Join us for the inaugural Quacktoberfest, a free community festival celebrating everything we love about autumn. Spend the afternoon enjoying fall-themed activities, carnival rides, local vendors, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun along the Rappahannock River.
The highlight of the day is the return of the Fredericksburg Rubber Ducky Derby. Originally scheduled for Fourth in Fredericksburg, the derby was postponed due to extreme summer heat and is making a splash at Quacktoberfest instead. At 3pm, over 2,000 rubber ducks will race down the Rappahannock River, with prizes awarded to the owners of the fastest ducks.
Haven’t adopted your duck yet? Ducks are just $5 each, and once they’re sold out, they’re gone! Proceeds benefit Friends of the Rappahannock and the City of Fredericksburg’s FUNd Parks Fund, supporting conservation efforts and enhancing parks and recreational opportunities throughout the community. Adopt a duck: https://riverfriends.org/product/fxbg-rubber-ducky-2026/
As the sun begins to set, grab a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for Movie in the Park. Enjoy a special 25-minute episode of Darkwing Duck before the featured presentation of Disney’s Hocus Pocus at dusk, making for the perfect ending to a fun-filled fall day.
Whether you’re cheering on your lucky duck, riding carnival rides, shopping with local vendors, or making memories with family and friends, Quacktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate the season in Downtown Fredericksburg.
Event Highlights
- FREE admission
- Rubber Ducky Derby at 3pm
- Carnival rides
- Live music
- Local vendors
- Fall-themed activities
- Food vendors
- Movie in the Park featuring Hocus Pocus at dusk
- Special showing of a Darkwing Duck episode before the movie
Bring your family, your friends, your lawn chairs, and your favorite flannel for an unforgettable day at Fredericksburg’s newest fall festival!
