The City of Manassas has canceled its “First Friday” celebration for November. The October First Friday was also canceled following the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl at the September 4 event.
Manasses City police say the Patriot High School student was an uninvolved bystander in the shooting. Three men have been arrested and charged in the case.
Following the shooting, the city sought public input about protocols for upcoming events, including at a September 21 city council work session.
Based on community feedback, the City of Manassas and Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) announced they had “canceled the final First Friday event of 2026 to focus on upcoming fall and winter festivities. Community feedback remains important as planning continues for 2027.”
Upcoming community programming includes an October 24 Halloween trick-or-treating event, a November 7 Veterans Day parade, and a fall gallery walk on November 14.
“As residents and visitors look to celebrate the holiday season, the City and HMI remain committed to creating welcoming, engaging experiences that bring residents, visitors and local businesses together throughout the year,” the City of Manassas website says.
Manassas officials are encouraging residents to share feedback about First Fridays ahead of the 2027 season through an online form. The monthly festivals are held February through November in Old Town Manassas.
