Local Events Calendar

Presented by Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor of the Stafford County Historical Society. Aquia Creek was at one point a major commercial waterway from the mid-1600s up until the early 1900s, in contrast to its modern geography. Three deep-water landings received international sailing vessels along the waterway, and industry flowed through the heart of the freestone quarrying area, much of which was used in the construction of various buildings in Washington D.C. and in the surrounding areas in Virginia. Moreover, several large fisheries operated along the creek, and thousands of cords of wood, along with hundreds of thousands of railroad ties, were shipped down Aquia Creek to many destinations across the United States. Learn of this area’s rich history, including the location of Stafford County’s only known military entanglement of the Revolutionary War: the Burning of Richland. In July of 1776, British warships sailed up the Potomac and met the Stafford Militia, who were stationed at the Richland Plantation, which was owned by William Brent.

Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor is the author of They Called Stafford Home, among other works related to the rich history of Stafford County. A life-long Staffordian, Jerrilynn continues to heavily contribute to historical and genealogical studies of the people and places of this County. She is a secretary of the historical society and a frequent lecturer on various historical topics to numerous regional historical organizations.

Second Saturday of the Month

Gari Melchers Home and Studio invites artists of all skill levels and mediums to participate in our Plein Air Days. On these unique days, artists are encouraged to create in our gardens, display their work in progress, and meet with other artists and visitors. The grounds will open early at 8:00 AM. The extended site hours for this event (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Gari Melchers Home and Studio will communicate any changes via social media.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is open daily 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM. It is free to walk the grounds and gardens. There is an admission charge to tour the historic home and galleries.

The outdoor Plein Air Day event is free and open to the public. There is no fee for participating artists. Professional photographers using the site for client portrait sessions must follow our Photography Guidelines and site use fees.

If you have questions, or to register, please contact our Museum Store Manager, Lindy Lynn at 540-654-1843 or [email protected].

Event Cost: Free

Your heart deserves the best!

Join us for a FREE Nutrition Seminar and learn how to make nutritious choices that support your heart and overall well-being.

This seminar is packed with practical advice on how to protect your heart through the food you eat every day. Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, or just want to improve your overall health, this session will empower you to make better choices for life.

In this seminar, you’ll learn:

* The best foods for heart health
* How to reduce sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugars in your diet
* Tips for building long-term, sustainable eating habits
* Simple, delicious heart-healthy recipes

Registration is required. To register contact the YMCA or go to https://family-ymca.org/bpsm/

Your heart deserves the best!

Join us for a FREE Nutrition Seminar and learn how to make nutritious choices that support your heart and overall well-being.

This seminar is packed with practical advice on how to protect your heart through the food you eat every day. Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, or just want to improve your overall health, this session will empower you to make better choices for life.

In this seminar, you’ll learn:

* The best foods for heart health
* How to reduce sodium, unhealthy fats, and sugars in your diet
* Tips for building long-term, sustainable eating habits
* Simple, delicious heart-healthy recipes

Registration is required. To register contact the YMCA or go to https://family-ymca.org/bpsm/

Want to learn more about Freemasonry or Knight Templar philanthropy? Join us for an evening of chivalric fellowship and history as we celebrate 150 years of Knight Templar Masonry in Fredericksburg, Virginia. A social hour will be followed by dinner, a historical program, and distinguished speakers. Catered dinner from Orofino includes bruschetta chicken, cacio e pepe, roasted seasonal vegetables, garden salad, garlic bread, and tiramisu.

Dinner $50

Please RSVP and direct questions to Captain General Huey Allen at [email protected]

Venmo: @Huey-Allen

Join us on Saturday October 18 from 10am-4pm for a festive day of history, fun, and community at Salubria. This inaugural event launches Culpeper’s 250th History Week as part of the county’s VA250 commemorations.

What to Expect:
Historical reenactors and living history demonstrations
Traditional crafts and trades
Regional music
Local food, beer, and cider
Hands-on games and activities for all ages
Arts and Cultural organization tables

Walk with us at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Greater Fredericksburg Community Walk.

