Local Entertainment Roundup: Aug. 29 to Sept. 5 (2024)

Roundup of arts and entertainment events happening in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas.

29 thursday

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway. 7:30 p.m.; dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Through Sept. 8. $55–$82 plus processing fee. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com.

“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, National Museum of the Marine Corps, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle. 7-8 p.m. 877/653-1775; usmcmuseum.com.

30 friday

Louisa Labor Fest, Walton Park, Mineral. Runs through Labor Day weekend. Includes parade at 6 p.m.; Bailey Hayes performance at 7 p.m. Details at lcprt.info and click the special events tab.

Sounds of Summer: Shades of Grey, Market Square. Disco, ‘70s dance. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. famva.org.

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble: “The Shawshank Redemption,” Allstate Community Theater, 810 Caroline St. 8 p.m. Through Sunday. fredericksburgtheatre.org.

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See Aug. 29 listing.

31 saturday

Atlantic Union Bank After Hours: KC and the Sunshine Band 50th anniversary, Meadow Event Park, 39 Meadow Farm Road, Doswell. 7 p.m., doors at 5:30 p.m. afterhoursconcertseries.com.

5th Saturday Open Mic & Jam, Waddell Memorial Presbyterian Church, 7133 Rapidan Road, Rapidan. Gospel, bluegrass, favorites, musician’s choice. Bring your instruments, play and sing, or just listen and enjoy. 7 p.m. with potluck supper at 6 p.m. (bring a covered dish). Free. 540/259-2743.

Latinos en el Diamante: Sliding Into Hispanic Heritage Month, Virginia Credit Union Stadium, 42 Jackie Robinson Way. Latin festival with artisanal crafts, Latino/Hispanic cuisine, live music and cultural performances. 3–8 p.m. Free admission. vahcc.com/frednats-festival.

Downtown Dolls: Fourth annual Lolo Luau, Billiken’s Smokehouse. Live music by Surf Junkies, Polynesian dancer, men’s Hawaiian shirt contest, pig roast, limbo contest. Benefits Blue Star Moms of Fredericksburg. 3-8 p.m. at downtowndollsfxbg.com.

Louisa Labor Fest, Walton Park, Mineral. Includes festival at 10 a.m. with craft vendors, attractions for the kids, beer and wine garden, cornhole tournament, The Swon Brothers performance at 7:30 p.m. See Aug. 30 listing.

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble: “The Shawshank Redemption,” Allstate Community Theater. 2 and 8 p.m. See Aug. 30 listing.

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See Aug. 29 listing.

1 sunday

Acoustic Sunday, Ingleside Vineyards, 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove. Featuring music by Carly Harvey (blues) and food by The UFO Truck. 1-5 p.m. inglesidevineyards.com.

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble: “The Shawshank Redemption,” Allstate Community Theater. 3 p.m. See Aug. 30 listing.

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. 3 p.m.; meal served at 1 p.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

Louisa Labor Fest, Walton Park, Mineral. Includes festival at 10 a.m. with yoga, a car show and a fitness demo. See Aug. 30 listing.

4 wednesday

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. 1:30 p.m.; meal served at 11:30 a.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

5 thursday

Lafayette’s First Visits to Fredericksburg: 1781 and 1784, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St. Speaker: Elizabeth Reese, author of “Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capitol Region.” Part of Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration: Lecture Series. 7-8 p.m. Free; no registration required. fxbg.com/lafayette.

“Murder on the Orient Express,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See Aug. 29listing.

Local roundup

Days and hours of operation may vary.

art

810 Weekend Gallery: New works by Beverley Coates (watercolors), Robyn Ryan (acrylics) and Lynn Abbott (acrylics and oils). 540/371-4099.

ARTFactory: “Earthly Delights,” works by Sandra McClelland-Lewin and Bettie Sperty, Aug. 1-Sept. 14. virginiaartfactory.org.

Art First Gallery: “A Walk in the Garden,” a collection of new paintings by Leah Fromer. Through Sept. 1. Acrylic, assemblage, collage, drawing, oil, photography, printmaking, textiles, three-dimensional objects such as jewelry, sculpture and watercolor. artfirstgallery.com.

