(Fredericksburg, VA) June 24, 2026 – The City of Fredericksburg held a ribbon cutting on June 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to celebrate the new mobile stage at Riverfront Park, enhancing one of the City’s most prominent public spaces along the Rappahannock River.
Riverfront Park has long served as a central gathering place for residents and visitors, with a history rooted in the City’s connection to the riverfront and ongoing efforts to enhance public access, recreation, and community engagement. The addition of the mobile stage builds on that legacy by expanding opportunities for performances, public events, and cultural programming in the park.
The mobile stage was purchased from Century Industries for $289,489. In 2022, the City of Fredericksburg was awarded a federal grant of up to $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration to support performance stage infrastructure and related improvements at Riverfront Park. The grant requires a 20% local match toward eligible project costs.
Following the grant award, the City issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a tensile shade-covered stage structure. Only one bid was received, totaling approximately $2.3 million. Alternative options were then evaluated, including a mobile stage and a truck to pull the stage estimated at approximately $400,000 and a bandshell-style structure with a concrete stage estimated at approximately $1 million.
At the February 13, 2024, City Council meeting, staff recommended the mobile stage option. This approach was selected in part because it provides flexibility for other uses of Riverfront Park while offering expanded event capabilities at a lower cost compared to fixed-stage alternatives.
The mobile stage includes a three-year manufacturer’s warranty and is expected to have a useful lifespan of approximately 15–25 years, depending on usage. When fully deployed, the stage provides a 24’ x 36’ performance area and includes a 9’ x 16’ movie screen, an enclosed 8,000-watt generator allowing for use in locations without readily available power, and upgraded electrical, lighting, and sound packages. Additional features include a 48-inch wheelchair lift and configurable add-ons designed to support a variety of event needs from small community performances to larger public gatherings. When not in use, the mobile stage will be stored at the Dixon Maintenance Building.
You can see the stage in action during the upcoming Fourth of July events at Riverfront Park. As Fredericksburg continues to advance its trail network and pedestrian connectivity, Riverfront Park is expected to serve as a central hub for activity, with future links envisioned between Motts Run Reservoir and Dixon Park, further strengthening recreational access throughout the City. The addition of the mobile stage supports the City’s continued efforts to activate Riverfront Park as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and community events in downtown Fredericksburg.
Riverfront Park is located at 701 Sophia Street, opened in May 2022 as the City’s first Smart Park, featuring free Wi-Fi, solar-powered lighting, and security cameras. The park includes open green space, a children’s play area, and is located near downtown businesses, parking, and the Visitor Center. Riverfront Park is open daily and is closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For more information about Riverfront Park, visit: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/982/History-of-Riverfront-Park.