Fridays After Five: Charlottesville's Unique Summer Concert Tradition

Fridays After Five: Charlottesville's Unique Summer Concert Series

As spring turns to summer in Charlottesville, Virginia, residents look forward to one beloved weekly event: Fridays After Five. This free outdoor concert series in the heart of downtown provides the perfect opportunity to relax with friends, dance to live music, and embrace the easygoing lifestyle that makes Charlottesville so special.

The History of Fridays After Five

Fridays After Five launched in April 1984 as a way to bring more people downtown during the warm weather months. Local attorney Steve Tharpe organized the first concert series with just four shows on the east end of the downtown mall. It was an immediate hit with the community.

The free concert series moved to the west end of the mall the following year and expanded to six shows. Over the past 35+ years, Fridays After Five has grown into a Charlottesville institution with 17 concerts each summer featuring a diverse mix of local, regional, and national acts.

What to Expect at Fridays After Five

Fridays After Five takes place every Friday from April to September. The fun gets underway around 5:00 pm when downtown streets are closed to traffic and the bars and restaurants start to fill up with people. There are two stages set up on opposite ends of the pedestrian mall to host the evening's entertainment.

Revelers flock to the concert zone with chairs and blankets to stake out a good spot to see the show. The main stage typically highlights bigger names and bands while the smaller stage hosts local groups. You can wander back and forth between the two areas all evening.

Vendors and artisans also set up booths along the mall to sell crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more. Restaurants have extended outdoor seating and food trucks offer quick bites like BBQ, tacos, and ice cream. The legalized open container zone means you can purchase beer and cocktails from local bars to sip while you stroll the mall.

Who Performs at Fridays After Five

Over the years, Fridays After Five has hosted artists spanning all genres of music - rock, country, blues, funk, soul, and more. A few standout acts have included Huey Lewis and The News, Ricky Skaggs, O.A.R., Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Anderson East.

Fridays After Five makes a point to showcase up-and-coming local musicians as well. Weekly Friday concerts have helped launch the careers of several Charlottesville bands over the past three decades like The Hackensaw Boys, Sarah White, In Decision, Sick Little Monkeys and others.

No matter who is on stage, Fridays After Five concerts are the epitome of Charlottesville's unofficial motto to "live music, eat local." The community comes together each summer weekend to enjoy fantastic entertainment paired with food and drinks from the diverse local restaurant scene.

Why Fridays After Five is Uniquely Charlottesville

Fridays After Five has become a defining summer event in Charlottesville for several reasons:

• It brings the community together every week for 35+ years
• The pedestrian mall provides an ideal outdoor concert setting
• The free access allows people from all backgrounds to attend
• It provides exposure for emerging local musicians
• It reflects Charlottesville's passion for music, food, and drink

Locals and visitors alike look forward to Fridays After Five as an enjoyable way to unwind, meet up with friends, discover new bands, and embrace Charlottesville's quirky vibe. Even as the city has evolved over the decades, Fridays After Five remains a constant summer highlight.

How to Make the Most of Fridays After Five

Here are some tips to help you enjoy Fridays After Five like a pro:

• Arrive early - around 4:30 or 5:00 pm - to get a good spot near one of the stages.
• Bring a blanket or folding chairs and snacks/drinks to tailgate if staking out an area.
• Keep an eye on Facebook event pages to see lineup schedules and stage times.
• Be prepared to stand and mingle if you don't arrive early enough for a seated spot.
• Take advantage of food trucks and outdoor bar areas if you don't want to claim a spot.
• Visit vendor booths to find handmade souvenirs and local art.
• Chat with fellow music lovers around you - Fridays After Five is very social!

The concerts run from 5:30 to 8:30 pm rain or shine. Come relax, sing along, and soak up everything that makes Charlottesville an amazing place to live and visit!

Va Pedal Co: Cruising Around Charlottesville on a Pedicab

Looking for a fun, eco-friendly way to explore Charlottesville, Virginia? Hop aboard a pedicab with Va Pedal Co! Their knowledgeable, personable drivers will take you on a smooth tour of the city's best attractions and hidden gems from their comfortable cycle rickshaws.

What is a Pedicab?

A pedicab is a three-wheeled bike outfitted with a large padded seat in the back for pedaling passengers around. The pedicab driver steers and pedals up front while up to two riders sit in back and enjoy the ride.

Pedicabs emerged in the late 1990s as a green transportation alternative in urban areas. They run solely on pedal power rather than gas or electricity. Va Pedal Co launched in Charlottesville in 2010 with a commitment to sustainable tourism.

Va Pedal Co Pedicab Tours

Va Pedal Co offers 1-2 hour private and group pedicab tours around downtown Charlottesville and the surrounding neighborhoods. Some popular routes include:

• Historic Downtown Mall - See the lively pedestrian mall and its restaurants, shops, and attractions.
• University of Virginia Grounds - Ride through the stunning Academical Village and gardens.
• Belmont and Fry's Spring - Tour these quaint residential areas just outside downtown.
• Local Breweries - Visit breweries like Three Notch'd, Random Row, and Champion.

Experienced pedicabbers like Cat, Marina, and Matt provide narration about the city and its history during tours. Va Pedal Co can also customize private tours based on your interests, from food to art to nightlife and more.

Why Choose a Va Pedal Co Pedicab?

Pedicabs offer a unique, intimate way to explore Charlottesville. Benefits include:

• Eco-friendly experience with zero emissions
• Up-close views and narration from knowledgeable drivers
• Relaxing rides - no need to walk miles around the city
• Fun alternative to regular taxis or Uber rides
• Ability to customize tours to match your interests

Pedicab tours are perfect for out of town visitors, date nights, winery tours, family outings, and more. They can accommodate riders with limited mobility better than regular walking tours.

Pedaling Toward Sustainable Tourism

Va Pedal Co founders Anthony and Christina chose pedicabs as their business model because it aligns with Charlottesville's emphasis on green living. Pedaling passengers supports local tourism without traffic congestion or pollution.

The company also trains drivers on sustainability practices and partners with eco-conscious attractions around the city. So by choosing Va Pedal Co for tours, you can feel good knowing your ride helps Charlottesville move toward a greener future.

FAQs

What are the dates for Fridays After Five 2023?

Fridays After Five will run every Friday from April 14 to September 29, 2023. There will be 17 concerts in total.

What time does Fridays After Five start?

The concerts typically run from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The streets start closing around 5:00 pm so arrive early to claim a good spot.

Where does Fridays After Five take place?

Fridays After Five takes place on the Downtown Mall pedestrian zone in Charlottesville between 1st and 2nd Streets.

How much do Fridays After Five concerts cost?

Fridays After Five concerts are completely free and open to the public. You can enjoy great live music without buying a ticket.

Can I bring my kids to Fridays After Five?

Absolutely! Fridays After Five is a family-friendly event. Just bring blankets/chairs, snacks, and provide ear protection as needed.