WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Prince William County Parks is bringing back its popular "Fridays at 5" concert series for 2025. Starting this June, the series will feature five evenings of free live music, food trucks, and good vibes.
Held at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza in Woodbridge, the outdoor shows kick off at 5 p.m. and feature performances from local favorites like The Chocolate Factory Band, The Deloreans, and Whiskey Acolyte. DJ Moe Vibez spins between sets. Admission and parking are free.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring chairs or picnic blankets. Food and drinks, including beer and wine for those 21 and older, will be available. No pets are allowed, except for service dogs.
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The updated policy, Policy 7205 – Access to Division Transportation Services, now allows not only bus drivers but also bus attendants to bring their minor child or grandchild on board during their assigned routes. This change, approved as part of the Board’s consent agenda, builds on the previous rule that limited this option to preschool-aged children of bus drivers only.
What’s Changing?
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RICHMOND, Va. – Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) students have once again claimed top honors at the 47th Annual Model Judiciary Program Supreme Court Round, marking their third consecutive victory at the state level.
According to a PWCS release, Battlefield High School students Anandya Sampath, a senior, and Sakshi Gowda, a sophomore, were named overall winners after presenting appellate arguments before justices from the Virginia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Their performance topped the competition, which simulates real court proceedings.
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Held May 12 at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena, the graduation ceremony drew over 1,600 graduates and more than 5,000 guests. The crowd was so big that overflow seating and a livestream were set up in a nearby concert hall, according to a release from the college.
Themed “Rising Beyond,” the event recognized the resilience of the Class of 2025. Keynote speaker and NOVA alum Hannah Williams, now the founder of Salary Transparent Street, encouraged graduates to persevere through uncertainty. NOVA President Anne M. Kress praised the students’ determination in the face of academic and personal challenges.
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), established in 1965, is the largest public educational institution in Virginia and one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. Serving more than 70,000 students across six campuses and multiple centers throughout the region, NOVA provides affordable, accessible, and high-quality education and workforce training.
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – Damien and Quadrell Sylvester have been named Prince William County’s 2025 Foster Parents of the Year, honored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for their outstanding commitment to children in care.
The Sylvesters, who currently care for a sibling group of three, have repeatedly stepped up, offering emergency, respite, and long-term placements, often on short notice. County officials say the family consistently provides nurturing and stability, even under challenging situations.
One example: Over the holidays, the Sylvesters invited the children’s biological parents into their home so the kids could wake up and open gifts with them—a gesture made possible through “Bridging the Gap,” a program designed to support shared parenting and family reunification.
The COG Foster Parents of the Year program recognizes dedicated foster families from ten area jurisdictions, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, and the District of Columbia. The annual award highlights how foster parents play a critical role in supporting children when they cannot remain with their biological families.
“Every community needs committed foster parents,” said Fairfax County Supervisor and COG Board Chair Rodney Lusk, “and our region is privileged to have a strong network of caring, supportive, and dedicated individuals.”
Make your next date night unforgettable with a taste of Italy right here in Manassas.
Looking for a romantic Italian escape without leaving Prince William County? Step into SEMIFREDDO Italian Cuisine—a charming culinary gem in Manassas offering a warm, intimate setting and a menu bursting with traditional and Mediterranean flavors. With over 20 years of chef-driven expertise, this locally owned favorite is ideal for couples seeking a memorable night out over wine, pasta, and candlelight.
Three-Course Menu Suggestion
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VINT HILL, Va. – A robust new musical set during the Great War is coming to the Journey Theater in Vint Hill for a limited two-day run. Into the Sun, written by Virginia-based composer and historian Michael Gubser, explores the toll of war on a brother and sister who find themselves swept up in the antiwar resistance.
Presented by Triune Entertainment, Into the Sun follows Freddy and Mary Sigfried as they navigate the emotional and moral upheavals of World War I. Freddy, eager to serve, rises through the military ranks but is haunted by the consequences of leadership. Meanwhile, Mary breaks with tradition by taking a job in a munitions factory, eventually grappling with the ethics of her work.
Director Esther Wells called the show “an honor” to direct, highlighting its local roots and cast of talented regional performers. Leading roles include Ryan Schaffer as Freddy and Audrey Mollo as Mary, joined by Cam Ezell, Joseph Allen, and others in a rich ensemble cast.
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BRISTOW, Va. – The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue just celebrated a major milestone for its newest recruits. On Wednesday, May 7, Recruit Class 2024-3 officially graduated in a ceremony held at Grace Life Community Church in Bristow.
According to a press release from the department, the ceremony was led by Battalion Chief Scott Arft and honored 26 individuals who completed 30 weeks of demanding training. Their preparation included over 1,500 hours of instruction in fire response, emergency medical services, and specialized rescue techniques at the Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville.
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WOODBRIDGE, Va. – A retail property at 1391 E. Longview Drive in Woodbridge is listed for $7.95 million.
According to a listing from Coldwell Banker Commercial, the building is 29,968 square feet and contains five leased units. It sits on 2.158 acres and is zoned B1. The property is located in a high-traffic area, which supports foot traffic for the tenants.
The building is fully leased, and the listing notes that it produces consistent rental income.
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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – A new stretch of sidewalk along Old Bridge Road is making it easier—and safer—for people in Lake Ridge to get around without a car.
According to a press release from Prince William County, the Department of Transportation has finished installing about 700 feet of sidewalk on the north side of Old Bridge Road, between Oakwood Drive and Forest Hill Road. The project connects neighborhoods to three local schools, a future park and trailhead, a community pool, and more.
“Step by step, sidewalk by sidewalk, we’re building a community that puts people first,” said Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye, noting that the county is working to move away from a car-dependent design.
Construction began in fall 2024 after design work by Dewberry Engineers. M&F Concrete led the $1.6 million build, which was paid for with both federal and local funds.
The project is a broader push to improve walkability and meet the county’s Mobility Strategic Plan goals.