Exhibition, Crowded Spaces: Allison Long Hardy; duPont Gallery, College Avenue at Thornton Street; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013.

T.G.I.F. Open Skate is the ideal time to come skate the night away to all of today's top hits. Teens, tweens, and more...Friday night at the Cavalier is the perfect place to meet up with friends, hang out at the snack bar and play the latest video game hits. The skating is a medium to fast-paced, great for beginner skaters and for those who want to show off their latest moves. The Cavalier is not to be missed on Friday nights!

Disney Skate is the session for kids and kids at heart who LOVE Disney Music! All ages and all experience levels are welcome. Spend the morning skating with your children in a family friendly atmosphere to your favorite Disney Tunes. Do you have a Disney Prince or Princess at your house? Then our Disney Skate is the perfect session to celebrate your birthday party! And don't forget to enjoy our Play Zone (for children 14 and under). Kids can climb, swing, bounce, and go down the fastest slide in Stafford!

Let your little ones run WILD at The Cavalier on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m starting January 25 thru December 19. (and be home just in time to put them down for a nap!!). Stroll & Roll is a session built just for toddlers ages 1 to 5. Moms and Dads can relax while the little ones kick off their shoes (sock feet only please) and run wild on our skate floor, explore the PlayZone, zoom around on ride-on toys and enjoy ball play. Strollers, Clean Toys, Play Groups and MOPS organizations are welcome!

Art First Gallery, the oldest cooperative gallery in Fredericksburg, VA, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary during the month of February 2012. During the month of February, Art First Gallery will have a silent auction of new original 12” x 12” artwork. Bidding will begin January 31, 2012, and end at 4 p.m., February 26, 2012. Proceeds of the auction will benefit local area high school art programs. Please join us on First Friday for the opening reception of Art First Gallery's February All Members Exhibition celebrating 20 year anniversary. In addition, an anniversary celebration party will be held 26 February from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Original artwork from 30 local artists will be on display. The opening and the celebration party are free and open to the public. Come meet and speak with the artists and to see what is new at Art First Gallery. First Friday Opening Reception 3 Feb 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Exhibit on display January 31 - February 27 daily 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Olde Virginia Gourmet & Gifts is hosting a FREE Valentine's Wine Tasting with a special guest from one of Virginia's finest wine makerss! Sample some wines and other Virginia-made sweets and snacks, perfect for pairing with the wine of your choice. Purchase some delicacies for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. Time: 12:00-4:00 PM. Admission: Free admission. Shopping on site.

Attend the February curator's chat at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. This month's chat will be presented by Art Curator Joan Thomas, who will lead a discussion on the "Sands of Iwo Jima." Time: 1:00pm. (877) 635-1775.

Featuring African and Caribbean cuisines; a Black History Month and Cultural Awareness Series event; 5-7 p.m.; (540) 654-1044.

“The Picture Show”, an exhibition of new color and black and white photographs by Christopher Rok, goes on display Monday, February 6th at Bistro Bethem, 309 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA. This fresh collection of imagery by the photographer showcases lens-work that is both close to home and from afar. Subjects range from the neon-glow of locally renowned Allman’s bar-b-que to the sunset’s startling brilliance amid the towering monoliths of Monument Valley in northeastern Arizona. The exhibit offers a little something for everyone and runs through April 1st.

A showing of the film followed by a discussion; a Black History Month and Cultural Awareness Series event; 6 p.m.; (540) 654-1044.

The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series, Columbus, by Laurence Bergreen, author of “Columbus: The Four Voyages”; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1065.

Come and join Potomac Point Winery for live music every Friday evening! Indoors and fireside in winter months; outdoors in the courtyard in summer months. Enjoy listening to the music while dining at our bistro. Call for details or check the event calendar on our website each week for a list of performers. Time: 6:00-9:00pm. Admission: $. (540) 446-2266.

Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation's 5TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR PLUNGE Early Birds...$25 per person $50 per person after January 23rd thru the day of the event. Come plunge with us and enjoy the Thrill of the Chill. There will also be a silent auction and costume contest on the day of the event. The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides assistance to our Wounded EOD Warriors and their families in the form of financial relief. The resources provided by the Foundation to the wounded and their families are above and beyond the budgetary constraints of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. We believe that families are an integral part of the healing and rehabilitation process and strive to keep them together during the most difficult of times. QUESTIONS? Contact Sherri Beck 540.373.2766 sherri@woundedeodwarrior.org

Performance, For the Love of Dance, featuring Kathy Harty Gray Dance Company of Alexandria, Avery Ballet of Fredericksburg and UMW’s Performing Arts Club; will benefit the Sonja Dragomanovic Haydar Scholarship in Dance at UMW; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.; $20 general admission in advance or $25 at the door, advance tickets available at The Dancer’s Wardrobe and the Fredericksburg Visitor Center; www.thefriendsofdance.com.

Learn about World War II through multi-generational activities geared for the whole family. This event will be held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Time: TBA. (877) 635-1775.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center is pleased to announce guided walking tours of the Museum’s galleries on Saturdays during February and March, 2012. The tours are free with a paid admission to the Museum. Beginning on February 11 and continuing through March 31, Museum volunteers will conduct guided walking tours at 1:15 and 3:15 pm. These 20 - 30 minute tours will focus on the history of the Fredericksburg region and the stories of the peoples who lived here. Tours will take place in one of the Museum’s four galleries in the Catherine W. Jones McKann Center of the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. From the story of the Virginia Indians detailed in the Portal, Passage and Power gallery to the efforts of the women and African Americans who worked to ensure equal rights for all citizens featured in the Our Community gallery, tour participants will learn of the daily struggles and triumphs of the region’s inhabitants. Galleries covered in the tours will rotate and details of the day’s tours can be obtained by calling the Museum’s admission desk at (540) 371-3037 ext. 131. For more information on this event, or for additional programming

In Spanish with English subtitles; part of the Modern Foreign Language Department’s 2012 Foreign Film Series; 7:30 p.m.; (540) 654-1995.

