Features - Page 2 of 128 - Potomac Local News

Riverside Expands Concert Series with Motown, Rockabilly, Big Band, and More

Published August 6, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated August 9, 2025 at 6:49PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is tuning up for a year of music, nostalgia, and dance as it formally launches a new concert series featuring tributes to Motown, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra—with even more to come in 2026.

Artistic Director Patrick A’Hearn confirmed the lineup will bring a variety of genres to Riverside’s mainstage beginning in August, alongside a newly adopted strategy of shorter theatrical runs to make room for more live music.

Riverside Center Plans Tighter Runs, Bigger Impact for 2026 Season

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 31, 2025 at 11:18AM

As Next to Normal prepares to close on August 3, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is already looking ahead—unveiling the first details of its 2026 season, which promises to blend musical nostalgia, literary beauty, and patriotic charm.

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From Pups to Passports: First Friday Celebrations Sweep Across Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg on August 1

By Potomac Local News

Published July 31, 2025 at 11:09AM

With summer winding down and school bells on the horizon, three localities are getting ready to send the season off in style. Friday, August 1, 2025, promises a trifecta of celebrations across Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg, each with its own unique theme, local flavor, and community focus.

🐶 Manassas: Dog Days of Summer First Friday

The Prince William County Fair is Back: What’s New and Returning in 2025

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published July 31, 2025 at 11:00AM

[Graphic courtesy of Prince William County Fairgrounds]

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Free Dog Adoptions This Weekend—It’s ‘Dogust,’ and Everyone’s Invited

By Potomac Local News

Published July 31, 2025 at 10:19AM

The folks at the Prince William County Animal Shelter just gave Potomac Local News a heads-up about something special happening this weekend: they’re throwing a big birthday bash for shelter dogs—and covering all adoption fees to celebrate.

It’s all part of “Dogust,” the annual celebration for pups without known birthdays. From Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, you can adopt a dog for free at the shelter on Bristow Road in Manassas. Prince William Animal Advocates and Dave’s Dogs are teaming up to sponsor the event, making it easier for local families to bring home a new best friend.

Stafford’s Getting a New Dog Park—And You’re Invited to the Ribbon Cutting

By Potomac Local News

Published July 31, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:13AM

STAFFORD, Va. – A new dog park is opening soon in Stafford County’s Rock Hill District, and the community is invited to celebrate. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10 a.m. at 2085 Mountain View Road, just south of Margaret Brent Elementary School.

The park’s name—chosen by residents through a contest—will be revealed at the event. The naming honors retired and deceased working dogs from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies.

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, Chatham to Close for Major Upgrades Beginning August 4

By Potomac Local News

Published July 30, 2025 at 8:30AM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:13AM

Fredericksburg National Battlefield Visitor Center

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and Chatham Manor, two of the most prominent sites within Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, will temporarily close for extensive upgrades starting August 4, 2025, according to the National Park Service.

The closures will allow for essential infrastructure improvements and safety upgrades. The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center will be closed for approximately six to seven months to accommodate the installation of a fire suppression system, a waterline upgrade, and an overhaul of the building’s aging electrical systems. Chatham will close for about one year for interior rehabilitation, including lead paint encapsulation, new carpet installation, and plaster repairs.

Occoquan Targets Invasive Snakeheads with One-Night Fishing Event at River Mill Park

By Uriah Kiser

Published July 29, 2025 at 1:09PM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:13AM

Occoquan riverwalk. [Photo: Occoquan Town Government Facebook page]

OCCOQUAN, Va. – In an effort to curb the spread of a harmful invasive species while offering a rare fishing opportunity in town limits, the Town of Occoquan will host the inaugural Snakehead Roundup on Sunday, August 3, from 8 to 11 p.m. at River Mill Park.

The nighttime fishing event is designed to draw attention to the ecological threat posed by northern snakeheads — an aggressive, non-native fish that has become a persistent problem along the Occoquan River. The event is open to licensed anglers and will focus exclusively on the catch and removal of the invasive species.

C.D. Hylton Student Wins Statewide Teen Driver Safety Award

By Potomac Local News

Published July 29, 2025 at 8:00AM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:13AM

Cassidy Turpen, a student at C.D. Hylton High School, has received the Youth Leadership Award from the Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) program.

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Back-to-School Community Event Returns Aug. 2 to Gar-Field High School

By Potomac Local News

Published July 29, 2025 at 7:30AM | Updated July 31, 2025 at 11:13AM

A back-to-school festival held at Unity Reed High School near Manassas. [Photo: Prince William County Community Foundation]

The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aims to provide students with the tools they need to start the year strong—offering school supplies, vaccinations, community resources, and entertainment for the entire family.

“This year’s Back-To-School event will be here before you know it, so we encourage families to put it on their calendar,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president and CEO of PWCCF. “Our goal is to put students in the best position to succeed, and with I-66 EMP as a Silver Sponsor, this event is ready to do exactly that.”