We’re almost to the weekend! Here’s a look at some of our best bets. Have one we missed? Add it for free to our calendar.

The Sol Roots Trio will take the stage at Battle Street Live in Manassas starting at 6 p.m.

Fri July 12
Battle Street Live presents
Sol Roots Trio
Manassas VA

“Award winning blend of New Orleans influenced Funk, deep Blues, energetic Rock, heartfelt Soul. Sol is a fierce guitarist & soulful vocalist who has toured around the world with many musical legends” pic.twitter.com/zcIbvZURWp

— Sol Roots (@SolRoots) July 10, 2024

See the Wizard: It’s the last weekend to catch The Wizard of Oz at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Everything from the set to the performances is amazing in this true-to-form version of the classic over-the-rainbow tale.

Happy Friday and Happy Memorial Day weekend from the cast of The Wizard of Oz! Kick off summer with a treat the entire family can enjoy. Great seats are still available for this weekend, reserve yours now! https://t.co/5f5g6MLV4Y #memorialday #FollowtheYellowBrickRoad pic.twitter.com/e6zCmYbKDF

— Riverside Center (@riversidecpa98) May 24, 2024

Comedy show: Come out to second floor of your favorite possum-themed gift shop for a night of alternative comedy. You’ll see quirky stand-up performers from across the DMV and even interactive improv games! And a portion of every ticket sale goes to help the possumz. Bring a date or a friend for a night of laughs! Recommended ages 18+

Catch a fish: Enjoy a morning of family fun, fish, learn about the Potomac River, and maybe win a trophy! Sponsored by the Friends of Leesylvania State Park, these fishing tournaments throughout the summer are suitable for all ability levels, ages 3-15. No rod and reel? No problem! The Friends have a suitable tackle on hand to loan. The tournament occurs from 9 to 11 a.m. at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.

Mural unveiling: Celebrate the unveiling of the newly restored Johnny P. Johnson Mural with Rapp Arts! Over the last month, Fredericksburg artist, Bill Harris, has worked to restore the mural after the original began to deteriorate due to moisture. The mural honors the late Johnny Johnson who was a renowned Fredericksburg artist, teacher and community leader.

Dale City Farmers Market: Don’t miss one of the largest markets in the area. The market is producer-only, meaning all products must be grown or made by the seller. This is great news for both our buyers and our sellers, as consumers have access to produce, meats, plants, and other goods locally grown or created. Only service animals are allowed. More info here.

Manassas Hosts First Friday Event

Manassas is set to host its monthly First Friday event tonight, July 5, 2024, in Historic Downtown Manassas. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event will feature various promotions and offers from local restaurants, cafes, and stores. Attendees can expect live music, food, and drinks, providing an opportunity to enjoy the downtown atmosphere with family and friends.

The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (D.O.R.A.) will be active from 5:30  to 9:30 p.m., allowing attendees to enjoy beverages while exploring downtown.

The event aims to unite the community for an evening of entertainment and support for local businesses. Organizers look forward to seeing residents and visitors come out to experience Historic Downtown Manassas’s offerings.

First Friday is July 5, 2024.

There will be road closures from 5:30pm to 11:00pm and parking restrictions from 4:00pm-11:00pm. The closures will be on Center Street, West Street, Battle Street, and Main Street. pic.twitter.com/hclAEgtpMf

— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) July 4, 2024

Fridays at 5 Event in Prince William County (Potomac Local Sponsor — Please support this event. Thank You)

In addition to First Friday, Prince William County is hosting the “Fridays at 5” event, which will feature a performance by Uncle Drew & the Scoundrels from 5 to 9 p.m.

“Fridays at 5” offers live music, food, and beverages, allowing the community to gather and enjoy the start of the weekend. The event is family-friendly and aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for attendees.

Both events offer a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy local entertainment and support community businesses. Whether in Manassas or Prince William County, there are plenty of options for an enjoyable evening out.

FredVends Artisan Market in Fredericksburg

For those interested in unique and handmade items, the FredVends Artisan Market will take place in Fredericksburg’s Hurkamp Park from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This market features a variety of local artisans showcasing their crafts and goods, offering visitors a chance to purchase one-of-a-kind items.

Both events offer a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy local entertainment and support community businesses. Whether in Manassas, Prince William County, or Fredericksburg, there are plenty of options for an enjoyable evening out.

