Know Before You Go
Plan Your Upcoming Visit
Learn about our venue, parking, ticket policies, and accessibility so your concert experience is seamless.
Coming from Stafford?
You're only about 15 minutes away. Take I-95 N to Exit 130A (Route 1/William St) straight to free parking at James Monroe. Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George neighbors are all within 30 minutes.
Parking Map
Download Map PDFBefore the Downbeat
Before the Show
The show starts before the first note. Arrive early to soak in the lobby buzz, meet the community, and glimpse the quiet rituals that turn world-class talent into an unforgettable performance.
Lobby Energy & Fashion
Friends reconnecting, families dressed to the nines, and the excited hum of an audience ready to be transported. Come as you are, or dress up for the occasion — the FSO lobby is where the night truly begins.
The Preshow Buzz
From lively meet-and-greets to families gathering early and musicians warming up in the lobby, the excitement builds long before the lights dim. Come experience the community energy that makes every FSO concert feel like an event.
Backstage Warmup
Long before the house lights dim, our musicians are backstage — tuning, stretching, and finding their focus. Watch the quiet, intimate rituals that turn world-class talent into an unforgettable performance.
The Final Hour
An hour before curtain, the hall fills with a quiet, focused hum. Strings are tuned to the oboe's A, reeds are soaked, valves oiled, and rosin dusted — the unseen choreography that makes a performance look effortless.
Tuning & Tonality
In sections and alone, players ease into the music they'll share that night — the opening bars of a concerto, a delicate solo, a thunderous tutti. Each instrument finds its voice within the whole.
Focus & Stillness
Backstage offers a rare intimacy: musicians in their own world before the public one begins. There is laughter, concentration, a shared nod across the section — and then the hush as the house lights dim.
Watch & Listen
Warmup Videos
Warmup videos will appear here soon. Check back closer to the next concert.
In the Wings
Glimpses Before the Performance
A Quick Guide to Applause 🎶
When Do I Clap?
New to the symphony? Welcome! We are thrilled to have you. The golden rule for classical concerts is simple: we usually save our applause until the very end of a complete musical piece.
Many classical works (like symphonies and concertos) have short pauses between sections, called “movements.” Think of these movements like chapters in a book — holding your applause between chapters helps the musicians maintain focus and keeps the musical story flowing smoothly.
Pro-Tip
If you are ever unsure, just take your cue from the conductor! When the piece is fully finished, the conductor will lower their baton, turn around toward the audience, and smile. That is your cue to let out your biggest round of applause!
Parking
Where is the concert hall located?
James Monroe Auditorium is located at James Monroe High School in downtown Fredericksburg, VA. The address is 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Concert patrons should park in the lots located at 2300 Washington Avenue — please refer to the map below.
Where is general parking?
General parking is accessible from Entrance #2, marked in the GREEN lots. Ample accessible parking is also available from Entrance #2, located on both sides of the turning circle and marked in BLUE. You may use this turning circle to drop off and pick up patrons.
Where is priority parking?
The lot located off Entrance #1 is for Priority Parking only — the PURPLE lot. You must display your priority parking hangtag in the rearview mirror to park here (please do not park in the section marked Musician Parking). You may also use Lot #1 to drop off and pick up patrons, but parking is reserved exclusively for pass holders. Please do not park in any spot marked "Reserved" with the ORANGE line unless that space has your name on it. Areas outlined in BLUE are reserved as accessible spaces.
How do I get there from Stafford, Spotsylvania, or Caroline?
From Stafford, take I-95 N to Exit 130A (Route 1/William St) — about 12–18 minutes to the venue. From Spotsylvania, Route 1 N or I-95 N to Exit 130A runs roughly 15 minutes. From Caroline County, take US-17 S to I-95 S to Exit 130A, about 25–30 minutes. Free parking is in the GREEN lots off Entrance #2. Prefer to map it yourself? Search "James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA 22401."
Accessibility
Is there handicapped accessible seating?
