Private heated tents at Potomac Point Winery make cold-weather wine tasting a group event. Each party gets its own tent among the vines, a dedicated server, and a menu of cheese boards, warm small plates, and desserts to go with the winery’s wines. Open seasonally for fall and winter!

This exhibition will be on view until January 15, 2027. Please check www.GariMelchers.org for hours and days of operation.

America 250 inspires an exhibition of Gari Melchers’ history paintings. During his career, patrons commissioned the artist to paint historic subjects for public buildings. Over life-size scenes fill their designated spaces in prominent libraries and two state capitols. The subjects range from allegory to posthumous portraits, for which the artist aimed to depict historically accurate appearances. General Nathanael Greene, Commodore Oliver Perry, and Mark Twain are among them. These paintings represent perspectives of their time, and prompt reflection on the lessons of history.

The GMHS collection has dozens of studies for these murals, providing a rare opportunity to see the artist’s process as he developed some of the final compositions. Neither intended nor conserved for public view, these sketches and paintings were saved by the artist nonetheless. The types of drawing surfaces, his design variations, and signs of use and aging provide a visual record of artistic activity, and range in size from mere inches to up to nine feet tall.

Did you know that many species of fungi, plants, and even wildlife glow under a black light? From glowing blue lichen to fluorescent pink opossums, a black light can reveal much more than what meets the eye. Join our rangers as we use black light flashlights on a night hike along Holly Marsh trail.

Pre-Registration is required as this is an after-hours hike at the park; you can pre-register here. There is an age restriction of 12+ years old. Please arrive at the Visitor Center 15 minutes early to get your parking pass as the park will close during the hiking program. The group will leave from the Visitor Center and walk the Holly Marsh trail to the Potomac River, and back (~2 miles).

There are a limited number of flashlights available for use from the park, so participants are encouraged to bring their own flashlights and headlamps.

In case of inclement weather, check this page prior to coming to the park to check for any cancellations.

Join our rangers around the campfire to roast some s’mores, eat some sweets, and listen for spirits while learning about the native wildlife and the seasonal lore that has sprung up around them.

This program is at the firepit near the road leading down to the kayak launch.

Costumes are optional but highly encouraged!

Program Location: Aquia Picnic Area
Main Park Address: Widewater State Park, 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554.

Experience the 18th century in a whole new light!

Explore the concealed history of life after dark under the stars at Historic Kenmore’s “Night in Washington’s Day.” Marvel at the Great House and its surroundings, beautifully illuminated to evoke the essence of the 18th century. Dive into activities that reveal the intricacies of period lighting. Get a peek at the night sky from a different perspective. This open house-style event offers a multifaceted look at colonial life and stories of the past.

Enjoy special musical performances by Colonial Faire!

TICKETS
Advance ticket purchase for an entry time is strongly recommended. Some tickets might be available at the gate.
$15.00 – Adults
$7.00 – Students
Free – Children (age 5 & under)
Online processing fee applies.

DATE & TIME
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7, 2026

LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 540-370-0732.

You’re invited to an exclusive complimentary screening of American Sons at the Medal of Honor Theater on November 7th at 2:00 pm! American Sons follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment in Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of their best friend, Corporal JV Villarreal. After the film, a panel discussion will be held with some special guests that are in attendance.

• Wounded Warrior Regiment, USMC – Jennifer Brock, LPC, CCTP
• Marine Brother – Cpl. William “Billy” Branch
• Gold Star Sister – April Villarreal Rodriguez

Reserve your free tickets: https://ticketing.useast.veezi.com/sessions/?siteToken=2h8dz5g8x9ywxhcmdktrmm0zb8

Join us as we celebrate the 251st Birthday of the United States Marine Corps!

Come honor tradition, camaraderie, and the few and the proud!
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Ceremony will start at 5:30pm, followed by cake cutting at 6pm. Then stick around for live music from Brisk starting at 6:30pm.

A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story. Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. Proving its staying power with a decade-long run at Madison Square Garden, A Christmas Carol is an ideal musical for every generation, families, groups and any theatre goer hoping to create a holiday tradition.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.

Running for 8 weeks including a special student matinee, as well as added Friday and Saturday matinees: November 11, 2026 -January 3, 2027.

