Upcoming Events
Mother-Son Dance
Friday, September 25, 2020 at 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Moved to Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave. Pre-registration is $6 per person and if space permits, $8 per person at the door. We have tickets on sale now. Follow our Facebook event for up to date event details.
Wind Down Wednesday Concert
Wednesdays in September, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Held at Memorial Park (Kenmore)
September 30 features Darcy Dawn performing live
Admission is free
Parking available at First Christian Church

Bring a picnic blanket and purchase dinner from one of our food vendors in the park. No alcohol. Social distancing and masks are required until you are at your designated area. Download PDF flier here. Brought to you by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events. For additional information, please call us at 540-372-1086.
Fredericksburg Christmas (Reverse) Parade
Now accepting float registrations
Entry Deadline: October 15 or maximum of 80 entrants, whichever comes first.

The City of Fredericksburg is pleased to announce that at this time we are moving forward in planning the 2020 Christmas Parade in Fredericksburg. We have redesigned the traditional parade to a Reverse Parade format to be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Floats will be stationed along Gordon W. Shelton Boulevard and attendees will drive by. It will be similar to a free drive-thru light display. This reverse parade format will allow for spacing between parade entries and no direct contact with the public. Entry information is online here.
Picasso in the Park
Saturday, October 3, 10am – 3pm
Location: Alum Spring Park
Free admission

For all ages. Calling all artists! Gather at Alum Spring Park on October 3 for some plein air creativity. Bring your own art supplies for the medium of your choice as we spread out in the park and attempt to capture nature’s beauty in artwork. Bring a chair and pack a lunch or plan to drive out to eat. This event is open to all and free to attend but pre-registration is required as space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Register online or by calling 540-372-1086
Pumpkin Paint & Sip Night
Wednesday, October 7, 7pm - 8:30pm
Virtual program in the comfort of your home
Ages: 21+
Fee: $5 (with paint supply kit: $15)

The air is cooling and the leaves are falling so it must be time…. It’s spooky season! Decorate your home, front porch, or party with cute painted pumpkins. Join an instructor virtually as we guide you through three different painted pumpkin designs. You will need three average sized pumpkins (at least one white one), a glass of your favorite beverage, and smile to join in on the fun. Try to choose pumpkins without deep ridges, as they are easier to paint. A full supply list will be emailed to you once you register. Or for an added fee, you can pick up a paint supply kit from the Dorothy Hart Community Center. Pre-registration is required. Pre-Registration is required, register online or by calling 540-372-1086.
Campout in the Park
October 16-17, 5pm - 10am
Location: Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $65/$20

All ages camp along the lake shore and enjoy autumn with your family. Sleep to the sound of frogs singing and bats chirping. We will provide the food, fun, and games; you provide your tent, sleeping gear, and smiles. Pre-Registration Required (one week notice for full refund). Open to individuals and families - no groups. No pets, please. Once you register, a supply list and extra information will be emailed to you. Pre-Registration is required, register online or by calling 540-372-1086.
Park After Dark
Thursday, October 22, 6:30pm – 8pm
Location: Alum Spring Park.
Fee: $5/person

Gather under the trees at Alum Spring Park after dark for an evening of spooky, family-friendly stories. On October 22, we will be led by a storyteller through tall tales of all kinds. Bring a chair and maybe a blanket for this spookily fun evening. Family-friendly for ages 5 and up. Pre-Registration is required, register online or by calling 540-372-1086.
Senior Drive In Bingo
Wednesday, October 28, 10am-11am
at Dorothy Hart Community Center Parking Lot. Admission is free

The Parking lot will open at 9:30am. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Numbers will be called through radio and holding up signs. Call BINGO by honking your horn and then turning on flashers. Limited to the first 38 vehicles. Very limited walk up space will be available. Sponsored by Embrace. For info call 540-372-1086 x0.
Drive In Family Bingo
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30pm
at Dorothy Hart Community Center Parking Lot. $5 per player and pre-registration is required

