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Summer is calling, and this week is all about getting out and having a little fun. Our featured event, Adult Field Day, brings the joy of childhood recess back for the grownups (sack races and all!), and there's plenty more where that came from: Downtown Summer Nights returns Thursday, three world-class military museums are waiting just up the road, and the sunflowers are blooming at Braehead Farm. So put down the phone, grab a friend, and let's make some memories.
Grab your coffee. Let's get into it. 💛
Dori
Featured Event
Recess Is Back, Grownups: Adult Field Day Hits Fredericksburg
Remember the pure joy of field day as a kid? FXBG, it's back, and this time it's all for the grownups! Adult Field Day, the very first event from Fredericksburg's exciting new company Adult Recess FXBG, brings childhood field day back to life, reimagined for adults. Expect a little friendly competition, a lot of laughs, and plenty of chances to meet new people.
Here's the rundown:
📅 Saturday, June 27, 3 to 6 PM
📍 Strangeways Brewing (21+ event)
🎟️ $30 online or $40 at the gate
🎫 Buy early and save! Grab tickets at AdultRecessFXBG.com
What's in store:
🏃 Classic games: sack races, dizzy bat relay, three-legged races, water balloon toss, obstacle course, sponge relay, bean bag toss, cornhole, and more
🎶 A live DJ keeping the energy high
🏆 Real prizes from local businesses and vendors
🤝 No team? No problem! They'll place you on a squad of your soon-to-be new best friends
Good to know:
🎉 Everyone at this inaugural event gets free entry to a future Adult Recess event
🏅 The team that buys the most tickets (or brings the most people) wins a special prize
💛 A portion of every ticket supports the Foundation for Social Connection
There's heart behind the fun, too. Adult Recess FXBG was created to get people off their phones, out of the house, and connecting in person, a celebration of play, community, and the reminder that growing up doesn't mean you have to stop having fun.
Don't miss the most playful day of the summer! Grab your tickets now at AdultRecessFXBG.com. 🏃
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Golden Hour Downtown: Summer Nights Returns Thursday
As the sun dips low this Thursday, something special stirs in historic downtown Fredericksburg. Downtown Summer Nights is back, June 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and the streets come alive with music, late-night shopping, and that golden-hour magic only a summer evening can bring. Here's what awaits:
🎵 Live music drifting down every street
🛍️ Beloved local shops keeping their doors open late
🍹 Restaurant specials and happy hours worth lingering over
✨ Little surprises and delights tucked around every corner
Meet a friend for dinner, wander through your favorite boutiques, or simply stroll and soak it all in. However you spend it, downtown is where summer evenings were made to be.
The 'Burg is glowing after hours, come see for yourself this Thursday, 5 to 8 PM! For the full lineup of music, shops, and specials, visit Fredericksburg Main Street. 🌆
Photo credit: National Museum of the Marine Corps
World-Class Military Museums, Free and Right Up the Road
Looking for an unforgettable day trip, FXBG? Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, a proud US Army veteran, we're shining a light on three world-class military museums right up the road, and the best part is they're all completely free. Whether you're honoring a loved one's service or just love incredible history, these are well worth the visit:
🎖️ National Museum of the Marine Corps (Quantico): The closest of the bunch, about 30 minutes up I-95. Its soaring, Iwo Jima-inspired atrium will take your breath away the moment you walk in. Admission and parking are always free, and it's open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Plan for a few hours, history buffs could easily spend the whole day.
🎖️ National Museum of the US Army (Fort Belvoir): About an hour away, with spectacular, immersive exhibits that bring 250 years of Army history to life through the stories of the soldiers who lived it. Admission and parking are free, and it's open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Free timed-entry tickets are encouraged.
🎖️ A third for the bucket list: The National Museum of the US Navy in DC is another treasure, though it's currently open only for private tours and special events while a brand-new, more accessible museum is being built nearby. One to watch for the future!
Plan your visit and explore the exhibits at each museum's website, and happy exploring, FXBG!
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 38,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
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Community Digest
We're Going to the Cottage 🔥🏒
For June's Pupular Fiction Book Club, Tales & Tails is teaming up with Fredericksburg stationery staple Duly Noted for a celebration of the cultural phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry. Stop by on Wednesday, June 25th from 5 to 8 PM to shop themed stickers and bookmarks, sip on smoothies at the Scott + Kip smoothie bar, and connect with fellow readers. The book club discussion runs from 6 to 7 PM. Books are available for purchase anytime at Tales & Tails, and Heated Rivalry merch is waiting for you at Duly Noted on Caroline Street.
