Good morning, Fredericksburg.

The City of Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events Department invites families to its annual Earth Day Festival on the Rappahannock today at Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline Street where over 70 local vendors + live music and hands-on activities like kayaking, rock wall climbing and goat yoga will create a day of free fun. Free parking and shuttle options are available.

Fredericksburg City Schools discussed aging building systems and deferred maintenance during its April 14 work session with City Council as it plans the FY2027 budget.

Meanwhile, a free concert named Celebration of Freedom will feature patriotic music on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Residents along Clark Patton Road in Hartwood District renewed their call for a permanent water fix at a Board meeting on Apr.

7. A free concert called A Celebration of Freedom will offer tunes on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Historian Tony Cohen retraced his Underground Railroad journey in Fredericksburg on Friday at Riverfront Park with a Harriet Tubman statue as part of Freedom Walk 2026.

His 750-mile walk will begin May 4 from Sandy Spring Slave Museum and include daily stops + weekend gatherings for public history engagement.

UMW’s Board of Visitors approved modest tuition, fee, and housing increases for the 2026-27 school year, keeping overall costs among the most affordable.

Students can expect about a 3% rise compared to current rates.

University of Mary Washington broke ground on a new 300-seat theater — a project that will provide expanded performance opportunities for School of the Arts students.

UMW junior Edmund (Ned) Gable earned the Barry Goldwater Scholarship for his marine and environmental research.

The honor spotlights his dedication to advancing ocean science at the university.

UMW men's basketball team is celebrated citywide in Fredericksburg today at the Anderson Center from 3 to 5 p.m., where fan activities, food trucks and a team trolley will honor their historic NCAA Division III championship.

Coach Marcus Kahn also earned National Coach of the Year for the 30-3 season.

Dementia Insights: Navigating the Journey Together

The Quest to Conquer Alzheimer’s Disease w/ Dr. George Bloom, UVA Research Updates from the Alzheimer’s Association Lego Serious Play for Alzheimer’s Connections w/ Loretta Veeney

Dementia Insights: Navigating the Journey Together

The Quest to Conquer Alzheimer’s Disease w/ Dr. George Bloom, UVA Research Updates from the Alzheimer’s Association Lego Serious Play for Alzheimer’s Connections w/ Loretta Veeney

That Arena Rock Show

7-11 p.m. — The Groove Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience high energy tribute performances of classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s.

La Sonora Dinamita at El Pino Mexican Restaurant

9 PM — El Pino Mexican Restaurant — Limited seating available — Enjoy a vibrant dance event with La Sonora Dinamita.

Virginia Renaissance Faire

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Virginia Renaissance Faire — Tickets go on sale mid-March — Experience five weekends of medieval revelry and merriment.

Mother's Day 5K/10K Run

7:30 a.m. — Old Mill Park — Entry fee required — Celebrate Mother's Day with a scenic run alongside the Rappahannock River while supporting a good cause.

Sensory Friendly Morning at Ferry Farm

10 AM – 12 PM — George Washington's Ferry Farm — $6 for students, $13 for adults — Explore George Washington's boyhood home in a sensory-friendly environment designed for families with special needs.