The City of Manassas and Historic Manassas Inc. are pausing October’s First Friday — the Pumpkin Palooza event set for Oct. 9 — after the Sept. 4 shooting that killed 16-year-old Patriot High School student Ashley Intihar.
The city announced the decision Monday.
Patriot High School Principal David Van Gelder told families and staff Saturday that one of the Nokesville school’s students was killed Friday night in the shooting at First Friday in Old Town Manassas.
“It is with profound sadness that I share that one of our students lost her life during the tragic shooting that occurred Friday evening at the First Friday event in Old Town Manassas,” Van Gelder wrote. “We are working with her family to provide any needed support, and my thoughts and deepest condolences are with all those who knew and cared for her.”
Friends, neighbors and other residents gathered Saturday night at the Manassas train station to remember a 16-year-old girl killed a day earlier during First Friday in Old Town.
The informal vigil was organized by community members, not the city. Organizers had asked people to bring a candle, a flower, a photo or a memory. By nightfall, bouquets, prayer candles and a balloon lined the platform under the depot canopy, a few steps from the railroad tracks where police say the shooting unfolded Friday night.
Tasheem Rashad Douglas, 21, is in custody and charged with second-degree murder in the killing of a 16-year-old girl during First Friday in Old Town Manassas, police said.
Manassas police also charged him with having a gun while committing a felony and having a gun as a convicted felon. He is being held at a local hospital.
A 16-year-old girl killed during First Friday in Old Town Manassas is believed to have been a bystander in an exchange of gunfire, Manassas City Police said Saturday.
Sgt. Shauna Moller, the department’s public information officer, confirmed that characterization to Potomac Local News on Saturday afternoon.
“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.
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, 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.
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:
