First Friday returns to Historic Downtown Manassas on Friday, February 7, 2025, with one of its most beloved events—the Souper Bowl. This highly anticipated food festival, where attendees sample an array of soups from local restaurants, has officially sold out.
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:
This year’s lineup features an eclectic mix of flavors, from classic comfort food to adventurous international dishes.
- Rangoli – Hot and Sour Soup @ Manassas Olive Oil
- Vera’s Kitchen – Desta’s Lentil Soup @ Kerbobble Toys
- SEMIFREDDO – Roasted Corn Soup @ Totally Vintage Design
- Ashton Family Restaurant – Beer and Chicken Soup @ Freedom Museum
- Zach Murphy – “Jeff Kha Gai” (Thai Coconut Soup) @ Calico Jack’s
- Monza / Carmello’s – Tomato Basil Bisque @ Shining Sol
- Honey and Ivy Gluten Free – Cocoa Cloud Dessert Soup @ Honey and Ivy
- Voodoo Brothers Cajun Creole – Voodoo Chili @ Studio Luxe And The City
- Mariachis – Mexican Beef Soup @ The Things I Love
- Doug’s Deli & Taproom – Tomato Basil Soup @ Black Metal Mercantile
- Hog Shack Bar-B-Q – Brunswick Stew @ Old Towne Man Cave
- Puerto Rico Cafe – Asopao de Pollo @ Grounds Central Station
- Lume – Pork Belly Ramen @ Dabble_CRC
- Zandra’s Taqueria – Pasta e Fagioli @ Popcorn Monkey
- Philadelphia Tavern – Tortilla Soup @ Fillagreen
- Crossroads Tabletop Tavern – Borschty-Borsch-Borsch-Borscht (aka Muppet Stew) @ Ashby Jewelers
- City Tavern – Clam Chowder @ District Hemp Botanicals
- The Bone – Chicken Tortilla Soup @ Sinistral Brewing Company
- Chef Donnella Pearson – Brazilian-Inspired Tomato Soup @ The Meredith House
- Ashton Family Restaurant’s Meat Chili – Paired with Texas Roadhouse’s fresh-baked bread @ Aroma Wine Tasting
With a mix of bold flavors and comforting classics, this year’s Souper Bowl promises to be an unforgettable event for soup lovers.
Which Soup Will Reign Supreme?
As attendees explore downtown and taste each soup, they will have the chance to vote for their favorite. The restaurant or chef with the most votes will earn bragging rights until next year’s competition.
First Friday’s Souper Bowl is just one of the many signature events that bring the Manassas community together each year. While tickets are no longer available, those who secured their spot are in for a treat.
Stay tuned for the winner announcement—and if you missed out this time, mark your calendars for next year’s event.
Keen said city staff has been discussing the strain hosting several events has on the city's infrastructure and their workload.
"We have been a victim of our own successes," Keen said. "All of our events, when we first started [First Friday], we were just hopeful to get a few people to come to Old Town. ... We're so crowded. But what that has caused ... is the strain on our infrastructure for some of the locations, the strain on our staff and the strain on our community as a whole."
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Following concerns over underage drinking and unregulated alcohol consumption, the Manassas City Council has implemented a new policy to limit the number of events held downtown. The decision, discussed at the October 21 council meeting, aims to reduce the strain on city resources and improve public safety, particularly for the popular First Friday gatherings in Downtown Manassas.
The policy will reserve one weekend each month as a “respite weekend,” when no significant events will be held in downtown, allowing city infrastructure and staff a much-needed break. Furthermore, city officials are considering reducing the frequency of First Fridays and other recurring events to manage safety risks and improve the experience for residents and local businesses.
Concerns surrounding First Fridays, a popular monthly event featuring a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) where patrons can carry alcohol in marked zones, have escalated in recent months. Text messages exchanged on September 6, 2024, between Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Captain Tara Petty revealed growing worries about underage drinking and attendees bringing alcohol purchased outside the event’s permitted areas, including from nearby liquor and convenience stores. The DORA guidelines specify that alcohol should only be purchased from local restaurants participating in the event.
Still, city officials report that many patrons bypass these regulations, undermining public safety and harming local businesses.
“We’re thrilled that Old Town is such a popular destination,” Keen said, “but the high volume of events, particularly First Fridays, has created ongoing safety challenges that we need to address for the well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors.”
As part of the new policy, the city will also evaluate event permits to restrict how often individual organizations can host events in downtown. Some community members have voiced concerns that the abundance of large gatherings, while beneficial for tourism, has led to congestion, parking shortages, and noise, impacting the area’s day-to-day quality of life.
Local businesses have had mixed responses to the policy. Many welcome the changes, citing disruptions during First Fridays and other events that draw large crowds. Business owners note that while events are valuable for drawing new patrons, the influx of people—often with alcohol brought in from outside—can deter regular customers.
“Manassas has become a hub of activity, which is wonderful,” said Councilmember Ralph Smith. “But our priority has to be ensuring these events don’t overburden the community or compromise public safety. This policy lets us strike a balance between tourism and community needs.”