Enjoy an evening of BINGO fun and win great prizes! The Parking lot will open at 6pm. Bring your own marker. BINGO cards will be provided. Participants must remain in their vehicles at all times. Numbers will be called through radio and holding up signs. Call BINGO by honking your horn and then turning on flashers. Sponsored by Embrace. Preregistration is required. Register online or call 540-372-1086 x0. 
Fall Programs Now Registering
Register Online
Sign up for classes, events, clinics and more! Questions? Give us a call
at 540-372-1086.
Afterschool Nature Club
5yrs-11yrs
Let’s have some fun in Nature! We’ll meet one Thursday a month from October – January. Each date will feature a different topic so be sure to catch them all. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing a bring a reusable water bottle (labeled). No non-registered siblings, please. Pre-registration is required for this program.
Thursdays at 4:30-6:00 p.m.
October 15 – Survival Skills
November 19 – Treerific Trees
December 17 – Woodpecker Walk
January 21 – Winter Wonders
Location: Motts Run Reservoir.
Fee: $10/session or $35/series (all four sessions)

Owl Prowl
All Ages
"Who, Who, Who cooks for you?" the Barred Owl calls. Gather at Motts Run Reservoir to discover more about owls and maybe hear a few. We can't guarantee they'll call but we're certain you'll enjoy an evening in the woods. This is a perfect opportunity to bring the whole family or leave the kids at home and enjoy a date night together. Wear sturdy shoes, feet you can keep quiet, and bring a flashlight.
Saturday, November 14, 7pm-8:30pm at Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $6/person (adults and children both pay). Pre-Registration is required.

Wee Wild Ones
3yrs-5yrs
Do you have a little one itching to get outside and play? Join a naturalist for some nature discovery, play time, a craft, and a story for four Mondays in November. This series is for preschool children ages 3-5. Dress for the outdoors/weather and bring a bag lunch if you want to stay after for a picnic. Each child must attend with a non-paying adult. No non-registered siblings, please!
Mondays, November 2-23 from 10am-11:30am at Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $30/$40 (resident/non-resident). Pre-Registration is required.

Lepidoptera Love
5yrs and up
Join us as we discover more about butterflies and moths. We will explore the process of metamorphosis, monarch’s amazing migration, and try to catch and release a few.
Thursday, October 1, 10am – 11:30am
Location: Dixon Park
Fee: $6/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Be a Beaver Believer 
5yrs and up
Discover the effects of these cool creatures on the environment as we gather together at Motts Run. Have fun as we explore the adaptations that make beavers the master builders they are.
Tuesday, October 20, 10am – 11:30am
Tuesday, November 10, 10am – 11:30am
Location: Motts Run Reservoir.
Fee: $6/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Treerific Trees
5yrs and up
Did you know trees can tell a story? Over time, trees make records of the weather, animals’ lives, and the changes made by humans. Come along on a hike as we practice identifying trees, learning how to estimate the age of trees, and uncovering their hidden stories.
Wednesday, October 28, 2pm – 3:30pm
Wednesday, November 4, 2pm – 3:30pm
Location: Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $6/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Become a Citizen Scientist
6yrs and up
Scientists need your help - yes, you! Even if you're not a professional scientist, you can contribute to studies going on all around the world! Join a naturalist as we discover new ways to take part in large nature studies from our own city, park, or yard. We will show you different apps you can use to report cloud cover to NASA, log all types of living things on online databases, and more. After this program, you will be able to be a citizen scientist wherever you go. This program is for everyone ages 6+; kids and adults both pay. Bring along a phone or other electronic device that can take pictures, access the internet, and download apps.
Friday, November 6, 2pm-3:30pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2pm-3:30pm
Location: Alum Spring Park Shelter
Fee: $6/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Nature Nerds
1st-3rd grade and 4th-6th grade
Nature Nerds is a series of weekly programs for kids as an enrichment to their virtual learning themed around discovering the wonders nature has to offer. Each week between September 14 – October 13 will feature a differently themed program including The Forest Speaks, H-2-Whoa, Mighty Morphin Animals, Survival Revival, and Amazing Animal Adaptations. Parents have the choice of whether to sign their students up for the sessions individually or the entire series.
Mondays & Tuesdays from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm (check listing for details)
September 14 - October 13 at Alum Spring Park
$20/child for each program or $90 for five. Pre-Registration is required.

