Looking for fun activities to enjoy this weekend? From author talks to festive holiday experiences, there’s something for everyone. Check out these events happening from Thursday through Sunday. If you’re planning an event or know of one the community should check out, submit it to our event calendar—it’s easy and free.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Teen Blackout Poetry Night
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, Virginia
Create poetry in a fun and creative environment.
Music Trivia Night
Multiple times, November 21 – December 19
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 15200 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, Virginia
Enjoy an evening of music-themed trivia.
Friday, November 22, 2024
Adult Author Talk with Alex Matsuo
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, Virginia
Meet Alex Matsuo and learn about their latest work.
DHS Veteran Career Fair
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Clubs at Quantico, 3017 Russell Road, Quantico, Virginia
A career fair focused on resources and opportunities for veterans.
G’s Comedy Show and Live Music
8 p.m. – midnight
Giuseppe’s, 15120 Washington Street, Haymarket, Virginia
Enjoy live music and comedy at this local venue.
Riverside Christmas Spectacular: Home for the Holidays
Showtimes vary, November 20 – December 29
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Celebrate the season with a festive show featuring live music, dance, and holiday cheer. Tickets range from $60 to $82.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Spanish Storytime
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, Virginia
Stories and fun for young readers in Spanish.
Enchantment Theatre Company: My Father’s Dragon
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, Virginia
A family-friendly theater experience based on a beloved book.
City of End Book Release
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Heritage Hunt Country Club, 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville, Virginia
Celebrate the release of a new book and meet the author.
Financial Literacy Workshop with Amanda Lockhart Davis
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, Virginia
Learn valuable tips on managing your finances.
Holiday Lights Ride
5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday, November 23 – January 2
Courtyard Marriott, 620 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Experience the charm of the holidays with a ride in a restored 1920s Ford Model-A. Tickets are $20 per rider and include cozy blankets and festive music.
Make the most of your time and enjoy everything the community offers. If you have an event to share, submit it to our calendar to help spread the word.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy the weekend around town? A range of activities is coming up, from author talks to community events perfect for friends, families, and neighbors. Check out what’s happening from Thursday through Sunday, and make the most of your time!
Thursday, November 14
Kid’s Author Talk with Keisha Strand
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Start the weekend early by joining children’s author Keisha Strand for a lively reading session. It’s a perfect outing for families with young readers who love getting immersed in new stories.
Sell Your Home the Modern Way – Online Event (Potomac Local News Sponsor)
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Curious about the latest in home-selling? Snapdoor founder Bob Mathew hosts an online event to guide you through selling your home confidently and cost-effectively. Ideal for anyone interested in the real estate market.
City Vino & Burg Charcuterie Cheese and Wine Workshop
Want to look good in front of the in-laws because you are hosting Thanksgiving this year?
November 14th @ 7:00 to 8:30 at City Vino
Click HERE for tickets
Passionate Politics 1824 vs 2024
Thursday, November 14, 2024
6 – 8 pm
UMW- Cedric Rucker University Center- Chandler Ballroom C
1601 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Friday, November 15
Adult Author Talk with Caroline Sumlin
Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Wrap up the week with author Caroline Sumlin as she shares insights into her writing journey. This event is designed for adult readers looking to hear from a local talent.
Standup Comedy Showcase At Hog Shack Bar-B-Q
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM (EST)
Black & White Comedy Productions
10470 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20110
Possum Punchlines Comedy Show
Come out to the second floor of your favorite possum-themed gift shop for a night of alternative comedy.
7:30 pm – 9 pm
Possum-bilities
211 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
$12
Saturday, November 16
Farmers Market
Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street, Manassas, VA
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kick off your Saturday by picking up fresh produce, local treats, and artisanal goods at the Manassas Farmers Market. It’s a great way to support local vendors and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere.
2024 Pumpkin Smash — Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary
10445 Manley Rd, Nokesville, VA
ARTfactory Rooftop Productions presents Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play
ARTfactory (9419 Battle St., Manassas, VA 20110) 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA, United States
When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference.
$20 – $25
Gingerbread Workshop
Learn the secrets of building a real gingerbread house! Build and decorate a small gingerbread house step-by-step.
11 am – 12:30 pm
Ferry Farm
George Washington’s Ferry Farm
$20
Nunsense
When the culinarily challenged Sister Julia, Child of God, unintentionally poisons her fellow sisters with tainted soup, only five Little Sisters of Hoboken remain to carry on their cloister’s mission.
Saturday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.
Klein Theatre, College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Sunday, November 17
NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
NVA Thai Center LLC
9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, VA 20110
If you’re planning an event or know of something the community should check out, don’t forget to submit it to our event calendar! It’s easy and FREE to add your event, and we’ll feature it here to help spread the word.
Let’s keep our community connected and make every weekend a memorable one!
Looking for things to do this weekend? Here’s what’s happening:
Saturday, November 9:
– Veterans Day Ceremony
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110
Join the community to honor our veterans with a special ceremony that includes guest speakers, musical performances, and a moment of reflection.
– Senior Life Resource Fair
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
This fair offers resources for seniors, including health screenings, informational booths, and workshops aimed at enhancing quality of life.
– Spanish Storytime
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Families are invited to enjoy stories and songs in Spanish, helping children build bilingual literacy and appreciation for diverse cultures.
– “Celebrating Grace and Joy” Artist Reception
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110
Meet local artists and view artwork that explores themes of grace and joy. Light refreshments will be served.
– Kid’s Author Talk with Annemarie Cake
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Manassas Park City Library, 100 Park Central Plaza, Manassas Park, VA 20111
Children’s author Annemarie Cake will discuss her latest book, followed by a Q&A session and book signing.
