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Some towns celebrate the Fourth of July. We live where it started. George Washington's boyhood farm is hosting hands-on history today, the Declaration gets read aloud downtown, and the Rappahannock hosts a duck race that takes itself exactly as seriously as it should. Everything you need for today is inside, along with a new museum for the summer list and a dinner table with your name on it. Fill the cooler, claim your shade, and go be part of year 250.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
America Turns 250, and FXBG Is Throwing the Party Today
Two thousand rubber duckies racing down the Rappahannock at noon. A festival in the streets at Riverfront Park. Hands-on history at George Washington's Ferry Farm, live readings of the Declaration of Independence downtown, riverside fireworks in Stafford, and a FredNats Patriotic Palooza with the biggest fireworks show of the year. America's 250th birthday is here, and Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania are celebrating like it.
One thing to plan for: it's a scorcher out there today. Pack the water bottles, find the shade, and check on your neighbors while you're at it. Then grab your red, white, and blue, because we pulled every event into one guide with times, locations, and details so you don't miss a single sparkle.
Happy 250th, America. Now go make some history.
Add This to the Summer Bucket List: A Brand-New Museum of Exploration
Credit: National Geographic
National Geographic just opened its brand-new Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C., and it's worth the drive up I-95. The 100,000-square-foot experience brings nearly 140 years of adventure to life with immersive galleries, towering outdoor projection screens, a 400-seat theater, and real artifacts from legendary explorers. See the pressurized suit oceanographer Sylvia Earle wore for the deepest untethered sea walk in history and the armored camera a storm chaser placed directly in the path of a tornado.
Whether you're rounding up the kids or planning a solo escape, this one belongs on your summer list. Ready to unlock your inner explorer? Find exhibit details, events, and visitor info at moe.nationalgeographic.org.
When's the Last Time You Made a New Friend Over Dinner?
If you had to think about it, this one's for you. The FXBG Neighbors Dinner Club matches six compatible people at one table for a great meal and even better conversation. Take the quick personality quiz, and we handle the rest: the matching, the restaurant, the reservations. You just show up.
📍 Downtown Fredericksburg
🗓️ July 15th at 6:30 PM
🍽️ Book your seat
Can't make this date? Sign up to hear about future dinners. Your table is waiting.
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 41,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Commonwealth Piano Services is a locally owned piano tuning company where Certified Piano Technician Tanner Honig brings every instrument back to its best tone and stability, serving Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George, and beyond.
Give your piano the care it deserves. Visit commonwealthpiano.com to book your tuning!
Neighbor Notes
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Bid for a Cause: The Pink Flower Project Silent Auction Goes Live July 8th
You don't even have to leave your couch to make a difference this week. From July 8th through 10th, the Pink Flower Project's online silent auction brings together items, gift certificates, experiences, and packages donated by more than 30 local vendors and businesses, and every single bid supports students right here at home.
The mission behind it is one worth knowing: the Pink Flower Project provides discreet feminine hygiene supply bags to students in 89 schools across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and Orange County. It's a quiet need that too often goes unmet, and this auction helps fill it.
Ready to raise your virtual paddle? Visit their Facebook Group for auction updates and bidding 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.
Saturday, July 4
Location: John Lee Pratt Park, 120 River Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: An evening of live music, family-friendly games, stilt walkers, balloon twisting, juggling, festive giveaways, and a spectacular fireworks show to close out the night.
A 250th Fourth of July | 10:00AM
Location: George Washington's Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A day filled with games, hands-on activities, crafts, living history demonstrations, reenactors, and engaging programs.
Art in the Park | 9:00AM
Location: Hurkamp Park, 500 William St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Local artists and crafters can showcase their creativity.
Books & Barks | 10:00AM
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VA
Description: Meet the pups, get some snuggles and consider adopting a new family member!
Celebrate Independence Day at FAM | 9:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg Area Museum, 907 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join for a full day of activities for the whole family!
Children’s Roll N’ Stroll | 9:30AM
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg, Caroline Street from VRE Lot B to Market Square
Description: Join a festive costume and decorated-bike parade hosted by the Blue Star Mothers, with prizes and leashed dogs welcome.
Country/Patriotic Music Bingo | 2:00PM
Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Give everyone time to come on by and relax before going out to the fireworks!
Fredericksburg Farmers Market | 7:00AM
Location: Hurkamp Park, Prince Edward Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Explore the variety of local farm fresh produce, meats, baked goods, honey, and more!
Free Karaoke Night | 6:00PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A night of great music, cold beer, and unforgettable performances!
FredNats Patriotic Palooza | 4:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg Nationals, 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Featuring bounce houses, yard games, face painting, live DJ entertainment, a movie screening, and a fireworks show lighting up the night sky.
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg, 706 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Celebrate Independence Day with handmade goods, food vendors, music, and family fun.
Location: Mattaponi Winery, 7530 Morris Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Good music, delicious Cobblier fine wine and great company.
Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival | 10:00AM
Location: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Children’s activities, food vendors, live music and great variety of options.
FXBG Rubber Ducky Derby | 12:00PM
Location: Riverfront Park, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A day filled with fun, community spirit, and friendly competition along the Rappahannock River.
Red, White, & Blue Sale Plus Hanging Frame Craft | 10:00AM (through July 5
Location: Taters Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We will have a variety of frames and dried flowers for you to choose from.
Sunday, July 5
America’s 250 Anniversary Concert | 2:30PM
Location: Allstate Community Theater, 810 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come hear some wonderful singers, and sing along with favorites.
Beginner's Compound Bow Archery | 2:00PM
Location: Widewater State Park, 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA
Description: Our archery instructors will show you the basics of archery including finding your draw length, proper safety and shooting techniques, and more!
Cornhole Tournaments | 8:30PM
Location: Spirits Bar, 816 Caroline Street (upstairs) , Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Food Specials, Drink Specials and Prizes!
Long Family Markets Stafford | 8:00AM
Location: Long Family Markets Stafford - 610 Slug Lot, Staffordboro Blvd, Stafford, VA
Description: Discover a lively, family-friendly market experience featuring fresh, locally grown foods, handcrafted artisan goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: This one is all about one of the greatest movies of all time.
Sunday Hike | 7:45AM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Gear up for a Sunday Hike filled with fun on the local trails alongside fellow dog lovers!
Location: 6975 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Shop fresh, local, and producer-only seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, handmade items, and so much more!
