Water’s End Brewery in Lake Ridge is set to host a special screening of “Written by Mike,” a film shot in the heart of Virginia that captures the essence of Fredericksburg and its surrounding locales. The screening is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at 8:30 p.m. at the brewery’s Dillingham Square location in Lake Ridge.

Directed by Richmond-based filmmaker Ryan Cudahy, the film paints an intimate portrait of two couples navigating the tumultuous waters of family trauma and personal illness. “Written by Mike” is more than a narrative; it’s a therapeutic journey through the eyes of its creator. “I wrote this film as a way to deal with my own experiences with mental health and family,” Cudahy explains. “It was a healing process that took over five years to refine.”


Updated Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 — Pickleball fans, grab your paddles: Fredericksburg’s new indoor pickleball facility will open on October 19. The Picklr location at 3700 Plank Road will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Owner Jay Sartori said he and his partner Kim have been avid pickleball players for years. They “wanted to create a curated, ‘eatertainment-style’ pickleball club.” Guests will not only be able to play, but also socialize and enjoy great food. Sartori described pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., outpacing tennis and golf combined.


Fun Land Fredericksburg is set to host the Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 12, from noon to 6 p.m., aiming to support the Fredericksburg Food Bank. The event will feature over 20 vendors with crafts, foods, and home goods, alongside a new Live Corn Maze attraction.

Guests are encouraged to contribute to the festive food drive by donating three non-perishable items, earning a $5 discount off the $10 entry fee. Daniel Glover, General Manager, expressed excitement about engaging the community to fight hunger and spread joy during the giving season.


This past Friday, October 4, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program held its Annual Leadership Impact Awards celebration at the A & B Creative Events Center. The event brought together local business leaders, alumni, and community supporters to honor the contributions of Leadership Fredericksburg alumni who make positive impacts on the community.

Susan Spears, Executive Director of Leadership Fredericksburg, said: “The Leadership Fredericksburg program continues to cultivate leaders who not only excel in their professional lives but also make lasting, positive impacts on our community. We are thrilled to recognize these five outstanding individuals who have embodied the spirit of community leadership and commitment.”


This October, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Children’s Theatre is set to delight audiences with its staging of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.” The musical, scheduled for performances every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday throughout the month, except for a break on Thursday, October 24, promises a captivating adventure for all ages.

Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald, with music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, the production is based on Dahl’s timeless story, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The show features the beloved songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and introduces new tunes by Bricusse and Newley, transporting audiences into Willy Wonka’s mysterious and wondrous chocolate factory.


At the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, the stage lights up with spotlights and stories of legendary musicians and songwriters who shaped a generation.

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The City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Events received four awards at the 71st Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society in Norfolk, Virginia. Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from across the state attended the event, which highlights excellence in parks and recreation programs.

Out of 140 applications across 16 categories, Fredericksburg was recognized in four areas:


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