Features - Potomac Local News

Riverside’s Sound of Music Is Now On Stage

Published August 20, 2025 at 4:10PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The hills—and the Riverside stage—are alive with The Sound of Music as the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic officially opens today in Fredericksburg.

The cast and creative team at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts say they’ve “poured their hearts into every note, step, and scene,” according to a Facebook post announcing the show’s debut. The production tells the inspiring story of Maria and the Von Trapp family, brought to life through cherished songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”

This One-Man Play About Life, Loss, and Ice Cream Is Coming Back to Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 20, 2025 at 4:05PM

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at the ARTfactory just told Potomac Local News they’re bringing back Every Brilliant Thing—a powerful one-man play that had audiences raving earlier this year. You can catch encore performances on September 5, 6, and 7 in the Wind River Theater.

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp and starring longtime ARTfactory favorite David Johnson, the show takes a heartfelt (and often funny) look at mental health, love, and the little things that make life worth living. Think: ice cream, water fights, and staying up past bedtime. It’s all part of one child’s journey to understand their mother’s depression—and grow up in the process.

“Drool in the Pool” Returns for a Doggone Good Time in Stafford

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 18, 2025 at 4:15PM

English Bulldog, Max, took a dip in Veterans Memorial Park’s swimming pool during summer 2011. (Photo: Mary Davidson/PotomacLocal.com)

STAFFORD, Va. – If your pup loves the water, mark your calendar—Drool in the Pool is back for two days of splashy fun in Stafford County.

The folks at Stafford Parks just told Potomac Local News they’re opening the pools to dogs (and their humans) on Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7. Bring your furry friend, a towel, and a swimsuit for a morning of canine cannonballs and belly flops.

Free Coffee for a Year? Dunkin’s Throwing a Party in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 18, 2025 at 11:09AM

MANASSAS, Va. – The folks at Dunkin’ just told Potomac Local News they’re throwing a grand opening bash for their brand-new “Next Gen” restaurant on Liberia Avenue—and the first 100 people in line could snag free coffee for a year.

It’s all happening Saturday, August 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., at 9502 Liberia Ave. The celebration kicks off with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m., followed by giveaways, a prize wheel, face painting, music, and a visit from the Dunkin’ mascot. Local franchise owner Andy Cabral will also present a $1,000 donation to the House of Mercy.

Neighbors Just Cleaned Up 150+ Pounds of Trash in Manassas Park

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 18, 2025 at 8:59AM

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Keep the Park Beautiful just hauled off more than 150 pounds of trash during a recent neighborhood cleanup on Connor Street—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

On Saturday, August 16, more than 20 volunteers—including students, retirees, local families, and even the fire department—showed up with gloves and good vibes to clear out everything from old car tires to construction debris. It took less than two hours to give the street a major facelift.

Concert by Canoe Returns to Motts Run Reservoir on Wednesday

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 18, 2025 at 8:48AM

Motts Run Reservoir

Fredericksburg’s popular Concert by Canoe series is set to return next week, bringing live music to the water at Motts Run Reservoir. The summer run kicks off Wednesday, August 20, with the Shim Dogs performing from 6 to 8 p.m.

Concert-goers can paddle out in their canoe or kayak, or rent one on-site, to enjoy an evening of live music surrounded by nature. Gates open at 5 p.m.

What’s On Stage This Weekend: August 15–17

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2025 at 8:37AM

Cast members of “A Bridgerton Too Far” bring Regency-era antics to the stage at Allstate Community Theater in Fredericksburg, August 15–16. Photo courtesy of Stage Door Productions Fredericksburg.

Live music, theater, improv, art, and even a bit of history are all taking center stage across the region this weekend. From Manassas to Fredericksburg, here’s a look at what’s happening August 15–17.

At NOVA Live, the summer tribute concert series wraps up on Saturday, August 16, with all-day performances at theYARD Stage. Headliner Nightrain – A Guns N’ Roses Tribute will close the night. The 12-acre entertainment campus at 9901 Discovery Boulevard includes 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Black Sheep Restaurant, Proof Kitchen + Bar, and more, offering plenty of food and drink options before and after the show.

Stafford County’s Turn in the Spotlight as FOX 5’s Zip Trip Heads to Embrey Mill

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2025 at 8:14AM | Updated August 14, 2025 at 9:09AM

STAFFORD, Va. – FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip series is back in Northern Virginia, and next week it’s Stafford County’s time to shine.

The station will broadcast live from Embrey Mill Town Center on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 7 to 11 a.m., highlighting local attractions, businesses, and community pride. It’s the latest stop in the station’s popular summer series, following recent visits to Fredericksburg and Occoquan earlier this summer.

Shotted Coffee Brings Saudi Flavor — and Sweet Treats — to Virginia Gateway

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 14, 2025 at 8:10AM

GAINESVILLE, Va. – Shotted Coffee, a Saudi-inspired café concept, has opened at Virginia Gateway, offering more than just a caffeine boost at the busy intersection of Route 29 and Linton Hall Road.

Founded by a team inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Shotted blends cultural tradition with modern coffeehouse style. The café’s owners say they aim to take the typical coffee shop experience “to the next level” in the U.S. market, while keeping the atmosphere family-friendly, smoke-free, and alcohol-free — an alternative to the nightlife scene.

Free Arts Festival Coming to Manassas This September

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 13, 2025 at 4:48PM

[Photo: Arts Alive! at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Prince William County]

MANASSAS, Va. – Mark your calendars. Arts Alive!— Prince William County Arts Council’s annual, family-friendly arts festival is coming back to the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, September 14.

It’s a free, all-day celebration of local talent, featuring live performances, dancing, visual arts, hands-on activities, food, and craft vendors. With multiple stages and dozens of performances—from ballet and choirs to improv and orchestras—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.