Local Entertainment Roundup: May 30 to June 6 (2024)

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

30 thursday

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway. 7:30 p.m.; dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Through July 14. $55–$82 plus processing fee. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com.

31 friday

Keller Williams 20th SPCA Benefit Concert, Hard Times Cafe, 10760 Patriot Highway. 7-11 p.m. Ages 21 and older. Proceeds benefit the Fredericksburg SPCA. $40; tickets available at eventbrite.com. Limited amount of tickets available at the door, please purchase online for smooth entry.

Film: “The Vanishing — “Spoorloos,” Library of Congress Packard Theater, 19053 Mt. Pony Road, Culpeper. Tara Releasing, 1988. Free. 540/827-1079, ext. 79994; loc.gov/programs/audio-visual-conservation.

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See May 30 listing.

1 saturday

Otter Walk in Fredericksburg, meet at Italian Station Coffee Shop and Bakery. Join the Fredericksburg Walking Club for a walk in the city to celebrate the return of the river otters. Walk at your own pace along a 3-mile or 6-mile route. 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., finish by 3 p.m.; group walks start at 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets must be leashed. $3 to walk or $4 to walk for AVA/IVV credit; $5 commemorative otter patch available. Contact Rick Sisco at 845/988-6049; Fredericksburgwalkingclub@gmail.com; walkfredericksburg.org.

Saturday Garden Stroll, University of Mary Washington. Join Garden Manager Jody Wilken for an informative tour of the grounds, including the recent renovation of the cow barn and reconstruction of the run-in shed. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Reservations required. Friends of Belmont free, general public $12. Contact Jody Wilken to reserve your spot, 540/654-1839 or jwilken@umw.edu. garimelchers.org.

Fredericksburg Greek Festival, Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12326 Spotswood Furnace Road. Greek music, food and drink, church tours and performances by Athenian Danse Troupe. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission and parking. 540/548-2665; fredgreek.org.

World War II Movie Discussion Group, Salem Church Library, 2607 Salem Church Road. Virginia Lyman Lucas, author of “World War II at the Movies,” leads the discussion group and will show clips from “The Longest Day,” about the Normandy Beach invasion. 2-4 p.m.

Film: “The Sword in the Stone,” Library of Congress Packard Theater. Walt Disney Pictures, 1963. 2 p.m. See May 24 listing.

Film: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” Library of Congress Packard Theater. Extended edition, New Line Cinema, 2001. 7:30 p.m. See May 24 listing.

Spring Garage Sale, Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway. fredericksburgconventioncenter.com. 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. $5-$10 admission.

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See May 30 listing.

2 sunday

Fredericksburg Greek Festival, Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church. Noon-4 p.m. See June 1 listing.

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. 3 p.m.; meal served at 1 p.m. See May 30 listing.

3 monday

Music on the Steps: Elby Brass, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Bring chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, concert will be moved to the library theater. librarypoint.org.

5 wednesday

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. 1:30 p.m.; meal served at 11:30 a.m. See May 30 listing.

6 thursday

Art After Hours: Hazel Run, Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth. Americana, folk, bluegrass, pop, and rock. Free admission; first come, first served. Tickets for beer/wine $7; food trucks accept cash or credit. Bring blankets, reusable cups and chairs. No outside alcohol permitted. Shuttle parking for overflow provided. GariMelchers.org.

“The Wizard of Oz,” Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. See May 30 listing.

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.

Art First Gallery: “The Big, Big Show,” an all-member exhibit. June 6-30. First Friday opening reception June 7, 6–9 p.m. Acrylic, assemblage, collage, drawing, oil, photography, printmaking, textiles, three-dimensional objects such as jewelry, sculpture and watercolor. artfirstgallery.com.

Artful Dimensions Gallery: “Lovely Linens,” woven works by Linda George. Through June 2. “The Wright Way,” handcrafted writing instruments by Ron Rosiello, June 4-30. First Friday opening reception June 7, 6-9 p.m. artfuldimensionsgallery.com.

Artists’ Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts: 100 Taylor St. “Birds and Flowers” all-member show. artgallerycolonialbeach.com.

Beach Paws Boutique: Works by local artists.

Brush Strokes Gallery: “Wallflowers and Shrinking Violets,” mixed media paintings by Kimberly Zook. Through June 2. “Summer Daze,” all-member exhibit that celebrates the spirit of the season. June 6-30. First Friday opening reception June 7, 5-9 p.m. 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 Lee Valentine III.

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

Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce: Works by Debbie Stachkunas.

Dockside Realty: 104 Taylor St. Works by John Edison Sr.

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. famva.org.

Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts: Frederick Gallery: “Landscapes Near & Far” national all-media juried exhibit. Members Gallery: Works by Marcia Chaves and Karen Julihn. Through May 31. fccagallery.org.