Artful Dimensions Gallery: “A Capitol Vase,” works by Joseph Wilkinson. Through Sept. 1. artfuldimensionsgallery.com.

Artists’ Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts: “Sweet Summer Stuff,” oil paintings by Nancy Brittle. Aug. 9-Sept. 8. “Flowers” themed all-member exhibit. artgallerycolonialbeach.com.

Beach Paws Boutique: Works by local artists.

Brush Strokes Gallery: “Beautiful Blooms,” works by Carol Waite. Handcrafted jewelry, unique glass art, charcoal drawings, pastels, photography, paintings in oils, watercolors, acrylics, metal sculpture and mixed-media. brushstrokesfredericksburg.com.

Canal Quarter Arts: Works by local artists.

CoBe Workspaces: Works by Janice Jones, the director of the Arts Center of Montross.

Coldwell Banker Elite: 223 N. Irving Ave. Works by Colonial Beach Artists’ Guild.

Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce: Glass on glass and mosaic pieces by Joyce Reid.

Colonial Beach Brewing: Works by local artists.

Dockside Realty: Paintings in oils and acrylics by Nancy Owens.

Fredericksburg Area Museum: “Lafayette’s World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom,” curated by Dr. Gaila Sims, curator of African American History and Special Projects. Also on display: “Out and About: The Walk in Closet.” Call for artists: Black Arts Festival, Nov. 1 at Hurkamp Park and Nov. 2 at Riverfront Park. Interested artists should email images of their work to sernst@famva.org. famva.org.

Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts: Frederick Gallery: Artist Choice Regional All-Media Juried Exhibition. Members Gallery: Catherine Hillis. fccagallery.org.

Hawthorn Mercantile: Works by local artists and Finklepotts Fairy Hair.

Jamestown Settlement: “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit, through Dec. 1. 757/253-4838; jyfmuseums.org.

Jarrett Thor Gallery: A collection of works by local artist Nancy Wing, featuring land- and waterscapes from the region and other studies of flowers and animals. “Flowers” themed all-member exhibit. 804/224-7200.

LibertyTown Arts Workshop: “In Her Nature,” works by Dolly Whitley. Through August. Classes available. libertytownarts.com.

Louisa Arts Center: “Journey,” through Sept. 20 in Purcell Gallery. louisaarts.org.

Mary Washington Hospital: New works by local artists on display in the Main Floor hallway gallery. Works by featured artist Barbara Taylor Hall will hang through the end of October. A percentage of each sale is donated to cancer care. Art may be purchased through the Gift Shop.

Meyer Fine Art (new gallery): “This Drop of Earth: American Landscape Miniatures, Redwood Library and Athenaeum, Newport, RI,” June 20-Oct. 20. meyerfineart.gallery.

National Building Museum: “Building Stories,” an immersive exploration into the world of architecture, engineering, construction and design through hands-on activities, media installations, sketching and reading; “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania,” through March 17, 2025. nbm.org.

National Museum of the Marine Corps: “Full Metal Jacket,” featuring images taken on set by actor Matthew Modine, through September 2025. usmcmuseum.com.

Ponshop Studio and Gallery: Fine art, ceramics and handmade jewelry and accessories. ponshopstudio.com.

Port Royal Museum of American History: New additions to White House China collection. Open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. 804/370-5285.

Riverboat on the Potomac: Works by local artists.

Riverview Inn: Works by local artists.

RMS Designs: Works by Phil McKinney, a visual and performing artist.

Sophia Street Studios: “A Moment in Time,” featuring a collection of plein air paintings from around the country by Catherine Hillis.

Tappahannock Artists’ Guild: “Ripples of Color: Oils Inspired by Water and Nature.” tapparts.org.

UMW Galleries: Ridderhof Martin Gallery: “Joana Stillwell: the scent of rose as it was described to me,” Sept. 5-Oct. 20. Opening reception Sept. 5, 5-7 p.m. Artist’s talk Oct. 17, 5 p.m. duPont Gallery: “Currents: UMW Studio Art Faculty 2024,” Sept. 5-Oct. 20. Opening reception Sept. 5, 5-7 p.m. Gallery talk Oct. 3, 5-6 p.m.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: “Theaster Gates: Wonder Working Power,” through Jan. 1. vmfa.museum.

