If you work in Old Town Manassas, this summer presents a new, fun way to enjoy your lunch break. The Wednesday Lunch Concerts at Harris Pavilion are happening every week through the end of August from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., right over your midday break. It's the perfect opportunity to escape the office and regroup after a grueling morning.

Pack a picnic lunch or grab something at the 10-plus eateries scattered around Old Town. There are many within walking distance of the Harris Pavilion, making it easy to pick up lunch and still have time to enjoy the show. An eclectic mix of musicians and bands populate the lineup with each week offering something a bit different. Since the concerts are free, and tables and chairs are set up for listeners, it couldn't be easier to soak up some tunes on your lunch break.

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Virgina is a state with unrivaled history, much of which is deeply rooted in the Civil War. Many have been able to delve into this history through the written word, including author David Gilbert, who recently penned the novel “Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History." Lucky for history buffs, Mr. Gilbert will be gracing Manassas with a book talk on August 6th at 1:30 p.m. at the Manassas Museum.

The book covers a rich historical recap of over thirty battles fought in Virginia throughout the duration of the Civil War. From the famous Gettysburg to the lesser-known Antietam, there isn’t a detail that has been missed. The book covers not only topography and geographical information on each and every site but also provides detailed historical maps, insight into military conduct during the battles, and an insider look at information not readily available to all eyes. It’s a truly enlightening novel, and you can be sure that Mr. Gilbert will have even more tales to tell at the book talk.

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Music lovers can unite during Battle Street Live, a summer concert series taking place in Old Town Manassas. Hosted by beloved downtown restaurants Okra’s, Monza, and Badwolf Public House, this event brings all sorts of music genres together. You may have guessed the host location is Battle Street, so grab some friends and a couple chairs and camp out for a perfect summer night.

Each weekend evening you’ll be serenaded by a different performer or group (check out the entire schedule online). The weekend of August 3-5 promises to bring no shortage of talent with five concerts total. Kicking off the weekend on Friday evening is indie sensation Leon Rector at 6 p.m. Then Saturday you can catch two shows, Caleb Hacker at 5:30 p.m. and Chugalug with a mix of pop and rock classics at 9 p.m. Sunday you’ll get two more great ones with Zack Quintana at 5 p.m. and Mandatory Recess at 9 p.m. All shows you don’t want to miss, so pencil them in now!

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