– Mandy Gonzalez in Concert
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA 20110
Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez performs songs from her career, including hits from “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.”
Sunday, November 10:
While no one has posted events to our calendar for Sunday, it’s a great day to explore local parks, visit museums, or try out one of the area’s many restaurants. It’s FREE to post events!
Monday, November 11:
Don’t forget about the Fredericksburg Veterans Day Parade! Fredericksburg will host its annual Veteran’s Day procession at 10 a.m., beginning at Memorial Park (Kenmore Park) on Kenmore Avenue and ending at the Fredericksburg Area War Memorial on George Street. The procession will travel down Washington Avenue from Mary Ball Street to George Street, ending around 10:30, with the Veteran’s Day Commemoration beginning at 10:45 at the War Memorial. Streets will not be closed for the procession, but a rolling police escort will accompany the walkers.
Groups are encouraged to register online to participate. Veterans who cannot complete the walk may travel on a VIP bus provided by Trolley of Fredericksburg. The VIP bus is for veterans only, and seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information and additional events, visit our event calendar.
The African American Foundation of Manassas City and Prince William County is hosting its 31st annual African American Heritage Festival tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 3). at Metz Middle School from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This festival has been a staple in the community for over three decades, each on the first Saturday of August. It is also a free event.
“[The festival is] a cherished tradition that brings our community together in celebration of our shared culture and history,” Curtis O. Porter, vice chairman of the festival, said. “Through art, music, food and fellowship, we pay tribute to the resilience and achievements of African Americans while also giving back to our neighbors in need. We invite everyone to join us for a day filled with joy, unity and empowerment.”
This year, the festival will present two initiatives: distributing school supplies to local children and Empowering S.E.L.F., a nonprofit, is offering more than 500 free books.
There will also be a wide array of activities and entertainment at the festival, including live music, interactive exhibits, cultural demonstrations and food. Pop Middle Male Chorus from Ebenezer Baptist Church, True Soul Band, 7-Step Hand Dance Academy and Jimi Smooth and Hit Time Band are some of the acts lined up.
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger and Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-Large DeShundra Jefferson will be in attendance.
The schedule of the event is below.
- 10:55 a.m.: Introduction by Curtis Porter with David-Younger and Jefferson
- 11 a.m. to noon:Â Rev. Isaac Howard and Singers, Howard Ministries Church (Centreville)
- 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.:Â Pop Middleton Male Chorus, Ebenezer Baptist Church (Woodbridge)
- 1 to 1:20 p.m.:Â Posh Hair Studio (Gainesville)
- 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.:Â True Soul Band
- 2:45 to 3 p.m.:Â Classic Car Show awards
- 3 to 3:30 p.m.:Â 7-Step Hand Dance Academy (Manassas Park)
- 3:40 to 3:55 p.m.:Â Martial Arts, Premier Martial Arts (Manassas)
- 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.:Â Jimi Smooth and Hit Time Band
If you go to the event, feel free to send in your photos to [email protected] to be featured on Potomac Local News!
George may have a Federal holiday, but Historic Kenmore is making sure his sister Betty has a party of her own. Betty Washington’s 291st birthday celebration will be June 22 at her Fredericksburg home Kenmore.
Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding Lewis began construction on Kenmore in 1769, and the family moved in by the fall of 1775. The Fredericksburg plantation originally covered 1,270 acres, now reduced to a single city block. Kenmore is notable for its 18th-century decorative plasterwork ceilings. After Fielding’s death in 1781, the property passed to his first-born son, John, while Betty stayed on for 14 more years. Kenmore has had eleven owners and has been owned by The George Washington Foundation since 1925. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Kenmore invites guests to visit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy Crumbl cookies and a cup of tea while learning about life as a lady in the 18th century – their games, hobbies, fashion, and more. Birthday festivities are included in General Admission tickets. Admission is free for children under 6.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the door. Historic Kenmore is located at 1201 Washington Avenue in Fredericksburg.
The City of Fredericksburg has announced the revival of its “Around the Town” free trolley service to downtown for the upcoming summer season. Operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, the service will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from May 31 to August 31, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore downtown attractions.
The trolley will make a 20-minute loop around downtown with stops at six locations, including popular spots such as the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Haley’s Honey Meadery, Red Dragon Brewery, Harry’s Downtown, Mellow Mushroom, Castiglia’s, and Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month, extra stops will be added for art gallery openings. The free, family-friendly rides are available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Now in its 7th season, the “Around the Town” initiative was introduced in 2018 as part of the city’s efforts to manage downtown parking while enhancing the visitor experience. The trolley service is strategically located near restaurants, public restrooms, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, parks, shops, and key parking facilities.
The initiative has seen a steady increase in ridership since its inception, with reports of full trolleys during peak hours in the previous summer. Danelle Rose, Tourism Marketing and Communications Manager, expressed excitement about the addition of new signs at trolley stops to improve visibility and provide essential information for riders.
Travel counselors will be available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center to assist with inquiries about the trolley service, parking options, and downtown amenities. The Visitor Center will extend its hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.
Fredericksburg has posted a map of the route and parking options online.
Hosted by the City of Manassas and Manassas City Public Schools, the event encourages guests of all ages to stop by and take home some free books.
The pavilion is located at 9201 Center Street, Manassas. The event will include various special guests, such as authors, school representatives, and student volunteers.
Live book readings, crafts, and library card registration will take place throughout the morning. Attendees are welcome to take as many books as they like, but they should consider other book lovers.
The books were provided by numerous local sources, including community citizens, staff, businesses, and organizations.
Organizers for the Manassas Reads Festival say the event aims to promote literacy among community members by providing free books for all. Make sure to stop by this Saturday!