Virginia Museum of History and Culture: “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life,” through Sept. 2. Event: First Fridays at VMHC, 5-8 p.m., includes food trucks, family-centered activities, live music and happy hour specials in the Museum Café. virginiahistory.org.

music

The Birchmere: David Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, with The Guilty Ones, with Jon Langford & The Bright Shiners, Aug. 29; Raheem DeVaughn, Aug. 30; Danny Gatton Birthday Celebration, Sept. 1. birchmere.com.

Groove Music Hall: Schism Tool Tribute, Sept. 12; Paul Thorn, Sept. 13. thegroovemusichall.com.

Hanover Tavern: Summer Music Series: Danny Kensy, Sept. 5; Clay Mottley Tribute to Taylor & Joel, Sept. 6. hanovertavern.org.

Market Square: Sounds of Summer, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Friday nights June 7-Sept. 6. Aug. 30: Shades of Grey (disco, ‘70s dance); Sept. 6: Karen Jonas (country Americana). Free. famva.org.

Meadow Event Park: Atlantic Union Bank After Hours: KC and the Sunshine Band, Aug. 31. 7 p.m., doors at 5:30 p.m. afterhoursconcertseries.com.

National Museum of the Marine Corps: “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, Aug. 29, 7-8 p.m. Free. usmcmuseum.com.

Rappahannock Choral Society: Accepting new singers for the 2024-2025 season. Rehearsals held at Zoan Baptist Church. If you’re interested in joining or learning more, email thechoralsociety@gmail.com to schedule a time for a simple audition.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts: Old Crow Medicine Show and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Aug. 30; The Roots, Digable Planets and Arrested Development, Aug. 31; Band of Horses, City and Colour, with Nolan Taylor, Sept. 1. wolftrap.org.

theater

Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble: “The Shawshank Redemption,” Aug. 23-Sept. 1 at Allstate Community Theater. fredericksburgtheatre.org.

The Kennedy Center: Opera House: “Mamma Mia,” Aug. 13-Sept. 1. kennedy-center.org.

National Theatre: “MJ the Musical,” Aug. 13-Sept. 8. thenationaldc.com.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” Aug. 14-Sept. 8. $70–$82 dinner and show; $55–$65 show only. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com.

Shakespeare Theatre Company: “Comedy of Errors,” Sept. 10-Oct. 6 in Klein Theatre. shakespearetheatre.org.

Signature Theatre: “Soft Power,” Aug. 6–Sept. 15. ARK Theatre: “Primary Trust,” Sept. 10–Oct. 20. sigtheatre.org.

Stage Door Productions: Fredericksburg Improv Team, Sept. 6, benefitting Hope for Horses. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Sept. 13-22. allstatecommunitytheater.org.

Virginia Rep: November Theatre: “Misery,” Aug. 31-Sept. 29. va-rep.org.

family

Gari Melchers Home & Studio: Preschool Palette classes nurtures child’s inner artist through engaging books, garden walks and colorful process-based sensory and art explorations. Themes change monthly. Open daily with family-friendly, interactive tours, scavenger hunts and sketching bags. 540/654-1015; garimelchers.org.

National Museum of the Marine Corps: Family Day: Robotics, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interact with various local robotics groups, learn the basics of robotics and more. Activities are tailored to all age groups. Free. usmcmuseum.com.

Science Museum of Virginia: “Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness,” through Sept. 2. smv.org.

etc.

Ashland Fourth Fridays: Artists, musicians, and performers take over Downtown Ashland every fourth Friday from 5-8 p.m., May through September. AshlandFourthFridays.com.

Bingo, American Legion Post 320, 8456 Brock Road, Spotsylvania. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays; doors open at 5 p.m. Food available for purchase. Proceeds benefit veterans, their families and the community. 540/548-8069.

Bingo, St. Michael High School, 6301 Campus Drive, Spotsylvania. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. Doors open 1.5 hours prior. 540/907-9736; facebook.com/saintmichaelbingo.

