FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg will be in the spotlight Friday morning as FOX 5 DC’s Zip Trip morning show rolls into town for a live broadcast from Riverfront Park.

The show airs from 7 to 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, and promises a festive, street-fair-style atmosphere. Residents, visitors, and fans of the FOX 5 news team are invited to gather along the Rappahannock River to meet the anchors, celebrate Fredericksburg’s community pride, and enjoy family-friendly fun.

The event will feature live interviews, segments with local businesses, and a Kids Zone filled with games and activities. Business owners will be on hand to promote their products and services, creating a bustling scene that showcases the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

“Grab your crew, rep your city, and let’s show everyone what makes FXBG shine!” city officials said in a social media post promoting the event. The morning promises excitement for all ages and a chance to be seen on live television.

Parking Restrictions in Effect
To accommodate setup and broadcast needs, city officials have announced temporary parking restrictions around Riverfront Park:

• Sophia Street (in front of Riverfront Park):
  No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.
• Beside and behind Shiloh Baptist Church (near the park):
  No Parking from Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.
• Riverfront Park Parking Lot (right of the park):
  No Parking from Wednesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. through Friday, July 25, at noon.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and explore downtown Fredericksburg before and after the broadcast.

This week’s Zip Trip follows a July 11 stop in Occoquan, where FOX 5 celebrated the town with interviews, a live wedding, and scenes from the waterfront’s historic streets. After Fredericksburg, the next Zip Trip heads to Stafford County on Friday, August 15, broadcasting live from Embrey Mill Town Center.

Fredericksburg officials say the live TV event is a unique opportunity to show off the city’s history, small businesses, and community energy to viewers across the D.C. area.

HAYMARKET, Va. – Organizers have postponed the 6th Annual Vettes for Willing Warriors Corvette Show due to the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms this weekend. Originally scheduled for Saturday, July 19, the event will now be held on its rain date, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, located at 16013 Waterfall Road.

According to the National Weather Service, the region faces 50–80% chances of showers and thunderstorms Saturday, with a threat of damaging wind gusts and flash flooding due to very heavy rain rates. Temperatures will reach the upper 80s, with humidity making it feel even hotter. Severe weather potential is expected both Saturday and Sunday.

The Vettes for Willing Warriors show is one of the largest Corvette-focused events in the region and typically draws more than 200 classic and modern Corvettes, including rare and vintage models, as well as the latest high-performance editions. Enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic participate, often traveling in large club convoys. Judging categories include People’s Choice, Veteran’s Choice, and a special Celebrity Award, with winners announced during a noon ceremony.

Attendees enjoy live music, grilled food served by the Knights of Columbus, and free tours of the retreat’s fully accessible residences built to support recovering veterans and their families. The show is free to attend for the public, while exhibitor registration costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event.

The annual fundraiser supports Willing Warriors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides cost-free, retreat stays and therapeutic programs for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. The organization operates the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, a 37-acre property with multiple private homes, peaceful wooded trails, and spaces for counseling, cooking classes, and other reintegration services.

Founded to fill a gap in long-term recovery support, Willing Warriors has hosted thousands of service members and their loved ones since opening its doors. Events like the Corvette show play a key role in funding the organization’s operations and introducing the public to its mission.

For more information or to register for the rescheduled event on August 9, visit willingwarriors.org. Event questions can be directed to Events Coordinator Diane Lunsford.

Your Guide to July 4 Celebrations in Fredericksburg and Stafford

Looking for fireworks, food, and fun this Independence Day? 🎆 Here’s a roundup of some of the best local events happening on Friday, July 4, 2025:

🇺🇸 Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | George Washington’s Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg
Step back in time at the boyhood home of George Washington! Enjoy live music, tours of the Washington House, colonial games, a flag retirement ceremony, food trucks, and an active archaeological dig.
Admission is just $1 for ages 3+ (free for kids under 2). Free trolley service connects this event with others around the area.
More info: https://kenmore.org/events/fabulous-fourth-at-ferry-farm

🎇 Fireworks Dinner & Viewing Party at Mason Dixon Cafe

Dinner 7–8 PM | Fireworks ~9:15 PM | 2100 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg
Enjoy dinner and drinks before catching fireworks from the parking lot of this local favorite. $10 tickets (free for kids under 12) become a food and drink credit. Only 50 spots available!
More info + tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-of-july-fireworks-dinner-viewing-party-tickets-1397027048509

