Community Events
Experience Stafford’s fun and excitement.
Semillitas: Puerto Rican Bomba Kids
Save the dates and join us to experience Puerto Rican bomba songs, dance and music! We will play and sing and have fun as we learn! Each class will include songs, moves and rhythm!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th, Jun 1st
(May 4th we will have a special program with visiting artists from Puerto Rico in downtown Fredericksburg)
Time: 1:30pm to 2:15pm
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Cost: $10 for the first child, $7 per additional child per class
Or get all four classes for $32 for the first child, $24 each additional child
Ages: Up to 10 years old. 4 years old and younger need to be joined by a guardian
Don’t forget to invite your friends!
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: info@semillacultural.org, or text/call us at 540-693-0024.
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok
Jesus Christ Superstar
A rock opera that delves into the final days of Jesus Christ, exploring the human emotions and political tensions of the time.
Ticket Information:
- Dinner and Show Tickets:
- Adult: $82 (plus applicable taxes)
- Seniors (65+): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Children (3-17): $70 (plus applicable taxes)
- Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Show Only Tickets:
- Adult: $65
- Seniors (65+): $60
- Children (3-17): $55
- RUSH (same day purchase, limited availability, must mention RUSH): $35
Please note that there is a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.
Full Distance Brewing Comedy Night
Join us for a night of laughs and lagers at Full Distance Brewing hosted by Heather Joyce!
2025 Cyber Titans Youth Esports Competition – Marvel Rivals
This event is a great way for students to:
Reconnect with Cyber Bytes Academy.
Engage in a fun, team-based esports environment.
Learn about upcoming summer programs and opportunities for 2025.
We are looking for 6–12 competitors to participate in this month’s showdown. With limited spots available, we encourage you to register early!
Event Details:
Event Name: 2025 Cyber Titans Youth Esports Competition – April Edition
Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (End time is approximate)
Location: Cyber Bytes Foundation, 1010 Corporate Drive, Stafford, VA 22554
Game/Platform: Marvel Rivals (PC)
Admission: FREE
Tournament Format (Team-Based Play):
Phase 1 – Round Robin Seeding (10:00 AM – 11:15 AM):
Players rotate through quick team matches to determine seeding and team balance.
Phase 2 – Double Elimination Bracket (11:15 AM – 12:30 PM):
Balanced teams compete in a best-of-3 elimination bracket.
Phase 3 – Grand Finals (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM):
The top two teams face off in a best-of-5 Marvel Rivals showdown to crown the champions!
All matches will follow standard Marvel Rivals rules for casual competitive play.
Who Can Participate?
This event welcomes players of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to team-based hero shooters! Recommended ages: 10–17. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the premises for the duration of the event.
What to Bring?
All equipment will be provided, including high-performance gaming PCs and peripherals. Just bring your energy, team spirit, and get ready for an epic battle of heroes! Water will be available, but we encourage you to eat beforehand or bring your own additional snacks.
Are you a potter in or around the Stafford, VA area?
Cousins Maine Lobster & Wine!
Join us at Potomac Point Winery on Sunday, April 27th, for a delightful day in our Merlot Meadow area, where the famous Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck (who you may have seen on Shark Tank) will be serving up delicious fare from 11am-5pm. Seating is open and first come first serve in Merlot Meadow, come find a spot to relax and savor the experience (picnic blankets & lawn chairs are welcome). Pair your lobster treat with our “Claw-Some Wine Flight” which complements seafood perfectly. Come and enjoy a wonderful day of fine wine and gourmet lobster at Potomac Point Winery!
Historic Garden Day
Founded in 1728 at the same time as neighboring Fredericksburg, historic Falmouth served as a bustling port town and manufacturing center, harnessing the energy of the Rappahannock river at its fall line. During the Civil War, Falmouth was occupied in 1862 and 1863 by Union forces; many enslaved persons crossed the river from Fredericksburg to freedom at that time. With the silting of the river following the war, Falmouth transitioned from industrial to largely residential developing neighborhoods, enhanced by mature trees and gardens. Visitors will enjoy touring private homes that have witnessed the area’s storied history, as well as 20th and 21st-century dwellings that blend seamlessly.
Buzzing with Sugar: A Cookie Decorating Class
6 Delicious, pre-baked cookies
4 Fun Icing Colors 1 Shimmery Sprinkle Cup A box to take your amazing creations home in plus recipe cards so you can practice at home!
All we need is YOU! So grab a friend and register before it’s too late!
Full Distance Brewing Paints & Pints
Join Us for Paints & Pints at Full Distance Brewing on May 3rd @ 2pm 
We will be painting the pictured Patriotic Daises on an 11×14 canvas.
No artistic talent needed. Your artist will guide you step by step! 2 hr event. Painting is $50 per person and includes 1 complimentary beer per ticket.
Nature Journaling Class
Nature Journaling Class
May 3, 2 pm – 4 pm
In this workshop lead by Master Naturalists, learn how to record observations of nature by drawing, writing, and diagraming in a journal. Participants will share a variety of art mediums to try and take their journal home to continue practicing. Class is recommended for ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations are required.
