First Friday Events Have Become A Town Tradition In Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — There's nothing wrong with a night out on the town. In Leesburg, residents are encouraged to appreciate the town's art, culture, and businesses during First Friday events every month.

Events on the first Friday of each month include open houses, live musical performances, crafting events, and art exhibitions. Additionally, Leesburg officials have re-established sidewalk dining for every First Friday event through September.

The sidewalk dining program closes vehicle traffic on South King Street from 5 to 9 p.m. The road closure allows for expanded outdoor dining areas as residents enjoy the summer's evening weather.

The First Friday concept is nothing new. For years, downtown areas throughout the country, including Virginia cities like Richmond and Fredericksburg, have hosted First Friday events focused on local artists.

Traditionally, art galleries and schools debut new exhibitions on the first Friday of the month.

Now, Leesburg has taken the tradition a step further with the inclusion of sidewalk dining, live music, and a sense of broader community for residents.

June's First Friday included a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the arrival of R and B Tattoo and the Dominion Piercing Shops. Owners Rob Kinzel and Michael Burke were joined by friends, family members, and other local business leaders at the event.

"I love being back in downtown Leesburg," Burke said. "Witnessing new growth and seeing all of the businesses is exciting."

Throughout the evening, the new tattoo and piercing shop hosted prize drawings featuring other local businesses. They also offered tattoo and piercing specials.

"I’m looking forward to becoming embedded in the Town for the long haul and being a part of the different activities here in the Town," Burke said.

Burke and Kinzel weren't the only artists active in Leesburg on Friday. Nearby, the Lightfoot Restaurant on North King Street hosted jazz musicians Caleb Nei and Larry Melton, who performed throughout the evening.

On West Loudoun Street, children's author Matt Ruiz-Stupi attended a book signing at Books And Other Found Things for their regular "Meet the Author" event.

Not to be outdone, the Loudoun Museum and the Kindness Rocks Project allowed visitors to become their own artists with their free rock painting event. Anyone who painted a rock was encouraged to leave it in the museum's garden, or take with them as a souvenir.

More information about the various businesses participating in Leesburg's First Friday events is available online.