Fredericksburg Area Battlefields: Old Times They Are Not Forgotten will kick off the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Post war images of local battlefields, and photos of erected monuments are some of the things included in the exhibit. Many of the objects featured in this exhibit have never publicly been displayed before creating the rare opportunity to see them for the first time.

Join the Museum and Hallowed Ground Tours for a walking tour of downtown Fredericksburg. Bricks and Boards in the ’Burg will highlight four centuries of history and architecture, the historic influence of the Rappahannock River, the Spire and Steeples of Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg’s Town Hall, Market House and the history of Market Square. Tours begin and end in Market Square and run every Saturday, April 3 – October 9, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

This intergenerational experience allows visitors of all ages to engage in a guided tour of the historic house museum and art gallery spaces. Tours are customized to meet a family's needs and interests and are approximately one hour in length. Up to two children are free with an accompanying, paying adult. Additional children are $5 each. Families can enjoy these special tours daily, except Wednesdays, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The tour is free for Friends of Belmont members. Prior registration for family tours is not necessary. After the tour, guests are encouraged to extend their experience by sketching outside or exploring the garden in search of items in the “Itty Bitty Belmont” scavenger hunt.

This new group program is available through Labor Day and is appropriate for children ages 6-12. This educational experience runs approximately 90 minutes. Starting times are flexible. After touring Gari Melchers' stone studio, taking a sneak peek in the historic house, and working on an outdoor scavenger hunt, students will create their very own clay garden sculpture. This program (minimum group size is 8) is perfect for summer day camps, day care and scout groups.

Sandy Leigh Skipper is the Art Connected featured artist for the month of September. The gallery will showcase her Seasons of Stafford photographs throughout the month. There will be a "Meet and Greet Event" with her on Saturday, September 4th from 12pm-2pm. For more information, please contact Art Connected at mail@artconnectedgroup.com, or (540) 628-2162. There is no admission charged to tour the gallery. Artists' works are available for purchase. HOURS: M,T,Th,F 11-6. W 11-7. Sat 10:30-3:00.

Opening Reception, REPEAT: Exploring Pattern and Texture; 5-7 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013.

Our 4th season of music under the stars continues with September's First Friday on September 3rd, 2010 in historic Market Square. This month, we feature Fredericksburg's own ELBY BRASS in concert from 7-9pm. As with all First Fridays, this includes a member's tent with refreshments, children's activities to the general public, as well as FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION from 5-9pm. This one is going to be incredible- don't miss it!

Exhibition, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013.

Come and join us for live music every Friday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Potomac Point Winery. Enjoy listening to music while dining at our bistro. Call 540-446-2266 for details or check our event calendar on our website each week for a list of performers. $5/person.

Join us at sunmmers end for a savory collection of gourmet cuisine. $15 ticket includes live music with Richmond sensations SPECTRUM, wine glass, tours and tasting. Food will available for sale from a local vendor. Reservations are required for food. 540-895-5085

Parents can bring their preschoolers by for Story Hour at 10:00am, which includes the reading of a childhood favorite (Sept. is "Corduroy"), followed by a painting activity. A perfect blend of learning and hands-on fun for children. Preregistration is required. Parents must accompany their children the entire time. Next story hour: Sept. 16th.

These popular tours are offered again at Ferry Farm with Paul Nasca, a GWF staff archaeologist and president of the Fredericksburg Birding Club. The tour will begin from the Ferry Farm Visitor Center parking lot at 8:00 a.m. and will last about 2 ½ hours. Please wear good hiking boots and don’t forget your binoculars, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. In the event of rain on the day of the tour, the tour will be cancelled. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Upcoming Dates: Saturdays, October 16.

See Spot Swim" at our 3rd Annual doggie-paddle pool event. Curtis Park Pool will be open for one more day this September, but not for humans! Bring your four-legged friend for a refreshing afternoon swim. There will be paddle races, doggie swimsuit styling, bobbing for tennis balls, and pet vendor displays. Be sure to find that perfect swim suit and register early! Limited spaces available. $5 per dog, PLUS a minimum donation of a 3.5lb bag of dog food. Owners must provide written proof from vet of each dog's current rabies' vaccination.

