What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George & the Tri-Cities

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the River Street Market in downtown Petersburg! The market runs every Saturday morning through the summer with fresh local produce, handmade artisan goods, flowers, baked items, and a rotating lineup of local vendors. The August 8 market is a special celebration with additional vendors, live music, and community activities. Stock up on late-summer Virginia tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, and melons while supporting local growers and makers. The market is located along the Appomattox River in the heart of Old Towne, making it a perfect Saturday morning outing.

The legendary drummer of The Police, Stewart Copeland, is performing at the historic Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. This is a huge get for the Tri-Cities music scene -- the Beacon Theatre has been beautifully restored and now draws national touring acts to its intimate 800-seat venue. Copeland brings his signature energy and musicianship in a rare solo/ensemble performance that showcases his range beyond the Police catalog. Tickets range from $43 to $68, and this is the kind of show that music fans drive hours to see.

Classic rock band Firefall brings their signature 1970s soft-rock sound to the Beacon Theatre for a Sunday afternoon show. Known for hits like "You Are the Woman," "Just Remember I Love You," and "Strange Way," Firefall continues to tour and perform to devoted audiences. Tickets range from $45 to $73, and the Beacon's restored Art Deco interior makes every concert feel like a special event.

Wabi Sabi in Old Towne Petersburg hosts a free comedy night on Friday evening -- a relaxed, fun atmosphere with local and regional comedians. Wabi Sabi is a creative space that blends art, coffee, cocktails, and community events in a beautifully restored historic building. The comedy night is free to attend, and the drink menu includes craft cocktails, local beer, and wine. A perfect way to kick off a Friday night in Petersburg's revitalized downtown.

Housed in an 1816 historic building on Cockade Alley, The Brickhouse Run is one of the most unique dining experiences in all of Virginia. With a 4.5-star rating from over 300 reviews, this cozy English-style pub serves authentic Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips, bangers and mash, and a stellar selection of British and craft beers. The historic setting -- exposed brick walls, original wood beams, and a warm fireplace in winter -- makes it feel like a London pub that somehow landed in Petersburg. The outdoor alley seating in summer is wonderful, and the Sunday roast is a local institution.

Saucy's is a two-time Southern Living award-winning barbecue smokehouse that has put Hopewell on the culinary map. The brisket is the headliner -- slow-smoked for hours over hickory and oak until it reaches that perfect balance of smoky bark and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sausages are equally outstanding. Saucy's started as a catering operation run by two musicians who turned a cross-country barbecue obsession into one of Virginia's most celebrated restaurants. The Hopewell location has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with live music on select nights.

Dixie Restaurant is a Petersburg institution with a 4.6-star rating -- one of the highest-rated restaurants in the Tri-Cities area. This no-frills Southern spot serves breakfast and lunch in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping into a friend's kitchen. The biscuits and gravy, pancakes, country ham, and fried chicken are outstanding, and the portions are generous enough to keep you full through dinner. This is the kind of place where the waitress remembers your name and the coffee is always fresh. A true local gem that embodies the spirit of Petersburg.

The Boathouse at City Point is a Hopewell waterfront dining destination with stunning views of the Appomattox River at its confluence with the James River. The menu covers American classics with a seafood emphasis -- crab cakes, fried oysters, fresh fish, and steaks -- and the outdoor deck overlooking the river is one of the best sunset-watching spots in the Tri-Cities area. City Point itself is rich with Civil War history, having served as General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. A meal at The Boathouse combines great food with a genuinely historic setting.

The Appomattox River Greenway is a growing network of paved multi-use trails along the Appomattox River connecting Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Ettrick. The trails offer beautiful river views, access to fishing spots and kayak launches, and a peaceful urban nature experience right in the heart of the Tri-Cities. Sections of the trail pass through historic areas and connect to several parks. In summer, the trail is shaded in many sections and popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Poplar Lawn is one of Petersburg's most historic and beautiful parks -- a 5-acre green space in the heart of Old Towne that served as a Civil War campsite and hospital ground. Today it is a peaceful urban park with towering old-growth trees, walking paths, a gazebo, and plenty of shaded benches. The park hosts community events throughout the summer and is a lovely spot for a picnic, a quiet read, or an afternoon stroll through history.

City Point is the historic waterfront area of Hopewell at the confluence of the James and Appomattox Rivers -- the spot where General Grant established his headquarters during the Civil War. Today it features a marina, fishing pier, walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning river views. The City Point National Battlefield and the restored historic buildings in the area make this a destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In summer, the river breezes keep the area comfortable even on hot days.

Lee's Park is a 22-acre waterfront park on the Appomattox River with a boat ramp, fishing pier, playground, picnic shelters, and walking trails. The adjacent Hopewell Marina provides boat slips and kayak access to the river. The park is a popular spot for family gatherings, with plenty of open space for games and a peaceful setting along the water. The river views here are beautiful, especially at sunset.

Centre Hill Mansion is a beautifully preserved 1823 Federal-style historic house museum in Old Towne Petersburg. The mansion played a role in the Civil War -- it was visited by President Lincoln and General Grant in 1865. Today it offers guided tours through period-furnished rooms, exhibits on Petersburg's history, and lovely grounds in a quiet residential neighborhood. In summer, the mansion's shaded grounds are a peaceful escape from the heat.

Swaders Sports Park is a family-friendly outdoor recreation destination in Prince George County featuring mini golf, batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, and a large arcade. The park is a favorite for birthday parties, family outings, and summer fun. With a 4.0-star rating, it is the go-to destination for active family entertainment in the Tri-Cities area. The mini golf course is well-maintained and fun for all ages.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) at Fort Gregg-Adams hosts an annual Back to School Bash and Movie Night to help military families prepare for the upcoming school year. The event typically includes school supplies giveaways, information on EFMP resources, family activities, and a movie screening at the Beaty Theater. This is a fantastic event for military families with school-aged children who are part of the EFMP program. Registration details are available through the Fort Gregg-Adams MWR office.

Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) runs a packed schedule of summer MWR programs for military families, including recreational sports leagues, outdoor adventures, youth programs, and family events at the installation's various facilities. The base features a bowling center, fitness centers, golf course, outdoor pools, and the historic Beaty Theater. As the Army's Sustainment Center of Excellence and home to over 27,000 military and civilian personnel, Fort Gregg-Adams has an active, family-focused MWR program that keeps military families engaged all summer long.

The Historic Hopewell Foundation leads weekly walking tours through the City Point historic district, where General Grant established his Civil War headquarters in 1864-65. The tours cover the dramatic history of this area -- from its role in the Siege of Petersburg to its industrial boom and its present-day revitalization. Military families stationed at Fort Gregg-Adams will find these tours especially meaningful, as they explore the same ground where the Union Army planned the campaign that ended the Civil War. Tours run every Wednesday through late August.

Team RWB's Southside chapter connects veterans, active duty service members, and military families through group fitness events, social gatherings, and community service projects across the Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights area. The summer schedule typically includes group runs along the Appomattox River Greenway, happy hours at local breweries, and volunteer opportunities. Team RWB is a national organization that strengthens veteran communities through meaningful social connections, and the Southside chapter is one of the most active in Virginia.