spotsylvania County landscape with members of the Fredericksburg Cyclists club, followed by lunch. Options include 20, 35, 46, and 67 mile options. Registration is limited to 80 riders. All routes marked with double white arrows. Rest stops will be available.
http://www.bikefred.com/event-2511136?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=5/24/2017
Fit History Hike: Spotsylvania at the Spotsylvania History Trail
Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m., meet at the Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter (GPS coordinates: 38.219245, -77.614099).
Join National Park Service historian Beth Parnicza to walk the entirety of the Spotsylvania History Trail, covering the major actions of a nearly two week battle. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a snack. Bug spray and long pants are also suggested. The hike is 5.7 miles round trip. Free.
Mothers Day Tribute at Ellwood
Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Ellwood Manor, 36380 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove 22508
Friends of Wilderness Battlefield volunteer interpreters will welcome visitors to tour the manor house. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. as a Mother’s Day tribute, volunteers will read aloud from letters written by Civil War soldiers to their mothers, wives, and grandmothers. The programs will last about 30 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy live Civil War era music played by Evergreen Shade, who will perform from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., and again from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Free.
https://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/special.htm
ArtsLive! 30th Annual Chamber Music Festival
Tuesday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 18, 7 p.m.
Friday, May 19, 7 p.m.
at Trinity Episcopal Church, 825 College Ave., Fredericksburg
Concerts will feature the music of Bach, Brahms, Strauss, Schubert, and others.
Purchase tickets online; $25 – $30
Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend and Healthy Lifestyle Expo
Friday, May 19, through Sunday, May 21, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg. I
The expo includes packet pick-up for the Half, 10K and 5K, vendors and exhibits.
Friday, May 19, opening ceremonies at 3:30. Open until 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The Marine Corps Historic Half begins at 7 a.m. Sunday, May 21, adjacent to the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center.
http://www.marinemarathon.com/events/historic-half
The 2017 Fredericksburg Greek Festival
Friday, May 19. 3 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, May 21, 12 – 6 p.m.
at Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12326 Spotswood Furnace Ln., Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Music, dancing, food, shopping, and The Kids Zone. The Kids Zone fee is $5 for the first child, $4 for the second, $3 for the third.
https://www.fredgreek.org/
Spring “Living in the Garden” Symposium
Saturday, May 20, 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. in Lee Hall at the University of Mary Washington
The Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area will present seminars, and host a tree walk on the University of Mary Washington campus.
Pre-registration and advance payment is required ($40 members/$50 others)
(540) 775-9688 or email at [email protected]
Dawn at Ferry Farm: A Morning for Artists
Saturday, May 20, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s boyhood home, 268 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22405
You’re invited to spend a peaceful morning at George Washington’s Ferry Farm to take photos, paint, sketch, birdwatch, hike, or just stroll the natural setting. This special event offers amateur photographers and artists the opportunity to capture the Washington house and the view of Fredericksburg in the morning light. Artists need to bring their own supplies and set ups, and all photographs and works of art must be for personal use only. Please note that the iPad tour of Ferry Farm will not be available during this event. Leashed pets are welcome.
$5 adults, $2.50 students, under age 6 free. For more information, call 540-370-0732 x24 or email [email protected]
http://www.kenmore.org/visiting.html
National Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, May 20, 2017. There are National Kids to Parks Day activities at all 36 Virginia State Parks. View program details for each park online. Four local parks and their events are:
Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd. King George, Virginia
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
There will be hay wagon rides throughout the park at the top of every hour, displays on the wildlife and plant life that can be found at Caledon, and a fishing game.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=CA170035-00
Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania, Va.
12 – 5 p.m.
Look for the park rangers stationed by the special event location on the lakefront. They’ll be there with some really cool things from the Visitor Center on display. Pet a skunk or a snake. Roving Ranger: One of the rangers will be roving the lakefront, and you never know what they’ll have with them. Stop them to find out.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=LA170010-00
Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22191
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stump the Ranger (at the playground): 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Pond Play (at the pond): 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Osprey Observation (at the pier): 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=LE170017-00
Westmoreland State Park, 145 Cliff Road, Montross, VA 22520
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Finding fossils, make a shark’s tooth necklace, and roast s’mores over a campfire.
There is a fee for the Sharks Tooth Necklace making.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/park-event-info?id=WE170010-00
Patawomeck Indian Tribe Spaghetti Dinner, Gospel Sing, and Silent Auction
Saturday, May 20, 5 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 1193 White Oak Rd., Fredericksburg
The Patawomeck tribe is one of 11 recognized tribes in Virginia. Their main lands were in what is now Stafford and King George counties, and it is from their village that Pocahontas was captured.
Theirs was the most northern tribe of the Powhatan Confederation. When the confederation’s leader ordered member tribes not to trade with the Jamestown settlers, the Patawomeck disobeyed. “We were the only tribe trading with Jamestown during the starving years,” Chief John Lightner — Lone Eagle — said. “If it weren’t for us, Jamestown would have been another lost colony.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the tribe’s museum and cultural center.
$10, children 5 and under are free.
Supernova International Ska Festival
Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg.
Performances by more that 30 of the world’s best Ska bands on two stages. Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues.
$40 a day.
http://www.supernovaska.com/
Annual Fredericksburg National Cemetery Illumination
Saturday, May 27, 8 – 11 p.m. at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard.
The illumination pays tribute to American soldiers who have given their lives for the United States of America. To honor those soldiers, members of the Mattaponi and Aquia Districts of the Boy Scouts of America and the Commonwealth Council Girl Scouts of the USA will light 15,300 candles in the cemetery – one for each soldier buried there. In addition, a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes throughout the evening. Park staff posted throughout the cemetery will tell the stories of soldiers who died in that battle.
Due to limited parking, a free shuttle service will operate from the University of Mary Washington parking lot on the corner of William St. and Sunken Rd. Handicapped parking will be available in the parking lot behind the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, with another shuttle operating between that point and the cemetery.
Free. Rain date is Sunday, May 28. No pets, please.
https://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/luminaria.htm
Marine Thunder
Sunday, May 28, 6 a.m. Meet at the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Ride with the Band of Brothers Motorcycle Club to Rolling Thunder in Washington D.C. The parking lot opens at 6 a.m. There will be a ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The group leaves for the Pentagon at 7:45 a.m.
http://www.usmcmuseum.com/calendar-of-events.html
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, May 29, 12 Noon (lasts about 35 minutes)
Fredericksburg National Cemetery, Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard.
Rappahannock POPS Orchestra Annual Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 29, 6 p.m., at the Mary Washington Hospital campus, in front of the Ambulatory Surgery Center at 1201 Sam Perry Blvd.
Free.
