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.
(Historic Manassas, Inc.) This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich history of trains in Manassas.
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The 30th Annual Manassas Railway Festival will take place on June 1, 2024. It will offer a day filled with train-themed activities, historical exhibits, and family-friendly fun. Hosted by Historic Manassas, Inc., the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown Manassas, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the town’s rich railroad history.
This year’s festival promises a variety of attractions for all ages. Train enthusiasts can look forward to a display of working model trains, historic railroad memorabilia, and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of the railway to Manassas’ development. The event will also feature train rides, allowing visitors to experience the joy of rail travel firsthand.
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"Historic Manassas Inc. Facebook page:Â "Miss Virginia Volunteer 2023, Kate Clatterbuck, will be making a special appearance in Manassas on Sunday, May 28, 2023. During her visit, she will dedicate her time to volunteering at the Manassas Visitors Center and actively promote ticket sales for the highly anticipated Manassas Railway Festival [Saturday, June 3, 2023]."
"From 9:00 am to 11:30 am, Kate Clatterbuck, the reigning Miss Virginia Volunteer, will engage with the community, emphasizing the significance of the Manassas Railway Festival and its impact on the region."
