Welcome to your weekly guide to everything happening in Prince William County, Virginia.

This page is updated every Monday with the latest restaurants, events, activities, and community news across Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Bristow, and the entire county. Whether you are a long-time resident, considering relocating here, or just visiting for the weekend, this is your go-to resource for living well in Prince William County.

Barbara Jennings & The Jennings Team at eXp Realty are your trusted local experts for all things Prince William County. With 20+ years of experience serving Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and across Northern Virginia, we know this community inside and out. If you see something here that sparks your interest, or if you are thinking about buying or selling in the area, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Restaurant of the Week: Bistro L'Hermitage, Woodbridge

This week we are highlighting Bistro L'Hermitage, the highest-rated restaurant in Prince William County with a 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor (631+ reviews). This family-owned French fine dining establishment on the Occoquan River in Woodbridge has been delighting diners since opening in 2004, earning a reputation as a hidden gem for authentic French cuisine in Northern Virginia.

Address	12724 Occoquan Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Cuisine	Classic French fine dining (Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Entrecote, Lobster Bisque, French Onion Soup)
Phone	(703) 499-9550
Price Range	$$$$ (upscale fine dining)
Hours	Closed Mon. Brunch Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner Tue-Thu 4-10 p.m., Fri-Sun 4-11 p.m.

Bistro L'Hermitage is operated by Chef Marc and his family, bringing generations of French culinary tradition to Prince William County. The restaurant's location along the Occoquan River provides a charming, intimate setting, perfect for a date night or special celebration.

Located just off the Occoquan River with views of the historic district, Bistro L'Hermitage offers a dining experience that rivals the best restaurants in Washington DC, without leaving Prince William County. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch and dinner.

Updated August 26, 2026

Community Events This Week (August 26-31, 2026)

Prince William County has a great lineup for the final week of August. Here are the events you will not want to miss:

Pirates Come to Madigan's Waterfront

Sunday, August 30, 11:00 a.m. | Madigan's Waterfront, 201 Mill St, Occoquan, VA 22125

Bring the whole family to Occoquan for a pirate-themed adventure featuring Sage O'Silver, the fiddler pirate extraordinaire, and her crew. Fun and games, a kid-friendly breakfast buffet, and pirate costumes encouraged. Tickets available through Tock. A perfect end-of-summer Sunday activity on the waterfront.

Elections Open House

Saturday, August 29, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | 9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110

The Prince William County Office of Elections hosts its 3rd Annual Open House, offering timed-entry tours covering voter registration, mail ballot intake and tabulation, election equipment security, and results reporting. Free, registration required at pwcvotes.org.

Historic Manassas Farmers Market

Thursday, August 27, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. & Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Historic Downtown Manassas at the Train Depot

Late August is peak harvest season at the Historic Manassas Farmers Market. Shop for heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, fresh peaches, melons, flowers, and artisan goods from local vendors. The Saturday market is the largest and most popular. Free admission.

Dale City Farmers Market

Sunday, August 30, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | 14090 Gemini Way, Dale City

Fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and community connections. Open every Sunday through the growing season. Late summer brings the best selection of the year.

"Beyond the Frame" Art Exhibit at ARTfactory

Through September 19, 2026 | ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110

Featuring works by artists Dion J. Pollard and Levi Robinson, this exhibit runs through September 19 at the ARTfactory in historic Manassas. A wonderful opportunity to experience local artistic talent. Free admission.

Pro tip: For the most up-to-date event listings, check the Prince William County Parks & Recreation events page and the Visit Prince William events calendar.