In response, event organizers and local businesses are working with city officials to adjust to the new policy and promote safer, more sustainable event practices. Some First Friday organizers are exploring measures like increased signage about DORA guidelines and added police presence to address potential safety risks.
The city plans to review the new policy after one year, gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and event organizers to ensure it meets the community’s needs.
Concerns over underage drinking and people bringing outside alcohol into the First Friday event in Manassas have prompted city officials to reconsider how the popular downtown gathering is managed. Interim City Manager Doug Keen and Police Capt. Tara Petty exchanged text messages on September 6, 2024, discussing growing issues with public safety and communication during the event.
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The Manassas City Council is re-evaluating the popular First Fridays event, a staple in the city’s historic downtown, following feedback from residents, businesses, and local authorities regarding public safety and overall event management.
At the heart of the review is the need to balance the community appeal of First Fridays with growing concerns about safety, traffic congestion, and parking. The council is considering changes to ensure the event remains a vibrant part of city life while addressing logistical challenges.
Balancing Growth and Safety
First Fridays, held from February through December, have grown into a marquee event for Manassas, attracting large crowds for live music, vendors, and shopping. Streets in the historic downtown area are closed, transforming the neighborhood into a pedestrian-friendly space. While the event bolsters the local economy, it has also sparked debate about its management and impact on the community.
Interim City Manager Douglass Keen acknowledged the economic benefits but stressed that the city’s infrastructure must adapt to the event’s growing popularity. “We all agree that events like First Fridays are great for the city, but we need to manage them in a way that works for everyone,” Keen said.
Some local businesses have expressed concerns about crowd control, parking shortages, and inconsistent guidelines for vendors, while residents have raised complaints about noise levels and difficulties accessing their homes during street closures.
One unique feature of the event, Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas (DORA), allows visitors to openly carry alcohol in specific zones. The policy was enabled by legislation carried by Senator Jeremy McPike, adding an extra layer of appeal to the event but also bringing additional safety and management challenges.
Council’s Response and Proposed Solutions
Public safety emerged as a central topic during the council’s discussions. An increase in minor incidents during recent events has prompted the council to prioritize security, with city staff collaborating with the Manassas Police Department and Historic Manassas, Inc., the event’s organizer, to address concerns.
“We are in the process of reviewing how we manage First Fridays with input from all stakeholders—businesses, police, and residents,” Keen said. “It’s clear that changes are needed to ensure these events are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Proposed changes include improving communication with businesses and residents before each event, increasing police presence, and implementing new traffic management measures to ease congestion and improve parking.
Councilman Smith emphasized the importance of balancing differing community expectations for the event. “There are two distinct views on what First Fridays should be,” he said. “Some see it as a family-friendly event that needs structure, while others want a more free-flowing atmosphere. We’re working to find a middle ground that prioritizes safety without losing the event’s charm.”
Parking is also a major issue under review. At the upcoming town hall on September 16, parking concerns will take center stage, with city leaders encouraging residents to voice their opinions and offer suggestions for improvement.
Councilwoman Pamela Sebesky reiterated the council’s commitment to ensuring First Fridays continue to thrive while reflecting the needs of the community. “We want First Fridays to remain a vibrant, enjoyable event,” Sebesky said. “But we also want to make sure it aligns with the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The next First Fridays event is scheduled for October 4, 2024.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly quoted a resident who spoke at the city council meeting.Â
According to Jheanel Butler, HMI event coordinator, the diverse soups include Sancocho from Puerto Rico Café, a hearty stew with a unique blend of beef cuts, chicken, and root vegetables. Grounds Central Station will serve roasted butternut squash soup, while SemiFreddo Italian Cuisine will present green lentil soup with prosciutto. Other highlights include Creamy Potato Soup from Vera’s Kitchen, Beef Brisket Chili from The Bone, Brunswick Stew from Hog Shack Bar-B-Q, and the intriguing Cheese Burger Soup topped with bacon from The Philadelphia Tavern. Vegans can delight in the Vegan Tomato Soup with a non-vegan grilled cheese bite from Honey & Ivy Gluten-free.
This year’s ticket includes a collectible anniversary mug for attendees, who can choose to use it at the event. Disposable tasting containers will also be provided. To add an interactive element, attendees will receive a map of all the stops with a QR code for online voting.
The fan-favorite vote will determine the top three soups, with the first-place winner receiving a trophy. Furthermore, 50% of the profits from ticket sales will be evenly distributed among the participating restaurants to help offset food costs.
Building on the previous year’s success, HMI aims to continue creating a family-friendly atmosphere at First Fridays. With the support and sponsorship of Old Town Strong, HMI introduced a Kids Zone last year, featuring balloon artists, face painting, bounce houses, paint-your-own canvases, cornhole, and more. The organization plans to expand on these family-friendly activities this year, ensuring First Fridays cater to all residents.
“The story is told from the point of view of Mary Worthington, the eldest spirit, who serves as both the group matriarch and narrator. When items for sale arrive at the store without spirits attached, the group becomes concerned. In attempting to figure out why, the spirits discover that the old farmhouse itself conceals a century-old secret. A ‘cozy’ mystery engages the reader in the story without overly graphic violence or language.”
