A selection of special events for January 2017. Click the hyperlinks for more details. (Updated 9 p.m. January 11, 2017.)
January 2 – 8
Twelfth Night at Kenmore
Friday, Jan. 6, Saturday, Jan. 7, and Sunday, Jan. 8, at Kenmore Plantation, 1201 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Performances at 3:30, 4:15, 5:15 and 6 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas. $12 adults, $6 ages 3 – 17, ages 3 and under are free.
Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email [email protected]
Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble presents Assassins
Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m. at Picker’s Alley, 902 Caroline St., alley entrance, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Assassins, based on the book by John Weidman, tells the story of nine misfit men and women who attempted (four successfully) to assassinate American Presidents, offering a peak into what each hoped to achieve. $10.
First Friday Fredericksburg
Join the art galleries and studios of Fredericksburg, Virginia, for First Friday Art Walk on January 6, 2017. Featured artists and studio hours are listed at the hyperlink. Opening receptions are from 6 – 9 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.
First Friday History Trivia Night
Friday, Jan. 6, 6 – 8 p.m. at James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, 908 Charles St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Celebrity Quizmaster Dr. David A. Sam, President of Germanna Community College, will host this month’s trivia night. Admission, participation, and snacks are free. There will be a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle.
La Befana & Feast of the Epiphany Celebration
Friday, Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m. at Ristorante Renato, 422 William St, Fredericksburg
Celebrate the New Year with the Fred-Este Association. Learn about La Befana, and the role she plays in Italian culture, and enjoy an Italian-cuisine buffet. $40 – $50. Limited seating for 50 people.
Genealogy Class
Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
This introduction to genealogy class will give you the tips and tricks to start researching your family’s history. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 540-373-1569. $15.00
Gossip and Grandeur in the Gilded Age at Maymont
Sunday, Jan. 8, 12 – 5 p.m., at Maymont, 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, VA 23220
Are you missing Downton Abbey? Visit Richmond’s own Gilded Age showplace and step into the Dooleys’ world of wealth and social influence, where a large domestic staff maintained the lifestyle, and guests stood in awe of the lavish receptions in this castle-like home. Elegantly costumed ladies, gentlemen, and members of the household staff reveal the social rituals, family dramas, and important tittle-tattle of the day as you are transported to the Downton era at Maymont. Living history tours available every half-hour; last tour begins at 4:30pm. Cost: $7/$4 for members
January 9 – 15
Celebrate Virginia Dog Show
Wednesday, Jan. 11, through Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Northern Neck Kennel Club Of Virginia – January 11 and 12
Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club – January 13 and 14
Pomeranian Club Of Central Virginia – January 14
Charlottesville-Albemarle Kennel Club, Inc. – January 15
Canstruction
Thursday, Jan. 12, through Monday, Jan. 16, at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Drive in Spotsylvania, Virginia.
Canstruction is a competition showcasing structures made entirely of cans of food. Structures will be built on Thursday and Friday, and on display Saturday through Monday. The public can vote for the People’s Choice Award on Saturday and Sunday, by donating $1 or one canned good per vote. Judging takes place on Monday, with winners announced at a 4:30 p.m. awards ceremony.
Fredericksburg Winter Restaurant Week
Thursday, Jan. 12, through Sunday, Jan. 22, at participating restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Choose between a variety of options for three course meals at either a $20.17 or $30.17 prix fixe price. Two course lunches are $10.17 at participating restaurants.
The UVA University Singers in Fredericksburg
Friday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The 80-student chorus, led by UVA faculty conductor Michael Slon, will perform a range of a cappella and accompanied works. Free.
Winter Waterfowl ID
Saturday, Jan. 14, 12 p.m. at Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485. Free.
Family Day — Folded History: Marines from 1775 to Today
Saturday, Jan. 14, 12 – 3 p.m. at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172
Explore Marine Corps history from its inception in 1775 through today. Make and take an origami character to match each time period. Try on uniforms and see period equipment. Free.
