By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living<\/p>\n
What began as a festival focused on pollinators has grown into something much larger for the City of Manassas. Over the past six years, the Manassas Bee Festival has become a catalyst for environmental awareness, historic preservation, wellness, education, and community connection.<\/p>\n
The 6th Annual Manassas Bee Festival Founded by Manassas City Council Member Theresa Coates Ellis, the festival was created to educate residents about the importance of pollinators, native plants, and responsible environmental stewardship. Today, those efforts extend far beyond a single annual event.<\/p>\n \u201cThe response has been positive,\u201d Ellis shared. \u201cMore gardens, apiaries, natural landscapes, and awareness to be responsible with pesticides and chemicals are widespread.\u201d<\/p>\n The festival eventually evolved into a nonprofit organization with a board, Friends of the Manassas Bee Festival, which now manages the event and its growing list of related initiatives throughout the community.<\/p>\n Over the years, volunteers and partners have visited schools, hosted educational programs for scouts and service organizations, and opened the Liberia apiary to the public to teach responsible beekeeping practices, native bee habitats, and the importance of protecting pollinators.<\/p>\n The work naturally expanded into preservation and beautification efforts tied to the historic grounds of Liberia Historic House and Grounds<\/strong>. Ellis explained that the addition of the apiary was historically fitting because Liberia House likely would have maintained bees during its earlier years. A native historic garden was also added with support from Master Gardeners and local garden clubs.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have an interest in preservation after the city invested in preserving Liberia,\u201d Ellis said. \u201cThe festival has added natural elements to complement the history.\u201d<\/p>\n That connection between nature, history, and community has continued to grow.<\/p>\n Today, local beekeepers maintain nearly 35 hives throughout the city and surrounding areas, and locally produced honey is readily available year-round. Community awareness around pollinator-friendly practices has also increased, including conversations about reducing harmful pesticide and chemical use.<\/p>\n The movement has inspired public art and local business partnerships as well.<\/p>\n Ellis shared that Kerbobble Toys<\/strong> partnered with the nonprofit to create a pollinator-themed mural. The project was funded through the nonprofit, with Patricia, the shop owner, and her sister, Cassidy, designing the mural.<\/p>\n Downtown partnerships have strengthened community engagement around the festival, too. Ellis noted that Historic Manassas Inc.<\/strong> partnered with the festival team for a public showing of the animated film Bee Movie during the launch of Sinistral Brewing Company<\/strong>\u2019s local honey lager, drawing families to a blocked-off downtown street celebration.<\/p>\n The nonprofit has also expanded its impact through the opening of Buzz Around Town at 8637 Mathis Avenue in Manassas. The pop-up shop features local honey, handmade artisan goods, curated reuse items, and products that help financially support the nonprofit\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n City leaders say the Bee City USA designation continues to positively influence Manassas\u2019 environmental practices.<\/p>\n \u201cAs one of the Bee City USA Affiliates, the City of Manassas recognizes the benefits of promoting pollinator friendly vegetation selection and pesticide application,\u201d said Steve Burke, City Manager for the City of Manassas. \u201cThe outreach associated with our Bee City USA affiliation has allowed the city to educate our residents and promote good practices in Manassas.\u201d<\/p>\n That mission is also influencing this year\u2019s festival programming in new ways.<\/p>\n The 2026 festival will expand its wellness offerings to include tai chi, soothing sound experiences, and a gong bath alongside environmental education and pollinator programming.<\/p>\n \u201cPollinators are critical to our growing food source,\u201d Ellis explained. \u201cWith increased mental health issues, getting outside, and getting in touch with nature and healthier food contributes to better wellness and health.\u201d<\/p>\n Ellis noted that sponsors and supporters such as UVA Health<\/strong> and George Mason University<\/strong> recognize the connection between sustainability, healthy food systems, and overall wellness. George Mason University also carries its own Bee City Campus designation.<\/p>\n The festival\u2019s newest addition, the Wander Manassas250 Nature & History Photo Contest, further ties the community\u2019s environmental and historical efforts together.<\/p>\n Inspired by the national America250 movement and the Virginia VA250 initiative, the contest encourages residents and visitors to capture images that reflect the city\u2019s current story through nature, wildlife, gardens, pollinators, and historic places.<\/p>\n \u201cThe America250 and the Mobile Van for VA250 inspired the photo contest,\u201d Ellis said. \u201cI hope to print the winners and display them for the public as well as share the digital copies.\u201d<\/p>\n As the Manassas Bee Festival enters its sixth year, its impact can now be seen throughout the community \u2014 in gardens, murals, educational outreach, environmental practices, wellness programming, and the growing number of residents reconnecting with nature right in their own backyard.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time:<\/strong>\u00a010am \u2013 2pm<\/strong>
Location: Liberia House and Grounds
8601 Portner Avenue
Manassas City<\/strong>,Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n