🎆 Fredericksburg Fireworks at Virginia Credit Union Stadium

9:00 PM | Fredericksburg Convention Center, Carl D. Silver Parkway
The stadium itself will be closed, but the fireworks will light up the sky—and can be seen from up to two miles away! Plan ahead: parking is limited, and restrictions apply on nearby roads like Gordon W. Shelton Blvd and Carl D. Silver Parkway.
Details and parking map: https://fxbg.com/events/fourth-in-fredericksburg/

🚌 Stafford’s Free Trolley Service

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Multiple Locations
Stafford County offers free trolley rides between George Washington’s Ferry Farm, the Downtown Visitor Center, the Patawomeck Museum, and the Eagle Parking Lot. Handicap parking is available only at Ferry Farm.
More info + full schedule: https://www.tourstaffordva.com/2025/06/17/staffords-star-spangled-4th-know-before-you-go-2/

🎆 Stafford’s 4th of July Spectacular at Pratt Park

Gates open 6:00 PM | Fireworks after dark | John Lee Pratt Memorial Park
Wrap up your day with Stafford’s grand fireworks finale. Gates will close once the park is full, and no re-entry will be allowed after that. Please note: trolleys will not stop at Pratt Park.
Event info: https://www.tourstaffordva.com/2025/06/17/staffords-star-spangled-4th-know-before-you-go-2/

 

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County is inviting the community to celebrate freedom, unity, and culture at this year’s Juneteenth Festival, which will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2025.  from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Prince William County Government Center, Sean Connaughton Plaza.

Organized by the county’s Office of Executive Management – Equity and Inclusion, the festival commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while highlighting African American history, achievement, and culture.

The free, family-friendly event will include cultural performances in music, dance, and spoken word, as well as panel discussions with historians and community leaders. Children’s activities, local vendors selling food and crafts, and health screenings from local healthcare partners are also planned. Historical exhibits will provide educational insight into African American heritage.

“Juneteenth is a time to come together to reflect on our past and look ahead to a brighter future rooted in unity and respect,” said Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey. “This festival allows our community to celebrate our diversity and honor the contributions of African Americans.”

Free parking is available on site. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring water, as the celebration will take place outdoors.

For more information, visit pwcva.gov/news.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the celebration would take place at Pftiztner Stadium, at the county government center.

June will be a fun and warm month around Prince William County and Manassas with several meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Monday (June 2)

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday (June 3)

• Lifelong Learning with Yorkshire Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 1 p.m. (Central Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert (Chesapeake Sons), 7 p.m.

Wednesday (June 4)

• Friends Book Sorting, 1 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• The (Plant) Stakes are High, 5 p.m. (Central Library)
• Prince William School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Friday (June 6)

• Manassas City First Friday, 6 p.m.

Saturday (June 7)

• Fishing Derby, 7:30 a.m. (Triangle)
• 31st Annual Manassas Railway Festival, 9 a.m.
• Circuit Court Clerks Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Occoquan)
• Puzzling with a Purpose, 12:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• The Road to College, 1 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Zine Club, 1:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

June 9

• Meet and Make: Summer Tote Bags, 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

June 10

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert (Natalie Brooke), 7 p.m.

June 11

• Bugman, 3 p.m. (Manassas City Library)

June 12

• Chinn Chats, 1 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Summertime Mocktails, 6:30 p.m. (Virtual)

June 13

• Make a Book Flower Bouquet, 2 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• “Lend Me a Soprano,” various times until June 22 (Manassas City)
• Fireflies and the Full Moon, 7:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Family Movie in the Park: “Captain America,” 8:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

June 14

• Menopause Cafe, 10 a.m. (Dale City Library)
• Creating Butterfly Origami, 10 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Wonder Wanders: Story Time Hike and Craft, 10 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Third Annual Puerto Rican Festival, 11 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Crafting with Pride, 11 a.m. (Dumfries Library)
• Beautiful Binding Basics, 11 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Drawing 101, 1 p.m. (Central Library)

June 16

• Animal Therapy Petting Zoo, 11 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Friendship Pins, 2 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Once Upon a Crime, 2 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Manassas City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Gardening Book Club, 5:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• FROGbots Robotics Demonstration, 5:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)

June 17

• Rock Painting, 1 p.m. (Dale City Library)
• Mythology in Modern Day with REscape Rooms, 4 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Tween Summertime Art Workshop, 5:30 p.m. (Central Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert (Shane Gamble), 7 p.m.