Horseback Riding Lessons
Beginner to Beginner Plus
6yrs and older
Our riding program progresses through beginner into beginner plus levels. Basic grooming, handling, safety leads straight into understanding the tack, adjustments & correct riding position & aid applications. Partnership with the horse requires patience and developing an understanding of becoming a fair, gentle leader. A shoe or boot with a heel is the only equipment you need; we provide the rest. Join us for fun and fresh air!! Pre-registration required. Location: White Buffalo Horse Farm. Have questions? Please email Judy wbfjwatson@gmail.com

Beginners 
Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Fridays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Saturdays, 10:00am-11:00am
Sundays, 10:00am–11:00am

Beginners Plus
Mondays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Tuesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Saturdays, 9:00am-10:00am
Sundays, 9:00am-10:00am

September 28-October 26
October 27-November 23
November 27- December 23

$130/$140 (residents/non-residents)
* Horseback riding classes are for youth and adults! Pre-Registration is required.

Family Firebuilding
6ys and up
Bring out the whole family and learn a new skill together. Join a naturalist to learn various ways to construct and start a fire and how to safely put it out. This will be great practice for campout! Bring your own s'mores stuff to enjoy after we make our own fires. This program is for ages 6+.
Saturday, November 14, 3pm-4:30pm at Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $25/family of 5, $3 for each additional family member. Pre-Registration is required.

Turkey Trek
6yrs and up
Gobble, Gobble! Turkey Day is coming up so why not come out to learn all about this cool feathered friend? Join a naturalist as we discover more about the Wild Turkey, make our own turkey calls, and look for turkey scratches. For ages 6+; adults and children both pay.
Wednesday, November 25, 9am-10:30am at Motts Run Reservoir
Fee: $6/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Cheer & Hip Hop Dance Program
7yrs – 11yrs
This program focuses on fun cheers and modern hip hop movements with a vivacious urban feel. Participants will focus on rhythm and musicality, how to “find,” count music and dance with a team. Different styles of hip hop dance will be combined with fun choreography. For cheer, participants will be taught various dance and cheer combinations, basic stunts, and fun choreography. Participants will build teamwork, confidence and leadership skills.
Tuesdays, 6pm – 7pm at Alum Spring Park.
October 13, 20, 27 and November 3
Fee: $45/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Youth Inline Hockey Clinic
7yrs – 15yrs
The purpose of this clinic is for players to improve their basic skills and knowledge of the game of roller hockey. Players will learn crossovers, stopping, stick handling, passing the puck, receiving the puck, and shooting along with other skills. Location: Roller Hockey Rink at Dixon Park.
Equipment needed: in-line skates, helmet with full facial protection, mouth guard, hockey gloves and stick, elbow and shin pads.
Saturdays, 12pm – 1pm at Dixon Park Roller Hockey Rink
October 17 – November 21
$40/person. Pre-Registration is required.


