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Join us Saturday, May 2 to Sunday May 3, 2026, for first-ever, "The Great Manassas Campout!" Camp under the Full Flower Moon, enjoy campfires, music, s’mores, stargazing, and learn about pollinators, preservation, and history at Liberia Historic House and Grounds at 8601 Portner Ave.Manassas.
Pitch a tent. Make a memory. Open to all.
Registration and fee and to learn more:
https://manassasbeefestival.com/the-great-manassas-campout/
Public Park Rules apply to Liberia House and Grounds.
Questions? Contact: Theresa Coates Ellis, Patron Manassas City Council Member M: (571)247-6729 or [email protected]
In-person information center and mailing address:
Buzz Around Town
8637 Mathis Ave. Manassas, VA 20110
Full Press Release dated February 13, 2026:
MANASSAS, VA — Northern Virginia is getting a new signature outdoor experience. The inaugural Great Manassas Campout takes place Saturday May 2 to Sunday May 3, at the scenic Liberia Historic House and Grounds, located at 8601 Portner Ave., inviting guests to unplug, recharge, and reconnect — with nature, history, music, and each other.
Founded by Theresa Coates Ellis, Manassas City Council Member, this new annual event blends sustainability, pollinator awareness, preservation, and relaxed campfire culture into a welcoming one-night experience on a public historic park. Ellis serves as the Patron Council Member for Bee City USA, the Liberia Historic Gardens, and the community apiary.
Inspired by the National Wildlife Federation’s annual Great American Campout 20-year movement and aligned with Virginia Green, the campout is part of Preservation Week during the national America250 season, in connection with VA250 and Manassas250.
Held in May — the month of World Bee Day — the experience celebrates pollinators, biodiversity, and conservation, reinforcing Manassas leadership as a Bee City USA. Manassas City is the first city in Northern Virginia to be designated as a Bee City USA.
What to Expect: A Full Flower Moon Campout Experience
This is camping reimagined and family-friendly — designed for everyone from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to beginners looking for their first overnight adventure.
Bring your tent(s), gear, coolers, and your favorite cozy camp setup. Expect a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere with acoustic vibes and historic energy.
Event Highlights Include:
Campfire storytelling, songs, and acoustic music on historic grounds
Night skies under the glow of the Full “Flower” Moon
Evening meals, s’mores, and grab-and-go food included
Pollinator, nature, crafts, conservation, history, and preservation themes woven throughout
Morning community gathering and send-off
Friendly, leashed pets welcome
Guests are encouraged to bring acoustic guitars, soft instruments, and favorite activities, to create a collaborative outdoor and 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 are proud to launch this inaugural event during the America250, and the World Bee Day season, to invite the region to be part of a new Manassas tradition. After this event, we fly into our next Bee Festival in its 6th year on Sat. June 20, 2026 and revisit Liberia House and Grounds.”
The event will be held rain or shine, with parking nearby. Helpful camping tips, gear checklists, and suppliers, will be shared via social media, the event website or at “Buzz Around Town”, a nearby local information center and supporter.
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Event Venue
Liberia House and Grounds 8601 Portner Ave Manassas, VA 20110, 8601 Portner Ave, Manassas, VA 20110-8414, United States
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