Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in downtown Manassas.
Originally scheduled to begin in March 2025, the renovation to replace leaking coolant pipes beneath the 23-year-old pavilion’s concrete surface has been delayed. The delay stems from uncertainties in the delivery timeline of construction materials—some of which are made outside of the U.S., notes a press release.
The City plans to begin the $1.3 million project in January 2026, with an expected completion by April 2026.
To keep the project on budget, the City is working to order materials in advance to lock in current prices and avoid future cost increases.
A Silver Lining: Beloved Events Returning to the Pavilion
While the renovation delay may be disappointing for some residents, it presents a welcome opportunity: the return of several beloved community events to the heart of Old Town Manassas in spring and summer 2025.
Events including the Puerto Rican Festival and Pride Festival will once again take place under the iconic Harris Pavilion, bringing vibrant celebrations of culture and diversity back downtown.
Other returning favorites include the Thursday and Saturday Farmers Markets and Acoustic Tuesdays, all slated to fill the pavilion with local flavor, music, and community spirit throughout the warmer months.
A Temporary Pause for Long-Term Gain
The city had originally planned to begin renovations in early 2025 by ending the 2024-25 ice skating season early. According to Manassas spokesman Jeremy Beale, the proactive scheduling was intended to replace the deteriorating pipe system—buried under concrete—that supports the pavilion’s seasonal ice rink.
“These repairs are crucial to keeping the ice rink operational for future winter use,” said Beale. “Since the old pipe system was buried under concrete, crews currently have no easy way to access it for repairs.”
Once complete, the renovated system will ensure the pavilion continues to serve as a year-round destination.
The city’s insurance will cover up to half the cost of the renovation.
Ice Skating Returns for the 2025 Season
In the meantime, residents can still look forward to another full ice rink season. The City anticipates the rink will reopen for the 2025 holiday season, running from November 2025 through January 4, 2026.
As one of the region’s most cherished public spaces, Harris Pavilion has long been home to events like First Fridays, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and a summer concert series, drawing visitors from across Northern Virginia.
Manassas is working on a major maintenance project at Harris Pavilion, a well-known community hub in downtown Manassas.
Beginning in March, crews will replace the leaking coolant pipes beneath the 23-year-old pavilion’s concrete surface to ensure the continued operation of the seasonal ice rink and other community events.
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Grab your scarves, gloves, and a sense of adventure—ice skating season is back in Manassas! The beloved ice rink at the Harris Pavilion is set to open this Friday, November 22, just in time to kickstart the holiday spirit. Whether you're a pro gliding effortlessly across the ice or someone still mastering the art of staying upright, skating is magical under the pavilion lights.
This year's skating season is a little shorter than usual, ending on January 5. Why the early end? The rink will undergo some much-needed repairs to improve the ice quality and prepare for an exciting concert season next year. So, please make the most of the skating season while it lasts.
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Hosted by the City of Manassas and Manassas City Public Schools, the event encourages guests of all ages to stop by and take home some free books.
The pavilion is located at 9201 Center Street, Manassas. The event will include various special guests, such as authors, school representatives, and student volunteers.
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Manassas City Government: "Keep your eyes on the weather. The sooner it gets chilly, the sooner the Harris Pavilion will be ready for ice skating. The projected date is this Friday."
"Ice skating will be starting soon, and it's very weather dependent," said Acting City Manager Douglas Keen during the Monday, November 14, 2023, city council meeting.
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Equality Prince William will hold its second Pride festival on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Harris Pavilion in Manassas.
The event will feature multiple drag queen shows and vendors selling products and providing information about services available to LGBTQ residents.
The city issued a permit for the event at the pavilion, which serves as a town square. Many residents who spoke at a May 8 City Council meeting urged the city to rescind its permit due to the planned drag queen performances.
