Historic Manassas, Inc.

Celebrate America

Independence Day in Historic Downtown Manassas

Join us for an all-American celebration in Historic Downtown Manassas on Independence Day! Celebrate America features a variety of food and craft vendors, offering delicious treats and unique items. The highlight of the evening is one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia, lighting up the sky at 9:15 p.m. This exciting event runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of patriotic fun, great food, and unforgettable fireworks! You can join us on the Manassas Museum lawn for the fireworks display - bring your chairs and blankets!

Lots of fun and activities on Independence Day

Our Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) rules will be in effect from 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Please drink responsibly while enjoying your favorite alcoholic beverages from one of our many establishments in town.

• We will have over 50 vendors set up at Celebrate America.

• Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty will be in attendance as our strolling entertainment (comedy, mime, and magic show) provided by The Jokesters.

• Entertainment Avenue will provide rides and games for the kids.

Event information

Where can I park?
Free parking is available in several downtown lots, including:

  • Prince William Street Commuter Lot
  • Old Towne Inn Lot
  • City Hall Lot

Accessible parking is available at:

  • Main Street (Triangle) Lot
  • Harris Pavilion Lot
  • Church Street Lot by 7-Eleven

Please note: The Truist Bank lot is closed, but parking there is at your own risk.

Is the parking garage open?
No. The parking garage will be closed for the day for safety reasons.

Where can I find first aid?
At the First Aid Tent located at the corner of Prince William and Liberty Streets, staffed by medical professionals and CERT.

What if I get separated from my child or group?
Go to the First Aid Tent at Prince William and Liberty Streets. CERT and public safety officials will assist with reunification.

Where is Lost and Found?
Lost items can be recovered inside the Train Station / Visitor Center.

Can I bring alcohol?
Outside alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol is only allowed via Historic Downtown restaurants and bars participating in DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), which doesn’t extend to the train station side of the railroad tracks.

  • Drinks must be in clear cups with the business logo
  • No bottles or cans allowed
  • The open container rule ends at 11:00 PM

What happens in case of severe weather?
The event is rain or shine. In the event of severe weather:

  • Updates will be announced via the sound booth, the City’s and HMI’s social media, and websites.
  • Fireworks are the only portion that may be rescheduled.

Where are the portable restrooms?
Portable restrooms are located at:

  • Along Prince William Street (by the parking garage, train station, and water tower lots)
  • Near Baldwin Elementary Lot across from the Prince William Street Commuter lot
  • Near the Harris Pavilion gazebo
  • Old Towne Inn Lot
  • Metz Middle School

Harris Pavilion restrooms will be available 9am - 5pm.
The train depot waiting room (including bathrooms) are closed for the day.

Will there be kids’ activities?
Yes! Inflatables and rides are located in the Water Tower Lot.
Face painting and balloon artists are in the Train Station Lot

Is there live music?
Absolutely! A few restaurants will have bands performing throughout the evening leading up to the fireworks.

What time are the fireworks?
The show begins around 9:15pm, weather permitting. The best viewing area is near the museum lawn.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but we recommend leaving pets at home due to large crowds and fireworks noise.

Can I bring a cooler or picnic?
Yes! Small coolers and snacks are permitted. Outside alcohol is not allowed.

Can I bring chairs or blankets?
Yes! Chairs and blankets are welcome for fireworks viewing. Please be mindful of walkways and other guests' space.

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Vendors

Enjoy an assortment of vendors and bring the kids over to the water tower lot for Entertainment Avenue!

Road closures 

Please note the various road closures and the times - all are timed to maximize pedestrian safety.

Celebrate America Street Closures

Volunteers

Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Have you ever wanted to be a part of the “behind the scenes” of Manassas Events or share Manassas with others? Make new friends, serve your community, and have fun. Join Historic Manassas, Inc. as a volunteer!

Apply Now

Welcome to Historic Downtown Manassas

While you're in town, make a whole day of it by exploring everything Historic Downtown Manassas has to offer.

  • Explore unique shops and boutiques
  • Dine and enjoy local cuisine
  • Support local businesses
  • Check out banner art on light poles
  • Discover historic sites and attractions
  • Our Downtown directory is located here.
Shopping and Eating

participating Vendors

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Visitor Center at the Train Depot
9431 West Street, Manassas, Virginia 20110  ~  703-361-6599

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