Bonus event for your weekend: Barley Naked Liberty Music Festival

On Saturday, July 6, 2024, the Barley Naked Liberty Music Festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. The festival will feature live music from the Tuff Luck Band, Lonesome Ryder, and b?n Soul Band. Attendees can enjoy food from various food trucks, including USA BBQ, Maria Cheryl’s Tacos, Mazedaar, UFO Food Truck, and Sweet Izzy’s Kettle Corn. The event promises a full day of entertainment and celebration in honor of Independence Day.

The Prince William Conservation Alliance held its “People Who Make a Difference” Awards on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

This year’s event recognized four community members whose efforts have significantly contributed to the local environment’s preservation and enhancement. The awards honor individuals who embody the principle that people who care can make a difference.

Giuseppe’s Ristorante Italiano was acknowledged for being a consistent community partner. The restaurant has supported local events and initiatives, providing space and sponsorship to foster community gatherings and environmental stewardship.

Judy Gallagher was celebrated for her work in connecting people to the world of insects. Her photography has been featured in educational documents and field guides nationwide, helping to educate and inspire a greater appreciation for these creatures.

Joyce Hudson was honored for her efforts to protect The Settlement from a Dominion transmission line. She educated herself and her community about transmission lines and organized a successful campaign against the proposed line.

Julie Flanagan was acknowledged for her work in preserving mature trees and reforesting lands throughout the county. As the county arborist, her advocacy and educational efforts have highlighted the importance of trees to local officials and the community.

“These places, your homes, your neighborhoods, this land, and the nature around us don’t have a voice. But we do. And these are people who use their voice to make this community better,” said Ashley Studholme, Executive Director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance.

Their contributions to Prince William County serve as a reminder that anyone can make a difference. The Alliance hopes these awards and the accomplishments of the honorees inspire others to stand up for their communities and the natural world.

For more information about the Prince William Conservation Alliance and the “People Who Make a Difference” Awards, please visit pwconserve.org.

Jesus Rosa, owner of The Puerto Rico Cafe in Manassas, is hosting the Manassas Puerto Rican Festival again. This marks the second year Rosa and his wife, Jamari, organized the event in Manassas.

“It’s a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, family, and bringing everyone together,” Rosa said. “It’s diverse; it’s not just for Puerto Ricans, it’s for everyone. We want everyone to come down and enjoy the food, the music, the entertainment of your Puerto Rican friends and neighbors.”

The festival, which begins at noon on Saturday, June 15, is free to attend and will feature over 90 vendors. “There will be things for kids to do, so it will be fun for the whole family,” Rosa added. The event will be centered around the Harris Pavilion and include a dance competition on Battle Street called “Battle on Battle Street.”

Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of live performances from Puerto Rican entertainers. The lineup includes Luis Figueroa, a four-time Grammy-nominated singer in the Tropical Music genre, Musica Tipica de Harold Pratts, Elysani, Max Rosado, and merengue singer Juan Luis Juancho. The festival will run through 9 p.m.

Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 people from 17 states and Puerto Rico; organizers expect to surpass those numbers this year. Despite the anticipated crowds, festival-goers can find free parking at various locations, including the parking garage, Baldwin Elementary School, Baldwin Park, Art Factory, Museum, City Hall, and the Farmers Market (after 1:00 pm). Parts of Center, West, and Battle streets will be closed all day for the event.

“The City of Manassas is excited to host the 2nd annual event that celebrates the city’s diversity, and we wish attendees a lot of fun and success tomorrow,” said Manassas City spokeswoman Kelley Koch.

Alan Gloss is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News. If you’re not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!

Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is gearing up for its annual Free Community Baby Shower.

Following the success of last year’s event, which saw 1,000 attendees, this year promises to be even bigger and better. To accommodate the growing number of participants and enhance the experience, the event has been moved to a new location, offering more fun, education, and prizes for new and expecting mothers and their families.

The Free Community Baby Shower will feature 32 vendors, including notable names like Children’s National, Office of Vital Records, Storkpump, Little Fish Swimming, RACSB / Healthy Families, Fredericksburg Parent Gives, First Village Doula Services, Weecycled Wardrobe, and Gratefully Wearing Bairn. Mary Washington Healthcare’s own Women Services team will be present alongside a host of specialists. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Drs. Lethbridge (pediatrician), Arshad (MWH NICU medical director), Attridge (neonatologist), Helmly (GME director), Markowsky (Children’s National pediatric hospitalist), and Ismail (pediatric hospitalist medical director).

