MANASSAS, Va. – Time is running out to catch the Prince William Art Society Members’ Exhibit at the ARTfactory gallery in Historic Downtown Manassas. The final day to view the exhibit is this Friday, May 30, and art lovers are encouraged to stop by while they still can.

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MANASSAS, Va. – The ARTfactory is inviting audiences on a journey back to 1930s Berlin with its new production of Cabaret, opening this season at the Wind River Theater. 🎭

Known for immersive theater experiences, the ARTfactory will transform the performance space into the smoky, seductive Kit Kat Club — the setting of the iconic musical. Audiences will step into a world where glitz, music, and freedom clash with rising political darkness.

For those unfamiliar, Cabaret is a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of Sally Bowles, a bold American singer performing at the Kit Kat Club, and her relationship with a British writer named Cliff Bradshaw. The show unfolds during the final years of the Weimar Republic as the Nazi party gains strength, with the Emcee serving as a surreal guide through the club’s performances and the changing world outside. With memorable numbers like “Wilkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” and “Cabaret,” the show is equal parts dazzling and sobering.

Guests can choose from general admission or premium floor seating, including optional enhancements like priority seating, wine flights from Nokesville Winery, and charcuterie boxes from Pampas Fox Catering. All tickets include pre-show entertainment beginning 30 minutes before curtain. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 11 to 27.

For tickets and details, visit the ARTfactory’s website.

Headed to the stage first, however, is Lend Me a Soprano, a fast-paced farce by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. Running through June 22, this gender-swapped adaptation of Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is set in 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

The plot centers on Lucille Wylie, the opera manager, who faces a series of comedic mishaps when the star soprano arrives late, her jealous husband causes a scene, and the assistant Jo must step in to save the performance of Carmen. Directed by Vince Worthington, the production promises a night of laughter with mistaken identities and backstage chaos. Performances are held at the Wind River Theater, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Located in the historic Candy Factory building in Old Town Manassas, the ARTfactory serves as a regional hub for arts, theater, and cultural education. It offers classes, exhibits, and live performances year-round, supporting creativity and community engagement across Northern Virginia.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – It’s time for another Friday Family Movie in the Park event.

Prince William County Parks & Recreation will show Mufasa: The Lion King (PG) on a giant outdoor screen at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday, May 30. The free movie night runs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., making it a perfect end-of-week outing for families.

The park is located at 14300 Veterans Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a cozy evening under the stars. The event is part of a summer series of free outdoor movie nights hosted throughout the county.

MANASSAS PARK, Va. – Teens with a flair for cooking can spice up their summer at the Manassas Park Community Center’s Chopped Teen Summer Camp. 🍳

Open to ages 13–17, this weeklong camp immerses participants in the culinary arts, teaching them to prepare budget-friendly meals, experiment with diverse flavors, and compete in a “Chopped Challenge” inspired by the popular TV show. Campers will work in teams to tackle mystery ingredient baskets, honing their creativity and kitchen skills.

The camp is part of the Community Center’s broader summer program lineup, which includes field trips, arts, and sports activities. Teen camps also feature outings to local attractions like museums and water parks.
Manassas Park Community Center

Registration is now open, and spots are limited. To enroll, visit the Manassas Park Community Center’s summer camps page or stop by the center at 99 Adams Street. For questions, call 703-335-8872.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has five performances this week of its stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Fredericksburg native Tug Coker as Atticus Finch.

In a Facebook post, Riverside shared that showtimes are today at 1:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy a full dining experience before the show, making for a memorable evening of food and theater.

The production, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, has drawn attention for its powerful themes and local connection. You can read more about Coker’s role and the Riverside production here.

Students and teachers are eligible for a 10% discount on tickets as the school year comes to a close. Riverside invites the community to end the season with a classic story brought to life on stage.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Want to enjoy a picnic for free in one of Fredericksburg’s beautiful parks? Here’s how!

