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.


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.


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.


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.


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, 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.


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.


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.


Local pools are scaling back their hours as summer winds down, with most shifting to weekends-only schedules through Labor Day.

Prince William County’s community pools and waterparks are shifting into their late-summer schedules. Birchdale Pool in Dale City will remain open daily (closed Wednesdays) through August 15 before moving to weekends-only through September 1.


Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.


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