Updated August 26, 2026

Local News and Developments

Prince William County continues to make headlines with major economic development, infrastructure, and community initiatives. Here are the stories shaping the county this week:

Sandberg Development to Build New U.S. Headquarters in Prince William County

Swedish investment company Sandberg Development announced plans to build a new U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility in Prince William County's Innovation Park (9349 Hornbaker Road, near Manassas). The $43 million investment across two phases over four years is expected to create 32 new high-quality jobs. The initial facility will span 87,565 square feet with plans for a future 48,330-square-foot expansion. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved a $1.6 million Economic Development Opportunity Fund grant and agreed to sell approximately 11.06 acres of county-owned property to the company. Sandberg Development is the creator of the red dot sight through its portfolio company Aimpoint, and its U.S.-based companies already generate $100 million in sales from Prince William County.

County Named One of the World's Top Economic Development Organizations

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism was named one of the world's top economic development organizations in August 2026. This international recognition highlights the county's success in attracting business investment, supporting job creation, and promoting the region as a premier destination for corporate relocation and expansion.

AI-Powered PWC311 Service Reaches Milestone

Prince William County's AI-powered PWC311 service reported handling nearly 40,000 resident conversations in its first year of operation. The system allows residents to report issues, ask questions, and access county services through an intuitive conversational interface, improving response times and service delivery across the county.

Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road Interchange Under Construction

The $81 million Prince William Parkway and Minnieville Road interchange project, which broke ground in May 2026, continues construction. This major infrastructure improvement will ease congestion at one of the county's busiest intersections, benefiting commuters traveling between Woodbridge, Dale City, and the broader Northern Virginia region.

Updated August 26, 2026

Things to Do This Weekend in Prince William County

The weekend of August 29-30 is the final weekend of summer before the school year settles in. Here are our top picks for making the most of it:

Special Event: Pirates Take Over Occoquan

Pirates Come to Madigan's Waterfront — Sunday, August 30, 11:00 a.m. at 201 Mill St, Occoquan. Sage O'Silver and her pirate crew take over the Occoquan waterfront for a family-friendly morning of pirate-themed fun, music, games, and a breakfast buffet. Pirate costumes encouraged. Tickets through Tock.

3rd Annual Elections Open House — Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 9250 Lee Avenue, Manassas. Tour the Office of Elections facility to see how voting equipment works, how mail ballots are processed, and how election results are reported. Free, registration at pwcvotes.org.

Outdoor Adventures

Prince William Forest Park — At 15,000+ acres, it is the largest green space in the DC metro area. Explore 37 miles of hiking trails, spot deer and wild turkeys, picnic by the creek, or camp overnight. Entry is $10 per vehicle. Located off Joplin Road in Triangle, VA.

Leesylvania State Park — Located along the Potomac River in Woodbridge, this 541-acre park features hiking trails, fishing piers, a boat launch, and a sandy beach area. The sunset views over the Potomac are spectacular. $7 entrance fee.

Potomac River Kayaking — Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Neabsco Creek / Potomac Boat Rentals and explore the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Julie J. Metz Wetlands Preserve. Late August is prime time on the water.

Family & Date Night

For a family outing, take the kids to Locust Shade Park for 18 holes of mini-golf and a picnic, or visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle (free admission). For date night, head to historic Occoquan — stroll along the waterfront, browse galleries and boutiques, and dine at a riverfront restaurant like The Secret Garden Cafe or the Bottle Stop Wine Bar. The sunset over the Occoquan River is not to be missed.

Updated August 26, 2026

Market Spotlight: Prince William County Real Estate Update

The Prince William County housing market showed strong momentum through mid-2026. Here is the latest available data from the Prince William Association of Realtors (PWAR):

$599,450

Median Sold Price (May 2026)

+3.4% Year-over-Year

935

Active Listings (June 2026)

+21% vs. June 2025

18 Days

Average Days on Market

Competitive Market

99.4%

Sold-to-Original List Price Ratio

Steady Pricing

Inventory update: Active listings reached 935 at the end of June 2026, a 21% increase over June 2025 and the highest June inventory in five years. Months of supply stood at 1.8 in May 2026, up 18.2% year-over-year, reflecting a market gradually shifting toward balance while remaining seller-leaning.