Eagle Tours
Sunday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. at Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485. Free
Hugh Mercer Birthday Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 15, 12 – 4 p.m. at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Celebrate the 291st birthday anniversary of the birth of Hugh Mercer, Revolutionary War hero and doctor, with cake, punch, bagpipes, musical entertainment, and tours. Free.
11th annual Community-Wide Celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
3 – 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave. in Fredericksburg.
Performances, activities, and refreshments. Free.
Bartenders Ball
Sunday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. at Brock’s Riverside Grill, 503 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Benefits the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. Formal attire. Tickets required.
January 16 – 22
Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble presents Stupid F’ing Bird by Aaron Posner
7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, Friday, Jan. 20, Saturday, Jan 21, Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28
Picker’s Alley, 902 Caroline St., alley entrance, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
In this “irreverent, contemporary, and funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull, Aaron Posner stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all.” Original songs composed by James Sugg. $10
Fredericksburg Boat Show
Friday, Jan. 20, 1 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
$5 -$9. Children 12 and under, free.
Richmond Fishing Expo
Friday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Meadow Event Park, Farm Bureau Center, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, VA 23047
A large array of tackle, combined with some of the finest professional talent around, offering a weekend of fishing overload. $5 – $9.
Edgar Allan Poe’s 208th Birthday Bash at the Poe Museum
Saturday, Jan. 21, 12 noon – 12 midnight at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, 1914 E Main St., Richmond, VA 23223
Be a part of the world’s largest annual celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday, with twelve straight hours of music, performances, film, readings, walking tours, exhibits, and birthday cake! There’s a midnight toast in the Poe Shrine. $5 all day admission.
A Gathering for Fredericksburg Area Artists and Art Organizations
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters Branch, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
An afternoon of conversation and refreshments to learn about The Fredericksburg Arts Initiative, an upcoming series of workshops designed to help local artists and art organizations nurture their art businesses. Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Arts Commission, The Arts & Cultural Council of the Rappahannock, and the library.
January 23 – 31
Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Peacemakers of 1865
Friday, Jan. 27, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters Branch, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Dr. William C. Davis, professor emeritus, Virginia Tech, will discuss events of 1865. “Robert E. Lee knew better than most how desperate was the condition of the confederacy in the winter of 1864-65. Little known is his involvement in efforts by some high leaders to bring about an armistice, and even a negotiated peace at the cost of reunion if necessary, to end the South’s bleeding.” Presented in partnership with Stratford Hall. Musical entertainment by Evergreen Shade. Free.
Owl Prowl
Friday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. at Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485
Fossil Find
Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. at Caledon State Park, 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485
7th Annual Virginia Home Show
Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Meadow Event Park, Farm Bureau Center, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell, VA 23047
See everything you need to make your home more beautiful, energy efficient, safe, and comfortable. Adult Admission $5; Ages 16 and under are admitted free.
Fredericksburg Frosty Brew Thru
Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
An indoor craft beer cider and wine tasting event, featuring brews from all over the country as well as local cideries and wineries. Samples will be unlimited, and you receive a festival glass when you arrive. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Designated drivers, $5,
Richmond Symphony presents Princesses and Pirates — The Music of Disney
Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. at Richmond CenterStage (Carpenter Theatre), 600 E Grace St #400, Richmond, VA 23219
Enjoy the music you and your children love from your favorite Disney classics including: Frozen, The Lion King, Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. Arrive early and enjoy a free pre-concert festival, featuring an instrument petting zoo and interactive activities for the whole family that will enhance your concert experience. Pre-concert festivities begin at 10 a.m. in Rhythm Hall. Dress as your favorite character. LolliPops concerts are ideal for children ages 5 and up, but music lovers of all ages are welcome. Cost: $12 – $17
Guided Woodland Hike
Sunday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m. at Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
These walks led by Virginia Master Naturalists cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields, and touch on Belmont’s historic ruins. Wear sturdy footwear, and meet outside the Visitor Center.
_____