Busch Gardens: Bier Fest Brews & BBQ, every Friday-Sunday from Aug. 16-Sept. 2. With over 80 craft brews and co*cktails from 52 breweries, including 30 local Virginia favorites, and specialty barbecue dishes across the park. buschgardenswilliamsburg.com.

Curitiba Art Café: Latin Dance Night with Elle Jay, every third Friday of the month from 6–9 p.m. Free Latin dance lesson followed by open dancing.

DC JazzFest: Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Complete schedule at dcjazzfest.org.

Downtown Dolls: fourth annual Lolo Luau benefiting Blue Star Moms of Fredericksburg, Aug. 31 from 3-8 p.m. at Billiken’s Smokehouse. Live music by Surf Junkies, Polynesian dancer, men’s Hawaiian shirt contest, pig roast, limbo contest. No cover charge. downtowndollsfxbg.com.

Ferry Farm: Archaeological Summer Dig, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weather permitting. Self-guided grounds-only tours for adults are $9, $4 for ages 6 and up, under 6 are free. 540/370-0732; kenmore.org.

The Fredericksburg Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration: Lecture Series focuses on aspects of Lafayette’s life, his world, and his influence on the American Revolution and the early Republic; through November. Event: Elizabeth Reese will discuss her book “Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America’s National Capital Region,” and Lafayette’s first visit to Fredericksburg, sharing insights on why Lafayette’s legacy still resonates today. Sept. 5, 7-8 p.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Fredericksburg. Free; no registration required. fxbg.com/lafayette.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio: Plein Air Days, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every third Sunday and following Thursday; free admission; registration suggested. Cars and Coffee, 8-10 a.m. in the museum parking lot the second Saturday of each month May-October; free. Woodland Hike, conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.; free. GariMelchers.org.

Hanover Tavern: Bridgerton: A Fete, Sept. 8, 3-7 p.m. Regency-era dress encouraged. $100; advance purchase required. Other events: Haunted Tavern Tour, Sept. 19, 8 p.m.; Hanover Autumnfest! Sept. 28, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. hanovertavern.org.

James Monroe Museum: History Trivia Night, Sept. 19, 6-8 p.m. Featuring Celebrity Quizmaster Kerry Devine, mayor of the City of Fredericksburg. Questions on a wide range of historical topics. Cash bar on site. Light snacks provided. To reserve a spot, email jamesmonroemuseum@gmail.com.

Kings Dominion: Halloween Haunt, selected dates Sept. 20-Nov. 3. kingsdominion.com.

Louisa Labor Fest: Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Walton Park in Mineral. Friday: parade at 6 p.m. and Bailey Hayes at 7 p.m.; Saturday: 5K at 8 a.m. and festival at 10 a.m. with craft vendors, kids attractions, beer and wine garden, cornhole tournament, and The Swon Brothers at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: festival at 10 a.m. with yoga, a car show and a fitness demo. Sign up for the parade, 5K and car show at https://lcprt.info.

Pickers Supply: Salsa Dance, 6–7 p.m. Sunday. $20 per class, or $120 for all seven. No partner required. 540/847-4581; olddominionhis@yahoo.com. Swing Dance, beginner lesson at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; dancing 8–11 p.m. No partner or previous dance experience required. $10 per person. 540/847-4581; DanceFXBG.com.

Port Royal Museum of American History and the Old Port Royal School: Fall Living History and Open House, 506 Main St. Living history interpreters, period musicians, military demonstrations, period children’s games and activities, docent guided museum tours. Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Rain or shine. facebook.com/historicportroyal.net.

Railroad Museum and Rail Excursion: Museum is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Visitors planning on riding the train should arrive by 10:30 a.m. Train rides conducted weather permitting. Free; donations accepted to support operations. 11700 Main St., Fredericksburg. 301/653-7983; rrmuseum.org.

Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern: “Make It a Heathsville Saturday,” featuring farmers market, vendors, blacksmiths, woodworkers, quilters, and spinners and weavers. Third Saturday of the month, through October. 804/580-3377; RHHTFoundationinc.org.