June 18

• Crochet and Coffee, 11 a.m. (Nokesville Library)
• Peaceful Painting, 2 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• DIY Pride Keychains, 5 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Perler Bead Cup Covers, 5 p.m. (Potomac Library)

June 19

• Juneteenth & Me Festival, 4 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

June 20

• Play All Day VA, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Manassas)
• Native American Mythology with Star Lab, 10 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Animal Therapy Petting Zoo, 11 a.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Bull Run Ukulele Players, 1 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Family Movie Night, 7:30 p.m. (Nokesville Library)

June 21

• Manassas Bee Festival, 10 a.m.
• Teen Quilt Morning Series, 10:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Make Your Own Stamps, 11 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Gardening in Colonial Times, 11 a.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Murder Mystery, 2 p.m. (Central Library)

June 23

• Twin Pattern Stamp Take and Make, All day (Dumfries Library)
• Creepy Crawly Critters, 10:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Pigeon Appreciation Day, 10:30 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Deputies in Flight, 2 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

June 24

• Bookmaking, 10:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Beginner Sourdough, 5:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Manassas School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert (Jason Masi), 7 p.m.

June 26

• Tech in Color, 10:30 a.m. (Nokesville Library)
• Reptile World, 10:30 a.m. (Triangle)
• Water Bead Splatter Art, 11 a.m. (Dumfries Library)
• Kindergarten Camp, 1 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

June 27

• Creepy Crawly Critters, 10:30 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Wine Glass Etching, 11 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

June 28

• Ident-a-Child, 10 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Swift Escape with REscape Rooms, 11 a.m. (Lake Ridge Library)
• Rodney’s Raptors, 11 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” 2 and 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

June 30

• Marines Through History, 10:30 a.m. (Nokesville Library)
• Deputies in Flight, 2 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Peace and Self-Exploration, 6 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Books Alive, 6 p.m. (Virtual)

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Fredericksburg Main Street is launching a new way to help residents get to know the people behind the storefronts that make downtown special. Its new “Meet the Merchant” series kicks off on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fraser Wood Elements, located on Caroline Street.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

For the first time, Stafford County will host a Relay for Life event, bringing the community together for a day of remembrance, celebration, and action in the fight against cancer.

The May 10 event is the result of months of work by organizer Tracey Phillips, a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. Phillips was inspired to bring Relay for Life to Stafford after years of participating in events in neighboring counties, including an unforgettable first experience in 2009 in Loudoun County.

“It was such an overwhelmingly awesome experience,” Phillips said. “I made a commitment then that I’d always be a part of Relay. It’s become one of my family’s favorite things to do together.”

Phillips has a deep personal connection to the cause. She honors the memory of her uncle, who passed away from cancer 20 years ago. More recently, her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer last fall. These personal experiences, combined with a desire to raise awareness and strengthen community ties, pushed her to bring a Relay event to Stafford.

“There’s never really been a Stafford Relay—at least not in the last 30 years,” she said. “So we wanted to start something here to bring people together and let survivors and families know they’re not alone.”

The event, titled “Night of Hope,” will take a scaled-down approach to the traditional 12–18-hour Relay model but will carry the same spirit: honoring survivors, supporting caregivers, remembering those lost, and raising money for cancer research. The goal this year is to raise $15,000 and draw around 200 participants, with plans to grow the event annually.

Highlights of the evening will include:

• A Survivor Lap and Survivor Dinner to celebrate those who have battled cancer

• A Luminaria Ceremony, where the track will be lit by donated luminary bags in memory and honor of loved ones;

• Family-friendly entertainment, including music, a silent auction, and demonstrations by the Stafford Sheriff’s Department, McGruff the Crime Dog, a drone team, K-9 unit, and local taekwondo and gymnastics teams;

• Activities for kids, photo opportunities, and lap-tracking beads to help participants beat their own records year over year; and

• Food Trucks like Taco Tuesday and The Dog House.

