Photo: Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) State Government Va. House Democrats make energy efficiency a key priority for legislative session Virginia lawmakers are prioritizing rising utility costs, with new bills aimed at expanding home energy efficiency and lowering heating expenses for income-qualified households. Two proposals would strengthen oversight, improve access, and track statewide energy-saving progress. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 3 min read
Local Government Fredericksburg Invites Public Input on Downtown Traffic Study Community Meeting on November 13 at Visitor Center The City of Fredericksburg invites residents, business owners, and downtown stakeholders to a public meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center (601 Caroline Street). This meeting is part of the By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Emergency SNAP Support Arrives as Shutdown Continues As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, the City of Fredericksburg is taking swift action to help residents relying on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The Virginia Governor has declared a state of emergency, authorizing the Commonwealth to issue emergency nutrition benefits to existing SNAP clients By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Local Government Fredericksburg Planning Commission Public Hearing: Oct 8, 2025 — What’s on the Agenda & How to Weigh In Fredericksburg’s Planning Commission meets Oct. 8 at 6:30 PM to hear updates to Chesapeake Bay Preservation rules and maps, a Cowan Station drive-through proposal, and rezoning at 98 Caroline St. Residents can review materials online and submit comments by Oct. 8 at 2:30 PM. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Community Fairy Godmother Project: Local Support for Families Facing Pediatric Cancer Fairy Godmother Project eases the burden for Fredericksburg families facing pediatric cancer. From daily essentials to emotional care, their impact is local and powerful. Learn about recent wins, upcoming events, and how you can support their mission. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Working Families Party volunteers pose for a picture at Virginia’s “Get-Out-The-Vote” event on Nov. 22, 2024, in Northern Virginia. (Photo courtesy WFP) Local Government Working Families Party weighs in on Virginia’s ‘very pivotal’ election The Working Families Party is expanding in Virginia, endorsing Ghazala Hashmi for lieutenant governor and several House candidates. While backing many Democrats, it withholds support from Abigail Spanberger over her stance on right-to-work, underscoring high stakes in November’s pivotal election. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 3 min read
Photo by Janine Robinson / Unsplash Elections Your Guide to Early Voting in Fredericksburg for the 2025 Election As the November 4, 2025 general election approaches, Virginians—including Fredericksburg residents—have the chance to vote early, beginning September 19 and running through November 1. Early voting offers a flexible, convenient way to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day, helping reduce lines and ensuring your voice is counted. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Photo by Marlene Haiberger / Unsplash Events Oktoberfest 2025 Weekend Guide: Celebrate with Maltese Brewing Co. in Fredericksburg and Beyond Celebrate Fredericksburg’s 10th Annual Maltese Brewing Co. Oktoberfest on Sept 27, 2025, with authentic German brews, food, raffles, stein-holding contests, live music, and family fun. Explore regional Oktoberfests in VA, MD, and DC for a festive fall weekend. Prost! By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Ribbon Cutting for AMI Smart Meter project Local Government Fredericksburg Upgrades to Smart Water Meters Citywide Fredericksburg is replacing 8,700+ water meters with smart AMI technology. The $4.5M upgrade improves billing accuracy, leak detection, and efficiency, while giving residents new tools to track water use. The project will save $150K annually and modernize the city’s water system. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Events Harambee 360 Black Arts Festival: Celebrating 50 Years in Fredericksburg September 26–28, 2025 marks a major milestone for Fredericksburg, Virginia, as the Harambee 360 Black Arts Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. For five decades, this vibrant event has honored the creativity, history, and community spirit of Black arts in Fredericksburg. This year’s festival promises a weekend full of By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Events Scarecrow Fest 2025 Fredericksburg, Virginia is a spooktacular place to celebrate Halloween. Experience our annual Scarecrow Fest and captivating Halloween festivities. From finding all the scarecrows to the fest on First Friday, and the nostalgic thrill of Halloween movies in the park to the family-friendly Costume Stroll followed with Treats on Streets, we By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
One Vote Can Change Everything: The 2017 Virginia 94th House of Delegates District NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — On November 7, 2017, voters in Virginia’s 94th House of Delegates district filed into schools, churches, and community centers to make their voices heard. More than 23,000 ballots were cast. Yet weeks later, the fate of the seat — and control of the Virginia House itself By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Events 2025 Fredericksburg Greek Festival FOOD & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! For more than 30 years, the annual Fredericksburg Greek Festival has drawn huge crowds who enjoy delicious, authentic Greek food favorites, lively music, and celebration. We welcome everyone in the Fredericksburg community to join our Greek family and learn more about our food, By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Events Via Colori® Stafford! Via Colori® Stafford! is a two-day, family-friendly event, taking place from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, through Sunday, September 28, 2025. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Photo by Ismael Paramo / Unsplash Fredericksburg Food Security Threatened as Trump’s 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Cuts SNAP One in ten people in the Fredericksburg area are food insecure, as are one in nine children. FRFB CEO Dan Maher warned that the $186 billion cut to SNAP from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" could "wipe out all the activity of the food bank network," creating a deficit impossible to fill. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 4 min read
Photo by Element5 Digital / Unsplash Elections Fredericksburg Prepares for November Election: Key Dates and Why Your Vote Counts Fredericksburg’s General Election is Nov. 4, 2025. Early voting starts Sept. 19, registration closes Oct. 24, and polls are open 6am–7pm on Election Day. Plan ahead and make your voice heard. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Gun Sense Moms Demand Action Fights for Safer Communities, Urges Supporters to Turn Out and Vote for Change in Critical 2025 Elections Virginia's Moms Demand Action & Students Demand Action fight gun violence, urging voters to elect gun-sense leaders in 2025. They advocate for stronger laws following recent tragedies, aiming for a safer future in the Commonwealth By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
Events Fall Family Festival Mark your calendars! Join us for the Fall Family Festival on Saturday, September 20th, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Fredericksburg Fairground. Enjoy a full day of fall fun with live music, pumpkin painting, delicious seasonal treats, local craft vendors, and activities for all ages. Bring your family, By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Events Pizza Palooza 2025 Pizza Palooza returns Sat., Sept. 20 in Market Square! Enjoy $1 pizza slices, beer, wine, gelato, and live ’70s & ’80s hits. Vote for your favorite slice in the People’s Choice contest. Admission $2; food & drinks sold separately. Hosted by Fredericksburg-Este Assoc. https://www.fred-este.org./ By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Events Massaponax High School 2nd annual Student Market Massaponax High School FBLA (MHS FBLA) is happy to announce its 2nd annual Student Market! The event will be held inside the commons of MHS on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 9:00a – 1:00p. This market is for students ages 5-18 years old to sell their artwork, original apparel, By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Events Newcomers and Old Friends: Bunco and Bites Charity Event Supporting Local Non-Profits Join the Newcomers and Old Friends Club for the 4th Annual NCOF Bunco & Bites on Sept. 18, 2025 at the Ruritan Club! Enjoy Bunco, lunch, cash prizes, raffles, and the “Fredericksburg Hometown Favorites” basket—all supporting local charities. Early bird tickets $30 thru Aug. 27. By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 1 min read
Economic Activism Using Your Wallet for Change: The Power of "Buycotts" Every day, our spending choices offer powerful tools for social change. While boycotts can be important for protesting practices seen as unethical, focusing on supporting businesses that align with your values—using buycotts—can be a more powerful and sustainable approach. A boycott is an organized refusal to buy from By Fredericksburg Commons Staff • 2 min read
