Introduction
After a blazing-hot summer and just before we begin to hibernate for the winter, we have my favorite season: fall. The fun does not stop when summer ends in the City of Manassas. There are still plenty of festive events to enjoy before the weather becomes unbearably cold.
One of the things I love most about this small town is that there is something to do no matter the season. The community always finds a way to come together and create events that are fun for everyone.
Although fall does not have quite as many events as summer, there are still plenty of ways to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and spend time with the family.
Fall Events in Manassas at a Glance
Location: Manassas, Virginia
Main Event Areas: Historic Downtown Manassas, Manassas Museum Lawn, Harris Pavilion, and other community spaces throughout the city
Best For: Families, local residents, visitors, food lovers, car enthusiasts, and anyone looking for seasonal activities in Northern Virginia
Cost: Many fall events are free to attend, although food, merchandise, and certain activities may cost extra
When to Visit: Fall events generally begin in September and continue through November
Before You Go: Confirm the current date, time, location, parking information, weather policy, and any road closures through the official event organizer
Fall Events in Manassas
Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet
The Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet is one of the longest-running fall traditions in Manassas. Historic Downtown Manassas fills with antique and classic cars, giving visitors a chance to walk through the displays, take photos, and talk with people who share an interest in automotive history.
The event is named in honor of Edgar Rohr, a former Manassas mayor and longtime antique-car enthusiast. It is free for spectators and works well as a casual family outing because you can enjoy the car show and continue exploring the shops and restaurants downtown afterward.
Usually Held: September
Location: Manassas Train Depot parking area, 9431 West Street
Cost: Free for spectators
Good For: Classic-car enthusiasts, families, photography, and a relaxed day downtown
Official Information: Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet
Manassas Fall Jubilee
The Manassas Fall Jubilee is one of the biggest and most recognizable events held in Historic Downtown Manassas. Center Street and the surrounding area fill with craft and community vendors, food, live music, performances, and activities for children.
This is the kind of event that can easily take up most of your day. You can walk through the vendor booths, stop for food, listen to music, and visit the downtown shops and restaurants while you are already in the area. The festival is free and is traditionally held on the first Saturday in October. In 2026, the Fall Jubilee returns for its 43rd year.
Usually Held: The first Saturday in October
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases cost extra
Good For: Families, local shopping, live music, food, and spending a full fall day downtown
Official Information: Manassas Fall Jubilee
First Friday: Pumpkin Palooza
Pumpkin Palooza is the October edition of First Friday in Historic Downtown Manassas. Like the other First Fridays, the streets close to traffic and downtown fills with live music, activities, restaurant specials, and people walking between local shops and businesses.
The fall theme gives the evening a more seasonal feel, making it a good option for families who want to enjoy downtown without committing to a full-day festival. In 2026, Pumpkin Palooza is scheduled for the second Friday in October rather than the first.
Usually Held: October, sometimes on the second Friday
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas
Cost: Free admission; food, drinks, and purchases cost extra
Good For: Families, live music, fall activities, dining, and spending an evening downtown
Official Information: First Friday: Pumpkin Palooza
Old Town Manassas Fall-O-Ween
Old Town Manassas Fall-O-Ween is a family-friendly Halloween event held on the Manassas Museum Lawn. It gives children a chance to wear their costumes, enjoy seasonal activities, and celebrate Halloween during the daytime rather than waiting until the evening.
The event usually includes crafts, games, treats, entertainment, and costume parades for children and pets. It is a good option for families with younger children who want something festive without the intensity of a haunted attraction.
Usually Held: Late October (10/31 FOR 2026)
Location: Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William Street
Cost: Free admission; food and purchases may cost extra
Good For: Families, young children, costumes, crafts, and daytime Halloween activities
Official Information: Old Town Manassas Fall-O-Ween
Northern Virginia Veterans Parade
The Northern Virginia Veterans Parade honors veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The parade travels through Historic Downtown Manassas with military groups, community organizations, vehicles, marching units, and other participants.
This is a meaningful community tradition and a good opportunity for families to show their support for those who have served. The parade is traditionally held on the first Saturday in November and passes the reviewing stand at the Harris Pavilion. In 2026, the event returns for its 18th year.
Usually Held: The first Saturday in November
Location: Historic Downtown Manassas, along Center Street
Cost: Free
Good For: Families, honoring veterans, community traditions, and patriotic events
Official Information: Northern Virginia Veterans Parade
Which Fall Event Should You Choose?
The best fall event in Manassas depends on the type of experience you are looking for.
The Edgar Rohr Memorial Car Meet is the best option for anyone interested in classic cars, photography, or a more relaxed morning downtown. For the largest selection of food, vendors, live music, and family activities, the Manassas Fall Jubilee is the strongest choice.
Pumpkin Palooza is better for a casual evening downtown, while Fall-O-Ween is designed more specifically for families with young children who want a daytime Halloween activity. The Northern Virginia Veterans Parade offers a quieter and more meaningful way to gather as a community while honoring those who have served.
Although fall has fewer major events than summer, each one offers a different reason to spend time in Historic Downtown Manassas before the colder weather arrives.
Final Thoughts
Fall in Manassas may not have as many events as summer, but the season still gives families plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the city. The cooler weather makes it easier to spend the day downtown, walk through festival booths, watch a parade, or attend a seasonal event without the summer heat.
What I enjoy most about fall is how the events feel both festive and community-centered. Whether you are attending the Fall Jubilee, bringing the kids to Fall-O-Ween, or watching the Veterans Parade, each event offers a different way to experience Manassas before winter begins.
Exact dates, locations, and event details may change each year, so check the official organizer’s page before attending. This guide will continue to be updated as the city’s major fall events change.
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