Hawthorn Mercantile: Works by local artists.

Jarrett Thor Gallery: Works by gallery artists.

LibertyTown Arts Workshop: Patron Show, fundraiser featuring works donated by LibertyTown artists. Through May. libertytownarts.com.

Library of Virginia: “Indigenous Perspectives,” a multimedia exhibition that explores voices and experiences of Virginia’s tribal communities, as well as related items from the Library’s collections. Through Aug. 17. lva.virginia.gov.

Mary Washington Hospital: New works by local artists on display in the Main Floor hallway gallery; works by new featured artist Suzi Bevan will hang through June. A percentage of each sale is donated to cancer care. Art may be purchased through the gift shop.

Meyer Fine Art (new gallery): “Robert Duncanson and His Southern Travels,” works by Black 19th-century landscape artist. 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. “Go to War … Do Art,” 80 years of the Marine Corps Combat Art Program features 80 works on paper by 29 combat artists, through Aug. 9. usmcmuseum.com.

Ponshop Studio and Gallery: Paintings by Ellen Schaefer and ceramics by Scarlett Pons, through June 30. 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.

Rehana’s Restaurant: Paintings by acclaimed Nepali artist Roshan Dangol, highlighting the beauty and depth of the nature and culture of Nepal. Through May. Hosted by the Fredericksburg-Nepal Exchange and sponsored by the Fredericksburg Arts Commission.

RMS Designs: Works by local artists.

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

St. Mary’s Parish Hall: Works by local artists.

UMW Galleries: Ridderhoff Martin Gallery: “Levitt by the sea,” through June 2. umwgalleries.org.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: “Jennie C. Jones: High as the Listening Skies and The Edges of Heaven, Rest,” through June 1; “Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist,” through June 9; “Picture Windows: Photographs from the Collection,” through July 28; “Theaster Gates: Wonder Working Power,” through Jan. 1; “Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier–Mueller,” through Aug. 4. 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: The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston, May 31; The Smithereens with special guest Marshall Crenshaw, June 1; China Forbes with Duo Caliente, June 5. birchmere.com.

Brown’s Island: Friday Cheers, 6-9:30 p.m. Fridays in May and June. May 31: Prabir Trio, Deux Visages and Sir Chloe. $10 in advance, $15 at the door; children 12 and under free. venturerichmond.com.

Central Rappahannock Regional Library: Music on the Steps, every Monday from June 3 through Aug. 26 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 3: Elby Brass. Free. Bring chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, concert will be moved to the library theater. librarypoint.org/music-steps.

Dominion Energy Center: Verdi’s Requiem with the Richmond Symphony, June 1-2; Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen, June 28. dominionenergycenter.com.

GMU Center for the Arts: Fairfax Wind Symphony, Mason Dewberry School of Music: National Community Band Festival, June 1-2; Celebrating Gershwin at 100, June 9; Dewberry School of Music: Mason Jazz Camp: Leigh Pilzer, June 25. cfa.gmu.edu.

Hard Times Cafe: Keller Williams 20th SPCA Benefit Concert, 7-11 p.m. May 31. Ages 21 and older. Proceeds benefit the Fredericksburg SPCA. $40; tickets available at eventbrite.com. Limited amount of tickets available at the door, please purchase online for smooth entry.

Hylton Performing Arts Center: Manassas Chorale: Musical ‘Pearls’ from Three Decades, May 31. hyltoncenter.org.

Jammin Java: Tinsley Ellis, June 5; Louisa Stancioff, June 24. jamminjava.com.

Market Square: Sounds of Summer, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Friday nights June 7-Sept. 6. June 7: 44 Diesel (classic rock). Free. famva.org.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts: John Legend with the Wolf Trap Orchestra, June 4-6. wolftrap.org

theater

Agecroft Hall: 25th Anniversary Richmond Shakespeare Festival, featuring “Much Ado About Nothing,” May 23-June 23; and “Doctor Faustus,” July 4-21. Select Thursday through Sunday evenings. richmondshakespeare.org.

Arena Stage: Step Afrika!: “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence,” June 6-July 14. arenastage.org.

Chamberlayne Actors Theatre: “Keep On Laughing,” June 7-23 at HATTheatre.

Dominion Energy Center: Josh Gates Live! An Evening of Legends, Mysteries, and Tales of Adventure, June 21. dominionenergycenter.com.

Folger Theatre: “Metamorphoses,” May 7-June 16. folger.edu.

Historic Kenmore: Shakespeare on the Lawn: “As You Like It,” presented by George Washington Foundation and Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble. Saturdays and Sundays, June 8-16. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. $20 ages 18 and older; $10 students 6-17; free for children under 6. Space is limited; tickets must be purchased in advance. kenmore.org.

