Local Events Calendar

Free Amateur Radio License Classes Begin Oct. 15 in Spotsylvania

The Rappahannock Valley Amateur Radio Club (RVARC) will hold free classes this fall for anyone interested in earning a Technician Class amateur radio license, the entry-level license issued by the FCC.

Classes begin Thursday, Oct. 15, and meet every Thursday through Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be held at the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Substation at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, across from LensCrafters. Participants will have the option to take the license exam on Nov. 12.  All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, lets licensed operators talk with other people across town and around the world, experiment with electronics, and help with emergency communications when other systems fail.

People curious about the hobby can meet local operators before classes begin at the club’s Jim Steele Memorial Tailgate hamfest. It runs Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon at Robbie Campbell Airfield, 6900 Patriot Highway in Spotsylvania. Admission is free.

For more information, visit https://rvarc.club or email kv4tz.rvarc@gmail.com.

Make Tuesday nights a little more fun at Applebee’s! Join us for Crafty Kids Tuesdays, featuring Halloween-themed crafts for the kids and ½ off Kids Meals during the event.

September 29: Candy Corn Tuesday
October 6: Batty Tuesday
October 13: Ghostie Tuesday
October 20: Pumpkins! Tuesday

Event Details:
Tuesdays (9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20) at 5:30 PM–8:00 PM
Applebee’s | 2851 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

No registration required. Stop by, enjoy dinner, and let the kids get crafty!

½ off Kids Meals with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only. Child 12 and under must be present. Limit 2 half-priced Kids Meals per adult entrée, maximum 4 per table/order/check. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Additional restrictions may apply.

It’s hot tub season, and we’re here to help you get ready! You’ll find us at the Fredericksburg Convention Center Fall Home Show, where we’re showcasing an incredible selection of hot tubs to suit every preference at amazing prices. Our knowledgeable team is excited to help you discover the perfect hot tub for your needs. Plus, this weekend only, we’re giving away a complimentary Wi-Fi upgrade (a $399.99 value).

Beyond hot tubs, we offer so much more—swim spas, saunas, chill tubs, and pool. Our swim spas give you the ultimate combination of a pool and hot tub experience in one unit. Looking to recover after a workout? Our saunas and chill tubs are fantastic choices. And our pool? It’s perfect for year-round enjoyment, with flexible installation options for both inground and above-ground setups. Every product we carry includes a warranty, and we’re happy to discuss financing options that work for you.

Visit us at the Fredericksburg Fall Home Show

Saturday, October 3 from 9am–5pm

Sunday, October 4 from 10am–4pm

Event name:
Hamfest – Jim Steele Memorial Tailgate

Date/time:
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:
Robbie Campbell Airfield, 6900 Patriot Highway, Spotsylvania, VA 22551

Details:

Come spend a laid-back Saturday morning tailgating and chatting with fellow ham radio operators!

📻 Have stuff to sell? Bring it and set up right out of your car. Tailgating is FREE.
🔍 Looking for gear? Come see what people have for sale. Admission is FREE.
🤝 Just want to hang out? Meet other hams, talk shop, and swap stories.

⭐ TreeTenna will be on site with vendor specials!

NEW TO HAM RADIO? You’re invited too! This is a great chance to meet local hams, see some gear up close, and ask questions. Free Technician license classes start Thursday, October 15, just two weeks later. Details at https://rvarc.club

Easy directions: Take I-95 to Exit 118 (Thornburg), then US-1 North. The airfield is less than 1 mile on the left.

Please share and bring a friend! 📡

BOOK Here: https://sweatfxbg.com/events

There’s a reason we lace up our sneakers and show up to class — it’s not just about the workout. It’s about community, connection, and showing up for the people we love. This fall, we’re channeling that same energy toward something bigger: Move for Memories, a one-day fitness fundraiser supporting Alzheimer’s awareness and care.

Whether you’re a cycle fanatic, a barre regular, or you live for the burn of HIIT, there’s a class (or three) with your name on it — and every drop of sweat helps a cause that touches so many families, including some right in our own community.

What’s Happening:

For one day, our studio is transforming into a full lineup of feel-good movement and giving back:

🚴 Cycle — energizing rides throughout the day
🩰 Barre — sculpt and stretch at any fitness level
🔥 HIIT — high-energy circuits to get your heart pumping

Can’t make a class? No problem — you can still be part of the day. Every dollar donated, whether you’re breaking a sweat or just showing up to support, goes toward Alzheimer’s research and care.

