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Hey neighbor,
Mid-October has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn't it? The leaves are turning, the pumpkins are piling up, and our calendars are filling fast.
This week, a New York Times bestselling author is coming to Tales & Tails, with adoptable puppies on the patio. The Halloween 5K and Monster Mile is right around the corner, and if you've been meaning to sign up, Thursday is your last day to lock in the current price. We're also sharing the inspiring story of Kathlynn Donald, who left social work to bring heart and beauty to our local celebrations.
And since fall festival season is flying by, we rounded up the farms and festivals that are still open, so you can squeeze in one more hayride before they close.
Let's get into it.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Meet a New York Times Bestselling Author Right Here in Fredericksburg 📚
Calling all book lovers! New York Times bestselling author Elle Cosimano is coming to Tales & Tails Book Cafe on Sunday, October 18, to sign copies of her brand-new holiday rom-com thriller, Home for the Homicides.
If you've read Elle's Finlay Donovan series, you already know her books are equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. And here's a fun fact: the Finlay Donovan series is set right here in Northern Virginia!
Your $30.54 ticket saves your spot in the signing line and includes a copy of Home for the Homicides. Tales & Tails will also have extra copies and many of Elle's other books available, so you can stock up on holiday gifts for the readers in your life.
And there's more! Adoptable puppies from the Old Dominion Humane Society, each named after one of Elle's characters, will be on the patio from 1 to 3 PM. 🐶
And there's more! Adoptable puppies from the Old Dominion Humane Society, each named after one of Elle's characters, will be on the patio from 1 to 3 PM. 🐶
Author Signing with Elle Cosimano
Sunday, October 18
Tales & Tails Book Cafe, 1010 Charles St., Fredericksburg
Signing spots may be available without a ticket, but they aren't guaranteed, so grab yours early!
Grab Your Costume and Lace Up: The Halloween 5K and Monster Mile Is Back! 🎃👟
It's a Stafford Halloween tradition! On Saturday, October 24, runners, walkers, and little monsters of all ages will take over Embrey Mill Park for the 11th Annual Halloween 5K and Monster Mile, hosted by Arsenal Events.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or just out for a fun morning with the family, this is one race where the costumes are half the fun. Prizes go to the best costumes, so start planning your look now!
Two races, one spooky morning
The Monster Mile is a one-mile kids' run for little ghouls and goblins 12 and under, with awards for the top finishers in each age group. Parents can cheer them on from the path along Mine Road, which runs right alongside the course.
The Halloween 5K is open to runners and walkers of every pace, and strollers are welcome (just start toward the back). The top three male and female finishers take home cash prizes.
Race day schedule
Saturday, October 24 | Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
8:00 AM: Monster Mile starts
8:30 AM: Halloween 5K starts
9:15 AM: Awards and costume contest
Don't miss these deadlines!
👕 Register by October 10 to get a long-sleeve race shirt and a custom finisher's medal.
💰 Sign up by October 15 to lock in the current price. The 5K is $38 now, and the price goes up on October 16.
📸 Bonus: Race photos are free for every participant, so you'll have plenty of pictures of your crew in costume.
Running for a cause: The race supports Project Lifesaver with the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, a search and rescue program that helps quickly locate children and adults who may wander due to a cognitive condition. Every registration helps keep our neighbors safe.
Packet pickup
Thursday, October 22, 3:30 to 6:30 PM at DICK'S Sporting Goods, Spotsylvania Towne Centre, Spotsylvania Mall Drive, Fredericksburg
Friday, October 23, 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
Registration is online only.
👉 Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Stafford/Halloween5KandMonsterMile
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]
She Left Social Work to Make People Feel Celebrated. Now Elevate Designs & Events Is Transforming the Fredericksburg Event Scene.
Kathlynn Donald did not come from the events industry. She came from a career rooted in social work, wellness, and human connection. After a major season of personal transition, she leaned into what she loved most and in 2023 launched Elevate Designs & Events, an event design and decor company that brings beauty, creativity, and genuine heart to every celebration. From custom backdrops and floral rentals to her signature flower bar and fragrance bar experiences, Kathlynn handles every detail so her clients can be fully present and enjoy the moment. Weddings, milestone birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, and everything in between. Whatever the occasion, her mission is the same. Make every guest feel valued, celebrated, and remembered.
