May will be a fun month around Prince William County and Manassas with several meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Thursday (May 1)

• Backyard Birds Scavenger Hunt, All day through May 31 (Bull Run Library)
• Crafting with Cricut: Mother’s Day Cards, 2 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)

Friday (May 2)

• Gel Plate Printing Workshop, 2 to 3 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Can You Grok?! This?, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Saturday (May 3)

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Nature Seekers, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Mugs for Mom, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Lake Ridge Library)
• A Star Wars Celebration, 10 a.m. to noon (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Old Town Manassas Art Show & Craft Spring Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mariachis Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, 5 to 11 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 4 (Sunday)

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 5

• Fallen Officer Tribute, 6 to 8 p.m. (Bristow)

May 6

• Pattern Reading 101, 6 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 7

• Prince William School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

May 8

• Walk with a Doc, Noon to 1 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 9

• Stuffed Animal Slumber Party, All day (Lake Ridge Library)
• Drive-In Movie in the Park, 8 to 10 p.m. (Manassas)

May 10

• Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Manassas City Library)
• Model Railroad Program, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Draft Your Own Pattern 101, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Golden Hour, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 11

• International Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 12

• Project Lifesaver Golf Tournament, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Haymarket)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Flower Full Moon Yoga, 8 to 9:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 13

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Sew Tuesday: Bookmarks, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 14

• Pendants Pending, 5 to 7 p.m. (Central Library)

May 15

• Watercolor Collaborative, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)

May 17

• Free Paper Shredding for Residents, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Nokesville Day, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Jazz Society (One Man Band), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Triangle)
• Equality Prince William Pride Festival, Noon to 4 p.m. (Greater Prince William County)
• Father Daughter Dance, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 19

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

May 20

• Walk and Wear Purple Day, 8 to 10 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 21

• Crochet and Coffee, 11 a.m. to noon (Nokesville Library)
• Prince William School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

May 23

• Knitting with Tanis Gray, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)

May 24

• Adaptive Flatwater Kayaking, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. (Woodbridge)

May 27

• Wood Carving Club Night, 5 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• NOVA Novels, 6 to 7 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Acoustic Tuesday Concert, 7 p.m. (Manassas City)

May 30

• Family Movie in the Park (Mufasa: The Lion King), 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)

May 31

• Watercolor III with Mark Murphy, 1 to 4 p.m. (Central Library)

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan will host a series of events this weekend aimed at connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities and celebrating the arts.

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MANASSAS, Va. — Trains will take center stage once again as Manassas hosts its 31st Annual Railway Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

The family-friendly event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., spanning the historic downtown area between the train station parking lot and Harris Pavilion. Attractions include model train exhibits from groups like the National Capital Trackers and the Piedmont Railroaders, as well as safety displays from Amtrak and VRE.

Children can enjoy bounce houses, barrel train rides, and a variety of other activities. VRE will offer special train excursions to Clifton at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $8 in cash or $9 by card, and are on sale now.

“The festival celebrates Manassas’ rich railway heritage with Norfolk Southern, VRE, and Amtrak,” said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Historic Manassas Inc. “It’s a way to honor where we’ve come from and where we’re going as a historic train town.”

Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Manassas Museum and learn about the city’s evolution around its rail lines.

Adding to the excitement, Amtrak is partnering more closely with Historic Manassas to promote the city as a destination. Plans include a new ticket kiosk at the Manassas station and updated marketing materials highlighting the area’s historic sites.

“Manassas isn’t just a stop — it’s becoming a destination in itself,” Kiefer said.

April will be a busy and hopefully dry month around Prince William County and Manassas with several budget meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Tuesday (April 1)

• Lifelong Learning with PWC Police K-9 Unit, 1 to 2 p.m. (Central Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.

Wednesday (April 2)

• Eating Smart Being Active, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Supply Drive for Animal Services Center, Noon to 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Thursday (April 3)

• Crafting with Cricut: Farmers Market Tote Bags, 2 to 3 p.m. (Central Library)

Friday (April 4)

• Kid’s Night Out, 6 to 9 p.m.
• First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. (Manassas City)

Saturday (April 5)

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Annual Coles District Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. to noon (Woodbridge)
• Wonder Wanders, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Culture Connection: Japan, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Potomac Library)
• Come Grow with Us, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Pixel Art Party, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Central Library)
• Potomac Library’s 50th Birthday Party, Noon to 4 p.m. (Potomac Library)

Sunday (April 6)

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Mugs for Mom, 2 to 4 p.m. (Bull Run Library)

Monday (April 7)

• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)

April 8

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Art Night, 6 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Paint, Sip & Munch, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Dale City)

April 9

• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.

