Local Events Calendar

The Kidnapping of Pocahontas, Politics, and Mythmaking in Patawomeck Country

In 1613 one of the most famous events in early American history happened on the Northern Neck, at the Patawomeck village of Passapatanzy in modern-day King George County. The kidnapping of Pocahontas has been portrayed in history and popular culture as a betrayal of Wahunsenacawh’s daughter by the Patawomeck werowance, Japazaw, for over four centuries. However, from the moment it happened, the narrative surrounding this event was controlled by English colonizers with very specific, and nefarious, goals. This presentation takes an Indigenous-centered approach to that specific event, understanding it in reference to the larger social, political, and cultural contexts that were at play during the time. The myth that arose from this highly complex event illustrates how Indigenous history has been manipulated over centuries by non-Indigenous people to justify taking land, genocide, and denying identity. A Patawomeck perspective helps us understand why traditional colonial narratives must be critically examined and how a more complete history is understood through comparison, context, and a less provincial approach to research.


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!


The beloved story of Maria, a governess who brings music and joy to the von Trapp family amidst the backdrop of World War II.
Ticket Information:
- Dinner and Show Tickets:
- Adult: $82 (plus applicable taxes)
- Seniors (65+): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Children (3-17): $70 (plus applicable taxes)
- Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Show Only Tickets:
- Adult: $65
- Seniors (65+): $60
- Children (3-17): $55
- RUSH (same day purchase, limited availability, must mention RUSH): $35
Please note that there is a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.

St. Francis Animal Hospital to Host Bark in the Park at FredNats Stadium

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time! St. Francis Animal Hospital is proud to present Bark in the Park at FredNats Stadium in 2025. This fan-favorite event invites baseball lovers and their four-legged friends to enjoy a night at the ballpark together.
To ensure a comfortable experience for all fans, dogs over 30 pounds must have their own ticket, as they will be provided with their own seat. Each adult may bring only one dog, and all participating pups must be at least four months old and up-to-date on Rabies, Distemper, Parvo, and Bordetella vaccinations.

Fur Ball Gala: 10th Anniversary Masquerade

Fredericksburg SPCA’s 10th Annual Fur Ball Gala presented by B101.5fm!
Join us for an unforgettable evening at our 10th Annual Fur Ball Gala! This elegant event brings together animal lovers, advocates, and supporters for a night of celebration, philanthropy, and fun—all to benefit animals in our community.
Enjoy a dazzling evening featuring dinner, drinks, dancing, and our silent and live auctions, featuring incredible trips, exclusive experiences, stunning artwork, and more!
Your support helps provide vital care, medical treatment, and shelter to pets in need. Get ready to dress up, bid big, and make a difference!
Hurry! Secure your tickets now and be a part of this life-saving mission.
Tickets include your choice of dinner entree, signature drink bar, dancing, and silent & live auction.
Attire: Black Tie Optional | Masquerade Encouraged


Join us for an educational and fun tour of Government Island Park. The tour will include historical details about the limestone industry in Stafford County by historian, Jerrilynn Eby MacGregor, demonstrations of the mining process by past Stafford County Historical Society President, Rick MacGregor, as well special stories for the children by the historian largely responsible for the park’s creation, Jane Conner.
An elevated boardwalk enables visitors to explore a nature trail through wetlands and woods. A scenic heritage trail through the 17 acre island is dotted with interpretive signage enabling the viewer to learn the island’s history from Native American through the early nineteenth century. The island, with its wetlands and marsh areas, provides a variety of habitats for birds and other wildlife. Government Island, “America’s Historic Stone Quarry,” is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Rain date for the event will be Saturday, September 13 (1pm – 3pm).







RSVP now and secure your spot for a day full of literary magic!



2025 Stafford Race Series
Race with us throughout 2025 and make this year your strongest year yet! We have 4 great in-person races that’ll keep you moving all year long, so grab your family and friends and get registered! Those who complete all 4 races in the series will receive their finisher swag after the Frosty 5K.
BACK AGAIN – $1000 in Cash Prizes for our top runners!
First Place Male and Female – $250 Cash Prize
Second Place Male and Female – $150 Cash Prize
Third Place Male and Female – $100 Cash Prize
2025 Race Dates
April 5, 2025 – Spring Fever 5K
September 13, 2025 – Go for Bo 5K
October 25, 2025 – Halloween 5K
December 13, 2025 – Frosty 5K

Plein Air Days

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

Fae Ball – Stafford Bookfest Featured Closing Event










Cannonball Century

It’s 2025. Let’s Ride! Another year, another ride. Are you ready? The Cannonball is back —and better than ever. Saddle up for scenic routes, stocked stops and smooth spins through Virginia’s backcountry. Crush your course of choice and recharge at comfortable rest stops and a well earned post ride meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a weekend warrior, it is your ride, your vibe, your Cannonball. Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Cyclists and SAWs VA.

Historic Aquia Creek Presentation

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.