Free events in Fredericksburg, VA

Take part in a bird count at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, moving from higher ground toward the floodplain and passing through a range of habitats, including open meadows and forest edges. Sightings from the walk are submitted to eBird to support ongoing monitoring of bird populations. The activity is open to all and free to attend. Dress for the conditions and bring binoculars and a camera. A DWR Access Permit is needed only for independent visits to Merrimac Farm WMA outside this event. RSVP is welcome but not required; for details or to RSVP, contact PWCA at 703.490.5200 or alliance@pwconserve.org.

This free, family friendly music showcase at Penn Social DC celebrates the end of the summer season with live sets by students from School of Rock DC/Cleveland Park in a professional concert setting. Expect energetic performances that highlight months of practice, teamwork, and musical growth. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Set times will be shared closer to the event.

At the Town of Remington farmers market in Remington, Virginia, find a fresh-baked lineup featuring classic loaves, baguettes, brownies, and possibly sweet rolls and cinnamon sticks. Registration for a Sourdough 101 class will close soon, with only a few openings remaining, and inquiries can be made via direct message.

The FXBG Farmers Market returns for a new season with a lively selection from local vendors. Browse farm fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honey, and more, and stock your kitchen with quality items from the community while supporting local vendors. Vendor note: registration and payments are not handled through comments or direct messages, and applications are available only through the official website.

Farmers Market SW brings fresh, locally sourced food from local farmers to The Wharf in collaboration with Diverse Markets DC. Located at M Street Landing, outside Pitango, Philippe Chow, and Fish Shop, it offers a simple way to support local growers and shop for fresh, locally sourced food.

The 9th Annual Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival features more than sixty authors representing a wide range of genres, including horror, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, children's books, and memoir. Attendees can look forward to speakers, readings, and panel discussions, with food trucks available throughout the event. Admission is free for all attendees.

Set on the Town Green in historic Port Royal, the 7th Annual Port Royal Pirate Festival fills the day with living history, music, and family friendly fun. Admission is free, and a complimentary shuttle carries visitors to and from the grounds. Professional pirate crews and performers including Blackbeard’s Crew, The Loose Cannon Company, First Mates Munitions, Skullduggery Crew, Bedlum Bones, Captain Jaxx Parrow, Death by Bellows, and the Jolly Roving Tars present encampments, character interactions, and artillery demonstrations while sea songs play from Death by Bellows, Bedlum Bones, and the Jolly Roving Tars. This year also salutes two milestones, America’s 250th and Port Royal’s 282nd birthday. Local lore about the real pirate Monsieur Peuman, whose name lives on at Peumansend Creek, inspires a special Jolly Roving Tars skit that brings his story back to these waters. Highlights include cannon firings, a pirate parade, children’s and adult costume contests with prizes, a dedicated Pirate Kids Station, and a children’s story hour with Elk Moon. Adventurous guests can test their balance on a mechanical bull. More than 75 vendors create a bustling market of handcrafted goods, art, apparel, gifts, and treats, alongside food trucks serving plenty of provisions. A 50-50 raffle offers tickets at $5 each or 5 for $20, and the proceeds help support the festival so admission stays free. Keep an eye out for special sightings from Mermaid Dani Moon and Mermaid Siren Isis. Festival offerings and schedules are tentative and may change.

FTL brings a night of 90s and adjacent rock to Fatty’s Winghouse in Stafford. This live music event is free with no cover charge. Attendees can enjoy food and drinks during the performance.