Why Voluntary Donations?

We wanted this event to be about participation, not a price tag. That’s why entry is by voluntary donation — give what feels right for you. Suggested donation tiers are available if you’d like a starting point, but showing up and moving together is what matters most.

Why We’re Doing This:

Alzheimer’s affects millions of families, and chances are, it’s touched yours too — a parent, a grandparent, a friend. Move for Memories is our way of turning something we already love (moving our bodies together) into something that gives back. Every class, every dollar, and every bid brings us closer to supporting research, care, and the families navigating this disease every day.

Let’s move together, give together, and remember together. See you on the mat, the bike, or the sidelines cheering us on.

A town hall meeting discussing the risks data centers pose to the community and real solutions and approaches regarding the industry. Speakers include Tim Cywinski of the Sierra Club VA Chapter and data center activist Elena Schlossberg.

Paragon Autism Services invites local families to join us for a Sensory-Friendly Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Spotswood Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

This free community event gives children and families the opportunity to explore a variety of vehicles up close, meet the people who operate them, and enjoy a welcoming, family-friendly morning together.

Designed with accessibility in mind, the event will feature a quiet, sensory-conscious environment with no sirens or flashing lights, along with a designated sensory break space, social narratives, and clear expectations to help families prepare for the experience.

Families can look forward to seeing an assortment of community, service, commercial, and specialty vehicles while connecting with local organizations and businesses.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Spotswood Baptist Church (Parking lot), Fredericksburg, VA
Hosted by: Paragon Autism Services

Paragon Autism Services is proud to create inclusive community experiences where children of all abilities can explore, connect, and participate comfortably.

We hope families throughout the Fredericksburg region will join us for a morning of trucks, community, and fun.

Enjoy a themed demonstration, talk, and tasting all about Kenmore’s Famous Gingerbread!

Come to Kenmore for a tour of the 1775 house and see, smell, and taste our famous gingerbread in the historic kitchen!

During your visit, the kitchen will be open for guests to watch a cooking demonstration and learn about the history of Kenmore’s gingerbread. While you enjoy the presentation, partake in a sampling of gingerbread.

The kitchen will be open throughout the day, and entry is included with general admission fees. Visitors may reserve house tour tickets online (for October 11) or purchase on-site at the front desk. Museum-only admission can be purchased on-site. Both admission rates include entry to the kitchen.

ADMISSION
Event with House Tour
$12 for adults
$6 for students ages 6-17
Free for children under 6

Event with Museum Admission
$6 for adults
$3 for students ages 6-17
Free for children under 6

DATE & TIME
Sunday, October 11, 2026
12:00pm to 5:00pm
House tours at 12:15, 1:30, 2:45, 3:45

LOCATION
Historic Kenmore
1201 Washington Ave
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

If you have any questions, please call (540) 370-0732 or email learn@gwffoundation.org

Bring your pets for a special blessing, meet fellow animal lovers, connect with local animal organizations, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating the animals who bring so much joy to our lives.

No pet? Come anyway! (There will be pets for adoption if you find you need one!) This is a celebration of the bond between animals and the people who love them — and there’s room for everyone.

We’re excited to welcome local animal rescues, community groups, and pet-centered organizations who help care for animals and the people who love them, plus some wildlife organizations.

You’ll have a chance to meet some of the people working every day to protect animals, help pets find homes, promote responsible pet care, and support the special bond between animals and their humans.

So come say hello, meet some amazing folks, and maybe discover a new favorite organization. Join us!

FXBG PorchFest by RappArts is a family-friendly celebration of music, art, creativity, and community in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Join us on Saturday, October 17, from 11 AM–5 PM as porches and neighborhood spaces come alive with live music, local artists and makers, food, and community connections.

PorchFest brings musicians, artists, residents, and visitors together for a day celebrating the creative spirit of the Fredericksburg region. Explore performances throughout the event, shop original handmade work from local artists and makers, and enjoy a fun day in the community.

Presented by RappArts, a nonprofit organization supporting and connecting artists and the arts throughout the greater Fredericksburg region.

https://www.rapp-arts.org/

Join us for an Open House and get an overview on student life, academic programs, hear from our three Colleges, and take a campus tour. We recommend these free programs for high school juniors and seniors and transfer students.