Basketball: Game of Horse 
8yrs – 16yrs
H-O-R-S-E is a game played by two people on a basketball court. The idea of the game involves matching made baskets. The player who makes shots that their opponent does not duplicate, wins the game. Example, the first person shoots and makes a shot. The second person must duplicate this shot. If the second person misses, he/she receives the letter “H.” However, if the first person misses their shot the, the second person may attempt any shot. If the second person makes their shot, their opponent (the first person) must duplicate the made shot. The same rules apply, if the shot is made by the opponent, they do not get a letter. If they miss the shot, they receive the letter “H.” Each time a shooter misses a shot that he/she attempted to duplicate, a letter is awarded. The game will continue until one person receives all five letters, H-O-R-S-E. A champion and runner-up trophy will be awarded in each division.
Saturday, 8am – until... at Snowden Basketball Courts  
October 10
$10/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Basketball: Hot Shot Shooting Competition
8yrs – 16yrs
The competition will have one player at each basket with a basketball. The object is for each player to score as many baskets as they can in one minute. There will be designated spots on the court that are worth different point amounts. The player with the most points scored at the completion of the one minute period will advance to the next round. Games are single elimination. A champion and runner-up trophy will be awarded in each division.
Saturday, 8am – until... at Snowden Basketball Courts
October 24
$10/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Lacrosse Clinic
9yrs-11yrs and 12yrs-14yrs
These clinics are for all levels for players who want to learn lacrosse in a fun atmosphere. Players will be taught the basics of the game to include: stick skills, throwing, catching, cradling, ground balls, shooting, dodging, and defense. Participants must bring their own lacrosse stick. Masks will be required when physical distancing is unable to be obtained. 
Fridays, October 2-October 30 in Dixon Park
9-11 years: 4pm-5pm
12-14 years: 5pm-6pm
$50/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Elite Sports Performance Program
10yrs – 14yrs
Are you ready to get back on the field or the court? This class will focus on mental preparation, speed, explosion, agility, strength, fitness and conditioning training. A key objective in this program is to ensure every athlete is challenged in both an intense and fun atmosphere that will enable them to learn, maximize their performance and enhance their conditioning.
Mondays, 6pm – 7pm at Dixon Park
October 12, 19, 26 and November 2
Fee: $45/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Dog CPR and Rescue Breaths
14 years and up
PetPro CPR and First Aid is a classroom, video based, instructor led course that teaches the basics of Dog CPR and Rescue Breaths. Recognizing the signs of cardiopulmonary arrest, hand placement and how to give effective rescue breaths. Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Sonja Johnson.
Thursdays, 6pm–8pm at Dorothy Hart Community Center.
October 6
October 20
November 17
December 8
January 12
January 26
$38/$43 per session (resident/non-resident). Pre-Registration is required.

Gentle Yoga
17yrs and up
Stretch, strengthen, breathe and relax with this restorative class. Work at your individual level as the instructor guides you through a series of standing, seated, and lying postures. Appropriate for those new to Yoga and those familiar with traditional poses. Bring a mat, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Masks will be required when physical distancing is unable to be obtained. Location: Memorial Park at the shady area by the playground near the corner of Washington Ave. and Mary Ball St.
Tuesdays, 8:30am – 9:30am
September 29 – October 27
$35/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Weights and Cardio Mix
17yrs and up
This class will combine strength training and cardiovascular training into one class. Build your endurance and increase your strength during this class. Bring your own set of weights, or two if you want! Bring your own towel, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Masks will be required when physical distancing is unable to be obtained. Location: Memorial Park at the shady area by the playground near the corner of Washington Ave. and Mary Ball St.
Thursdays, 8:30am – 9:30am
October 1 – October 29
$35/person. Pre-Registration is required.

Adult Group Fitness
18yrs and above
Group Fitness is a great way to stay active and meet like-minded individuals. All fitness levels are encouraged to join. Each time you attend a class, it is one punch. Attend any class during the week with this monthly pass. Read details online here.
Location: DHCC Auditorium
Mondays – Fridays, Monthly
$35/person. Details online.
10 Reasons to Visit Fredericksburg this Fall
The air has just the faintest chill and the foliage along the Rappahannock River is beginning to turn. It’s Fall in Fredericksburg, and all season-long, there’s natural beauty to take in and things to do, even in our new socially distant world. At 292 years-old, Fredericksburg is looking pretty good. Read more
Take a Trip with Us!
Mackinac Island - 8 Days
May 1-8, 2021
Highlights: Chicago, Millennium Park, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel, Frankenmuth, Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village. Read more
America’s Cowboy Country - 8 Days
September 20-27, 2021
Highlights: Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Choice on Tour between Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Park. Read more
Covid-19 Status Update
Our Parks, Recreation and Events team is excited to bring back safe, socially distanced programs for our fall season. Please note that the Dorothy Hart Community Center is closed to the public. However, we are enrolling online and ready to help you by phone for these new Fall Program registrations.

Please see our current COVID-19 Current Operating Status for a complete list of what's open and what's closed.
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