Upcoming Classes and Events that Won't Break the Bank

Our winter Leisure is jam-packed with events, classes and programs for you and your children to participate in, and some for no cost at all. Read on to find out about some of the low-and-no cost events happening during the first couple months of the new year.

Dale City Farmers Market

Did you know that our award-winning farmers market is open all year round? Come take a stroll through one of the largest open-air markets in the region—the Dale City Farmers Market. With 20+ in the winter (and nearly 50 in the summer) you never know what goodies you may find. Since 1987, our Dale City Farmers Market has been at the forefront of serving Prince William County residents. In 2022, the market was once again voted ‘Best Agritourism Attraction/Event’ in Prince William County. This is the sixth year the market has won the award having previously won in 2015 through 2019.

Historic Preservation Events

The Office of Historic Preservation serves as stewards of County-owned historic structures, cultural and natural resources, historic landscapes, and artifacts. We build community identity alongside our local partners by telling the story of the people of Prince William County. The Office of Historic Preservation's goal is to show the connections between our history, our present, our future, and our growth as a community. We encourage you to come learn about Prince William County’s rich history.

Join us on New Year’s Day for a First Day Hike! Sunday, January 1, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Bring in the New Year with a free guided hike by local historians at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. You will start at the parking lot for a brief overview. Then walk down the 1863 Trail, and then via the 1862 Trail before walking back to the parking lot. This 90 minute, 3-mile hike will start the new year on the right foot! Pets are welcome to join, but the trail is not accessible for strollers.

Lecture Series: Prince William County's "Boy Major," Joseph Latimer – Thursday, January 26, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 pm (ages 10+) - FREE

Brentsville native Joseph Latimer was a 19-year-old artillery major when he received a mortal wound at the Battle of Gettysburg. During this free lecture at the Old Manassas Courthouse, find out how this young man rose to prominence and rank during the Civil War from Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide William Griffith.

Barnes House Open House – Saturday, February 4, 2023, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (ages 2+)

Come explore the Barnes House. Built in 1797, the Barnes House is an average Prince William County residence, but the people who lived here were anything but typical. First used as a tavern, in 1899 Eppa Barnes bought the house where he was born into slavery. Join local historians for an open house to explore the exhibits highlighting the site’s diverse history and an amazing story of historic preservation in Prince William County.

Tastes of Home: African American Culture and American Cuisine – Saturday, February 18, 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; and 1:00 – 3:00 pm (ages 13+) - $10.00

Many Southern dishes have their roots in west and central African culture that enslaved workers brought to America. Participants will be able to prepare and taste African and Southern dishes in the historic slave quarter at Ben Lomond. Please wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather. Advanced registration is required. Register here.

Who were they? The Enslaved People of Rippon Lodge – Saturday, February 18, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00 am or 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Continuing with Rippon Lodge Historic Site’s 275 years of history, come learn of the untold stories of the enslaved population during February, Black History Month. Tours will focus on the primary documentation found for both the colonial and early Victorian eras. Space is limited. $10 fee and you may purchase tickets here.

Lecture Series: The Preserve: Reconstructing an African American Neighborhood in The Bull Run Mountains – Thursday, February 23, 2023, 7:30 – 8:00 pm (ages 10+) - FREE

Historian and archaeologist Patrick O’Neill will share his research on local African American communities in the Bull Run Mountains. Lecture will take place at the Old Manassas Courthouse

Lucasville School Open House – Saturday, February 25 & 26, 2023, 11:00 – 4:00 pm (ages 2+)

Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War brought with it new opportunities for African Americans in Prince William County. Four years before they had been barred from learning to read and write by Virginia state law, though that did not stop them from learning on their own or others teaching them despite the severe punishments possible. Now schools would open for the instruction of all who wished to attend. These early schools faced many obstacles, from irregular funding, teacher shortages, political threats, and even open violence. Join us as we commemorate African American History Month at historic Lucasville School and visit the reconstructed 19th century school for a discussion about how people met these challenges and overcame them to help build a better future.

Outdoor Fun and Fitness

Bundle up and get outdoors! Whether at our Harbor Drive Wellness Park or Neabsco Creek Boardwalk for a stroll, or to go for a hike at one of our many trails there are so many options you can still enjoy despite the cold winter temperatures. Want to get a good outdoor workout in? Neabsco Regional Park offers free fitness equipment to use along the park trail.

If you want to check out the stars in the evening at Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, join us on Saturday, February 18, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm for some stargazing* and hot chocolate. $12 fee. Register here. *May be cancelled/rescheduled if inclement weather.

Looking to challenge yourself and have some fun with the kids? The Warrior Challenge Course at Locust Shade Park is fun for people of ages. Or in February, join us for a Family Adventure Day – Wildlife is Everywhere program at James Long Park. On Saturday, February 4, 10 – 11:30 am, parents and children can discover the wildlife at our Gro Nature Preschool. Ages 2-5, $15 per child. Click here to register.

Do you have a future park ranger in your home? Sign your junior ranger up to join our park naturalist for this fun one-hour hike* on Thursday, February 23, 10:30 – 11:30 am, to explore Winter forest ecology, animal habitats and local wildlife. Take-home journal and magnifying glass included. *Program may be cancelled/rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. For ages 4-7. Click here to register.

Or maybe your child is interested in golf? In partnership with First Tee, we’re offering an Intro to Golf class for children ages 7-17. In addition to learning the fundamentals of the game of golf and the golf swing, First Tee teaches young people life skills and character education through the game of golf. Learn more or sign up here.

Indoor Fun and Education

Or if you prefer to stay indoors for some water fun, parents along with their children under age 5 can enjoy “Splash ‘N Play” time on Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center or at Chinn Aquatics and Fitness Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 – 2:30 pm. Cost is $4.50. Two adults free with each child. Toys are provided.

Ready to clear your mind for the new year and learn more about the mind-body connection? We’re offering free mind-body education workshops at Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center, with the first one on January 15. The workshops are free to members; $12 fee for non-members. Learn more and register here.

You can read more about all our upcoming classes and programs in the winter issue of Leisure.