Tickets are available online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/UMW_GM and in person at the Museum Store.
Cost: supply fee of $12 per participant, $10 for Friends of Belmont
Pig Roast with the Ribinator
Start your summer with a bang at Adventure Brewing Company North’s Annual LUAU! 
Craft Hard Seltzer and Hawaiian-Style Beer: Quench your thirst with refreshing craft hard seltzer and tropical brews.
Justin will be gracing the stage with his version of the Hula Dance. 
Adventure Brewing Company North is the place to be for good vibes, great food, and a taste of paradise.
Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door
Join us on Sunday, May 4th, from 11AM-6PM for a one-of-a-kind literary escape at Potomac Point Winery! We’re thrilled to welcome The Book Market FXBG, a brand-new mobile bookstore, as they roll up with their charming 16-ft. bookshop on wheels.
Browse a curated selection of books, find your next great read, and then settle in with a glass of wine and a cozy spot in the vineyard to immerse yourself in the pages. Whether you’re a lover of fiction, history, romance, or a good thriller, there’s no better way to enjoy an afternoon than reading between the vines.
Cinco de Mayo at Barley Naked Brewing!
To Kill a Mockingbird
A stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel, following Atticus Finch as he defends a wrongfully accused man in a racially divided Southern town.
Ticket Information:
- Dinner and Show Tickets:
- Adult: $82 (plus applicable taxes)
- Seniors (65+): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Children (3-17): $70 (plus applicable taxes)
- Military Discount (limit 4 tickets with ID): $77 (plus applicable taxes)
- Show Only Tickets:
- Adult: $65
- Seniors (65+): $60
- Children (3-17): $55
- RUSH (same day purchase, limited availability, must mention RUSH): $35
Please note that there is a $5.00 online processing fee added per ticket.
Mother’s Day Weekend at PPW
Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at Potomac Point Winery
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a relaxing and indulgent getaway to Potomac Point Winery. From live music to fine wines and a decadent brunch, we’ve crafted the perfect weekend to pamper the extraordinary woman in your life.
Friday, May 9th: Start the celebration with live music by Josh Walker from 6:30-9:30pm in our picturesque courtyard. Sip, savor, and soak in the evening ambiance with fine wines and light bites.
Saturday, May 10th: Treat Mom to a guided wine tasting, a gourmet bistro meal, or a scenic picnic in Merlot Meadow. As night falls, unwind with our Sipping under the Stars outdoor movie experience—laughter and memories guaranteed.
Sunday, May 11th: Indulge in our all-day Mother’s Day Brunch (11am-6pm), featuring our signature MOMosa and special dishes just for Mother’s Day.
Mindscapes: Exploring the Art of Mental Health Reception and Judge Talk
Mindscapes: Exploring the Art of Mental Health
On view April 12- June 1
Reception May 10th, 6-8pm
Join us by 6:30pm for a special talk by Judge Anna Polanco
Featuring Artwork by: Barbara Randall, Carrie Cranwell, Devan Kalllas, Emily Jones, Erica Miller, Gabrielle Johnson, Grigorii Kniagnitskii, Jenny Newberry, Jose (Pepe) Piedra, Katie Charnetski, Kavita Khanna, Kelly Snyder, Kimberly Bryson, Kristin Gibson, Lisa Schultz, Mary Beth Keenan, Michelle Spiziri, Susanne Firestone, Vicki Butler
Sipping under the Stars with Freaky Friday!
90s/2000s Cover Band Waking Napster
Come out and rock with Waking Napster, a 90’s and 2000’s cover band and beyond, playing a wide mix of songs you “allegedly” downloaded to your Napster library back in the day.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of Cabernet & Comedy! Join us at Potomac Point Winery for an evening of top-tier stand-up featuring Amber Hendrix, Lionel Harris, and Mark Brady—hilarious comedians with credits from The Late Late Show, Dry Bar Comedy, and Sirius XM!
Sip on your favorite Cabernet (or any PPW wine) and enjoy our “Nibbles & Wine” menu during the show. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the show starting at 7:00 PM and wrapping up around 8:30 PM.
Tickets: $20 per person, Adult-Only Event.
Shared seating for up to 10 guests per table adds to the fun! For a full dining experience before the show, reservations are available—call to book.
Recurring Events
Puerto Rican Bomba Dance Classes
Save the dates and join us to learn the fundamentals of Puerto Rican bomba dance! Have fun and sweat while you learn bomba rhythms, basic steps, piquetes, regional characteristics and history. Each class will include new moves and techniques as we learn multiple rhythms. All ages welcome!
Courses Dates: Sundays Feb 2nd, Mar 2nd, Apr 6th and June 1st
(May 4th we will have a special guest artist from Puerto Rico for events in downtown Fredericksburg)
1:30pm to 3:00pm – Dance Basic 1 – Introductory: includes paseo, sicá & cuembé. Past experience not required
Location: Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place #101 Fredericksburg, VA 22405
All ages welcome
Cost: $20 per class/per person
Or get all four classes for $68 per person
Virtual option available via zoom.