Key takeaways for buyers: With inventory significantly higher than last year, buyers have more choices than they have had in recent years. Homes are still selling quickly at an average of 18 days on market, so being pre-approved and ready to move remains important. The market is gradually shifting toward balance.

Key takeaways for sellers: Sellers are receiving 99.4% of their original list price on average, reflecting a market where strategic pricing from day one matters. Homes priced and marketed effectively still attract buyers quickly. The 100-Point Marketing Plan provides a comprehensive approach to navigating this evolving market.

Price bands: The entry-level and mid-range segments ($400K-$600K) remain the most active, with strong demand across Manassas, Woodbridge, and Gainesville. Newer construction communities and homes near major employment centers continue to draw steady interest.

For a deeper dive into your specific neighborhood or a free home valuation, call Barbara Jennings at (540) 840-1133.

Updated August 26, 2026

Community Spotlight: ACTS — Action in Community Through Service

This week we are highlighting ACTS (Action in Community Through Service), an independent nonprofit serving the Greater Prince William Area since 1969. ACTS provides a wide range of critical services to residents in need, including a Hunger Prevention Center (food pantry), emergency financial assistance, domestic violence shelter and support, transitional housing, and case management services.

The ACTS Hunger Prevention Center, located at 3901 ACTS Lane in Dumfries, operates on a walk-in basis and distributes food once per month per client. The center serves zip codes across eastern Prince William County including Woodbridge, Dumfries, Triangle, Quantico, and Occoquan. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.

ACTS is a vital community resource for families facing food insecurity, housing crises, or domestic violence situations. Their 24/7 domestic violence hotline provides immediate support for those in need. The organization relies on community donations, grants, and volunteers to deliver these essential services.

Contact: (703) 441-8606 | actspwc.org | 3900 ACTS Lane, Dumfries, VA 22026

Domestic Violence Hotline: (703) 221-4460 (24/7)

Know a business, nonprofit, or community group we should feature? Email us at Yourexpertadvisors@gmail.com and tell us about the great work you are doing in Prince William County.

Updated August 26, 2026

Seasonal Highlights: Late Summer into Early Fall

As the final week of August unfolds, Prince William County is transitioning from the lazy days of summer into the busy energy of fall. Here is what we are watching this week:

Labor Day Weekend Ahead - Labor Day is Monday, September 7. Prince William County government offices will be closed. The Virginia Scottish Games take place September 5-6 at Great Meadow in nearby The Plains, offering Highland athletics, piping, and dance. Closer to home, enjoy the last three-day weekend of summer at Prince William Forest Park or the Occoquan waterfront.

Peak Farmers Market Season - Late August is among the richest harvest weeks of the year. The Historic Manassas Farmers Market (Saturdays and Thursdays) and Dale City Farmers Market (Sundays) are filled with sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, melons, and fresh-cut flowers. A perfect weekend ritual.

Pumpkin Patches Opening Soon - Messick's Fall Festival in Gainesville opens September 21 with corn mazes, bounce pillows, zip lines, and hayrides. Yankey Farms Pumpkin Patch in Bristow opens September 26. The Abiding Savior Lutheran Preschool Pumpkin Patch in Gainesville opens September 22. Fall is just around the corner in Prince William County.

Final Summer Weekends at Local Parks - With school back in session, weekends are still a great time to enjoy Prince William Forest Park, Leesylvania State Park, and the Occoquan waterfront. Late summer kayaking on the Occoquan Reservoir and hiking remain popular activities for families.

Updated August 26, 2026

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Prince William County?

Contact Barbara & Douglas Jennings — Phone: 540-840-1133

(540) 840-1133 Book a Consultation

Or email us at Yourexpertadvisors@gmail.com

Sources & Methodology

Data points in this article are sourced from Bright MLS, county property records, local planning commissions, and published municipal reports. Market trends and pricing data reflect information available as of the date of publication. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Square footage, lot sizes, and tax assessments should be independently verified. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.