First Friday Archives - Potomac Local News

Published November 5, 2025 at 9:49PM

Downtown Manassas

“The final First Friday of the year is happening this Friday, November 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.,” the City of Manassas announced. “The forecast looks great, with daytime highs in the mid-60s and evening temps settling into the 50s—pretty comfortable for November.”

The night will feature live music across Old Town, including The Reflex at Sinistral Brewing Company, the Josh Allen Band at Monza, DJ Shon Washington at Studio Luxe and The City, and Cracked Sky at CJ Finz. Grupo Quimbao performs at Mariachis Tequileria & Restaurant, while Grounds Central Station hosts a patio bar. Visitors can also check out Artpalooza at Old Towne Man Cave and try their hand at Axe Addicts. Most shops will stay open late for the celebration.

Features

From Pups to Passports: First Friday Celebrations Sweep Across Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg on August 1

By Potomac Local News

Published July 31, 2025 at 11:09AM

With summer winding down and school bells on the horizon, three localities are getting ready to send the season off in style. Friday, August 1, 2025, promises a trifecta of celebrations across Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg, each with its own unique theme, local flavor, and community focus.

🐶 Manassas: Dog Days of Summer First Friday

Fredericksburg

Sip, Stroll, and Soak Up the Sun: First Friday Brings Fun to Fredericksburg Tonight

By Potomac Local News

Published May 2, 2025 at 1:00PM

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Downtown Fredericksburg is rolling out the welcome mat for May’s First Friday celebration, and the weather couldn’t be better. With sunshine, temperatures climbing into the upper 80s, and only a slight chance of evening showers east of I-95, it’s shaping up to be a prime night to enjoy art, culture, food, and drink in the heart of the city.

From 5 to 9 p.m., the streets will come alive with gallery openings, live music, and unique pop-up experiences. Thanks to the Sip & Stroll program, visitors 21 and up can carry beverages from participating restaurants and shops until 8:30 p.m. To make getting around easier, a free trolley shuttle will run throughout the event.

Features

First Friday Kicks Off 2025 with Sold-Out “Souper Bowl” in Manassas

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 6, 2025 at 9:53PM | Updated February 6, 2025 at 10:42PM

For those lucky enough to have secured tickets, the Souper Bowl offers a unique culinary experience, allowing participants to venture through downtown, tasting a variety of soups from both returning favorites and new contenders. Each restaurant has put its best ladle forward, hoping to win the title of best soup in town.

Here’s What’s on the Menu:

Manassas

City Manager Asks Council to Host Fewer Events Next Summer

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published October 28, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated October 28, 2024 at 9:19AM

City Manager Douglas Keen proposed changes to the city's events schedule. [Photo courtesy of the City of Manassas]

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Manassas

Manassas to Limit Downtown Events Amid Rising Public Safety Concerns

By Uriah Kiser

Published October 25, 2024 at 8:38AM

Manassas City Hall

Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.

The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.

News

Weekend Snapshot: First Friday and Saturday

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published October 5, 2024 at 4:15PM

A busy crowd outside Fredericksburg's Agave on First Friday.

Weekend Snapshots – Oct . 4, 2024 in Fredericksburg and Stafford

Manassas

Exclusive: Underage Drinking, Alcohol Violations a Problem at Manassas First Friday

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 20, 2024 at 3:00PM | Updated September 20, 2024 at 4:45PM

Concerns over underage drinking and people bringing outside alcohol into the First Friday event in Manassas have prompted city officials to reconsider how the popular downtown gathering is managed.

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Manassas

First Fridays Under Scrutiny: Manassas Considers Event Management Changes

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 12, 2024 at 3:15PM | Updated September 16, 2024 at 2:46PM

Manassas City Council

The Manassas City Council is re-evaluating the popular First Fridays event, a staple in the city’s historic downtown, following feedback from residents, businesses, and local authorities regarding public safety and overall event management.

At the heart of the review is the need to balance the community appeal of First Fridays with growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and parking. The council is considering changes to ensure the event remains a vibrant part of city life while addressing logistical challenges.

Features

Souper Bowl: A culinary adventure to kick off First Friday events in 2024

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 24, 2024 at 9:00AM | Updated January 30, 2024 at 8:32AM

Downtown Manassas [Photo: Manassas Economic Development]

According to Jheanel Butler, HMI event coordinator, the diverse soups include Sancocho from Puerto Rico Café, a hearty stew with a unique blend of beef cuts, chicken, and root vegetables. Grounds Central Station will serve roasted butternut squash soup, while SemiFreddo Italian Cuisine will present green lentil soup with prosciutto. Other highlights include Creamy Potato Soup from Vera’s Kitchen, Beef Brisket Chili from The Bone, Brunswick Stew from Hog Shack Bar-B-Q, and the intriguing Cheese Burger Soup topped with bacon from The Philadelphia Tavern. Vegans can delight in the Vegan Tomato Soup with a non-vegan grilled cheese bite from Honey & Ivy Gluten-free.

This year’s ticket includes a collectible anniversary mug for attendees, who can choose to use it at the event. Disposable tasting containers will also be provided. To add an interactive element, attendees will receive a map of all the stops with a QR code for online voting.