Historic Manassas, Inc.
The Summer is Heating Up – Literally!
Well, the weather sure did ramp up on us this week, didn’t it? Nothing like the seasonal change in Virginia to keep you on your toes. Speaking of heating up – it’s almost time for HMI’s first signature event of the year, The Historic Manassas Railway Festival. This event takes place June 6, 2026, and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Railway Festival is completely FREE to attend and enjoy!
In addition to the festival, HMI also offers the ever-popular Excursion Train Ride to Clifton, Virginia and back. Tickets for the train ride are $9 (additional $1 fee if using a credit card). The trip is less than an hour and lets you experience the sights, sounds, and scenery of a train ride from Manassas to Clifton, and back. You can purchase your tickets at this location. As an added bonus, the 501st Regiment Troopers (Star Wars related) will be joining the 10 and 11 a.m. trains, and Belle and Mirabel will be joining the 12 and 1 p.m. trains. It will be a fun time all around!
Railway Festival Information | Order Train Ride Tickets
Important dates to add to your calendar:
Welcome Sleepy Dragon Books!
Sleepy Dragon Books was welcomed to town with a ribbon cutting on April 24, 2026. It’s amazing to have a bookstore back in town! Owner Emily (who also owns Honey and Ivy Gluten Free) has done an amazing job curating a fantastic selection of books and merchandise for her bookstore. If you want to see what you’re missing, check out the photos from the ribbon cutting (and then make plans to come and see the store in person at 9101 Center Street, Manassas).
Visit Sleepy Dragon Books Instagram
Upcoming Ribbon Cutting
Welcome Metamorphosis Salon to their new Downtown home with a ribbon cutting on May 27, 2026.
The ribbon cutting will take place at 8953 Center Street (right next to Creative Brush). You can find complete details at the event page location.
Things to Remember – In July and October, “First Friday” will take place on the SECOND Friday of those respective months. – Make sure to follow HMI on social media for the best opportunity to stay up to date with news, events, and other happenings in Old Town Manassas.
Did You Catch… – Grounds Central Station just turned 16! – There were a lot of Historic Downtown Manassas winners in Virginia Living Magazine’s Best of 2026 – read about all of the winners here.