Hylton Performing Arts Center: Virginia National Ballet: 2024 Spring Recital, June 1; Boyle School of Irish Dance: Spring Performance, June 2; Manassas Ballet Theatre: “Don Quixote and More!” June 13. hyltoncenter.org.

The Kennedy Center: Eisenhower Theater: “Bye Bye Birdie,” June 7-15. Family Theater: “Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” May 7-June 2. Theater Lab: “Shear Madness,” through Sept. 29. kennedy-center.org.

Maryland Theatre Ensemble: “We Got the Beat,” Go-Go’s Jukebox musical, May 31-June 23. 301/694- 4744; marylandensemble.org.

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: “The Wizard of Oz,” May 22–July 14 (no show July 4). $70–$82 dinner and show; $55–$65 show only. 540/370-4300; riversidedt.com.

Shakespeare Theatre Company: “The Matchbox Magic Flute,” May 21-June 16. shakespearetheatre.org.

Signature Theatre: Max Theatre: “Hair,” April 16–July 7. ARK Theatre: “Where the Mountain Meets the Sea,” May 21–July 7. Signature Theatre & Wolf Trap Present Broadway in the Park, with Laura Benanti and Jordan Fisher, June 29. sigtheatre.org.

Virginia Rep: November Theatre: “9 to 5: The Musical,” June 21-Aug. 4. va-rep.org.

family

Children’s Museum of Richmond: “Bug Squad,” a hands-on exhibit exploring the unique abilities of bugs, May 14-Aug. 25. cmorva.org.

Dominion Energy Center: Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, June 26; The Amazing Acro-cats, July 10-14. dominionenergycenter.com.

Fauquier Community Theatre: “Les Miserables” School Edition, June 28-30. 540/349-8670; fctstage.org.

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.

George Washington Foundation: Mini Mornings at the Museum, June 20-21, from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Program series introduces young learners (ages 3-6) to museum spaces. Participate in a story time and related craft and activity while exploring Ferry Farm or Historic Kenmore. Free for children with adult admission. $12 adults; free for children. 540/370-0732; learn@gwffoundation.org.

Science Museum of Virginia: “Discover Steampunk,” interactive exhibit featuring stories of 19th-century visionaries who dreamed of what life would be like today. Through Aug. 18. Included with Science Museum admission. smv.org.

Virginia Rep: “Dragons Love Tacos,” July 12-Aug. 4 at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education. va-rep.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: Food & Wine Festival, with over 150 international flavors at 18 themed food and beverage locations throughout the park. Thursdays through Sundays through June 9. 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.

Dominion Energy Center: Josh Gates Live! An Evening of Legends, Mysteries, and Tales of Adventure, June 21. dominionenergycenter.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. March–November. fxbg.com/lafayette.

Hanover Tavern: Haunted Tavern Tour, June 20 at 8 p.m. $12. Space is limited; advance tickets required. hanovertavern.org.

Historic Kenmore: Betty Washington’s Birthday Party, June 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Included with admission. Admission with house tour (June 22) $12 adults, $6 students ages 6-17, free for children under 6. Admission without house tour (purchase in person only) $6 adults, $3 students ages 6-17, free for children under 6. kenmore.org.

Historic Sunnybrick Farm: Book launch party for “Bolt From the Blue: 43 Minutes of Death and the Journey Back,” by Elaine C. Stone. The Jonathan Colson story. June 2, 2-4 p.m. Book signing, giveaways, food, door prizes.

Otter Walk in Fredericksburg: Join the Fredericksburg Walking Club for a walk in the city to celebrate the return of the river otters. Walk at your own pace along a 3-mile or 6-mile route. June 1 from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m., finish by 3 p.m.; group walks start at 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. Meet at Italian Station Coffee Shop and Bakery. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets must be leashed. $3 to walk or $4 to walk for AVA/IVV credit; $5 commemorative otter patch available. Contact Rick Sisco at 845/988-6049; Fredericksburgwalkingclub@gmail.com; walkfredericksburg.org.

Payne’s Farm: Guided tours, led by Friends of Wilderness Battlefield interpreters. Weekends from June 8-Aug. 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Good walking or hiking shoes recommended. Free; donations welcome. fowb.org.

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.

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.

Revalation Vineyards: Book World Meets Wine World with Susan Schwartz, author of “Haunted Charlottesville and Surrounding Counties” and “Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia,” June 7 at 6 p.m.; Sip & Learn Talk: “The Madison Families Displaced by the Shenandoah National Park,” with Nancy Knighting, June 20 at 6 p.m. revalationvineyards.com.

Rice’s Hotel / Hughlett’s Tavern: BBQ Rib Dinner Fundraiser, June 29 at 6 p.m.

Stratford Hall: Fourth annual First Africans Day, July 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Remember and honor those once enslaved at Stratford Hall through music, art, dancing and storytelling. Free admission. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/firstafricansday. stratfordhall.org.