April 11

• Embroidery and Cross-Stitch Workshop, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Library)

April 12

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Triangle)
• Rippon Lodge Easter Egg Trail, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Mini Painting for Beginners, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Dale City Library)
• Serene Journey Births, 11 a.m. to noon (Montclair Library)
• Author Talk, 2 to 3 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Full Moon Hike, 7 to 9 p.m. (Woodbridge)

April 13

• International Food Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Manassas City)

April 14

• Meet and Make: Earth Day, 1 to 3 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

April 15

• Invasive Plants and Insects, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Potomac Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Yarn On! Fiber Fun, 6 to 7 p.m.

April 16

• A Springtastic Scavenger Hunt, All day (Chinn Park Library)
• Teen Mario Kart Tournament, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)

April 17

• Watercolor Collaborative, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• After Hours Mini Golf, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

April 18

• Pete the Cat’s Groovy Library Party, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Local History Tour Group, 11 a.m. to noon (Dumfries)

April 19

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Haymarket)
• Pyrite Mine Hike, 10 a.m. to noon (Prince William Forest Park)
• Scrambled Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Brentsville Courthouse)

April 21

• Bull Run Library Airlines, 10:30 a.m. to noon (Bull Run Library)
• Maker Mondays: Tissue Paper Flowers, All day (Nokesville Library)
• LitCon, All day (Multiple Locations)
• Dice Delight, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)
• Recording in Progress, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Bull Run Library)

April 22

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.

April 23

• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

April 26

• Family Archery, 9 to 11 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Kids Eco-Expedition, 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Seals on Wheels, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Prescription Drug Take-Back, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Multiple locations)
• 3rd Annual Anything’s PAWsible Festival & 5k Fun Run, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Manassas City)
• Spring Festival, noon to 2 p.m. (Central Library)
• Super Art Fight, 2 to 3 p.m. (Haymarket Gainesville Library)

April 28

• 24-Hour Comic Day Practice, 6 to 7:45 p.m.
• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

April 29

• Wood Carving Demonstration, 5 to 7 p.m. (Bull Run Library)

April 30

• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.

The Fredericksburg Film Festival (FFF) is back for its second year, promising an impressive lineup of films from around the world, including selections from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca.

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March will be a busy and “lucky” month around Prince William County and Manassas with several budget meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings.

Tuesday (March 4)

• Spring Flowers Paint by Numbers Take-and-Make, Ongoing while supplies last (Chinn Park Library)
• Talking to the Author Bookmark Contest, Ongoing (Chinn Park Library)
• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Wednesday (March 5)

• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Mini Fig Painting Studio, 6 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Thursday (March 6)

• Crafting with Cricut: Punny Plant Pots, 2 p.m. (Central Library)
• VAriegated, until April 6 (Manassas City)
• State of the Parks, 7 p.m. (Woodbridge)

Friday (March 7)

• First Friday, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 8

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Chinn Park Quilting, 10:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Bee Quilting, 11 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Greater Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 11 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Watercolor with Mark Murphy, 1 p.m. (Central Library)

March 10

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

March 11

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.
• Yarn On!, 6 p.m. (Bull Run Library)

March 12

• Craft Exchange, 11 a.m. (Nokesville Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Prince William County School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

March 14

• Pi/Pie Day Scavenger Hunt, All day (Lake Ridge Library)
• “The Secret Garden,” Various times (Manassas City)
• Luck O’ The Irish Bingo, 6 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 15

• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Teen Quilt Series, 10:30 a.m. (Central Library)
• Wonder Wanders, 10:30 a.m. (Independent Hill Library)
• Mugs for Mom, 10:30 a.m. (Dumfries Library)
• Culture Connection: Japan, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• Pi Day Fun, 11 a.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Chick Eggstravaganza, 2 p.m. (Manassas City Library)

March 18

• Prince William Board of County Supervisors Meeting, 2 p.m. (Woodbridge)

March 19

• Teen Pop-In, 3:30 p.m. (Montclair Library)
• Miniature Painting Sessions, 5:30 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• DIY Wedding Party Gifts, 5:30 p.m. (Central Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
• Prince William County School Board Meeting (Budget Adoption), 7 p.m.

