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Hey neighbor! 👋
Summer is in full swing, and downtown is the place to be tonight for Summer Nights. We've also got a new restaurant to welcome, a longtime favorite to celebrate, and a skunk yoga class that proves our community is never short on fun.
Grab your coffee and let's dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Make Downtown Your Thursday Night Tradition
Make Thursday your night out! Downtown Summer Nights continues this Thursday, June 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and downtown Fredericksburg comes alive after hours.
Here's what's waiting for you:
Live music throughout downtown 🎵
Shops open later at participating retailers 🛍️
Restaurant and extended happy hour specials 🍹
Special experiences all over downtown✨
Whether you're meeting friends for happy hour, shopping your favorite local businesses, or just taking an evening stroll, there's something for everyone.
This week's music lineup:
🎵 Ethan Garcia, singer-songwriter
🎵 Wookie Flip, EDM mixed with live guitar
🎵 Angus Frazier & Mike Galu, Irish and Scottish music
Want to play? MAJH FXBG is setting up two Mahjong tables at Caroline and George Streets for guests who already know how.
Head downtown this Thursday, 5 to 8 PM. For participating businesses, music locations, and full details, visit Fredericksburg Main Street
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A New Chapter for a Fredericksburg Favorite: Billikens Smokehouse
After nearly ten years on Caroline Street, Billikens Smokehouse has shared some bittersweet news. The beloved barbecue spot will close its restaurant at 623 Caroline Street on November 26, 2026. In a heartfelt announcement, owners Greg, Sharon, and Ashlie Shalawylo thanked the community and their staff for turning Billikens into far more than a restaurant.
But this isn't goodbye. As the family put it, Billikens is NOT disappearing. They're focusing on growing their catering operation and expanding across the region, so all the brisket, ribs, and barbecue you love can still fill your weddings, corporate events, family reunions, and backyard shenanigans. They're promising to keep everyone posted on what's next, and they hinted they may have a little something up their sleeve, so stay tuned. A farewell party is in the works too.
Billikens still has five months left at "The Chimneys," so let's show them some love. Stop by 623 Caroline Street, grab a plate of that famous barbecue, and make a few more memories before the final chapter.
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
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Stafford Just Got a Whole Lot Spicier: Riddim & Spice Jamaican Restaurant
Say hello to Stafford's flavorful new gathering spot. Riddim & Spice Jamaican Restaurant just celebrated its grand opening, bringing bold island spices, traditional recipes, and fresh Caribbean flavor to the area.
Owned by Donald and Sheryl Miller, it's their second business in Stafford County, a true sign of their love for this community. More than a restaurant, Riddim & Spice was made to be a warm place to gather, connect, and soak up a little Jamaican culture.
Congratulations to Donald, Sheryl, and the team on this delicious addition to Stafford's growing business scene. Visit them at 1169 Courthouse Road, Suite 105, Stafford.
Check out their menu here: riddimandspiceja.com
An Hour From Fredericksburg, a Little Slice of the European Countryside
Some days call for a little adventure. About an hour from downtown Fredericksburg, tucked into the rolling hills of Somerset, Virginia, sits a place that feels worlds away. The Market at Grelen isn't quite a garden shop, isn't quite a café, and isn't quite the European countryside, it's somehow all three at once.
Picture this: 1,000 acres of tree nursery rolling toward the Blue Ridge, a farm-to-table plate and a scoop of small-batch ice cream in hand, a glass of Virginia wine, and rows of seasonal plants just waiting to come home with you. So clear your Saturday, point the car west, and let Grelen be your reason to wander a little this summer. Trust us, you'll be planning your next visit before you've even left. 15091 Yager Rd, Somerset, VA 22972
Yoga, but Make It Stinky: Skunk Yoga Comes to Downtown Fredericksburg
You read that right, neighbors. In honor of International Skunk Day, Rising Dawn Yoga Studio and Possum-bilities at 211 William Street is hosting a one-of-a-kind Skunk Yoga event this Sunday at 10:30 am. Flow through a gentle, laughter-filled class alongside two charming stinkers, Frick and Frack (don't worry, they're de-scented), then stick around for an up-close Meet & Greet with the skunks and their rehabilitator, Karen. So roll out your mat, bring your sense of humor, and make a memory you won't find anywhere else. Just know it's a look-don't-touch affair, since these little guys can only be handled by their licensed rehabilitator. Learn more here.
House Hunch FXBG
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Can you guess the price of this real estate listing based on just the photos? Here’s a hint: 5 bd, 3.5 ba, around 4,700 sqft. on around 10 acres
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.
Friday, June 12
2026 Bluegrass in the Burg Festival | 11:00AM (through June 13)
Location: Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair, 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, VA
Puppy Yoga with Old Dominion Rescues | 5:00AM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get ready to indulge in 30 minutes of puppy cuddles to melt away stress, followed by yoga at the ODHS facility.
Sourdough Making Class | 6:00PM
Location: Tater's Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We will demonstrate each step and ensure you leave with a good understanding of how to make your own sourdough bread.
Beaded Plant Workshop | 7:00PM
Location: Green Eyed Vines, 720 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come hang out, make cool art, play games, win prizes and maybe even make some new friends!
Comedy in "The Back Room" | 7:00PM
Location: 911 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Big laughs, good vibes, and a perfect night out downtown FXBG.
Saturday, June 13
BBQ, Bourbon, & Cigars | 11:00AM
Location: A. Smith Bowman Distillery, 1, Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, VA
Description: Join us for a daytime hang where the bourbon’s flowing, the cigars are ready, and the food truck’s fired up with BBQ goodness!
Summer Rosé Festival | 12:00PM
Location: Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 209, William Street, Maury, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: An exclusive walk-around tasting of 12 wines, charcuterie, and a glass of your favorite rosé.
Location: Ironclad Inn, 1200 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Experience the classic American song craft of Tom Petty in an intimate setting with a special acoustic performance.
City Vino’s Got Smooth Jazz | 7:00PM
Location: City vino, 100 Hanover Street, Maury, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Step into a night of smooth jazz and flowing wine.
Madame's Midnight Market | 7:00PM
Location: Madame's Oddities, 2011 Princess Anne St. Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come out and see live artists, music, pop up vendors, and ALL the midnight whimsy.
Book Swap and Coffee Pop Up | 10:00AM
Location: Curated FXBG, 817 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Bring a gently loved book and trade it out while sipping on curated coffee drinks that are just as aesthetic as they are delicious.
Location: The Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Rock, Blues R&B & Americana.
Sunday, June 14
Forage and Supper Club | 2:00PM
Location: Locavore, 314 William street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get expert tips on what to look for!
Madame's Oddities Fundraiser Show | 5:45PM
Location: Madame's Oddities, 2011 Princess Anne St. Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA
