Special Events

The park holds many special events throughout the year!

NPS Photo

The following are special events scheduled at the park or at institutions hosting programs by or in cooperation with park historical staff. For more information, including possible schedule changes due to inclement weather or other factors, please call the park at 540-693-3200 and/or check the park's facebook page.

For more details on each event, check our Events Calendar.

Missed a program you really wanted to attend? Check to see if it was livestreamed, and watch from the comfort of your own home!

This listing contains events either within the park, or events hosted or facilitated by park staff or one of our partners. Looking for other Civil War events in the Fredericksburg area? Check out the Fredericksburg community event calendar for more!

Note: The list below does not include the park's popular, free History at Sunset programs that occur on Friday evenings each summer, or our Fit-History Hiking Series in the spring and fall.

Events are added as dates and times are confirmed. Please check back as event dates draw nearer for more details.

Battle of Fredericksburg 156^th Anniversary Programs

Join us for programs to commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg taking place the weekend of December 8^th and 9^th. See start times and locations below:

Saturday, December 8^th, 2018

9 a.m.: Crossing the Rappahannock. This program will look at the dramatic events of December 11, 1862, as the Union army struggled to get across the Rappahannock. We will take the same view of the event as thousands of soldiers did, watching from the heights of Chatham, above the crossing. With John Hennessy. 60 minutes. Meet at Chatham (120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg).

10:30 a.m.: Fighting in the Streets. Join Frank O’Reilly as he walks the streets that witnessed the first major urban combat in American History on December 11, 1862. 90 minutes.
Gather at the upper pontoon crossing at Sophia and Hawke Streets (GPS Coordinates: 38.307868, -77.460916). On-street parking available nearby.

2:00 p.m.: “Men fell like leaves in autumn:” The Fight for Prospect Hill. Join Greg Mertz to explore the Southern end of the Fredericksburg Battlefield, the only place where Union troops were able to penetrate the Confederate line. 90 minutes. Meet at Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill (GPS Coordinates: 38.248090, -77.435651)

Sunday, December 9^th, 2018

11:30 a.m: In the Footsteps of the Irish Brigade
Join Frank O’Reilly for what has become a legendary walk through the streets of Fredericksburg to the Sunken Road. Two hours.
Meet at the City Dock, 201 Sophia Street. Note: plan for a walk back to your car after the program.

2:00 p.m.: 156th Anniversary Remembrance Walk
Join Elizabeth Parnicza for a walk of reflection and remembrance along the Sunken Road. 60 minutes.
Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401.

Weather in the Fredericksburg region during December can be unpredictable. Check the forecast in the days leading up to the programs, and keep an eye on the park’s Facebook page for weather updates. Warm or layered clothing and comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for all programs.

For additional information check our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FredericksburgSpotsylvaniaNMP, or call the park at 540-693-3200.