If you’re looking for a family-friendly event near Washington, DC, this weekend, the Manassas Bee Festival is set to return with a full day of activities celebrating honeybees, native pollinators, and the outdoors.
The annual festival has become one of Northern Virginia’s most unique summer traditions, drawing thousands of visitors to historic Manassas for a mix of education, entertainment, local food, and community fun.
From honey tastings and live music to farm animals and wagon rides, the event offers something for all ages while highlighting the importance of protecting pollinators and planting native species.
Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an easy day trip for families across the Washington region.
When and where is the Manassas Bee Festival?
The 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20th, from 10 am to 2 pm at Liberia House and Grounds, located at 8601 Portner Avenue in Manassas, Virginia.
The historic property sits just a short drive from Washington, DC, and offers plenty of green space for festival activities.
Visitors can also kick off the day with a 2K Honey Hike, which begins at 9:15 am from the Manassas Museum Lawn and leads participants toward the festival grounds.
Organizers say the event helps raise awareness about declining pollinator populations while showcasing why Manassas became Northern Virginia’s first community to receive the Bee City USA designation.
What can visitors expect at the Manassas Bee Festival?
The festival combines environmental education with classic summer festival fun.
Guests can explore exhibits focused on honeybees, native pollinators, and native plants while learning from experts and community organizations.
Highlights include:
- Local honey tastings
- Food trucks and vendors
- Live music and bluegrass performances
- Farm animals
- Wagon rides
- Bounce houses and children’s activities
- Pollinator costume parade
- Games, crafts, and prizes
- Native plant education and gardening resources
- Historic Liberia House tours
One of the festival’s signature attractions is the opportunity to learn about pollinators through hands-on experiences, including demonstrations, educational talks, and interactive exhibits.
Visitors are even encouraged to dress like their favorite pollinator and join the costume parade.
Is the Manassas Bee Festival free to attend?
Yes. Admission to the Manassas Bee Festival is completely free, and organizers note that no tickets are required.
The event is designed as a community celebration that welcomes visitors of all ages.
That makes it one of the more affordable family-friendly events happening in the Washington, DC, area this weekend.
While food, beverages, and purchases from vendors may cost extra, guests can enjoy the festival grounds, educational exhibits, entertainment, and many activities without paying an admission fee.
Whether you’re interested in beekeeping, native gardening, local honey, or simply looking for a fun outdoor event, the Manassas Bee Festival offers a sweet way to spend a Saturday in Northern Virginia.
