First Friday Archives - Potomac Local News

Published October 20, 2026 at 11:48AM | Updated October 21, 2026 at 11:15PM

Manassas and Historic Manassas Inc. are asking the City Council for extra money to expand Christmas and fall events after canceling the final First Friday of 2026.

At the Oct. 19 work session, HMI and city staff requested $6,000 — or possibly $3,000 after porta-potty savings from the canceled First Fridays — to strengthen marketing and programming at the remaining events. Those include Haunted Happenings on Oct. 24 (extended to 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with streets closed, pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, a magician, carnival games, and a DJ), a Gallery Walk on Nov. 14, Small Business Week from Nov. 20–29, and Christmas programming such as Christmas markets, the Christmas parade, Santa Train, and carriage rides. Staff said the funds would help promote family-friendly elements and encourage restaurants and businesses to offer specials.

Breaking News

Manassas cancels First Friday for rest of 2026 after teen bystander slain in downtown shootout

By PLN News

Published October 16, 2026 at 1:35PM

Downtown Manassas

The City of Manassas and Historic Manassas Inc. have canceled the final 2026 First Friday after considering community feedback. The decision follows the Sept. 4 shooting during the packed downtown event that killed 16-year-old Patriot High School student Ashley Intihar, an uninvolved bystander, near the train depot.

Police said gunfire broke out about 9:30 p.m. amid roughly 10,000 people. Xavier Wanzer, 19, of Orange, approached Tasheem Rashad Douglas, 21, over a prior conflict. Douglas, a convicted felon already out on bond, fired and struck Intihar. Wanzer and Talib Davis, 23, of Fauquier County, returned fire. Douglas faces second-degree murder and firearms charges. Wanzer and Davis face malicious wounding and firearms charges. All three are held without bond. The organizations will focus the rest of the year on fall and winter seasonal events instead, and residents can share feedback on First Fridays for 2027 through a questionnaire.

Manassas

Manassas officials hear First Friday safety ideas after Sept. 4 teen killing

By Potomac Local News

Published September 22, 2026 at 7:25AM

Tatiana Calderon, of Manassas, speaks at the city council meeting on Sept. 21, 2026.

Manassas City Council spent Monday night on what a November First Friday might look like after the city and Historic Manassas Inc. already paused the October event. There was no vote.

Vice Mayor Mark D. Wolfe presided. While not present Monday, Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger remains in office through Sept. 30.

Manassas

Manassas pauses October First Friday after teen killed at packed downtown event

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 14, 2026 at 4:33PM

A Manassas police cruiser sits at an Old Town intersection after the First Friday shooting on Sept. 4, 2026. (Potomac Local News)

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.

Manassas

Patriot High School student killed in Old Town Manassas First Friday shooting

By PLN News

Published September 7, 2026 at 1:54PM | Updated September 7, 2026 at 3:45PM

Photo posted with the Remembering Ashley Intihar memorial campaign on SpotFund. Photo: Family photo via SpotFund / Sofia Guerra

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.”

Manassas

Community gathers at Manassas train station for vigil after First Friday shooting

By PLN News

Published September 6, 2026 at 10:38AM

People gather on the platform at the Manassas train station Saturday night, Sept. 5, 2026, for a community vigil after a 16-year-old girl was killed during First Friday. Flowers, candles and a balloon sit near the brick depot as mourners stand along the tracks. (Submitted photo)

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.

Manassas

Court records: First Friday murder suspect is a convicted felon, was out on bond

By PLN News

Published September 5, 2026 at 5:17PM | Updated September 6, 2026 at 10:43AM

Tasheem Rashad Douglas in a February 2026 booking photo released after his arrest near Westgate Elementary School. Credit: Prince William County Police Department.

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.

Breaking News

Teen killed at packed Manassas First Friday was a bystander in a gunfire exchange, police say

By Uriah Kiser

Published September 4, 2026 at 11:04PM | Updated September 6, 2026 at 10:41AM

Police tape off a plaza near Prince William Street and West Street after a confirmed shooting during First Friday in Old Town Manassas on Sept. 4, 2026. Potomac Local News blurred a portion of the image. (Exclusive / Potomac Local News)

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.

Features

Downtown Manassas Gears Up for Final First Friday of the Year

By Uriah Kiser

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