Witness General George Washington’s Revolutionary War encampment come to life at Stratford Hall on Sunday, October 19th from 10 am to 5 pm! This unique, one-day program will offer visitors the chance to learn from costumed historic interpreters and explore handsewn, full-scale reproductions of Washington’s sleeping and office marquee, dining marquee, baggage tent, camp bed, furniture, and more that were part of his mobile headquarters while on campaign.

Stratford Hall is the c. 1738 home of the Lee family, including Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee—the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence. Another Stratford Hall resident was none other than Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, who gave the famous “First in war, first in peace” eulogy for his comrade and friend, George Washington. Audio tours of the Great House and grounds access to the 1,800+ acre Historic Preserve are included with admission. Learn more about Stratford Hall’s involvement in America’s 250th at StratfordHall.org/Americas-250th.

First Oval Office Project Tickets:

$15 for adults & ages 14 and older

$10 for ages 6 – 13

Free for ages 5 & under

Free for Friends of Stratford and Museums for All participants

Purchase tickets on our official SimpleTix page!
Pre-registration is not required. Friends of Stratford and Museums for All participants, please bring identification with you to the Visitor Center.

General George Washington’s original sleeping and office tent from the Revolutionary War is on permanent display at the Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia.

Trivia Nights at Tun Tavern – Test Your Knowledge!
Think you have what it takes to claim the top spot? Assemble your strongest team of up to six and join us for Trivia Nights at Tun Tavern at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! Compete in pop culture, geography, and general knowledge trivia, with a fun bonus round to keep things interesting.

⏰ Doors Open: 6:00 PM
 Trivia Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

No registration is required—just bring your team, grab a drink, and get ready to put your knowledge to the test! Free and open to the public. Plus, enjoy Tavern menu specials while you play.

Think you can outsmart the competition? See you at Tun Tavern!

Trivia Nights at Tun Tavern – Test Your Knowledge!
Think you have what it takes to claim the top spot? Assemble your strongest team of up to six and join us for Trivia Nights at Tun Tavern at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! Compete in pop culture, geography, and general knowledge trivia, with a fun bonus round to keep things interesting.
Upcoming Dates:

• August 19, 2025
• October 21, 2025

⏰ Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Trivia Time: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

No registration is required—just bring your team, grab a drink, and get ready to put your knowledge to the test! Free and open to the public. Plus, enjoy Tavern menu specials while you play.

Think you can outsmart the competition? See you at Tun Tavern!

Presented by Dr. Jason Sellers, University of Mary Washington. The colonial unrest that led to the American Revolution offered opportunities for diverse Americans to pursue freedom. This program will discuss the roles Native nations on Virginia’s frontiers played in shaping its support for an independent United States. It will also consider how and why Virginia Indians participated in that struggle for independence.

Dr. Jason Sellers is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Mary Washington specializing in the cultural and environmental history of 17th-and 18th-century North American landscapes and bodies.

Calling all Witches! It’s time to get wicked at Witches Night Out! Tater’s Corner will be offering this 21 & over Halloween party on TWO nights, October 24 & 25.

This is a ticketed event and must be reserved on our website: https://www.taterscorner.com/events

Here’s what’s in store for this magical evening…

Anker Bar will be on-site serving up some frightening cocktails. Drinks will be part of the ticket and you get to choose between mocktails, 1 cocktail, or 2 cocktails.

Ticket Price Includes:
Spooky Cocktails or Mocktails
Sinister Snacks – Light Appetizers
A Wicked Photo Backdrop for you and your Witches
Boo-zy Craft – Wine Bottle Stoppers
Treat Station: Grab a Cauldron and Load up on your Favorite Snacks

Taters Corner will be transformed to a mystical marketplace for an unforgettable after-dark shopping experience.

Grab your witches, get dressed up, and purchase tickets early! Must be 21 & over to attend. Due to limited parking, please consider carpooling with your fellow witches!

Event time: 6:30-9 pm, Open House Style Event

Ticket Pricing:
Admission + 2 Mocktails: $20
Admission + 1 Cocktail: $25
Admission + 2 Cocktails: $30

Must be 21 & over to attend. Please drink responsibly.

https://www.taterscorner.com/events