By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
Northern Virginia families looking for a fresh way to welcome spring will have a new tradition to circle on the calendar. The inaugural Great Manassas Campout arrives May 2 to May 3, 2026, transforming the grounds of the Liberia Historic House and Grounds into a one-night community camping experience rooted in sustainability, history, and pollinator awareness.
Founded by Theresa Coates Ellis, Manassas City Council Member and Patron Council Member for Bee City USA, the Liberia Historic Gardens, and the community apiary, the campout blends conservation and community in a setting that carries both natural beauty and historic significance.
The event takes place during Preservation Week as part of the broader VA250 and Manassas250 season, which is connected to the national America250 initiative. It also aligns with May’s global celebration of pollinators through World Bee Day, reinforcing Manassas’ leadership as Northern Virginia’s first designated Bee City USA community.
A Campout with Purpose
This is camping with intention.
Families are invited to bring their tents, coolers, and favorite cozy setups for an evening designed to help participants unplug and reconnect. From seasoned campers to those trying their first overnight outdoors, the event is structured to be welcoming and accessible.
Expect a relaxed atmosphere grounded in shared experience:
* Campfire storytelling and acoustic music on historic grounds
* Evening meals, s’mores, and grab-and-go food included
* The glow of the Full “Flower” Moon overhead
* Themes of conservation, biodiversity, history, and preservation are woven throughout
* A morning community gathering and send-off
* Friendly, leashed pets welcome
Guests are encouraged to bring acoustic guitars and soft instruments to add to the collaborative campfire experience.
“This campout is about more than camping and is welcoming to everyone,” said Ellis. “It’s about unplugging, connecting, conservation, preservation, and creating meaningful memories together in nature under the night sky. Our Friends of the Manassas Bee Festival team is proud to launch this inaugural event during the America250 and World Bee Day season to invite the region to be part of a new Manassas tradition.”
From Campout to Festival
The Great Manassas Campout is presented by the Friends of the 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival, a Bee City USA initiative. Following the campout weekend, organizers will continue the momentum with the 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026, once again at Liberia House and Grounds.
Together, these events spotlight Manassas as a leader in pollinator protection, sustainable practices, and community-driven heritage programming.
Plan Your Overnight
The event will be held rain or shine, with nearby parking available. Camping tips, gear checklists, and supplier information will be shared on social media and through the event website. Additional information is available at Buzz Around Town, 8637 Mathis Ave., Manassas.
Click here for sponsorship opportunities, volunteer details, registration, and payment information.
For questions, contact Buzz Around Town at (571) 247-6729 or email Info@Buzz-Around-Town.com.
As Manassas continues to build traditions that connect people to place, this campout offers something simple and powerful: a night outside, a shared fire, and a reminder that community grows best when we tend it together.
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living and CEO of Imagine, a destination marketing agency serving communities across Virginia and beyond. A longtime advocate for community storytelling, economic development, and local leadership, she is passionate about highlighting the people and initiatives that strengthen Prince William County and the surrounding region.