Stafford Parks and Recreation is gearing up for a fun-filled spring with a lineup of family-friendly special events designed to entertain kids and parents alike. From egg hunts to reptile encounters and sensory-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in the coming weeks.
Families looking for engaging ways to spend time together should mark their calendars and register soon—these popular programs tend to fill up quickly.
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has expanded its therapy dog program from one to five certified therapy dogs over the past year. The program provides comfort and emotional support to patients, families, and team members throughout the hospital.
National research indicates that therapy dog visits in hospitals reduce patient anxiety by an average of 34 percent during short interactions.
Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, and Access Eye, and presented by the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the event brought together 14 top spellers from Caroline, Colonial Beach, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fredericksburg, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties. Contestants represented public schools, private schools, and home schools.
Mensah secured victory by correctly spelling “ahimsa” in the final round. The Sanskrit word refers to the doctrine of non-violence, or refraining from harming others or taking life—a principle central to philosophies like Jainism, Hinduism, and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation are set to host a special evening of live music on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 7 to 8 p.m. The free indoor performance will bring together the Dordt University Wind Symphony and the Quantico Marine Band in the museum’s Leatherneck Gallery, offering the public a unique blend of collegiate and military musical talent amid iconic Marine Corps exhibits.
The concert is part of the Dordt University Wind Symphony’s 2026 national spring break tour, which takes the ensemble from northwest Iowa through the Midwest to the East Coast and back. Directed by Dr. Onsby C. Rose, the performance highlights the group’s repertoire, which often includes works by composers such as Robert Jager, Frank Ticheli, John Mackey, and David Maslanka.
Hey neighbors, it’s your weekend vibe check from Potomac Local News—that cozy roundup of Don’t Miss Weekend Events right here in Prince William, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and our surrounding spots.
We’re wrapping up February 2026 with theater magic wrapping up, some community heart, skating fun, and more. Whether you’re grabbing the kids for a show, lacing up skates, or stepping out to support neighbors, here’s what’s worth your time this weekend. Let’s get into it!
Prince William County athletes are making headlines at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, with gold medals, tough finishes, and final runs still ahead.
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A new arcade in Spotsylvania Towne Centre is flipping the script on traditional gaming — replacing joysticks and tokens with skill-based claw machines designed to let players walk away winners.
Planet Novak, a claw-style arcade featuring nearly 50 prize machines, opened Nov. 1 across from Build-A-Bear and near the children’s play area.
Triune Entertainment will stage “The Prince of Egypt” over three weekends in March 2026, with evening and matinee performances at Journey Stage in Warrenton.
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Manassas Park will host a Salsa Night event later this month at the city’s community center.
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Spotsylvania Towne Centre will host a three-day Valentine’s-themed craft and vendor market next month, bringing together local artisans, small businesses, and specialty vendors for a weekend of shopping and community support.
The Fredericksburg Valentine’s Craft and Vendor Market runs Friday, February 13, through Sunday, February 15, 2026, inside the shopping mall near Fredericksburg. Shoppers can browse handmade goods, specialty items, sweet treats, and unique gift ideas tied to Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day celebrations, according to event organizers.
