Good morning, Fredericksburg.

Local residents have many events planned this week as Arts Alive in Prince William on September 14 offers free family activities—while Fredericksburg’s A Downtown Affair invites food lovers to enjoy a seven-course dinner.

Other events include Dumfries’ 55 and over dance night, an ARTfactory play running from September 19 to 21, a skate night on September 17, and community drives for old crayons and blood donations.

Residents can tour the Food Bank to see how it supports local food needs—organizers will highlight daily operations and volunteer roles during the event.

This up-close look aims to help the community understand the nonprofit's services.

Virginia Tourism Corporation released its 2024 visitor spending data showing that Fredericksburg led the region with a 12.9% increase from 2023—up 16.5% since 2019.

The report noted Virginia tourism generated a record $35.1 billion in spending and welcomed 44.7 million overnight visitors as the industry recovered from the pandemic.

City officials have started design work for the city's third fire station at 3340 Fall Hill Avenue in the Bragg Hill area—this project will improve fire response for local residents.

Fredericksburg Police Chief Brian Layton will retire effective Jan.

1, 2026, after serving since 1994 and as chief since Jan. 2020 & he modernized the department and led key public safety initiatives. Deputy Chief Besty Mason is set to serve as interim chief with a permanent appointment to be announced later.

Cannonball Century Cycling Event

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Massaponax High School — $69 registration until July 15th — Experience a challenging 100-mile biking adventure through scenic routes.

Patawomeck Fall Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center — Free entry — Celebrate the autumn season with traditional crafts, delicious treats, and DJ music.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of Soul Line Dancing with Regina every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

5K Friends of the Poor Walk

10 AM — John Lee Pratt Park — $50 — Bring your friends and family to walk for a good cause while supporting the Society of St. Vincent De Paul.

Morton's Wheels for Warriors Car, Truck, & Bike Show

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Morton's Power Equipment — All proceeds benefit Leashes Of Valor — Celebrate a day of community and vehicles for a noble cause.

Water Circus Gold - Aquatic Spectacular

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Fredericksburg Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience a breathtaking show with stunning water performances and talented artists from around the globe.

2025 Power of Pink Breast Cancer Walk

8:30-10:30 a.m. — John F. Fick III Conference Center — Proceeds benefit local health initiatives — Support breast cancer awareness and community health through a spirited walk.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of lively soul line dancing in a vibrant community setting.

Harmonic Flow Music & Arts Festival

1-4 p.m. — Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg — Free entry — Celebrate the arts while meeting rescue dogs looking for their forever homes.