Historic Manassas Inc. (HMI) welcomes a limited number of outside vendors to First Fridays, including non-profits and art vendors. Please review the following guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful experience.

Applications must be submitted between the 1st and 10th of the month preceding First Friday. (Example: To participate in the March First Friday, submit your application between February 1-10.)

Eligibility

• Vendors must be located within the City of Manassas and have a city business license with insurance.
• Not Permitted:
  ▪ Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies or independent distributors of commercial products (e.g., Avon, Scentsy).
  ▪ Fundraising activities, including sports teams and clubs.
  ▪ Groups or businesses with political affiliations. 
  ▪ Religious organizations, unless their physical location is directly within the Historic Downtown Manassas footprint.

Vendor Setup

• Each vendor space is 10×10 feet and costs $100(local community partners are free)
• Tents are optional but encouraged and must be no larger than 10x10
• Vendors must provide their own equipment (e.g., tents, tables, chairs, displays).
• Tent Requirements: Must be weighted with at least 30lbs per tent leg—no exceptions.
• Electricity: Not available. Food trucks are permitted to use quiet generators.
• Vendors must stay within their designated space.
• No amplified sound (including speakers, microphones, or personal sound systems). Approved bands and DJs are already scheduled.

Food Vendors

Participation is very limited to ensure minimal competition with existing downtown businesses. At this time, a maximum of two food vendors (including food trucks) may be accepted per First Friday. Applying does not guarantee approval.

Food truck vendors must submit:

• A copy of their mobile unit permit

• Fire inspection report (if required)

• A Temporary Food Establishment Permit to the Prince William Health Department

Approved vendors must be self-sufficient, as electricity is not available. Only quiet generators are permitted for food trucks.

Non-Profit Vendors

• Non-profits groups may display and distribute information about their service or upcoming event, but are not allowed to sell anything, fundraise, or take donations on the sidewalks or in streets.
• Promotional materials may only be handed to interested individuals. This means no heckling, harassing, or calling out to attendees outside of your booth space. Vendors should respect personal boundaries and allow attendees to approach their booth voluntarily.
• Non-profits must provide an engaging activity for attendees.

Event Day Rules

• No soliciting of any kind is allowed.
• Unauthorized setups will be asked to leave.
• Rain or Shine Policy: First Friday takes place rain or shine. Refunds are not issued for cancellations or inclement weather.

Additional Information

• Vendor locations will be emailed on the Monday before each First Friday. Locations may vary each month based on event layout needs.
• Vendors agree to assume all risks associated with the use of their vendor space.