8 Great Things to Do in Manassas This Weekend

The Manassas 100-Year Anniversary and Public Utility Day is Saturday from 10 to 2 p.m. at the Manassas Public Works building at 8500 public works drive in the city of Manassas. The event is free, but  as an added bonus, the city's utilities department will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society for every person that attends the event.
Free lunch will be provided by Bad to the Bone along with Nathan's Dairy Bar ice cream, live music by the Shake It Up band, balloon artists, jugglers, cherry picker truck rides, tours, moon bounce, a pumpkin patch.  Get all the details at manassascity.org. 

October Launch at Elements Diet and Fitness in Manassas is from 8 to 1  p.m. Saturday. There will be vendors selling jewelry, makeup and massages, and of course there will be tons of free stuff like classes, food and fitness tips. Visit manassas.elementsforwomen.com/  for more details. 

The Battle of Bristoe Station 150th Anniversary begins Saturday at 10 a.m. at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. Get there early for opening ceremonies followed by two more days of living history, music tours and military demonstrations. The anniversary highlights one of Confederate General Robert E Lee's last offensive campaigns during the Civil War.  The fun and learning continues until Monday. Get the complete schedule at manassasbullrun.com

Toying with Science. Your whole family will get a fun lesson from Garry Krinsky. The performer uses circus tricks, mime, music and even the audience to explore gravity, leverage and other scientific principles. Adults, $15; children, $5. 2 p.m. Saturday, Merchant Hall, Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas.

Cool Weather, but ‘Chicken Fried.’ Summer has gone, but there’s still one more shot to hear some jammin’ folk rock outdoors from the Zac Brown Band. Getting most of its love from college and country radio, Zac Brown Band’s biggest singles are “Chicken Fried,” “Free” and “Toes.” From $38.50. 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater, 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow.

A Swing and a Spark. Prince William County’s SPARK program is hosting a Swing Band Bash on Sunday featuring local swing bands. SPARK is a nonprofit that reaches out to community partners to fund local education programs. $20. 2 p.m. Sunday. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas.

Community and Cars. The Northern Virginia Community College is hosting the 2013 NOVA Community Festival and Car Exhibit. The event includes arts & crafts, live music, dancing, kids activities and a car show sponsored by Volkswagen. Free. 10 a.m. Saturday. NVCC, 6901 Sudley Road, Manassas.

Home for Dinner. The Workhouse Arts Center’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk will include a special opening reception for “Home for Dinner,” a new community action exhibition showcasing how the community can make a difference in the battle with hunger and homelessness. Visitors to the exhibit are encouraged to bring canned food. The exhibit runs through Dec. 1. Reception is 6-9 p.m. Saturday. Vulcan Gallery, 9601 Ox Road, Lorton.