March 21

• Model Railroad Show, 10:30 a.m. (Chinn Park Library)
• Watercolor Collaborative, 10:30 a.m. (Montclair Library)
• Local History Tour Group, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• “Miscast – A Musical Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 22

• 10th Annual Prince William/Manassas History Symposium, 8:30 a.m. (Manassas)
• Winter Market, 9 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Tying the Knot Toolkit, 11 a.m. (Central Library)
• “Miscast – A Musical Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 23

• Thai Street Food & Culture Festival, 10 a.m. (Manassas City)
• Historic Homes of Prince William County Bus Tour, 11 a.m. (Bristow)

March 24

• Manassas City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
• Bad Art Night, 6 p.m. (Chinn Park Library)

March 25

• Pom-Pom Cacti Teen Craft Night, 4:30 p.m.
• Manassas City School Board Meeting, 6 p.m.

March 26

• Joint City Council/School Board Work Session, 5:30 p.m. (Manassas City)

March 28

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover, 10 a.m. (Montclair Library)

March 29

• 2025 Neighborhood Conference, 8 a.m. (Woodbridge)
• Serene Journey Births, 11 a.m. (Potomac Library)

March 31

• 8-Bit Art with Perler Beads, 1 p.m. (Bull Run Library)
• Brit Lit Book Club, 1 p.m. (Potomac Library)
• Manassas City Council Budget Work Session, 5:30 p.m.

The Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will bring its Lolli-Pops concert, an interactive program designed to introduce young audiences to the world of classical music, to James Monroe High School on March 15. The concert's theme is "A Salute to Mother Earth."

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The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting will review the town’s Strategic Framework and discuss proposed budgets for the eSummons Fund and the Mamie Davis Fund.

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Although the area has already braved several winter storms in 2025, Fredericksburg’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is still eight days away. 

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On Saturday, February 1, local musicians and bands are gathering at Strangeways Brewing for the Eric Becker Memorial Concert benefiting the Fredericksburg SPCA. 

A member of Radar Theory, bandmate Johnny Boothe said Becker was known for being genuinely caring to everyone in his life. He “loved his friends, his family, and his wife Kathleen deeply,” Boothe said. Becker and Boothe met in 2021 at an Adventure Brewery Open Mic night and decided to form a band called Radar Theory.  In the fall of 2022, Becker noticed chest pain during a rehearsal and went to the hospital a few days later. He was diagnosed with cancer and began aggressive treatment immediately. Becker had several months of treatment and seemed to be doing well for a few months in 2023 before his cancer returned.   Becker proposed to his girlfriend Kathleen in October and they married in November. After an illness and brief hospitalization, Becker passed away shortly after Christmas. Booth said “Playing and writing music with Eric was a gift.  There's a bond in creating something with others, sharing it with the outside world and risking the world telling you how awful it is.  But sometimes, they also tell you how it meant something to them. You take that ride together.” 

In 2024, Boothe and other local musicians joined and played live at a Celebration of Life honoring Becker. Afterward, they discussed holding a memorial concert in January to honor his memory and give back somehow. The concert was scheduled around Becker’s January 27 birthday. Strangeways was chosen for their support of the local music scene and for their ability to host live music and large crowds. Eric’s wife, Kathleen, works at the Fredericksburg SPCA and supports animal rescues.  The concert will feature six performers and bands: Emily Woodhull, Sarah Perrotto, Green Bean & The Rhythmic Meadows, and Richmond band Bucko.  In addition to the live music, the event will feature raffles of gift card bundles from local breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Boothe said they were grateful for the generosity of local businesses.  Boothe said honoring Becker by combining music with the SPCA just made sense. Becker was passionate about music, people, and animals.  Boothe said he’s hoping for an excellent audience for Saturday's concert. “Without them, we're just up there on stage having band practice.  The audience is everything.” He hopes they recognize being part of the tribute to Becker and  “realize the impact they make every time they go out and support local music and local business.” The Eric Becker Memorial Concert will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Strangeways Brewing. The brewery is located at 350 Lansdowne Road. Food truck Rosie’s Pizza & Doner Kebab will arrive at 1 p.m. Donations can also be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA in Becker’s name.