Our concerts are welcoming and inclusive. The main entrance and the orchestra tier in the hall are wheelchair accessible, with designated seating for patrons in wheelchairs. To utilize an accessible seat, patrons must be using a wheelchair, as there is no physical seat in these spaces. If you use a walker, an usher can assist you with sitting down and storing your walker during the concert — aisle seats are typically the most convenient. There is no elevator to the Tier 2 seats, so patrons with mobility restrictions should reserve seats in the orchestra level only.
Is there accessible parking?
Accessible parking spaces are located in the turning circle at the front entrance of the venue, and also in the large circle located in the parking area off Washington Avenue.
Concert Night
Is there assigned seating?
Yes! All tickets are assigned seating.
Do I need to physically print and bring my tickets to the concert?
No! As long as you have proof of purchase on a smart device that shows your seat location, you do not need to bring the actual tickets to enter the auditorium.
I can't find my tickets.
If it is more than 24 hours prior to the concert, please email info@fredericksburgsymphony.org and we can re-issue your tickets electronically so that you don't need to visit the Will Call desk upon arrival. Less than 24 hours? Please visit the Will Call desk in the lobby and a staff member or volunteer can look up your order and re-issue your tickets.
When should I arrive?
The doors to the facility lobby open 90 minutes before the show begins. The doors to the auditorium open approximately 1 hour prior to the show. There are places to sit in the lobby area prior to doors opening to the concert hall. We recommend arriving early so you don't miss the opening of the performance.
What happens if I arrive late?
Our concerts begin promptly at 7:30pm. Please allow ample time to park and be seated. We understand that sometimes life happens and patrons run late — our policy for late arrivals is to wait until the current piece is finished, then escort patrons to their seats between numbers.
Is there a dress code?
There is no firm dress code for the concerts. We want your concert experience to be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. You will see patrons in formal attire, business casual, and everything in between. Comfort is key, but a good rule of thumb is to dress as you would for a nice dinner out or a professional workplace.
How long is the concert?
While the length of the program differs from concert to concert, the performance generally lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a 20-minute intermission.
Can I purchase concessions during the concert?
Concessions will be available this season, with coffee and light refreshments available in the lobby. The full menu will be announced soon.
Where are the restrooms located?
Restrooms are located on both sides of the commons "lobby" area at James Monroe High School.
What are the recording policies?
Please turn off or silence all electronic devices prior to the start of the concert. Unfortunately, we do not allow cameras or any audio or recording devices during a performance. Though we encourage the use of social media before or after a performance, patrons may not use their phones during a performance.
Ticketing
Do children require a ticket?
Children under two years old that can sit on a lap do not require a ticket. If your child cannot sit on your lap, a ticket is required.
Are there discounted rates for students, teachers, military, or senior citizens?
Unfortunately we do not offer discounts. The rear row of the second tier has affordable reduced-legroom seating for $20.
How do I purchase tickets?
We recommend purchasing tickets directly from our website at fredericksburgsymphony.org, where you can select your seats from the map. You may also call 540-370-2399 for assistance.
What is the difference between a season ticket and an individual concert ticket?
Patrons can choose whether to purchase a season ticket at the beginning of each season. Season tickets provide you with the same seats for each concert in the season series (Lolli-Pops is not included) — you'll receive all of your tickets up front and won't have to worry about monitoring ticket sales dates for each individual concert. Patrons can also purchase a ticket for each individual concert; these go on sale between 4–5 weeks in advance of the individual concert.
How will I receive my tickets?
All tickets will be emailed to you upon completion of purchase. You may print the tickets out or bring a digital copy on your smart device. If you would prefer to receive printed tickets in the mail, please select "first class mail" as your delivery option at checkout. If tickets are purchased within 10 days of the concert, this option is not available and all tickets will be delivered electronically.
Do you offer group sales?
Yes, please contact info@fredericksburgsymphony.org or call 540-370-2399 for orders of 10 or more tickets.
Do you offer refunds or exchanges?
All tickets are final sale and non-refundable.