Flashback Friday returns Sept. 4 with restaurants, shops, entertainment and DORA — in a town where somebody probably knows your mom.
2-MINUTE BRIEF
WHAT: First Friday: Flashback Friday
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 4, 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Historic Downtown Manassas
WHAT TO EXPECT: Restaurants, shops, vendors, entertainment and downtown streets closed to vehicle traffic.
DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREA (DORA): Adults 21 and older may carry alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses within the designated outdoor area and during the permitted hours.
September’s Flashback Friday brings another evening of food, shopping, entertainment and neighbors filling the streets of Historic Downtown Manassas.
For a few hours, cars give way to people. Restaurants spill into the evening. Shops stay busy. Friends run into friends. Families walk downtown.
It is one of those nights when Manassas feels a little more like one big neighborhood.
The official First Friday event runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with last call at 9:30 p.m.
First Friday Is for the Whole Community
Businesses open their doors. Residents welcome a busier downtown. Visitors come in from around the area. Police, event organizers and City staff help keep everything moving.
With the streets closed to normal vehicle traffic, people can walk between restaurants, shops, vendors and entertainment throughout the event area.
It is a night to eat downtown, shop local, see some familiar faces and enjoy the city.
And because this is Manassas, chances are somebody knows your parents, your neighbors, your teacher, your coach or your boss.
Small towns have a way of keeping everyone connected.
Who Is DORA?
DORA, the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, allows adults 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating licensed businesses and carry them within the approved outdoor area.
Drinks must be purchased from participating businesses, served in approved containers and kept within the designated DORA boundaries. Outside alcohol, bottles and cans are not permitted.
The rules are simple and help the event operate as an open-air downtown gathering.
Know the Hours
First Friday runs from 6 to 10 p.m., with last call at 9:30 p.m.
Restaurants and businesses may have their own operating hours, but the organized event has a defined beginning and end.
Come downtown, enjoy the evening, support the businesses and know the DORA rules.
Everybody Has a Part
First Friday works when everybody does their part.
Businesses welcome the crowd. Residents share their downtown. Visitors respect the space. Parents know where their kids are. Friends look out for friends. Police, organizers and City staff help keep the evening moving.
So come hungry. Bring some friends. Walk around. Visit a shop you have not been in before. Grab dinner. Enjoy Flashback Friday.
And remember: in Manassas, somebody is probably watching.
Probably your mother.
That is part of the charm.
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