Planning officially began in late April, and as with many new grassroots efforts, the road hasn’t been without obstacles. “Funding’s not guaranteed when you’re just starting out,” Phillips said. “But we’ve got 12 teams so far and incredible support from the sheriff’s office and local businesses.” Stafford businesses like Paddy’s Public House, The Bearded Monkey, Jersey Mike’s (Windsor Road location), Cinnaholic, and more all hosted fundraising events for the new relay.

The Relay for Life of Stafford is part of the American Cancer Society’s 40th anniversary of Relay events nationwide. The goal is not only to raise money, but also to ignite a new tradition in Stafford that brings together families, schools, businesses, and service members in a shared mission.

Anyone interested in participating—whether as part of a team, as an individual, or as a volunteer—can find registration links and donation information through the event’s Facebook page or by contacting the organizing team via email.

“We’re hoping this is just the beginning,” Phillips said. “This is a chance for Stafford to stand together for hope, for healing, and for the future.”

Stafford’s Relay for Life will be help Saturday, May 10 at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary, 150 Duffey Drive. The 12-hour event begins at noon.

May will be a fun month around Prince William County and Manassas with several meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Thursday (May 1)

• Backyard Birds Scavenger Hunt, All day through May 31 (Bull Run Library)
• Crafting with Cricut: Mother’s Day Cards, 2 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)

Friday (May 2)

• Gel Plate Printing Workshop, 2 to 3 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Can You Grok?! This?, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Saturday (May 3)

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Nature Seekers, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Mugs for Mom, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Lake Ridge Library)
• A Star Wars Celebration, 10 a.m. to noon (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Old Town Manassas Art Show & Craft Spring Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mariachis Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, 5 to 11 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 4 (Sunday)

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 5

• Fallen Officer Tribute, 6 to 8 p.m. (Bristow)

May 6

• Pattern Reading 101, 6 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 7

• Prince William School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

May 8

• Walk with a Doc, Noon to 1 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 9

• Stuffed Animal Slumber Party, All day (Lake Ridge Library)
• Drive-In Movie in the Park, 8 to 10 p.m. (Manassas)

May 10

• Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Model Railroad Program, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Draft Your Own Pattern 101, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Golden Hour, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 11

• International Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 12

• Project Lifesaver Golf Tournament, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Haymarket)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Flower Full Moon Yoga, 8 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 13

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Sew Tuesday: Bookmarks, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 14

• Pendants Pending, 5 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)

May 15

• Watercolor Collaborative, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)

May 17

• Free Paper Shredding for Residents, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Nokesville Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Jazz Society (One Man Band), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Triangle)
• Equality Prince William Pride Festival, Noon to 4 p.m. (Greater Prince William County)
• Father Daughter Dance, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 19

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

May 20

• Walk and Wear Purple Day, 8 to 10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 21

• Crochet and Coffee, 11 a.m. to noon (Nokesville Library)
• Prince William School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

May 23

• Knitting with Tanis Gray, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)

May 24

• Adaptive Flatwater Kayaking, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. (Woodbridge)

May 27

• Wood Carving Club Night, 5 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• NOVA Novels, 6 to 7 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 30

• Family Movie in the Park (Mufasa: The Lion King), 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 31

• Watercolor III with Mark Murphy, 1 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan will host a series of events this weekend aimed at connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities and celebrating the arts.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

MANASSAS, Va. — Trains will take center stage once again as Manassas hosts its 31st Annual Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The family-friendly event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., spanning the historic downtown area between the train station parking lot and Harris Pavilion. Attractions include model train exhibits from groups like the National Capital Trackers and the Piedmont Railroaders, as well as safety displays from Amtrak and VRE.

Children can enjoy bounce houses, barrel train rides, and a variety of other activities. VRE will offer special train excursions to Clifton at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in cash or $9 by card, and are on sale now.

“The festival celebrates Manassas’ rich railway heritage with Norfolk Southern, VRE, and Amtrak,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Historic Manassas Inc. “It’s a way to honor where we’ve come from and where we’re going as a historic train town.”

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Manassas Museum and learn about the city’s evolution around its rail lines.

Adding to the excitement, Amtrak is partnering more closely with Historic Manassas to promote the city as a destination. Plans include a new ticket kiosk at the Manassas station and updated marketing materials highlighting the area’s historic sites.

“Manassas isn’t just a stop — it’s becoming a destination in itself,” Kiefer said.