165th Anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas
Event Rules & Regulations — May 16 & 17, 2026

We expect to have closely scripted, historically accurate, and managed battle scenarios. We are working diligently towards building the best 165th Anniversary events for reenactors and spectators alike. The event rules & regulations below will depict our authenticity while maintaining a high safety standard. The event rules & regulations will be adhered to during our 165th Anniversary by all who attend.

For Manassas, it is understood that two battles will occur — one each day Saturday and Sunday (time to be finalized). Arrival of event leadership, military command, and staff is expected to begin Tuesday/Wednesday of the event week, with other participants commencing Thursday.

Registration

• Registration will open on Thursday May 14 at 8:00 am EDT.
• Registration will close on Saturday May 16 at 08:00 am EDT.
• Army and Brigade staffs may arrive May 12.
• All participants must register and sign a liability wavier

General Rules

• Four wheelers, golf carts, etc. are limited to event staff and emergency personnel.
• Specialty impressions are by invitation only.
• Anyone who is found damaging the property will be expelled from the event; this is a zero-tolerance policy and will be strictly enforced.
• There are adjacent Culpepper Battlefield Park and private properties, those areas are off limits.
• Battlefield property will be used for scenarios.
• All vehicles will be out of camp by 8 am Saturday May 16 and will not be allowed in any camp until after the battle on Sunday.
• Hoarding firewood is prohibited.
• All horses are forbidden in company streets and Sutlers row.
• All horses brought onto the event site must have a current coggins certificate. Chief of the cavalry from each camp will inspect at registration.
• Under no circumstances will a horse be taken to camp until it has been inspected.
• The only generators permitted to run during the event will be the main activities tent and sutlers, during business hours only. No generator will be permitted to run on horse trailers or any other vehicle. There will be no exceptions.

Camps

• Camping on park property will not be permitted. Anyone damaging park property or facilities will be expelled from the event and subject to legal action.
• All reenactors will camp only in designated areas and with their units
• We ask that a water bucket full of water be placed near each campfire.
• Relic hunting or metal detecting is strictly prohibited.
• Firepits are not allowed.
• Garrison camps should be set up in accordance with period military regulations.
• Wooded areas will be provided for campaign camps.
• All modern items will remain out of site at all times. When breaking camp on Sunday, please take trash to the dumpster, and do not leave it in camps.
• Camps will remain free of trash; all trash must be bagged (no loose items) dumpsters will be provided.
• Drunkenness and illegal drugs will not be permitted in camps.
• Quit time of 12:00 am well be observed in all camps.

Military Guidelines

• Confederate battle flags (St. Andrew’s Cross) did not exist until after First Manassas. Only flags used by the various units will be allowed on the field This is for authenticity purposes only.
• No modern clothing will be worn by participants, military or civilians, during the event.
• Only period eyewear is to be worn.
• Uniforms should reflect early war impressions.
• The headgear must be of proper construction and properly finished.
• Only correct period shoes, brogans, or boots will be permitted.
• Infantry will use muskets or rifle-muskets (3-banders.; 2-banders are allowed but those using 2-banders will be placed on the front rank. No Remington Zouaves, carbines, Hawkins, shotguns, or flintlocks.
• Accouterments will be of period design.
• No hand-to-hand combat unless approved by the Army Commander in charge.
• The cavalry may use carbines or rifles, or muskets as described for the infantry.
• Infantry NCOs with the rank of first sergeant or above may carry pistols, and officers may carry swords and pistols.
• Ammunition will be pre-rolled cartridges. No penny wrappers, staples, tape, foil or waxed cartridges.
• All weapons will be inspected before taking part in scenarios. Those that fail will not be allowed on the field. No uninspected weapons will be allowed on the field.
• No live ammunition is permitted on the field or in camp.
• All horses must have and show a current Coggins Certificate. There will be no exceptions; entry and Weapons will not be overloaded. Rounds will contain no more than 60 grains of powder.
• Rammers will not be allowed to be drawn on the field.
• Firing of weapons shall be elevated, not aimed directly at people.
• No fixed bayonets on the field.