About Us
Fredericksburg Main Street is not just a destination, but a thriving hub dedicated to the revitalization and enrichment of Downtown Fredericksburg. Established in 2013 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we’re proud to be nationally accredited by Main Street America and Virginia Main Street. Our mission is simple yet inspired: to create a vibrant community and foster economic growth in our historic downtown district through a range of initiatives and events.
Through strategic marketing efforts, thoughtful public space improvements, and innovative business engagement programs, we’ve been instrumental in fostering a lively and robust downtown community. From enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our streets to supporting the successes of our local businesses, we gear each of our endeavors toward creating a welcoming and prosperous environment for residents and visitors alike.
The impact of our organization extends beyond physical and economic improvements. We’ve cultivated a sense of belonging through our cultural and community events that defines the essence of Fredericksburg Main Street. As stewards of this beloved district, we’re committed to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow. Join us as we continue our journey towards a stronger, more vibrant downtown Fredericksburg—one that’s alive with possibility and brimming with community spirit.
First Fridays
Small Business Saturday
The Scarecrow Festival
Treats on the Streets
Seasonal Shop Crawls
Otter-ly Amazing Art Sculptures
Caroline Street Planters
Second Saturdays
The FXBG Tree Lighting
The Summer Solstice Festival
What We Do
First Fridays (1995)
First Fridays are a monthly celebration of the arts, local cultures, and small businesses in Fredericksburg. First Fridays offer extended store and gallery hours, discounted prices, special events, and our beloved Sip ‘n’ Stroll, which is the only day of the year when you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage while you shop downtown.
Small Business Saturday (2014)
Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative supporting local businesses, encouraging residents and visitors to shop small during the holiday season.
Scarecrow Festival (2015)
Our annual Scarecrow Festival is a beloved fall tradition where downtown businesses and organizations create unique scarecrow displays throughout the historic district, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Treats on the Street (2015)
Treats on the Street is our annual, family-friendly event offering trick-or-treating and special Halloween-themed activities at participating locations on Fredericksburg Main Street.
Seasonal Shop Crawls
Our seasonal shop crawls are local-favorite events occurring throughout the year. These best-selling crawls allow locals and visitors to explore our boutique storefronts and discover new products, promotions, and hidden gems during each season. These crawls include our annual Cookie Crawl, Flower Crawl, Pumpkin Spice Crawl, and Galentine’s Crawl.
Otter-ly Amazing Art Sculptures (2022)
You know those adorable otter statues you see downtown? Those were a part of our Otter-ly Amazing Art Project back in 2022, a public art initiative where we commissioned beautiful bronze otter sculptures, showcasing the work of local artists and supporting our community’s connection to the Rappahannock River.
Planters on Caroline Street
Like our adorable otter sculptures, the planters you see along historic Caroline Street are part of our beautification of downtown. During the holiday season we adorned these planters with festive Christmas decorated by our wonderful volunteers, and in the springtime we received a plentiful donation of beautiful yellow tulips to fill our planters. These planters add seasonal charm and color to our beautiful heart of downtown Fredericksburg.
Second Saturdays (2024)
Second Saturdays are just like First Fridays, except instead of occurring on the first Friday of each month, they happen on the second Saturday! This event blends together art, food, and entertainment, creating just another opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Fredericksburg.
The FXBG Tree Lighting (2024)
The annual Fredericksburg Tree Lighting is a magical holiday celebration in Riverfront Park, featuring the Christmas Tree lighting, dance performances, live music, food trucks, an appearance from Santa Claus, and even more joyous holiday festivities.
The Summer Solstice Festival (2024)
The Summer Solstice Festival is a lively, family-friendly event in Riverfront Park occurring on the summer solstice. The event is a mix between a traditional arts festival and a beer and wine festival, catering to visitors and locals of all interests.