Details at a glance:
When: Wednesday, June 25th, 5 to 8 PM (Book Club 6 to 7 PM)
Where: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Sunshine, Sunflowers, and Sweet Summer Pickings at Braehead Farm
There's a little slice of summer magic tucked right into town, FXBG! Braehead Farm is open every day from 9 to 6, and it's bursting with the good stuff. Think fresh dairy straight from the source (yes, that includes ice cream worth the trip alone), house-baked pies cooling on the counter, and local beef, pork, and bacon to fill your cooler. The garden rows are calling too, with veggies to buy or pick yourself.
Right now the flower fields are putting on a show: sunflowers ($1.50 a bloom or 6 for $8), plus snapdragons, black-eyed Susans, and zinnias just begging to come home with you. The berries are playing a little hard to get this year, raspberries are trickling in, with blackberries and blueberries hopefully ready to pick the weekend of June 27. While you're there, let the kids loose on the playgrounds and say hello to the farm animals. It's the kind of easy, wholesome morning summer was made for.
So grab a basket and make a morning of it! Visit Braehead Farm at 1130 Tyler Street, open daily 9 to 6, or call 540-899-9848 for the latest berry update. 🌻
Ink, Art, and Energy: The FXBG Tattoo Invitational Returns
Calling all art lovers and ink enthusiasts, FXBG! The Fredericksburg Tattoo Invitational is back for its 3rd year, and it's right here at home. Presented by Black Horse Tattoo Studio, this three-day celebration takes over the Fredericksburg Convention Center June 26 to 28, bringing together top tattoo artists from our region and across the country. Watch live tattooing all weekend, browse incredible portfolios, catch the competitions, shop unique vendors, or even get inked yourself. Whether you're a collector covered in art or just love soaking up the creativity and energy, it's a one-of-a-kind weekend you won't want to miss.
Event details:
📍 Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy
🕚 Friday, June 26: 11 AM to 10 PM
🕚 Saturday, June 27: 11 AM to 10 PM
🕔 Sunday, June 28: 11 AM to 5 PM
🎟️ A ticket is required for entry, available online or at the door
Don't miss this celebration of art and ink! Grab your tickets at the FXBG Tattoo Invitational. 🖤
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, June 24
FREE Party Trivia Night | 6:00PM
Location: Brock's Riverside Grill, 503 Sophia St. Fredericksburg, VA
Drunk History Wino Edition | 7:00PM (through June 25)
Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Three wines. Three stories. Plenty of laughs.
Location: Reclaim Arcade, 2324 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us for an evening of fine bourbon, premium cigars, and great company.
Thursday, June 25
Fredericksburg Film Festival | All Day (through June 28)
Location: Downtown Fredericksburg, VA
Description: More than a film festival, it is an opportunity to experience cinema and community in a vibrant and meaningful way.
Wine Pairing Dinner | 6:30PM
Location: City Vino, 100, Hanover Street, Maury, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A one-of-a-kind four-course wine pairing dinner celebrating bold Virginia flavors, Revolutionary spirit, and modern culinary creativity.
90’s Music Trivia | 6:45PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Friday, June 26
Last Friday Silent Book Club | 5:00PM
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VA
Description: Bring any book you’ like- or ask one of our staff members for a suggestion!
Location: Wine & Design Fredericksburg, 502 Sophia Street,
Fredericksburg, VADescription: Join us for a fun and creative night where you'll design and burn your own custom western hat.
Stand Up Comedy Night | 7:30PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing- Fredricksburg, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Beer Run Comedy RETURNS to Fredericksburg, VA. for a special night of hilarity.
Friday Night Music | 6:30PM
Location: Potomac Point Winery, 275 Decatur Rd
Stafford, VA
Saturday, June 27
Adult Field Day | 3:00PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get ready for team competitions, tug-of-war, sack races, music & great vibes, prizes, giveaways and more!
Izaak Walton Craft Fair & Yard Sale | 10:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter,12400 Herndon Rd., Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Description: A community-filled day featuring various crafters, vendors, and a large yard sale.
Pride Festival 2026 | 11:00AM (March starts at 10:00AM)
Location: Riverfront Park, Fredericksburg
Description: Enjoy performances, vendor market, and an after party.
Guilty Pleasures Snack Festival | 10:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