Certified lactation consultants, mental health counselors, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, labor and delivery nurses, mother-baby nurses, NICU nurses, and many more professionals will be available to provide valuable information and support.

Attendees will have the chance to participate in raffles, receive goodie bags, and enjoy light refreshments. The Fredericksburg Police Department will also be on-site performing free car seat safety checks.

Mary Washington Healthcare invites everyone to join this joyous occasion and take advantage of the resources and services available. Journalists and photographers are encouraged to cover the event, capturing the stories and excitement that make this event unique for the community.

The event will occur Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, in Fredericksburg.

Barley Naked Brewing Company won two medals in the 2024 World Beer Cup, which was held in Las Vegas in April.

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The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts presents “The Wizard of Oz,” a production that captures the essence of the beloved classic. The crowd responded enthusiastically, with applause reaching a peak when Toto took the stage. Sammy, a three-year-old Shih Tzu, plays him.

The immersive set brings the audience close to the action, especially those in the front row, making them feel part of the show. The design focuses on the farm scenes from the first and final acts, creating a familiar and engaging environment.

The cast performed strongly, particularly during the ensemble number “Merry Old Land of Oz.” The tap routine and energetic dancing added a lively dynamic to the show. The costumes brought a vibrant palette to the stage, and the lighting added an impressive visual dimension.

Rebecca Gayle’s Dorothy captivated the audience, especially during her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Our four-year-old daughter’s face lit up with joy as Dorothy began to sing.

Jordan Stockwell made his Riverside debut as the Cowardly Lion, performing “If I Were King of the Forest” with powerful vocals that filled the theater. The song resonated strongly with the audience.

Robert John Biedermann brought depth to the character of the “The Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz.” Biedermann’s extensive experience in the role, having performed it over 600 times, was evident and appreciated by the audience.

The script includes modern references, adding a fresh twist to the 85-year-old story. Audiences will find nods to Diseny’s “The Lion King,” Elvis, Prince, and a special mention of Riverside favorite Sally Struthers, who will return to the theater in “Love Letters” from July 24 to August 4, 2024.

A notable addition to the show is the song “The Jitterbug,” which is not featured in the film version. The show runs through July 14, 2024.

Ticket prices for “The Wizard of Oz” at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts are as follows: Adult Dinner & Show tickets are $82 (plus applicable taxes), Seniors (65+) Dinner & Show tickets are $77 (plus applicable taxes), and Children (3-17) Dinner & Show tickets are $70 (plus applicable taxes). For those attending the show only, adult tickets are $65, Senior (65+) tickets are $60, and children (3-17) tickets are $55. An additional $5 online processing fee is applied per ticket.

The performance schedule includes several options. For Wednesday matinees, meal service is from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm, show-only arrivals are at 12:45 pm, and the performance begins at 1:30 pm. For Thursday through Saturday evenings, meal service and appetizers are available from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, show-only arrivals are at 6:45 pm, and the performance starts at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees feature meal service and appetizers from 1:00 pm to 2:15 pm, show-only arrivals at 2:15 pm, and the performance begins at 3:00 pm. Food service for all performances stops 45 minutes before the performance.

On June 15, 2024, Widewater State Park will host an event dedicated to the life and work of Palmer Hayden, a celebrated artist from Widewater. The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. throughout the park.

Palmer Hayden, born on January 15, 1890, in Widewater, in Stafford County, became a prominent painter during the Harlem Renaissance. His paintings are known for depicting everyday life in African-American communities.

Despite holding various jobs throughout his life, including being a member of the Ringling Brothers’ Circus and serving in the Army’s all-African American 24th infantry regiment during World War I, Hayden remained dedicated to his art. Some of his notable works include “A Midsummer Night in Harlem,” “A Janitor Who Paints,” and “Baptism at Widewater.”

The event will include a walk to the Palmer Hayden marker inside the park, where attendees will learn about his life and contributions to art. Following this, participants will have the chance to watercolor a scene, inspired by Hayden’s style. The event is open to all ages and skill levels.

A standard $20 visitor parking fee applies. There are no extra fees for participating in the event, and children are welcome.

For more information, contact Widewater State Park at 540-288-1400 or email [email protected].

Lil' Bowl has moved to 9121 Manassas Drive.

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