After wrapping up its 40th season this past summer, Richmond’s longest-running outdoor concert series, Friday Cheers, announced that it will be taking a pause in 2026 while Brown’s Island undergoes a $30 million renovation.
The renovations will include long awaited upgrades to the venue such as restrooms, drinking fountains, new seating, ADA accessible pathways and ramps, and kid friendly play areas. The transformations will be led by Venture Richmond partnered with the City of Richmond. Social Studies teacher and Native Richmonder, Cluny Brown, has mixed feelings about some of the new improvements by acknowledging the benefits and expressing her concern about cleanliness.
“They’re putting bathrooms in for one thing which is not a bad idea, but I worry about who’s gonna clean them,” Brown said. “I know park services and stuff are not so much a number one priority.”
In addition, Brown praises the efforts to make the area more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
“I think the accessibility is fabulous, that’s great,” Brown said. “[Accessibility] has made a huge difference with how many people come down there [to Brown’s Island].”
They strive to prioritize environmental sustainability by restoring nearly 200 native trees, 60,000 plants, and improving storm water management to protect the James River. Brown reflects on the city’s history regarding environmental challenges, and how they are not new.
“That’s historically been a really big problem for Richmond and the James [River],” Brown said. “We’ve not been the best stewards of the river and making sure that things are okay.”
Friday Cheers first started in 1984 at Festival Park and moved to Brown’s Island in 2006, making it Richmond’s longest-running concert series. It is hosted every Friday in May and June, and each week there is a music artist or group that is highlighted. With tickets that can be purchased online for $10 or $15 at the gate, Friday Cheers is a Richmond Summer staple that makes an enjoyable night of live music affordable for people of all ages to enjoy. For Brown, the event’s regularity makes it the perfect place to meet up with friends, discover unique blends of music, and kick-start the weekend.
“[Friday Cheers] had a nice mixture of homegrown talent,” Brown said. “It exposes people to some stuff [music] they might not hear normally.”
While Friday Cheers takes a break, other events will continue as planned. The Richmond Folk Festival on Oct. 10-12 and Allianz Richmond Marathon on Nov. 15 will still be happening. Dominion Energy Riverrock will also still take place on the riverfront, but it will just shift away from Brown’s Island.
The newly built Allianz Amphitheater will step in and take up Richmond’s outdoor concerts next summer during construction so that Richmond’s live music continues to thrive. With new improvements, Venture Richmond aims to make Brown’s Island a welcoming park and entertainment venue for all to enjoy year-round.
For more information regarding Brown’s Island improvement plan, visit venturerichmond.com