Join us at the Corgi Clay Art Center and get a little dirty on date night! In this one-night class your instructor will guide you through a basic wheel demonstration and then it’s your turn to give it a spin! Don’t worry, It’s not a class about the finished product but more about the experience, so it’s perfect for beginners. If you’ve always wanted to give throwing pots on the wheel a try and enjoy the taste of beer, then book your seat now! It’s the only time it’s legal to drink behind a wheel!

All students must be 21 or above. Please don’t wear dangling jewelry or flowy sleeves, long hair should be pulled back and please, no flip flops! The floors can get slippery. If you have very long nails, you may find wheel throwing difficult. Be prepared to get dirty, but the good news is, the clay washes right out of your clothes!

Age Limitations: Ages 21+

Supplies Included: Tuition covers everything but students should bring their own hand towel, apron if you have one, and don’t bother dressing up- you will get muddy! Each student is allotted two glasses of wine during the event.

Class Length: One day, 7pm – 9pm
Teachers: Rebekah Gold
Seating Limit: 12
Tuition: $75/person
Covers all instruction, tools, clay, firings, and two drinks per person.

Join us on November 21 for the Stafford County Holiday Market and Tree Lighting, a festive evening for the whole family. Enjoy a holiday market filled with decorated vendor booths offering unique gifts, along with a variety of food trucks serving seasonal favorites. Kids can enjoy bounce houses and family-friendly activities throughout the event.

Gather with friends, family, and neighbors to kick off the holiday season, then stay for the highlight of the evening, the tree lighting! Watch as the tree comes to life with thousands of sparkling lights and celebrate the magic of the season together.

The Artist’s Garden Film Screening
@ Gari Melchers Home and Studio
Sunday, November 22, 2 pm

Travelling to studios, gardens and iconic locations throughout the United States, UK and France, this mesmerizing documentary film is a feast for the eyes.

Taking its lead from French artists like Renoir and Monet, the American impressionist movement followed its own path which over a forty-year period reveals as much about America as a nation as it does about its art as a creative power-house. It’s a story closely tied to a love of gardens and a desire to preserve nature in a rapidly urbanizing nation. Free with registration. 87 minutes

Shop Small Market takes over the 610 Slug Lot on Saturday, November 28, 10 AM-2 PM, with independent artists, makers, boutiques, booksellers, and more ready to meet shoppers and share what makes each business special.

Be sure to download the Shop Small Stafford digital passport before Small Business Saturday, November 28. Use it at the market to learn about participating Stafford businesses, explore new favorites, and earn entries to win one of three gift cards: one $1,000 prize and two $500 prizes.

Start exploring at gostaffordva.com/shop-small-stafford.

Shop small, win big this Small Business Saturday!

Your pocket-sized guide to local favorites is here. The Small Business Saturday Passport puts every participating shop, every deal, and every chance to win right at your fingertips. Browse the deals, plan your route, and discover Stafford’s local businesses all in one place.

Then, on November 28, the fun really starts. Scan the QR code at each business you visit to earn an entry in our prize drawing. The more you explore, the more chances you have to win one of three gift certificates: one worth $1,000 and two worth $500, to spend at the participating business of your choice.

Learn more and download the passport: https://www.gostaffordva.com/shop-small-stafford/

Join us for the opening reception celebrating Artist-in-Residence Erica Miller’s first solo exhibition!

Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages as we celebrate Erica’s work and creativity. Come out, show your support, and help us celebrate local, living artists!

Location: 15 Tech Parkway, suite 101, Stafford, VA 22556
Time: 6pm

Join us for our 10th year! Run or walk with us on December 12th on a scenic 5K course along the rolling hills of Mine Road in Stafford, VA. Kids 12 and under can join the fun in the 1 Mile Reindeer Run! Costumes are always encouraged, and we’ll be awarding prizes to the best costumes at the awards ceremony. Lace up your shoes for a great cause, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, and kick off the holiday season with us!

All finishers will receive a long-sleeve race t-shirt and custom finisher’s medal! #willrunforbling Be sure to sign up by 11/24/26 to guarantee your race t-shirt.

The Frosty 5K is the 5th and final race in the 2026 Stafford Race Series. If you have completed all 5 races in the Stafford Race Series, be sure to pick up your SRS swag after the race!