Local Attractions
Discover the City of Manassas. From historic and charming to quirky and offbeat, it’s unlike any other destination in Northern Virginia.
Parks and Recreation
Since 1989, Manassas has celebrated its distinction as a Tree City USA® community that boasts numerous trails, parks, pools, and activities to keep residents and visitors fit and outdoors. Manassas has a high walkability rating, a testament to the City’s commitment to being bike and pedestrian friendly. If you enjoy the outdoors, check out the many bike routes and walking trails leading to unique shopping, restaurants, playgrounds, parks, and historic sites.
Featured Attractions
Vertical Rock
Imagine a climbing gym with towering 50-foot high walls, daring arches, chimneys, overhangs, dihedrals, aretes, cracks, and slab walls to challenge every climber physically and mentally.
Freedom Aquatics and Fitness Center
The Freedom Center is a fitness facility equipped with an indoor pool, exercise machines, strength training equipment, personal trainers, and more.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas is known for the two major Civil War land battles that erupted in the summers of July 1861 and August 1862. Walk these fields to witness history firsthand and learn about the loss of 620,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives to ultimately unite our nation. This 5,000-acre park includes a museum, original structures, picnic grounds, walking and horse trails, plus hosts lectures and tours throughout the year.
Historic Downtown
There’s a lot to do in the City of Manassas. Just ask one of the 300,000+ people who annually attend our outdoor events, dine at our sidewalk restaurants, or gather at our local watering holes. From boutique shopping to family-friendly events, art galleries and fine dining, Manassas offers something for everyone! During warmer months, enjoy one of our free concerts or festivals. In the winter, take a turn around the ice at our outdoor ice skating pavilion.
February through December, Historic Downtown celebrates First Friday. On the first Friday of the month, Manassas closes its streets and transforms Downtown into a walkable, lively streetscape. Specialty stores stay open late, and visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor activities and entertainment. Each month features a unique theme and event — from soup sampling at February’s “Souper Bowl” to pup-friendly attractions and treats from shop owners at August’s “Dog Days of Summer.”
Featured Attractions
Farmer’s Market
Prince William Living magazine voted our market — featuring over 160 vendors — as one of the best in the area.
Manassas Museum
The Manassas Museum was beautifully renovated inside and out in 2023, the year when the City celebrated its 150th anniversary commemorating its 1873 founding. Come inside and see artifacts from the area’s rich history — and outside — enjoy a landscaped patio with seating and tables overlooking the spacious lawn. Our museum features changing exhibits, tours, and programming for all ages and interests.
Inside the museum, visit Echoes, the Manassas Museum Store, for distinctive gifts with local flair. The museum is located at 9101 Prince William Street.
Harris Pavilion
Every city needs a central point and this is ours. All year long, the Loy E. Harris Pavilion—by our historic railroad depot—is the perfect spot for outdoor concerts, dances, Farmer’s Markets, ice cream socials, and more. In winter months, it transforms into an ice rink under twinkling white lights creating a magical evening for all. The Pavilion is also available for rent and holds 1,000 people (standing), 750 (theater style), and 500 seated at tables.
Arts and Culture
Manassas is home to a number of visual and performing arts organizations, including ballet, theatre, and a professional symphony. Historic Downtown is fortunate to claim four amazing galleries within walking distance of one another. Take a stroll along the City streets and explore creative works as you travel from one gallery to another.
On Downtown’s historically themed light poles, original artwork is transformed into street banners while utility boxes and outlets are playfully painted in animal and other colorful motifs. Whether you prefer sculpture and murals or painted trains featuring whimsical art like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, new art is always popping up making every visit a cultural experience.
Featured Attractions
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Hylton Performing Arts Center is an 85,000-square-foot center home to two unparalleled performance venues for local art groups such as Manassas Ballet Theatre and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, plus performers from around the world.
ARTfactory
ARTfactory (formerly Center for the Arts), located in Historic Downtown in the old Candy Factory building, offers rotating art exhibits, theater productions, plus art and dance classes, and workshops for all ages.
Art in the City
Art is popping up all throughout Historic Downtown. Check out the Manassas 2018 Art Map that shows art spots throughout the City. Discover everything from art hung in local establishments and on City light posts, sculptures, benches with painted designs and surprise art scenes in alleys, on historic brick buildings, and more.