Please read carefully all ticket options and make your preferred selection.
Skirts are not required. If in person, we can provide you with one during the class. You are welcome to bring your own long, full circle skirt.
All sales are final.
*Watch this video to learn more about bomba and our organization’s mission:
https://www.facebook.com/centropr/videos/10154527959564827/
For more information, email us: info@semillacultural.org and don’t forget to invite your friends!
Find us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok
2025 STEM Summer Camps
Give your child a summer of exploration and innovation at our Summer STEM Camps, held at the state-of-the-art Quantico Cyber Hub, located at 1010 Corporate Drive, Stafford, Virginia—just minutes away from the Quantico Marine Corps Base.
Proceeds from the camps will go directly to the Foundation, helping us acquire the coolest and latest equipment to enhance our programs and provide your child with the best learning experience possible.
Don’t miss this opportunity to empower the next generation of innovators. Register today!
Vino & Vibes: GNO & Wine Bingo
Ladies, it’s time to sip, savor, and socialize! Join us for Vino & Vibes, our monthly girls’ night out, happening on the first Thursday of the month from May through August. We’re keeping the winery open late just for you—because great nights start with great wine!
Indulge in exclusive specials on wine and appetizers from 5 PM to 8 PM while soaking in the European charm of our Tuscan-style bistro and vineyard views. But that’s not all…
Wine Bingo in the Bistro! (starts at 6:30PM)
Feeling lucky? Grab a bingo board and put your wine knowledge to the test with a blind tasting challenge. Each round, you’ll sip and guess until we crown a winner—who will take home a special prize!
Bistro reservations recommended- bring your besties and let the Vino & Vibes flow!
2015 Art After Hours
Art After Hours
May 22nd – Moch Pryderi Band
May 29th (RAIN DATE)
June 5th – Fredericksburg Concert Band
June 12 (RAIN DATE)
July 10th – BoltRiders Surf Rock Band
July 17th (RAIN DATE)
August 7th – Hazel Run Band
August 14th (RAIN DATE)
Art After Hours returns to the lawn and gardens of Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont. Enjoy live music and visit the studio and galleries of American artist Gari Melchers. Food with be available for purchase from local food trucks as well as beer and wine.
Free admission, first come, first served. Tickets for beer/wine $7; food trucks accept cash or credit. Bring your own blankets, reusable cups, and chairs. No outside alcohol permitted per state regulations. Shuttle parking for overflow provided. Questions, please contact Denise Millner dmillner@umw.edu or 540-654-1848.
Cars and Coffee
Second Saturday of the Month April – October (April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11)
Location: Gari Melchers Home and Studio/Stafford Visitor Center Parking Lot
Automobile enthusiasts are invited to a monthly meetup in the museum parking lot the second Saturday of each month April-October, 2025 8 AM – 11 AM. Event is open to all makes, models and years. Coffee will be available for purchase. The Visitor Center will be open during the event. Museum buildings and grounds open for tours at 10 AM.
Guests are advised to use caution when entering and exiting our gravel lot. This event is free and open to the public. Questions? Contact our Visitor Services Manager Lindy M. Lynn, llynn@umw.edu, 540-654-1843.
Plein Air Days
Second Saturday of the Month April – October
(April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13, October 11)
Gari Melchers Home and Studio invites artists of all skill levels and mediums to participate in our Plein Air Days. On these unique days, artists are encouraged to create in our gardens, display their work in progress, and meet with other artists and visitors. The grounds will open early at 8:00 AM. The extended site hours for this event (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Gari Melchers Home and Studio will communicate any changes via social media.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio is open daily 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM. It is free to walk the grounds and gardens. There is an admission charge to tour the historic home and galleries.
The outdoor Plein Air Day event is free and open to the public. There is no fee for participating artists. Professional photographers using the site for client portrait sessions must follow our Photography Guidelines and site use fees.
If you have questions, or to register, please contact our Museum Store Manager, Lindy Lynn at 540-654-1843 or llynn@umw.edu.
Event Cost: Free
Long Family Farmers Market
Dive into the heart of local flavor with Long Family Markets, where every bite and buy supports local dreams! Since 2015, we’ve been the go-to spot in Northern VA for fresh, made-with-love goods. From Stafford to Spotsylvania, and soon Woodbridge, we’re growing to bring more of what you love closer to you. Proudly veteran-owned, we’re not just a market; we’re a community, celebrating local foods, artisan crafts, and the stories behind them. Shop with us and taste the difference passion makes!
Long Family Markets partners with the best local producers to bring you a wide variety of products that are made, baked or grown by the seller. At all of our market locations you will find locally grown fruits & vegetables, meats, eggs, seafood, honey, cheese, baked goods, pickles, kettle corn, salsa, candles, soaps, plants, flowers, home decor, hand crafted artisan goods and more.
We are proud to be a Veteran Family Owned Business.
Free Guided Woodland Hikes
Conducted on the last Sunday of the month by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative hikes cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont’s past. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Sturdy footwear is advised; no pets, please.
Year-round program