📞 540-845-8007
Kathlyn Donald, Owner
Elevate Designs and Events
FXBG’s Got It
Only a Few Weekends Left: Make the Most of Fall Festival Season 🎃🍂
Can you believe it's already mid-October? Fall festival season is flying by, and many of our favorite farms and festivals will close their gates in the next few weeks. If hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches are still on your fall bucket list, now's the time to grab the family and go!
Here are the festivals still open, starting close to home.
Close to Home
Belvedere Plantation, Spotsylvania
Open through November 7
One of the biggest fall festivals in our area, with a corn maze, pick-your-own pumpkins, more than 30 attractions, and homemade donuts. Don't miss the Pumpkin Smashing finale on Saturday, November 7!
👉 belvedereplantation.com
Snead's Farm, Fredericksburg
Open through November 1
Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pick-your-own sunflowers, hillside slides, creek play, and friendly farm animals.
👉 sneadsfarm.com
Simply Sprouts Farm, Spotsylvania
Pick-your-own days: Saturday, October 17 (10 AM to 4 PM) and Sunday, October 25 (11 AM to 4 PM)
Pick your own pumpkins at this family farm, which has been in the Coleman family for more than 200 years.
👉 simplysproutsfarm.com
Worth the Drive
Messick's Farm Market, Bealeton
Weekends through October 25
Corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and the famous Candy Cannon show.
👉 messicksfarmmarket.com
Round Hill Farm, Culpeper
Open through November 8
Hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo with more than 30 animals, a corn maze, and a zip line.
👉 round-hill-farm.com
Cox Farms, Centreville
Open through November 8
The giant hayride, the Cornundrum corn maze, and oversized slides. Tickets are sold online only, from $15 to $30 depending on the day.
👉 coxfarmsva.com
Temple Hall Farm, Leesburg
Open daily through November 3
Pick-your-own pumpkins and sunflowers, wagon rides, and farm animals. Your $15 admission includes a pumpkin and a bunch of sunflowers!
👉 novaparks.com
Last Chance This Weekend
Graves' Mountain Apple Harvest Festival, Syria
Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
This weekend is the final weekend for this beloved festival, with hayrides, live bluegrass, apple cider, and more than 70 craft vendors. Admission is just $5 for adults, and kids 15 and under get in free.
👉 gravesmountain.com
Hours can change with the weather, so check each farm's website before you head out.
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, October 14
ODHS Adoption Center Open | 5:00PM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: You’ll meet some of the cutest pups and dogs ever—seriously, they’re hard to resist!
Karaoke Wednesday | 8:00PM
Location: Spirits Bar, 816 Caroline Street (upstairs) , Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Have a GREAT TIME, drink Specials, and More!
Thursday, October 15
Perfume Making Class | 10:00AM
Location: James Monroe Museum, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A hands-on perfume making class where participants blend their own signature scent and learn about fragrance history.
4th Annual Regional Housing Summit | 8:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A conference bringing together regional leaders to discuss housing strategies, challenges, and solutions in the Fredericksburg area.
Parents Book Club | 6:00PM
Location: Tales & Tails Book Cafe, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A free parents book club discussing Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy, facilitated by social worker Linda Nicholson.
Friday, October 16
FOUR DARK DOORS: A Horror Thriller Stage Anthology | 7:30PM (through Oct. 18)
Location: The Allstate Community Theater, 810 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Featuring four original one-act plays by local playwrights.
Halls of Hysteria | 6:00PM (every Fridays & Saturdays through Oct. 31)
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Wander through shadowy graveyards, get lost in a corn maze filled with unspeakable horrors, and face off with deranged clowns and restless spirits.
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us for a high-energy night of line dancing led by Instructor Devyn, with DJ Delo spinning all your favorite tracks.
Witches & Wine Halloween Party | 6:30PM (through Oct.17)
Location: Tater's Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A seasonal Halloween gathering with a wine-and-witchcraft theme.
