This year Gallery Walk has kicked it up and expanded into a three-day art festival in historic downtown Manassas. The Much Ado About Art Festival will kick off during the May First Friday on May 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. At 5:p.m. the streets will be open to pedestrian traffic and the arts will come alive.
Follow the balloons from store to store and experience the fine art on display, from photography to oils and acrylics, there is much to see for everyone. Hop onto the walk-on travel art van that will be on display in the intersection of Main and Center Streets.
Friday night won’t just be featuring Gallery Walk. Violinists will bring a whimsical sound to downtown and a Dueling Brushes competition will be taking place at Creative Brush, Zandra’s, and Mariachi’s. Watch as artists create an original work from start to finish and then vote for your favorite at Creative Brush Studio. Completed works will be on display in Creative Brush all weekend with voting open through 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. There will be fun for the kids as well – enjoy balloon twisting and face painting Friday night between Prospero’s Books and Totally Vintage Design.
On Saturday, May 6, the day will begin with Manassas Reads at the Harris Pavilion. This free event promotes literary art with book giveaways and readings with a few special guests.
Following Manassas Reads, a ticketed paint class will be held at the Pavilion with instructor Emily Thomson from Manassas Olive Oil Company where attendees will create their own unique floral scene. Weather permitting, there will also be a new Little Bits project going on at 10 a.m. on the corner of Center and Main Streets next to the Old Towne Man Cave as the transformer box is transformed into an aquarium!
p-ART-ners will also be hosting Battle of the Artists on Battle Street from 9am-3pm, weather permitting, where you can watch chalk art come to life and vote for your favorite piece! Voting boxes can be found at the Center for the Arts, Creative Brush Studio, and Grounds Central Station through Sunday. Saturday evening, Gallery Walk will continue again from 5 to 9 p.m. and a free concert from Kitty and the Fat Cats will take place at the Pavilion at 7 p.m. – don’t forget to bring your own chairs!
On Sunday, it’s community day! Enjoy performances at the Pavilion from the Osbourn High School Drum Line, McGrath Irish Dance Studio, and the Manassas Ballet. Manassas Art Guild will also be hosting a community canvas art project on the flat rail car and the Center for the Arts will be hosting a community art paint splatter project on their bench in the side parking lot on Battle Street. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy all the art that has blossomed in historic downtown Manassas.
Recent Stories
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 — from July 2023 to July 2024 — showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Looking for a furry companion to brighten your days? Meet Harley, a 6 ½-year-old neutered male Domestic with short hair and a loving personality. Harley is ready to find his forever home and is available for adoption now.
Harley is waiting for you at the Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter. This local shelter is dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
