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Hey neighbor,
Virginia wine finally has its origin story on screen: We the Wine People, a new documentary about the winemakers making the Commonwealth's wine scene what it is, is streaming now on Apple TV. While you're planning your next watch, mark your calendar for October 18, when Loisann's Hope House and Olde Towne Butcher team up for the Burger Battle, an afternoon of sliders and live music by the river, all for a good cause. And this weekend has a scheduling problem in the best way: quilters, Oktoberfests, a fairy festival, Barktoberfest, a Greek festival, and more, all competing for your Saturday. We rounded it all up so you don't have to choose blind.
Let's get into it.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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A Documentary Worth Uncorking
Virginia wine has spent decades in a strange spot: old enough that Thomas Jefferson dreamed of it two centuries ago, yet still introducing itself outside the Mid-Atlantic. A new film makes the case that its best story isn't in the bottle, it's in the people.
We the Wine People, a 96-minute documentary by Maryland filmmaker Chrisa Giorgi, hit Apple TV on September 15. Skipping the glossy tasting-room shots, Giorgi spent time at roughly 35 vineyards across the state and found winemakers who share their wins and losses in the open, competing with one another, not against one another, a rising tide that lifts all boats.
She didn't look away from the heartbreak either: deer devouring a night's harvest, growers lighting fires at dawn to save vines from a killing freeze. As Giorgi puts it, Virginia wine isn't a novelty anymore. It's earned its place on the table, and for many of us, it's growing right next door.
Downtown's Best Burger Joints Go Head-to-Head for a Good Cause
Come hungry, bring your crew, and get ready to taste your way through downtown! On Sunday, October 18th, Loisann's Hope House and Olde Towne Butcher are teaming up for the Burger Battle, a one-of-a-kind afternoon of sliders, drinks, music, and fun at Riverfront Park, all while supporting local families in our community.
Here's what your wristband gets you:
Two drink tickets
Free slider samples from some of your favorite downtown chefs
Tastings from Eats, Cheeky's, Harry's Alehouse, Mason Dixon Café, Rebellion, and Sammy T's
Live music and a fun afternoon by the river
Best of all, every ticket gives back. Proceeds support Loisann's Hope House and the local families they serve, so you can do good while you eat well.
The details:
📅 Sunday, October 18, 2026
⏰ 12 to 3 PM
📍 Riverfront Park, Downtown Fredericksburg
🎟️ Tickets: burgerbattle2026.auctria.events
Grab your crew and your appetite. We'll see you there!
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 52,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Cyber Security Insurance: Defending the Business Kingdom
Every successful business is a kingdom of its own—employees, customers, data, and operations working together to thrive. But in today’s digital world, cyber attacks are among the most persistent threats facing businesses of all sizes.
Commercial cyber security insurance is designed to help protect businesses from financial losses related to cyber incidents. These may include data breaches, ransomware attacks, network security failures, and unauthorized access to sensitive customer or company information.
A cyber event can disrupt operations, damage trust, and create significant expenses. Commercial cyber policies may help cover costs such as forensic investigations, legal expenses, notification requirements, data restoration, business interruption, and crisis management support. Coverage varies by policy and carrier, but the goal is the same: helping businesses recover and continue serving their kingdom.
Small and mid‑sized businesses are often targeted because they may not have the same defenses as larger organizations. Even a single incident can have lasting effects on reputation and revenue.
At Burke & Burke, our knights help business owners understand the importance of cyber security insurance and choose coverage that aligns with their operations. With the right protection in place, businesses can focus on growth—knowing they have support if a cyber dragon attacks.
Contact your Insurance Knights today for assistance. Give us a call or find us online.
703-751-1001 | www.burkeandburkeinsurance.com
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
Everything Happening This Weekend
Fair warning: this weekend is shaping up to have a scheduling problem, in the best way. There is simply too much happening around Fredericksburg, and it all sounds good. Grab your calendar and let's start sorting it out.
Original Sewing and Quilt Expo
Quilters, this one takes over the Fredericksburg Convention Center Thursday through Saturday.
Community Block Party
Kick off Saturday morning at Historic Kenmore from 10 to 2, just $5 for adults and free for the kids.
Fall Fairy and Dragon Festival
On Saturday at 11:30, things get whimsical at Mattaponi Winery, running until 5, with a fairy house contest and costume contests for kids and grown-ups alike.
Fall Craft Fair
Hunt for treasures at Adventure Brewing on Saturday from noon to 4.
Barktoberfest
Bring the pup to Strangeways on Saturday from noon to 5. Free entry, and very good boys encouraged.
Laudenbach Brewing Oktoberfest
Raise a stein at their second annual on Saturday, noon to 10, with live music, stein-holding contests, and hourly raffles.
Full Distance Brewing Oktoberfest
Or pour into their Oktoberfest, also Saturday, from noon to 9.
Jazz on the Grass
For a little rhythm, head to Mount Hope Baptist Church on Saturday from noon to 6.
Jazz in the Park
Or settle in at the Patriot Park Amphitheater on Saturday from 4 to 6. Bring a chair or a blanket.
Patawomeck Tribe Shrimp Feast
On Saturday from 3 to 6, their 11th annual serves up bluegrass, a silent auction, and takeout. $30 a ticket, kids 10 and under free.
Fredericksburg Greek Festival
If Saturday fills up fast, this one's got you covered all weekend. Held at Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, it's open Saturday 11 to 8 and Sunday noon to 4, with free admission and a marketplace full of local vendors.
Bonus: State Fair of Virginia
Feeling a road trip? The State Fair of Virginia runs in Doswell, about halfway to Richmond, through October 4th, with rides, a rodeo, concerts, and free general parking. Well worth the drive.
However you fill it, make it a good one.
House Hunch FXBG
Can you guess the price of this real estate listing in Stafford based on just one photo? Here’s a hint: 5 bd, 4 ba, around 4,900 sqft. on around .33 acre.
This listing is brought to you by:
Want to feature your listing in House Hunch FXBG? Respond to this email for info!
What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg
Here are some of the top events happening soon. Always check with the venue for the latest details. Got an event coming up? Add it to our calendar.
Wednesday, September 23
Spanish Wine Dinner | 6:30PM
Location: Cork and Table, 909 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu featuring shrimp, seafood, steak, and dessert, each paired with a distinctive Spanish wine.
Singles Mixer: Fandom Night | 6:00PM
Location: Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Explore the shared interests you have with your potential partner by diving into entertaining trivia about beloved television shows, spanning T.V., Netflix, and Hulu.
Puzzle Night | 6:30PM
Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come on out and challenge your brain with a 300 piece puzzle!
Thursday, September 24
Trivia Night | 7:00PM
Location: The Barking Barley, 1515 Olde William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Round up your pack, claim your table, and show everyone you’re the alpha of obscure knowledge.
FXBG September Fabric Swap | 5:30PM
Location: The Sewcial Haven Co., 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Refresh your fabric stash, meet fellow sewing lovers, and discover new materials.
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VA
Description: We discuss popular titles across all genres and this month we are reading The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Friday, September 25
Harambee 360° Black Arts Festival | 6:00PM (through September 26)
Location: Fredericksburg Market Square, 907, Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Experience two days of live music, visual arts, cultural performances, food vendors, local shopping, family activities, and community connection.
Desert Landscape Terrarium Workshop | 7:30PM
Location: Green Eyed Vines Propagation Station, 719, Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Create your own desert landscape terrarium!
Country Music Bingo | 6:30PM
Location: Laudenbach Brewing45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: It's time to get the cowboy boots out and enjoy great Country music through the decades!
