How to Spend July Fourth in Manassas

To find one of the splashiest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia, look no further than Celebrate America right here in Manassas. This massive 4th of July Festival launches with a day-long bash in Historic Downtown Manassas and culminates with a stunning fireworks show.

Come to the train depot, Harris Pavilion, or Manassas Museum at 3 p.m. to begin having some holiday fun. This is when the kiddie rides open up for families. Then at 4 p.m., food vendors and crafters welcome guests to their booths. Explore and enjoy until 9:15 p.m., when you should take up your post on the museum lawn (preferably with a blanket or lawn chairs) for the fireworks show. Admission to the lawn is free, but if you're interested in getting a closer look at the fireworks, buy a ticket to the bash atop the downtown parking garage roof. It includes food, drink, and front-row seats to the action.

Sip a Pint at Heritage Brewing Company

There's a lot to love about Heritage Brewing Company. The Manassas-based brewery was founded by veterans in 2013 and continues to be run by veterans, so sipping a pint of beer here is a patriotic act. These vets weren't just concerned with earning a livelihood, they wanted to earn it in the right way. So they spent tons of time brainstorming ways to make their brewery as sustainable as possible, and they only craft organic brews.

Keep these facts in mind when you come to the Taproom. Each beer here is special. The flagship brews include the Freedom Isn't Free IPA, Kings Mountain Scotch Ale, and American Expedition Honey Ginger Wheat Ale. Heritage also crafts seasonal suds and limited-series beers, such as the Legendary American Spirit, a Session IPA that pairs well with summery foods such as garden salads and barbecue.

See What’s In Store at Totally Vintage Designs in Manassas

Totally Vintage Design houses a varied mix of trendy clothing and jewelry, DIY and crafting tools, glassware and gifts, and other trinkets and keepsakes. It's a fun spot in Manassas to go and browse, especially if you're searching for the perfect present for a friend or something sweet to spruce up your apartment or wardrobe.

Peruse the colorful collection of high-end candles, each emanating a sweet fragrance that will instantly bring an element of serenity to any room. Check out the vintage home accents, like whitewashed rocking chairs and rustic wooden wall hangings. You can also bring home some materials to create your own home decor, like the Faux Real Mineral Paint. Free of any harsh chemicals and available in a wide array of hues, this eco-friendly paint will beautifully refinish a cute thrift store find.

The Harris Pavilion’s Take Out Tuesday Concert Series Kicks Off on June 6

As the air warms and the flowers bloom, it's the perfect time to head outside and drink in some fresh air. The Take Out Tuesday Concerts at the Harris Pavilion provides an opportunity to do just that. Every Tuesday (except July 4th) through the end of August, the Pavilion hosts a performance by one of the area's top artists.

The concert series kicks off with local band Eddie's Mom on June 6th and then moves through a roster of eclectic musicians until August 29th, when Gary Smallwood closes out the summer. Before you pull up a piece of lawn at the evening concert, stop at an Old Town restaurant for a takeout dinner. You'll receive 10% off your meal on Take Out Tuesday Concert nights. If you still need a snack after dinner, you might be able to find one at the small farmers' market that accompanies the concerts in the park.

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A New Restaurant Near The Courts at Historic Manassas: Hector’s of Nokesville

For a taste of one of the newest joints in town, head to Hector’s of Nokesville. They set up shop in April and have been earning rave reviews ever since. Expect authentic Mexican plates at great prices with generous servings.

To start, the stuffed jalapenos and the nachos are favorites so far. You can go for the Hector’s Platter, which comes with some nachos, wings, taquitos, beef tips, and a quesadilla for a little taste of everything. For your entree choose anything from the staples like enchiladas verdes to unique options like their chili verde. With the camarones Mexicanos dish being the most expensive at only $15.75, you can bring the whole family and still have an affordable night out. They even have a kids' menu.

Check out their lunch specials for a real deal. You can snag one of their combo plates with three different Mexican specialties from $5.25 to $6.25, depending on what you choose. You can also turn lunch into brunch with the huevos rancheros or the huevos con chorizo plates!

All Aboard for the 23rd Annual Heritage Railway Festival on June 3!

All aboard! Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Heritage Railway Festival taking over the rails on Saturday, June 3. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you’ll be able to bask in the sun while soaking up entertainment all around, then take a ride on an excursion train to Clifton and back again.

The excursions will boast special guests like Chase from Paw Patrol and Belle from Beauty and the Beast to truly make your kiddos' day. Chase will take the morning trips at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. with Belle running the show in the afternoon at noon and 1 p.m. Beyond excursions, you’ll enjoy tons of live music and artisans, food for when you work up an appetite, and more!

You can grab your tickets at the Train Depot or online until the event. They’re only $5 per person if you pay cash or $6 per person if you pay by credit card.

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On Friday, See ‘Trolls’ at the Manassas Museum

Here's a fun way to kick off the weekend: Head to the Manassas Museum's movie night! With festivities starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, this special event invites the public for an alfresco film screening of the animated movie "Trolls"! Bring a picnic blanket and some lawn chairs, pack a few drinks and snacks, and claim your spot on the museum's lawn. You'd be well advised to bring some cash, too: Popcorn, candy, pizza, hot dogs, and other film-watching fare will be available for purchase, with sales benefiting the Baldwin Elementary School PTO.

This event is free to attend, and the movie starts at 8:15 p.m. Don't miss it!

Get Your Bicycle Tuned Up! Bike to Work Day Returns on May 19

With sustainability and health in the forefront of everyone’s minds these days, it’s only fitting that Bike to Work Day will take over the streets of DC, Maryland, and Virginia on May 19th, with thousands of cyclists participating. Throughout the area, there will be 85 pit stops giving out free t-shirts, food and drink, as well as pretty awesome prizes (the Manassas Train Depot is one of the pit stops!). You’ll have the chance to win everything from a free bike to tons of accessories, like helmets, bike locks, and much more.

It’s a free event, so why not register and take part? If you register by May 12th as one of the first 16,000 people, you’ll be guaranteed a t-shirt to add to your collection when you reach your pit stop. If you want to find someone to bike with, check out the website to learn more about the buddy program. It’s a rain or shine event, so plan accordingly!

The City of Manassas Farmer’s Market Is Back!

The City of Manassas Farmer’s Market is back in action! With vendors specializing in seasonal produce and gourmet goods, the market is held 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday (at the Harris Pavilion) and Saturday (at the Prince William Parking lot) between April 6th and mid-November. During the summer, there's a third market, which is held on 5 – 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the Harris Pavilion.

There are vendors galore each week. 8 Myles LLC serves up some of the most eclectic gourmet sauces you’ll ever taste, Becky’s Pastries will fulfill any sweet craving, and Blue Dog BBQ will cook up a meal you can’t resist, among so many others. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, a gift for a special someone, or a quick bite, you can find everything at the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market. Check out the full list of vendors online.

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Have You Had a Chance to Shop Manassas’s ‘Hop Around Downtown’ Event?

Through April 15th, the retailers of Downtown Manassas are offering awesome deals as a part of Hop Around Downtown. Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, pop in to all your favorites and make a purchase. After you buy, you’ll be able to grab an egg filled with a secret prize! Three eggs will be grand-prize winners!

Participating stores include everyone from The Things I Love to Prospero’s Books, Shining Sol Candle Company to Scatter Seeds, Grounds Central Station, and so many more. Check out the Visit Manassas website for a full list of shops that will be participating in this fun new event. Can’t beat supporting local business for the chance to win an amazing prize, right? Here’s to hoping you’re a lucky winner!

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