Join us for a very special 2nd Saturday at the Museum as we welcome Doris Buffett. Ms. Buffett will appear in the Museum Store at 2:00 p.m. to sign copies of her book Giving It All Away: The Doris Buffett Story. In addition, children can enjoy hands-on activities from 1-3 p.m. in the Museum's Learning Center. FREE with Museum admission.

The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary sponsors an annual community concert featuring the Fredericksburg Big Band. Allman's Barbeque will be selling food & drinks beginning at 5p.m. The Women's Auxiliary will have concession tables. Concert time: 7 p.m. Red Kettle donations help send area children to Camp HappyLand. Bring your lawn chairs & blankets. Join us!

Time: 10:00am-11:30am Recommended ages: 3-6 Learn about the amazing woodland habitat along the Rappahannock River! Children must be accompanied by an adult. To register for this program, call Shari Rosenberg at 540-373-3448, or email her at shari.rosenberg@riverfriends.org.

In support of the Museum's temporary exhibition Footfalls of the Famous, historian John Hennessy will lead a discussion titled "Footfalls of the Presidents." Join us as we trace the steps of Presidents that have visited throughout our community's history. Historic Town Hall, 7 p.m.

Dinner, DVD & Discussion, showing of a documentary about a family torn apart by immigration law reform; a Latino Identities Month event; 6 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1044.

Take this unique opportunity to observe herons, ducks, and water birds as they return to their roosting spots for the night. As dusk approaches, listen to the creatures of Curtis Lake prepare to settle in for the evening or set out on their nightly forays. Participants will first be equipped with a personal flotation vest and then learn basic canoe strokes and safety techniques. You may register for either a canoe or kayak; canoes are designed for two paddlers. Note: you may be paired with other participants in canoes if you do not have a partner. Please bring bug spray and be sure to wear clothes that may become wet. Do not bring any item that you don’t want to get wet. Participants between 8-15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 8+. RSVP with the Parks & Recreation Department by 9/10/10.

A conference to help women who are dealing with problems stemming from abuse, addictions, anger, unforgiveness, self-esteem, etc.

The exhibit at this property features many turn of the century items embroidered by one of three Greenlaw sisters. Petticoats, bodices, robes, underdresses, doilies, napkins, tablecloths & more will be on display. For the 1st time we will hilight the Civil War era. On Sat. plan to visit the garden and kitchen where we will focus on families-women & children- left behind when men went to war. Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania will be discussing what was going on in Fredericksburg in Dec., 1862 from a civilian view, as well as dancing during the day. Also, Denise Benedetto of FREED (Female Re-Enactors of Distinction) will talk about how the Civil War affected those left at home, especially the African-American community. Sun. from 1-4 p.m. members of the Fredericksburg Spinners & Weavers Guild will be on hand to demonstrate their craft. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. & Sat, 12-4 Sun. 540-373-1569. Email: mwhouse@preservationvirginia.org

Saturday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Andrew Dolby, UMW Associate Professor of Biology, will give an illustrated talk followed by bird watching on the grounds and in the woods at Belmont - this historic site of Gari Melchers' Home & Studio.

The first Union soldiers entered Falmouth on April 18th, 1862 as the Confederates burned the bridges to the City of Fredericksburg over the Rapphannock River. Return to the historic port of Falmouth for the third annual arrival of "Yankee's in Falmouth!" (and Confederates too!). Activities include an encampment, firing demonstrations, story-telling, Civil War artifact displays, and the reading of actual soldiers' letters from Falmouth. The historic Moncure Conway House will be open for this special two-day event. Hours: Sat. 9am-6pm, 8pm campfire; Sun. 11am-3pm. Visit http://www.gostaffordva.com/Yankees-In-Falmouth.cfm for details.

