The Full Friday Cheers Richmond 2025 Lineup: Dates, Tickets, And The Shocking 2026 Pause
Richmond's premier outdoor concert series, Friday Cheers, is back for its monumental 40th-anniversary season in 2025, but this year holds a major twist for fans of live music on the riverfront. The highly anticipated series, produced by Venture Richmond Events, will be held on Brown’s Island throughout May and June 2025, showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging national acts and beloved local favorites. This anniversary season is a must-attend, as it will be the last one at the iconic Brown's Island venue for over a year due to a massive $30 million renovation project.
The 2025 Friday Cheers season is set to be one of the most memorable in the event’s history, not only celebrating four decades of music but also serving as a temporary farewell to the current iteration of Brown's Island. With a fresh lineup and the best ticket prices in the city, this summer concert series remains a cornerstone of the Richmond, Virginia, cultural scene. Fans should secure their season passes immediately to ensure they don't miss this landmark year.
Friday Cheers 2025: Full Lineup, Dates, and Essential Details
The 40th-anniversary season of Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, officially runs through May and June 2025. The series is known for bringing "up-and-coming" artists to the Downtown Richmond riverfront, often catching bands right before they break into the mainstream. All shows take place on Brown's Island, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and music typically starting around 6:30 PM.
The Complete Friday Cheers 2025 Lineup
The 2025 schedule includes a mix of genres, from Americana and soul to world music and local RVA favorites, ensuring there is something for every music enthusiast:
- Friday, May 2: Chaparelle with the Jack Wharff Band (40th Anniversary Kick-Off)
- Friday, May 9: Bully with Rikki Rakki
- Friday, May 23: RVA Music Night featuring Dogpark, Caroline Vain, and Weekend Plans
- Friday, May 30: Josiah and the Bonnevilles with Jonathan Paige Brown Jr.
- Friday, June 6: Kashus Culpepper with Ramona & The Holy Smokes
- Friday, June 13: La Lom with Afro-Zen Allstars
- Friday, June 20: The War and Treaty with Mekong Xpress & the Get Downs
Ticket and Pass Information
Friday Cheers continues its tradition of offering incredible value, making it one of the most affordable summer concert series in the country. This year, the ticket structure remains simple and accessible:
- Individual Show Tickets: $15 at any of the event entrances on the day of the show (Credit/Debit Only).
- Season Passes: ONLY $65 for access to all shows in the 2025 series. This is the best deal for dedicated fans and is strongly recommended for the anniversary year.
- Children's Admission: Children 12 & under are FREE, making it a perfect family-friendly event.
The concert series, which has been a staple in Richmond for four decades, attracts thousands of people every Friday, creating a vibrant, communal atmosphere along the James River. Securing a season pass not only saves money but also guarantees entry to this landmark 40th-anniversary celebration.
The $30 Million Brown's Island Improvement Project and 2026 Pause
The most significant news surrounding the 2025 season is the temporary closure of the venue. Following the conclusion of the fall 2025 events, Brown's Island will undergo a massive, transformative renovation, forcing Friday Cheers to take a one-year hiatus in 2026.
A World-Class Riverfront Park
The Brown's Island Improvement Project is a monumental $30 million investment aimed at transforming the beloved landmark into a "world-class riverfront park". Produced by Venture Richmond, the same organization behind Friday Cheers, the project will enhance the experience for all Richmonders and visitors. The goal is to modernize the island's infrastructure while preserving its natural beauty and historical significance as a key part of the James River Park System.
The construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and is projected to last through October 2026. This timeline means that the entire 2026 Friday Cheers season must be paused. The event is expected to return to the newly renovated Brown's Island in 2027, promising an even better concert experience with improved facilities and amenities.
Connecting the Downtown Richmond Riverfront
The Brown’s Island renovation is part of a larger plan to revitalize the downtown riverfront area. It ties into other major city developments, including the Allianz Amphitheater and critical infrastructure for the new Fall Line Trail. The project is designed to make the riverfront more accessible and more integrated into the city's growing network of trails and public spaces. The investment underscores Richmond's commitment to its public spaces and cultural events like Friday Cheers.
Why the 40th Anniversary is a Must-Attend Event
For four decades, Friday Cheers has been the unofficial start to the Richmond summer, a place where friends gather, local businesses thrive, and the James River provides a stunning backdrop for live music. The 2025 season marks a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary—and the final year before the venue's major facelift. This combination of celebration and temporary closure creates a unique sense of urgency and nostalgia for the event.
The event has a strong history of showcasing future stars, including acts like The War and Treaty, who are headlining this year. Attending the 2025 series is an opportunity to be part of the final chapter of the "old" Brown's Island era and to celebrate the event's enduring legacy. It’s a chance to savor the current atmosphere before the island closes for its year-long transformation.
Whether you are a longtime RVA resident, a newcomer, or a visitor, the 2025 Friday Cheers season offers a powerful blend of community, culture, and high-quality live music. Don't miss the chance to experience the 40th anniversary and bid a temporary farewell to the beloved Brown's Island before it returns in 2027 as an even grander, world-class venue.
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