Owensboro, KY – March 10th, 2021: The buzz has been growing, about whether Owensboro will celebrate this summer at the Riverfront for the Friday After 5, 25th Anniversary-Mile of Music. The long-awaited answer is yes! The season will be opening on May 21st with a wonderful line-up, will take place each Friday night through Sept 3rd. Though it may look a little different to open safely, the festival will go on with great entertainment each week.
“Friday After 5 remained committed over this last year, to create a memorable experience in 2021.” states FA5 Executive Director Francine Marseille. “We cannot wait to share all our plans and celebrate the re-opening Friday After 5 with the families, musicians and community businesses, who have long created traditions together.”
This year celebrates the 25th Anniversary for Friday After 5 and there are some wonderful new additions to the series. The addition of the Holiday Inn Riverfront stage will officially create a full mile of music along the riverfront. And if you haven’t seen Commissioner Larry Maglinger transform into Rod Stewart or have danced the night away with the Velvet Bombers, they will be making a special anniversary celebration appearance on July 2nd to kick off the 4th of July weekend. Let’s not forget that a little elf told me that Santa is even coming to town to celebrate Christmas in July with us.
For the first time in the history of the event, the Owensboro Hydrofair will have a strong presence on Friday Night, with Grand Prix trials running on the river, some driver & team meet & greets, along with the Crashers taking the stage at the Owensboro Convention Center Party Pier, as we kick off the night in August.
There are new bands coming to town all season long, as well as a few must have favorites. The eagerly anticipated annual event all summer long, weekly event, provides an important role in bringing community and the arts together. Friday After 5 began in 1997 with four concerts and grew into a 16-week signature riverfront festival for the entire tri-state area hosting more than 70,000 visitors each season.
“This season is especially meaningful to all of us and with the addition of new vendors, new music and new events, it will be a year to remember.” adds Marseille. “However, we could never have made our dreams come true without the continued support of our community and sponsors!”