Spring is in the air, which means another Friday Night Live! season is on the horizon.
The free outdoor concert series will return to the Town of Herndon for its 31st year on May 2. Highlights of the upcoming season include the first-ever introduction of a non-alcoholic beer option and a “special reunion show” by the D.C. area party band Gonzo’s Nose, according to Friday Night Live! Chairman Laura Poindexter.
The 16 musical acts scheduled to perform in 2025 include a mix of returning favorites and newcomers to the series.
“We are once again, pleased to offer an exciting lineup for our 31st season,” Poindexter said in a press release. “… We invite everyone to come out to the Town Green with your friends and family and enjoy the unique sense of community Friday Night Live! offers.”
Produced by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Friday Night Live! was founded by Doug Downer in the 1990s as an economic development initiative aimed at attracting people to and promoting downtown Herndon.
The chamber says it has now become the longest-running free outdoor concert series in the D.C. area. Community members highlighted Friday Night Live as a key feature of the town in surveys conducted last year by a branding consultant.
This year, shows will take place at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn Street) every Friday from May 2 through Aug. 22 with the exception of July 4, when the series will take the night off to allow for the Town of Herndon’s Independence Day celebration at Bready Park.
Like in past seasons, rock cover bands are a heavy focus of the lineup. Organizers have previously said the genre has proven to draw the biggest, broadest crowds to downtown Herndon.
The full schedule is below, with all shows starting at 6 or 6:30 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m.:
May
- May 2: KleptoRadio + Collective
- May 9: Under the Covers
- May 16: Gonzo’s Nose reunion
- May 23: Royals
- May 30: Kristen and the Noise
June
- June 6: LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous
- June 13: keeton + Billy T Wilde Band
- June 20: Screaming Mönkeys
- June 27: Doc Marten and the Flannels + Pool Boys
July
- July 11: The Rockets + 8 Track Jones
- July 18: Herr Metal + Dr FU
- July 25: Lost In Paris
August
- Aug. 1: The Reflex
- Aug. 8: JunkFood
- Aug. 15: Social Call
- Aug. 22: Shake the Room
During each show, patrons can buy food onsite from local restaurants, including Dairy Queen, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern, Toriz Tacos and Wiseguy Pizza. Beer and wine, including the aforementioned non-alcoholic option, will also be available.
Proceeds from the food and drink sales will go to the Dulles Chamber of Commerce, and a portion of the tip money for alcohol will be used to support Herndon High School’s (alcohol-free) All Night Grad Party.
Beneficiaries in previous years have included local PTAs, the Herndon Optimist Club, the Herndon Woman’s Club and the Herndon Fraternal Order of Police.
“This event is a summer highlight in Herndon, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great music, delicious food, and lively entertainment with friends and family,” Dulles Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sheila Dixon said. “We extend our gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors who make this event possible. Friday Night Live! embodies the spirit of community and collaboration, fostering a vibrant and connected community.”
