Weekend Planner: Civil War Park Grand Opening, Poker Run, James Monroe's Birthday and More

This weekend, delve into history with the Grand Opening of the Stafford Civil War Park, the Trail to Freedom Symposium, James Monroe's Birthday, and much more. Click on the links to learn more. 

Student Research and Creativity Symposium

• When: Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Where: University of Mary Washington, Woodard Campus Center
• Why Go: This symposium will feature undergraduate student research and creative projects and original music performances. 
• Price: FREE

This is How We Do It In Melchers

• When: Friday, April 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Where: University of Mary Washington, Melchers Hall
• Why Go: Discover all of the work that is done in Melchers Hall, with open sessions and studios that feature the work of art history and studio art students. 
• Price: FREE

Community Artist Series: Johnny Johnson 

•  When: Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, 12 - 5 p.m.
•  Where: Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, Catherine W. Jones McKann Center, Mansard Gallery
•  Why Go: View an exhibit of past and present social issues, from local artist Johnny Johnson. 
•  Price: $7, adults; $2, students; FREE, children 6 & under 

Fredericksburg Unearthed: The Ellis-Bell Archeological Site 

•  When: Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, 12 - 5 p.m.
•  Where: Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, Catherine W. Jones McKann Center, Document Gallery
•  Why Go: View artifacts that have been unearthed in the past year in Fredericksburg. This exhibit features artifacts found at the construction site on William and Winchester Streets. 
•  Price: $7, adults; $2, students; FREE, children 6 & under 

Belmont through a Lens: The Gardens 

• When: Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Where: Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
• Why Go: View archival photographs and materials documenting the estate’s gardens and grounds to commemorate both the 80th anniversary of the Garden Club of Virginia and the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the gardens at Belmont. 
• Price: $10; $9, AAA Members; FREE, UMW staff and students, Friends of Belmont

Spring Opening of St. James’ House

• When: Friday, April 26, 1 - 4 p.m. and Saturday, April 27, 1 - 4 p.m.
• Where: 1300 Charles Street
• Why Go: This historic, Revolutionary-era home is only open twice a year. It was built on land once owned by George Washington by James Mercer, first judge of the General Court in Fredericksburg.
• Price: $3, adults; $1, ages 6 - 18; FREE, ages 6 and under

See Arts and Music Event Listings for April 26-28. 

Lions Charity Bingo 

•  When: Friday, April 26, 6:45 p.m.
•  Where: Falmouth Volunteer Fire Station
•  Why Go: Enjoy games of Bingo, with all proceeds going toward the Lions Club for community service projects.
•  Price: $6 

Cool Cow Comedy: Big Al Goodwin

• When: Friday, April 26, 8 - 10 p.m.
• Where: The Olde Silk Mill 
• Why Go: Laugh with Big Al Goodwin, a nationally touring comedian. Robert Mac, who has appeared on Comedy Central will also be present, and the event is hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi. 
• Price: $17, pre-sale; $20, at the door

Ride Virginia 2013 Poker Run

• When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.
• Where: Quaker, Steak, & Lube 
• Why Go: Bring your bike to participate in the 6th Annual Poker Run. Ride through Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties, with prizes awarded at 2 p.m. Proceeds will go towards Habitat for Humanity. 
• Price: $25, per rider; $20, per playing passenger

Fredericksburg Fair Flea Market

• When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. 
• Where: Fredericksburg Fair Grounds
• Why Go: Multi-family yard sales, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, crafts and more will be on the fairgrounds this Saturday. Proceeds benefit the future Fredericksburg Fair Museum. 
• Price: FREE to browse

See Arts and Music Event Listings for April 26-28.

Superhero Charity Walk

• When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. 
• Where: Hurkamp Park
• Why Go: Don your best superhero suit and walk to support the Farmer’s Market providing fresh food access to families. 
• Price: $25

Spring Rappahannock River Clean-up

• When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Where: Old Mill Park 
• Why Go: Help keep the Rappahannock beautiful and participate in this day of clean-up. 
• Price: FREE, registration required

The Untold Stories - The Trail to Freedom Symposium

• When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Where: Phase I: Central Rappahannock Regional Library
  Phase II: Courtyard Marriott
• Why Go: Help commemorate and honor the lives of the enslaved who passed into freedom in the Fredericksburg region. This lecture series will include speakers from veterans, historians, local teachers, curators and attorneys. 
• Price: Phase I: FREE; Phase II: $25 buffet luncheon

Railroad Museum and Train Rides 

•  When: Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
•  Where: Railway Workers Museum
•  Why Go: Tour railroad cars, sit in the caboose and weather permitting take a ride down county tracks in a restored crew car. 
•  Price: FREE, donations accepted 

Grand Opening of the Stafford Civil War Park

• When: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Where: 400 Mount Hope Church Road (Free parking will be accessible at the VRE Brooke Station parking lot at 1721 Brooke Road, with free shuttle service, only those with physical impairments may park onsite)
• Why Go: The Grand Opening will feature presentations, tours, living history demonstrations, living historians, cannon firings and more. 
• Price: FREE

See Arts and Music Event Listings for April 26-28.

Bricks and Boards in the ‘Burg: Downtown Walking Tour

• When: Saturday, April 27, 10 - 11:15 a.m.
• Where: Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center - Market Square
• Why Go: Learn about the history and architecture of Fredericksburg from four different centuries. Tours will highlight the Rappahannock River, the spire and steeples of Princess Anne Street, Town Hall, Market House, and Market Square. 
• Price: $5, adults; $2, children and students. Museum members free. 

James Monroe Birthday Celebration

• When: Saturday, April 27, 1 - 3 p.m.
• Where: James Monroe Museum and Cultural Library
• Why Go: Celebrate the 225th birthday of James Monroe with cake, punch and period games. James Monroe will be present to welcome guests. 
• Price: FREE

Guided Woodland Walks

• When: Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m.
• Where: Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
• Why Go: Explore the ruins and fields of Belmont on a guided tour with Virginia Master Naturalists. 
• Price: FREE

See Arts and Music Event Listings for April 26-28.

Put your event on Fredericksburg Patch!  It's easy and it's free. 

• From the homepage of Fredericksburg Patch, first sign-in at the upper right hand corner.
• Then under the "News" tab click on "Announcements", then Add An Announcement (in the upper right hand corner). 
• Scroll down the homepage to 'Events' in the right hand column, and click on Post Your Own Event.