Join Parks & Recreation to celebrate this special day for the ones you love. Your child will make crafts, sing songs, and play games. Ages 2-5. RSVP by Feb. 7th. Time: 10:30-11:15am. Admission: $8/child ($10/non-resident). (540) 658-4871.

Lecture, The James Farmer Visiting Professor Lecturer and Black History Month Keynote, featuring Angela Davis, activist, scholar, author and professor of feminist studies and of history of consciousness at the University of California, Santa Cruz; co-sponsored by the James Farmer Visiting Professor Committee; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1044.

The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series, Jackie Robinson, by Jonathan Eig, author of “Opening Day” and sports columnist for Chicago Magazine; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1065.

Join local resident and historian Frank White as he discusses the life of his father on the occasion of Black History Month. This February presentation will be held at the monthly Stafford County Historical Society meeting. Meetings are held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the Stafford Government Administration Center. Time: 7:00pm. Admission: Free.

Featuring a talent show and Pan-American fashion show; a Black History Month and Cultural Awareness Series event; 7 p.m.; (540) 654-1044.

Exhibition, Senior Student Exhibition, featuring student artists; duPont Gallery, College Avenue at Thornton Street; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013.

February 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Landscape Oil Painting Workshop Reservations required. Call 540/654-1851. How do artists capture the mood and light effects in landscape? In this workshop, participants explore how to use color and form to create an expressive landscape painting. A demonstration shows how to see color and simple shapes as a starting point and how to create atmospheric perspective and depth while developing individual styles. Students will work from their own photographs.

Start planning for your Special Event at The Big Day Bridal & Event Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo Center with the area's best wedding and event professionals. Smell the flowers, taste the cakes, see the photos, hear the music as you enjoy a leisurely day with all the experts under one roof. Interview multiple wedding photographers, bridal salons, florists, caterers, wedding and reception sites, DJs, bakeries, and more — all in one glorious afternoon. Thinking about a destination wedding at the beach? Visit with travel agencies who are able to help. One of the most exciting parts of The Big Day Bridal & Event Expo is the Fashion Show featuring the latest in fashions for you and every member of your party. Expect to be dazzled by runway shows of bridal wear and men's formal wear, plus fashions for mothers, bridesmaids and flower girls. Get inspired by our models as they show off stylish up-dos and make-up techniques provided by local cosmetic and beauty professionals. FIND new ideas! SAVE time and money! DISCOVER all your options! Come and win one of the many give-a-ways including gift certificates, and money saving deals for show attendees

In Arabic with English subtitles; part of the Modern Foreign Language Department’s 2012 Foreign Film Series; 7:30 p.m.; (540) 654-1995.

February 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. All-Ages Art Day: Hands-On Art Activities Presidents Day Free for members, or with Museum admission. Drop-in all day, no reservations required

Featuring Creole and Southern soul cuisines; a Black History Month and Cultural Awareness Series event; noon; (540) 654-1044.

Visit the Mary Washington House, which George bought for his mother. We will celebrate Washington's birthday with tours and refreshments. 1200 Charles St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (540) 373-1569. E-mail: mwhouse@preservationvirginia.org

The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series, Clarence Darrow, by John Farrell, author of “Clarence Darrow: Attorney for the Damned” and senior reporter at The Center for Public Integrity; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1065.

Bring your military antiques and oddities for our curators to inspect at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Learn how to maintain and care for your artifacts. (No appraisals will be done.) Time: 10:00am-2:00pm. (877) 635-1775.

Join the Icing Baking Co. for a semi-annual and most delicious Open House event! If you love animals, then you'll love this SPCA fundraiser. Sample cakes and breads. All proceeds will benefit the Fredericksburg SPCA. Cost is $5. Reservations recommended. Register at www.TheIcingCakes.com, or by fax or phone. Time: 10:00am-2:00pm. Admission: $5/person.

On the last Sunday of each month, Virginia Master Naturalist volunteers will lead an informative hike on the grounds of the Belmont Estate - Gari Melchers' Home & Studio. The hike covers a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields, and touches on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. Please wear sturdy footwear as the terrain in uneven. Meet outside the Visitor Center. FREE. Tours will take place in rain, snow or shine. No reservations are necessary. Time: 2:00pm. Admission: Free.

In French with English subtitles; part of the Modern Foreign Language Department’s 2012 Foreign Film Series; 7:30 p.m.; (540) 654-1995.

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to North Stafford High School! Don't miss this family, fun-filled event! Tickets are now on sale in the front office. Tickets will be sold from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Payment Type Accepted: Cash or Money Order Only. (No checks will be accepted.) General Admission Seats: $25.00 per seat Courtside Seats: $55.00 per seat Pre-Show Magic Pass: $10.00 + Cost of a seat type (listed above). A seat must be purchased in order to also add-on a Pre-Show Magic Pass. The Pre-Show Magic Pass allows you to join in on the fun before the show starts. Time: 7:00 pm. Admission: $25/gen. admission seat. $55/courtside seat.