Battle Street Live's Outdoor Music To End In Manassas In 2025

MANASSAS, VA — A downtown Manassas street won't be filled with music during some special events this year.

Battle Street Live, which provides live music on Battle Street on First Fridays, Independence Day and other Friday and Saturday nights, announced it will not run outdoor music in the summer 2025 season "or potentially ever again."

Alice Pires, owner of two participating businesses, Carmello’s and Monza, cited the decision by some Battle Street businesses to no longer participate in Battle Street Live. The business owner said the ending of Battle Street Live was not because of any actions by Historic Manassas or the City of Manassas.

"For many of our supporters, friends, and artists this is very sad news to have to share with you all," William Dodson of event planning business Psubtle Productions shared in a social media post. "Battle Street Live was a consortium that included the restaurants located on the block between Church Street and Center Street, and without the full support of all the establishments it’s not financially possible to continue hosting events."

Pires said her businesses are seeking ways to keep Battle Street Live going in a different form.

"While this season Battle Street Live may look different and may not occur directly on the street, we are actively exploring alternative ways to bring music, entertainment, and community engagement to our customers and neighbors," Pires wrote. "Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Together, we will keep the spirit of Old Town alive and thriving."

Battle Street Live started more than 15 years ago, turning Battle Street into a temporary pedestrian zone to provide live music from May through mid-October. Businesses on Battle Street would open their patios to patrons to enjoy the music with food and drinks. Along with Monza and Carmello's, participating businesses had included the Battle Street Bistro, Lume Asian Fusion and Public House Kitchen & Brewery.

Select Battle Street Live dates coincided with the Historic Manassas First Friday events, which shut down some downtown streets to vehicular traffic and allow on-street alcohol consumption in designated areas from approved businesses. However, Potomac Local first reported concerns at First Fridays about underage drinking, outside alcohol, public safety, traffic and more, prompting a City Council review of the downtown event.

The city has been reminding residents of the First Friday rules to avoid the on-street alcohol permit being revoked. During the 2024 season, the city also closed Harris Pavilion after 10 p.m. and added new signage and improved lighting to help officers monitor the area better. The initial First Friday event of 2025 will be Feb. 7 with the Souper Bowl theme.