The Manassas Bee Festival is gearing up for its fourth year, set to take place on June 22, 2024, at Liberia House and Grounds. The event, organized by City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis, has steadily grown in popularity since its inception.
The festival aims to be a family-friendly affair with a mission to raise awareness about planting native flora and conserving pollinators. Attendees can expect to learn about Virginia’s native plants and their importance to local ecosystems.
“We want to emphasize the significance of native plants in preserving our pollinators,” remarked Coates Ellis.
The festival features a live apiary with beekeeping demonstrations by the Prince William Area Regional Beekeepers Association. Visitors can engage in educational activities provided by organizations such as the Prince William Master Gardeners and the Wildflower Society.
In addition to the educational components, the festival offers entertainment for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a unique pollinator costume parade. The parade encourages participants to dress up as various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and flowers.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance over the years,” said Coates Ellis. “Last year, we had approximately 8,000 visitors, and we’re expecting a similar turnout this year.”
To accommodate the growing interest, organizers have introduced new initiatives, such as a tractor ride from Old Town Manassas to the festival grounds. They are also exploring the possibility of a walking route from Old Town, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier alternative for attendees.
The festival’s success has not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as being named one of the top 20 summer festivals in the DC area by Washingtonian Magazine.
“We’re thrilled with the recognition and support we’ve received,” Coates Ellis expressed. “It’s a testament to the community’s dedication to environmental conservation and education.”
New this year, festival goers are invited to Start the festival morning with a 2K Honey Hike. Participants can sign up and donate $20 for local honey and Adopt-a-Bee with custom badge available at the starting BEE-line at Manassas Museum Lawn at 9:15 a.m. Organizers said the hike helps to reduce traffic and parking at Liberia House, increases heart rate, and helps save our pollinators.
The event runs from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
The Manassas Bee Festival returns this weekend to the Liberia House and Grounds, 8601 Portner Avenue in Manassas, on June 24, 2023.
The event seeks volunteers and experts.
Manassas Bee Festival: “We have food trucks. We also welcome our new Brew, Spirits, and Mead Garden. Heritage Brewery Manassas, Virgina, KO Distilling, and Misty Mountain Meadworks are joining us. Bring your ID to sample their local honey products, and grab a special 150th Manassas City Birthday bottle to go.”
“Event is rain or shine. Bring a drum or something fun to pound on. Carol Crossman Hartt teaches classes at the Art Factory Historic Manassas, Inc. She will teach some beats and lead a drum circle to begin the pollinator parade. Join in the fun. A few extra drums will be available too.”
“We have important meeting dates below. Experts and Performers are welcome too.”
“Thursday, June 22nd, 6 pm: Liberia House and Grounds porch facing 8601 Portner Ave. Event briefing and team assignments.”
“Friday, June 23rd, 6 pm: Updated briefing, and set up at Liberia House and Grounds porch.”
“Saturday, June 24th, 7 am to 3 pm: Please arrive for your assigned time slot. Check-in at the tent by the lawn stage with our Manassas Bee Festival banner on the event day.”
City of Manassas Economic Development Department: “Get buzzing at our 3rd annual Manassas Bee Festival June 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the grounds of historic 19th century Liberia House, which will be open for self-guided tours.”
“Attendees are encouraged to dress like a pollinator and join the costume parade! This family-fun event offers live music, vendors, local honey, bee hives plus native bee houses, plant experts, farm animals, food trucks, mead garden, bounce house, games, and crafts.”
“Manassas is the first city in Northern Virginia to receive the Bee City USA® designation, bringing awareness to plant native, and save declining pollinators.”
“Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger added, “The city could not be more happy with the 3rd annual Bee Festival at Liberia House and Grounds. This event has helped to create a culture of awareness for our natural surroundings in our lovely city.”
We’re getting the first word on the Manassas Bee Festival, which will return to the Liberia House and Grounds at 8601 Portner Avenue in Manassas.
Now in its third year, the festival will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023.
City Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis and the city’s Beautification Committee are organizing the event have organized the event. Few other details about the event have been announced. Event organizers are seeking sponsors, and you can find more information here.
At the previous Manassas Bee Festivals, visitors were treated to a costume parade, the waggle dance, a spelling bee, a new bluegrass band Wayne Fairfax and Friends, live beehive demonstrations, a mead garden, farm animals, wagon rides, and more.
The event is held in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Last year, Lawn Love ranked 2022’s Best States for Beekeeping, placing Virginia near the top of its list.
Corrected: We’re told the city’s beatification is not working on planning this year’s bee festival.
