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Happy Tuesday, neighbor! ☀️
The week around the 'Burg is shaping up to be a full one, and today's issue has plenty to help you fill the calendar. Downtown Summer Nights returns Thursday for one of its final evenings of the season, the Lake Anna Crab Fest rolls out all-you-can-eat crabs for a good cause on Saturday, and there's everything from a family block party to bourbon tastings, live music, and comedy in between. Looking further ahead, tickets are open for a downtown dinner under the stars and a fall women's fundraiser worth marking down.
Grab your coffee and let's dive in. 🌊
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Seven Chefs, Seven Courses, One Enchanted Charles Street
This fall, downtown Fredericksburg sets the most extraordinary table in town. On Sunday, October 11, Fredericksburg Main Street presents A Downtown Affair, a seven-course dinner served open-air along a candlelit Charles Street, with the James Monroe Museum as the backdrop. Seven downtown chefs each plate a course, paired with live music, signature cocktails, and a rare one-night collaboration of local restaurants. And every seat gives back, proceeds support Fredericksburg Main Street and the downtown everyone loves.
What: A seven-course open-air dinner benefiting Fredericksburg Main Street
When: Sunday, October 11
Where: Charles Street, downtown Fredericksburg
The night: Seven restaurants, live music, and signature cocktails under the lights
One night, seven courses, and a whole lot of downtown to celebrate. Seats are limited, so reserve yours here and raise a glass to the Fredericksburg we love.
All-You-Can-Eat Crabs Return to Lake Anna Winery for a Good Cause
Crab lovers, clear your Saturday. Lake Anna Crab Fest is back at Lake Anna Winery on Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 7 PM, with all-you-can-eat crabs, live music from local band Stifler's Mom, vendors, a kids' bounce house, and a prize raffle. This year it gives back too, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Children's National Hospital.
When: Saturday, August 22, 3–7 PM
Where: Lake Anna Winery, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
On the menu: All-you-can-eat crabs, shrimp, corn, hush puppies, hot dogs, and cookies, plus tea and lemonade (beer, wine, and soft drinks for purchase)
Also happening: Live music, a bounce house, vendors, and a raffle
The cause: A portion of ticket sales benefits Children's National Hospital
Tickets: $75 adults (14+), $35 kids (7–14), free for ages 6 and under
Bring a lawn chair or blanket (no outside food allowed), round up the family, and settle in for an afternoon of crabs, music, and giving back. Get tickets here.
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Your Thursday Nights Just Got a Whole Lot More Fun
Something special happens in Downtown Fredericksburg every Thursday evening. The shops glow a little longer, the patios fill up, live music drifts down Caroline Street, and the whole downtown turns into one big celebration. It is called Downtown Summer Nights, and it runs every Thursday through August 27th from 5 to 8 PM. Here is what awaits you:
Shop Local: Boutiques, art galleries, bookstores, and your favorite shops stay open late
Dine Downtown: Extended happy hours, outdoor dining, and Thursday-only specials
Live Music: Local musicians set the soundtrack all through downtown
Explore & Play: Yard games, family activities, and fresh surprises every single week
Whether you are planning date night, meeting up with friends, or just looking for a fun way to support local, this is the easiest yes on your calendar.
👉 Grab a friend, bring the pup, and head downtown this Thursday. See the full lineup and details here.
🌇 Downtown Fredericksburg · Every Thursday through August 27th · 5 to 8 PM
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
Let's Smile Dental Block Party — FREE
A free Back-to-School Block Party this Saturday, August 22, from 11 AM to 4 PM at 10 Chatham Heights Rd. Expect moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, and family-friendly fun all afternoon. Stop by and meet the team.
Snead's Asparagus Farm — $5/PINT
Jumbo blackberries are at their peak and available now at Snead's roadside stand for just $5 a pint. Swing by 18294 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, and don't miss these summer treats while they last.
Kalahari Resorts Hiring Event — JOBS
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is hiring for its new Spotsylvania resort with a hiring event this Friday, August 21, at Germanna Community College's Fredericksburg Campus. Meet the hiring team and explore roles from entry-level to leadership. Applying ahead at kalaharicareers.com is encouraged.
Spatique: Where Beauty Meets Purpose — FUNDRAISER
The Isaiah Benjamin Aronoff Foundation hosts Spatique, its 2nd Annual Women's Fundraiser, on Friday, October 17, from 11 AM to 4 PM at 311 Central Rd #7, Fredericksburg. An afternoon of self-care and fellowship, with every ticket supporting student scholarships and college care packages. Tickets are available here.
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, August 19
Summer Midweek Market | 3:00PM
Location: Hurkamp Park, 500 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Shop seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, artisan products, and more from local vendors.
Muttflix and Chill | 6:00PM
Location: The Barking Barley, 1515 Olde William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We'll play a different movie for you while drinking delicious local beers, eating the best hot dogs and hanging out with your best friends.
Concert By Canoe | 6:00PM
Location: Motts Run Reservoir, 6600 River Rd., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Float in your own boat or rent one while enjoying live music from the pier.
Comedy at Galvin's | 7:00PM
Location: Galvin’s Delicatessen, 218 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Fredericksburg's own Rahmein Mostafavi brings some of DC/Richmond's best comics to the Burg!
Bug Out | 9:00AM
Location: Downtown Greens, 206 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: An interactive class features a honey tasting, hands-on activities, and a chance to learn how pollinators help flowers thrive.
Thursday, August 20
Classic Rock Music Trivia Night | 6:45PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Test your knowledge of the biggest bands, unforgettable songs, guitar heroes, album covers, and rock anthems that defined the 1970s and 1980s.
Blanton's Bourbon Tasting | 6:00PM
Location: Reclaim Arcade, 2324 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us as we explore different expressions of Blanton's with a warmup of Elmer T Lee.
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Immerse yourself in an enchanted evening of elegance, wonder, and generosity.
Friday, August 21
Location: 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Reptiles, exotics, arachnids, supplies, feeders and MORE! ALL under one roof!
Friday Night Music | 6:30PM
Location: Potomac Point Winery, 275 Decatur Rd, Stafford, VA
Description: Experience the magic of live music paired with our award-winning wines and seasonal cuisine.
Fascination Street: Covers Night | 8:00PM
Location: Reclaim Arcade, 2324 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Desccription: It's a cathartic dance party for fans of The Cure, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie, Nine Inch Nails, and all things dark and delightful.
Paper Hearts Duo | 7:00PM
Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Settle in with your favorite glass of wine, a tapas plate or charcuterie board, and the friends you know you can truly relax with.
Pancakes, PJs and Pints | 11:00AM
Location: Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Saturday, August 22
Back-to-School Block Party | 11:00AM
Location: Let’s Smile Dental, 10 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Bring the whole family for an afternoon of moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, and plenty of community fun.
Take Home Kits: Beach Themed Cupcakes | 10:00AM (through August 23)
Location: Tater's Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Pick up a four-pack of vanilla or chocolate cupcakes to take home and decorate!
ODHS BINGO | 6:00PM
Location: Hard Times Cafe, 10760 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come out for some fun to support your favorite Dog Rescue!