Sunday, September 19, 2 p.m. Beate Jensen, Building and Grounds Preservation Supervisor, will show how to use bulbs in formal gardens and for naturalizing. Topics will include tips on combinations of daffodils, tulips, and lesser know bulbs. Plan now to enjoy the beauty and joy of pest resistant, long lasting spring flowers. Sponsored by Roxbury Farm & Garden Center.

Event, salsa bar and Latino Identities Month Information center, hosted by the Latino Student Association and Campus Dining; a Latino Identities Month event; 5-7 p.m.; $9.90 plus tax, includes dinner and salsa bar; rbenedic@umw.edu or (540) 654-1928.

Discussion, dealing with prejudices that ethnicities experience; a Latino Identities Month event; 6 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1044.

Join Potomac Point Winery for live music every Friday evening! 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.

Experience canoeing by the light of a full moon! The moon’s bright light reflects off the shimmering water to provide a truly magical experience. We will push off at sunset and return to lakeside after an evening of relaxation. Watch the wildlife setting in for the night. You will first be equipped with a personal flotation vest and will learn basic canoe strokes and safety techniques. You may register for either a canoe or kayak; canoes are designed for two paddlers. Note: you may be paired with other participants in canoes if you do not have a partner. Bring bug spray and be sure to wear clothes that may become wet. Do not bring items that you don’t want to get wet. Paddlers ages 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 12+. Make reservations with the Parks & Recreation Dept. by 9/17/10.

In traditional Bavarian fashion, Fredericksburg comes together under the big tent in September to celebrate the 8th Annual Oktoberfest! Family fun, music, magic, song and dance. Newly released authentic Oktoberfest Beer and Hefeweizen from Blue & Gray Brewing. Numerous vendors selling delicious German foods and pastries. Free fall crafts table for the kids. Free samples of Blue & Gray Oktoberfest beer while it lasts. Beer for sale in 12oz or 16oz mugs, or 33.8oz (maas) commemorative stein. (Sign up on brewery homepage for 1/2 off coupon) Friday: 5-10pm keg-tapping ceremony and OOOmpah band Saturday: 12:00 LOW'n'BROWS band OOOMPAH! Sing-along for prizes. 1:30 German Shepherd Exhibition Spotsylvania County K-9 Unit. Sunday: 11am-4 Live oompah band, preztel making

Local vendors sell a variety of crafts and market items in an open-air market in Hurkamp Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Family Weekend Hallmark Event, varied locations; 10 a.m. - noon; free

This beloved street festival, one of the few of its kind on the East Coast, celebrates President James Monroe's Welsh heritage with food and crafts vendors; live Celtic music by local band Moch Pryderi and national acts IONA & Jodee James; Welsh language and history lessons; Welsh folk tales; and much more. The event is co-sponsored by the James Monroe Museum and the Welsh Society of Fredericksburg.

In association with Fredericksburg Via Colori, the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center will be hosting a concert under the stars in Market Square. Simultaneously, area artists-inspired by the music-will create impromptu works of art using different mediums and representing unique interpretations. Each piece of artwork will be auctioned at the end of the evening, offering audience members the opportunity to have a more active role in the spirit of the event. For more information please visit www.famcc.org

Recommended ages: 5-10 Learn about some of the wildlife that depend on the Rappahannock River! Children must be accompanied by an adult. To register for this program, call Shari Rosenberg at 540-373-3448, or email her at shari.rosenberg@riverfriends.org.

Via Colori Fredericksburg is a weekend-long street painting festival designed to celebrate the Arts in our region and to allow the public the rare opportunity to watch the act of creation in-progress. Hundreds of artists will fill the city strets creating and performing. Other activities include a children's area, artist market, 2 entertainment stages and local food vendors. A great weekend to Visit Fredericksburg!

Discussion, about how immigration reform law might affect Virginians if passed; a Latino Identities Month event; 6 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1044.