Good morning, Fredericksburg.

The George Washington Foundation will host a Block Party at Kenmore this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the historic estate—featuring family activities, music, and hands-on history experiences with $5 admission for adults and free entry for children 17 and under.

ARTfactory's annual Factory of Fear event now includes the opening of What the Walls Remember— a juried art exhibition at Caton Merchant Gallery displaying over 80 artworks by 60 DMV artists.

Image Church will host the 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on October 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with trick or treating, games, a raffle, a photo booth and free food.

The Virginia Board of Education voted on Thursday to raise minimum passing scores for math and reading SOL tests—new thresholds that will be phased in over several years and exempt current seniors.

The board will vote on the plan's implementation on Oct 24 to align scores with updated proficiency standards.

The City was awarded a Commonwealth Technology Award on Tuesday, September 16 for its Tree Management Initiative that used innovative technology to track and maintain Fredericksburg’s urban trees—demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Two candidates—Joy Crump, a well-known chef and community activist, and Anne Little, a longtime community leader—are running for the Ward 2 seat on the Fredericksburg City Council as Councilman Jon Gerlach will step down at the end of the year to spend more time with his grandchildren and pursue other interests. They detailed their plans for balancing growth with preservation and increasing community engagement in recent election questionnaires.

Fredericksburg City Council considered a $5.6M draft plan that could convert downtown one way streets to two ways traffic — the proposal was presented yesterday at 11:00 a.m. and may change local traffic flow.

The City of Fredericksburg is seeking residents to join boards and commissions such as the Architectural Review Board, Memorials Advisory Commission, Board of Building Code Appeals, and Board of Zoning Appeals.

Many roles require city residency—candidates must have experience in areas like historic preservation, science, law, business, or education—so interested residents should review the details.

After Hurricane Helene damaged the Virginia Creeper Trail a year ago, half of the 34-mile route reopened and the Forest Service set a one-year schedule to repair the remaining section, which will be done by September 2026—local officials expect the work to boost safe use of the trail in Damascus. Officials plan to start the repair soon and are working with contractors to restore trestles and clear debris.

At a Tuesday meeting with the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors and planning commission, REC CEO John Hewa said a single data center could need as much power as serving REC’s 183,000 customers on a cold January morning—raising concerns over meeting rising energy demands.

He added that REC has received 20,000 megawatts of load requests that could strain its current infrastructure.

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.

FXBG Girlfriend Getaway Weekend Kickoff

4-6 p.m. — Fredericksburg Visitor Center — Free entry — Start your weekend with a glamorous check-in party featuring exclusive deals, local businesses, and festive refreshments.

VCW Pro Wrestling Spectacle

7:30-10 p.m. — Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg — Tickets required — Experience an action-packed night of pro wrestling with drinks and rowdy friends.

Soul Line Dancing with Regina

7-10 p.m. — Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge — Free entry — Experience the rhythm of soul line dancing in a lively atmosphere every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

2nd Annual FXBG VegFest

12-5 p.m. — Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a plant-powered celebration with delicious vegan eats, inspiring talks, and delightful vendors.