Special Events

 

About Special Events

Outside of our regularly scheduled programs, we host programming and special events that range from seasonal programs like our History at Sunset talks, annual events like the Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria, commemorations of battle anniversaries, and special living history programming. Visit the programs page to learn about regularly scheduled programs.

 

Upcoming Special Events

While we occasionally host events in the winter, most park events are planned for the spring, summer, and fall.

2026 History at Sunset Series

Select Saturday evenings (June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8)
6:30 pm - 8 pm
Locations Vary
Join park staff for this year's History at Sunset series. Visit the History at Sunset page for the full scheudle and program details.

Civil War Book Group

First Wednesdays of the month
6 pm - 7 pm
Fredericksburg Library Branch (1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401)

Visit the Civil War Book Group page for this month's title!

Voices of the Past: A Slave Dwelling Project Weekend

September 11-13, 2026
Times & Locations Vary

Join park staff and historic sites across Fredericksburg and Stafford to experience sites and stories associated with slavery in partnership with the Slave Dwelling Project organization. This weekend brings together historic sites, descendant communities, scholars, and the public to explore the full and often underrepresented history of the area. Visit the Voices of the Past: A Slave Dwelling Project Weekend website for the full list of events, event descriptions, and registration information.

At the park, visit Chatham on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 3 pm for Laundry Demonstrations and the Story of Ellen Mitchell. Join park rangers and living historians for laundry demonstrations and to learn the story of laundress, Ellen Mitchell, who fundraised for her freedom.

 

Annual and Recurring Special Events

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  History at Sunset

  History at Sunset is an annual summer series that focuses on areas rarely visited or stories rarely told.

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  Civil War Book Group

  In partnership with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Civil War Book Group meets once a month.

• 

  National Cemetery Luminaria

  The National Cemetery Illumination takes place every year during Memorial Day Weekend.

 

 

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See the Calendar for a full listing of park events and programs.

If you are interested in hosting your own event, refer to the Permits & Reservations page for guidance.

Check out the Fredericksburg community event calendar for events happening in the region.