Local Events Calendar

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America. We are excited to bring the festival to our river community for the 14th year!

Spring Into Shelter Careers- An introduction to the different roles and jobs within the shelter.

Join the Animal Allies Academy, an engaging program designed for kids ages 6-9 & 10-12 who are eager to learn about life at an animal shelter! Kids enrolled in the Animal Allies Academy will meet on various weekend days once a month from 10:00am-2:00pm. This program will be held at the Fredericksburg SPCA, where your child will get one-on-one interaction with animals! Participants will discover the importance of animal care, shelter etiquette, and responsible pet ownership through hands-on experiences and interactive activities.

Please be sure to confirm the age group you are registering for and that your child falls within that range. 

Join us for a special presentation by Laura Galke, Archeologist and Mary Washington House Site Interpreter. Not long after turning eleven, George Washington faced a significant turning point. His father passed away, leaving his mother, now a widow, the daunting task of raising her five young children alone. In the twentieth century, narratives emerged that cast Mary Washington as a somewhat inept and self-absorbed figure – a parental hurdle that George had to overcome.

This presentation seeks to shed light on Mary Washington’s life, delving into her struggles and the consequential actions she took, while also acknowledging the family’s trials and celebrating their accomplishments. It is a story that recognizes the resilience and determination of a mother navigating a patriarchal society while trying to provide for and guide her children.

Program is presented in partnership with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library and Washington Heritage Museums.

Willard Sterne Randall speaks at a Great Lives lecture about John Hancock: First to Sign, First to Invest in America’s Independence, sponsored by Roxanne M. Kaufman.

The Community Connections Expo is an all-day event that connects individuals and families to free community resources and vital health services in the Fredericksburg area. Attendees will have a chance to learn what services are available to them regionally, sign up for eligible assistance, and walk away with resources they need to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Vendors include:

– nonprofit & community organizations

– businesses with free community programs

– social service providers & partners

– direct service providers offering free day of services on site such as haircuts, dental, massage therapy, food distribution, and medical care

This event is hosted by FAHASS (Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services) in partnership with the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care.

Questions? Please contact Amanda Strawn (amanda@fahass.org) or Joseph Lyttle (joseph@fahass.org)

Mark Lee Gardner speaks at a Great Lives lecture about Wyatt Earp, Doc Holiday, and a Reckoning in Tombstone: Brothers of the Gun, sponsored by Synergy Periodontics and Implants.

Support the Fredericksburg Free Press!

Laugh Out Local featuring Rahmein Mostafavi will be March 19 at 7:30 p.m. at The Griffin on Charles in downtown Fredericksburg.

Tickets are $50/person and includes one drink (alcoholic or non-), snacks and dessert. We hope you can join us!
Space is limited so buy now. Walk-ins will be $60 if available.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.fredericksburgfreepress.com/fredericksburg…/

Hosted in partnership by Honor Bound FIT and The Guidon Foundation, and supported by Old Dominion Humane Society and the Stafford County Sheriffs Office, this guided ruck/walk invites participants to carry weight (optional), leash up a pup, and hit the trail together in support of two important causes: strengthening our community and supporting animal welfare.

Old Dominion Humane Society will be on site with (adoptable) dogs, giving participants the opportunity to ruck alongside shelter dogs while helping them get exercise and visibility. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring dog food or pet supplies to donate directly to the shelter.

The event will feature:

• A guided, community-paced ruck/walk led by Honor Bound FIT
• Shelter dogs from Old Dominion Humane Society
• Vendors, sponsors, and community partners
• A family- and dog-friendly atmosphere

All monetary donations and sponsorship proceeds from the event benefit The Guidon Foundation, whose mission is to honor God, uphold traditional American values, and strengthen individuals and communities through events, education, and engagement.

Whether you’re rucking with your own dog, pairing up with a shelter pup, or just coming out to support the cause, Ruck With Pups is about showing up, moving together, and making a difference—one step and one paw at a time.

👟 Sneaker Soirée: Where Style Meets Impact

Lace up your favorite sneakers and join us for an unforgettable evening at the Sneaker Soirée — a high-energy, feel-good fundraiser benefiting Girls on the Run Piedmont! This unique event brings together fashion, fun, and philanthropy to celebrate confidence, community, and the power of girls.

Guests are encouraged to dress to impress — cocktail attire paired with your best kicks — and enjoy a lively night featuring music, interactive experiences,  and auctions, and opportunities to connect with fellow supporters. Every step you take helps Girls on the Run inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.

Whether you’re a sneaker enthusiast, a GOTR supporter, or simply looking for a great night out for a great cause, the Sneaker Soirée is an event you won’t want to miss.

📍 Event Details

What: Sneaker Soirée
When: March 21st, 2026
Time: 6pm-9pm
Where: Stevenson Ridge Event Center, 6901 Meeting St, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
Attire: Cocktail chic + sneakers
Benefiting: Girls on the Run Piedmont

Spring Into Shelter Careers- An introduction to the different roles and jobs within the shelter.

Join the Animal Allies Academy, an engaging program designed for kids ages 6-9 & 10-12 who are eager to learn about life at an animal shelter! Kids enrolled in the Animal Allies Academy will meet on various weekend days once a month from 10:00am-2:00pm. This program will be held at the Fredericksburg SPCA, where your child will get one-on-one interaction with animals! Participants will discover the importance of animal care, shelter etiquette, and responsible pet ownership through hands-on experiences and interactive activities.

Please be sure to confirm the age group you are registering for and that your child falls within that range.

Tree of Life 10K, 5K & Pioneer 1 Mile Race (FARC Grand Prix Event)

Join us Sunday, March 22, 2026 for the Tree of Life Race at 1st Day of Chancellorsville Battlefield in Fredericksburg! This year the certified 5K course is part of the Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC) Grand Prix Series, making it a great race for competitive runners and casual participants alike.

Race morning includes a 10K (8:00 AM), 5K (8:10 AM), and Pioneer 1 Mile Fun Run (9:15 AM). Proceeds support Christian education and the local VFW.

Registration and details: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fredericksburg/TreeofLife5KPioneer1MileRace

The Student Climate Action Summit is a student-led initiative designed to empower young leaders to drive meaningful climate dialogue within their communities. Students today deeply understand the severity of the climate crisis and recognize the urgent need for all of us to engage in conversations that inspire creative and innovative solutions.

This Summit will showcase students’ ideas and serve as a vital resource for anyone seeking to take bold action on climate change. Together, participants envision a future that centers the health and prosperity of humans and nature alike.

Started by the passionate dedication of the Fredericksburg community, this event is now co-hosted by the University of Mary Washington Office of Sustainability and the Virginia League of Conservation Voters Education Fund who seek to bring this collaborative, educational, and inspirational experience to students across the region.