The City of Fredericksburg is inviting groups to join the Park Steward Volunteer Program, which runs from May through September. In return for helping clean up one of the city’s parks, your group can receive a free picnic shelter rental — a perfect reward for your service.

In a Facebook post, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events thanked The Publisher, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, for being the first group to kick off this year’s program by sprucing up Alum Spring Park.

To participate, simply:

• Pick a month and day of the week

• Show up — the city provides all cleanup supplies

• Enjoy a free shelter rental (available on a first-come, first-served basis)

It’s a great way for businesses, organizations, or friend groups to give back while enjoying the outdoors. Learn more and sign up here: Fredericksburg Park Steward Volunteer Program

MANASSAS, Va. – The 31st Annual Historic Manassas Railway Festival is just around the corner — and it’s free to attend!

In a Facebook post, organizers reminded train lovers that while the festival itself doesn’t cost a dime, tickets are required for the popular excursion train to Clifton, Va. Seats are selling fast, so now’s the time to grab yours if you want to enjoy a scenic ride through Northern Virginia.

The festival is a beloved local tradition that brings together train displays, vendors, entertainment, and more in downtown Manassas. Don’t miss this chance to soak up some small-town charm with a side of locomotive nostalgia.

Tickets for the excursion train are available here: https://form.jotform.com/251045253991154

HAYMARKET, Va. – The Town of Haymarket is hosting a K–5 Open House on Friday, June 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Town Hall. 🎨

In a Facebook post, town officials invited local families for a day of discovery and fun. Kids will enjoy story time with the Town Council, create tie-dye crafts, explore Haymarket’s history, and participate in activities hosted by local groups, including Crossroads Arts Alliance. A touch-a-truck experience and more surprises are also planned.

The event is free and open to children of all ages, though activities are primarily geared toward those in kindergarten through fifth grade. Siblings and families are welcome.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Celebrate the longest day of the year with an evening of fun, food, and music at the Summer Solstice Festival on Wednesday, June 18, from 7 to 10 p.m.

The event, hosted at Riverfront Park in downtown Fredericksburg, will feature local craft drinks, live music, food trucks, and art. All proceeds will support Fredericksburg Main Street’s efforts to promote and enhance the downtown district. Tickets are available now and help fund year-round community programs.

For more details, visit the Facebook event page or FXBG Government’s post.

It’s National Burger Day, and local spots are rolling out the red carpet for burger fans! 🍔

In Manassas, Philadelphia Tavern is celebrating with their Tuesday Burger Day special. Guests can enjoy dine-in pricing on burgers starting at $8 for a specialty burger and $12 for a premium option, both served with their signature homemade chips. Want fries instead? Add them for just $1 more. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a burger and a beer at this beloved neighborhood tavern.

Down in Fredericksburg, Eats Burgers is honoring International Burger Day with a sizzling deal — half off the Eats Classic burger all day long on Wednesday, May 28. It’s a one-day-only offer to mark the “holiday of all holidays,” and a delicious way to treat yourself.

National Burger Day is a food holiday celebrated in the United States to honor one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods — the hamburger. While its exact origins are a bit hazy, here’s what we know about how this tasty tradition began and evolved:

🍔 Origins of the Burger

The hamburger’s roots go back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While several people and locations claim to have invented the hamburger, the most widely accepted story credits Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant in New Haven, Connecticut. In 1900, he allegedly served the first hamburger at his small lunch wagon, Louis’ Lunch, using steak trimmings ground into patties.

📅 When National Burger Day Began

National Burger Day, as celebrated in the U.S., doesn’t have an official government designation but has grown into a popular unofficial holiday. It is typically observed annually on May 28. The day likely emerged from food marketing campaigns and the cultural love affair with burgers, which are a staple at backyard cookouts, diners, fast food chains, and gourmet restaurants alike.

Over the years, restaurants began using the day to run promotions, showcase creative burger specials, and celebrate regional styles — from smash burgers to veggie and plant-based patties.