FRIDAY AFTER 5 - 30th: DJ SHAY'S DANCE PARTY and CAM THOMPSON

Name: FRIDAY AFTER 5 - 30th: DJ SHAY'S DANCE PARTY and CAM THOMPSON
Start: 2026-07-31T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-07-31T22:00:00-05:00
Location: 407 West Veterans Blvd, Owensboro, KY, United States, Kentucky 42301

Schedule

Fri Jul 31 2026 at 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

407 West Veterans Blvd, Owensboro, KY, United States, Kentucky 42301 | Owensboro, KY

The wait is over. Friday After 5, presented by Jagoe Homes, has officially unveiled its 2026 season lineup, delivering its biggest and most exciting season yet as the award-winning event celebrates its 30th anniversary.
For three decades, Friday After 5 has been one of the region’s premier free summer entertainment traditions, drawing thousands each week to the downtown Owensboro riverfront for live music, community celebration, and unforgettable summer nights. The 2026 season runs from May 15 through August 7 and features a dynamic mix of national touring acts, regional favorites, tribute bands, party bands, and rising stars across two stages.
From Southern rock and classic rock to country, pop, R&B, rap, and dance favorites, this milestone season promises something for everyone, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Ohio River sunsets.
Heath Eric, CEO of The Eric Group and talent buyer for Friday After 5, said the 30th-anniversary lineup reflects both the event's growth and the energy of the downtown Owensboro summer tradition.
“This is without a doubt the biggest and most exciting season we’ve ever put together,” Eric said. “The level of talent, the diversity of the lineup, and the number of special moments planned for this 30th anniversary are unmatched. We have several major nights on the schedule and even more surprises still to come.”
Brad Howton, Chair of Friday After 5, said the milestone season is both a celebration of the event’s legacy and a tribute to the people and partners who have built it over the past three decades.
“For 30 years, Friday After 5 has been built by an incredible group of board members, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who believed in creating something special for Owensboro,” Howton said. “This season is a celebration of that legacy and the tremendous support that has helped grow Friday After 5 into one of the region’s premier free weekly concert series and street festivals.”
2026: 30th Anniversary Season Schedule
May 15 – City of Owensboro Night
-Main Stage: Juice Box Heroes – A high-energy party band known for turning events into unforgettable celebrations with a crowd-pleasing mix of hits from the 80s, 90s, and today. This one is sure to be a PARTY!
-Overlook Stage: The Green Lights
May 22
-Main Stage: Jimmy Church Band – A nationally known 10-piece show band blending Motown, pop, and rock with horns, choreography, and nonstop dance-floor energy that has made them a favorite for major events across the country.
-Overlook Stage: The Bobby Clark Band
May 29
-Main Stage: Sterling Elza and KG & The Bad Habits – Fast-rising Texas artist Sterling Elza brings a gritty Red Dirt and rock-influenced sound, joined by Baton Rouge-based KG & The Bad Habits, an emerging guitar-driven band gaining momentum across the Southern music scene.
-Overlook Stage: Jay McElwain Band
June 5
-Main Stage: Resurrection – A Journey Tribute, with Reckless: America’s Bryan Adams Experience – Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top Journey tribute acts, Resurrection recreates the arena-rock sound and spirit of Journey’s biggest era, paired with the powerhouse hits of Bryan Adams.
-Overlook Stage: Flat Stanley
June 12
-Main Stage: Hayden Coffman and L’il Man J – Hayden Coffman has emerged as one of country music’s fastest-growing independent artists, while viral sensation L’il Man J brings a unique crossover blend of country, hip-hop, and massive social media reach. ~ with Musick Studios All Stars
-Overlook Stage: Roulette
June 19
-Main Stage: Nigel Dupree & The Heat – Nigel Dupree delivers gritty, authentic Southern rock with strong lineage and modern edge, building on a career that has included touring work with nationally known rock acts and performances alongside Jesse James Dupree and Jackyl.
~ with Galactic Foghorn
-Overlook Stage: Retro Shock
June 26
-Main Stage: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience – Hailed as one of the finest Eagles tribute bands in the country, 7 Bridges brings impeccable harmonies, classic musicianship, and faithful performances of timeless Eagles favorites.
~ with Hayley Payne
-Overlook Stage: The Sorrels
July 3 – *Drone Show* & America 250 Celebration
-Main Stage: Whiskey Row and Cynthia & The End Times – A high-energy country, rock, and roots show packed with fan favorites and modern hits, setting the stage for one of the summer’s biggest celebration nights.
-Overlook Stage: Last Call
July 10 – 30th Anniversary Celebration
-Main Stage: LAKEVIEW– One of Nashville’s fastest-rising country duos, Lakeview has built a national following with more than 140 million streams, major tour support slots, and a hard-hitting sound that blends country storytelling with rock intensity.
~ with Dan Hall & Blackford Creek
-Overlook Stage: Uncharted Band
July 17
-Main Stage: Vinyl Radio – Twice named Nashville’s Best Local Band by The Nashville Scene, Vinyl Radio delivers a powerful, sing-along-driven trip through the greatest era of classic rock.
~ with Lindsey James Williams
-Overlook Stage: The Blue Bridge Boys
July 24
-Main Stage: Unlimited Show Band – Known for electrifying festival performances and a genre-spanning mix of R&B, funk, soul, pop, and dance hits, Unlimited Show Band brings nonstop energy and elite musicianship to the stage.
~ with DJ George Rose
-Overlook Stage: Hall Pass
July 31
-Main Stage: DJ Shay’s Dance Party and Cam Thompson – A high-energy, interactive dance experience led by hometown fan favorite DJ Shay, joined by rising Owensboro alt-country artist Cam Thompson, whose breakout music has earned major streaming attention and industry recognition.
-Overlook Stage: The Rubbing Alcoholics
August 7 – Back to School Bash & Season Finale
-Main Stage: TBA – A special finale announcement is still to come.
-Overlook Stage: Soul N The Pocket
Bios for all bands and weekly event details may be found at FridayAfter5.com.
Friday After 5 takes place every Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the downtown Owensboro riverfront. Admission remains free.
The Kroger Street Fair opens at 5:00 p.m. each week and features food vendors, drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and community attractions. The Overlook Stage features live entertainment from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by Main Stage concerts from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In addition to the music, Friday After 5 will once again feature local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and crowd-favorite traditions that make the series a signature summer destination. Organizers say themed nights, special event details, vendor announcements, and additional surprises will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Highlighted dates this season include July 3rd Drone Show Night, July 10th 30th Anniversary Celebration, and August 7th Back to School Bash / Season Finale, just three of several major nights planned as part of the milestone season.
Principal sponsors for the 2026 season include Jagoe Homes as the title sponsor, Romain Subaru and Romain Cadillac as platinum sponsors, Owensboro Racing & Gaming as the gold sponsor, Atmos Energy as the silver sponsor, and Kroger as the Street Fair sponsor.
Community partners include OMU, Rhoads & Rhoads, RiverValley Behavioral Health, ATA, Edward Jones Burton Wealth Management, Deaconess, Roof Angel, Vicki Quisenberry for KY State Senate, Bill Jagoe for County Commissioner, Lelah Rogers for District Judge, Owensboro Dermatology, and Nick’s Exteriors.
For the full schedule, updates, and announcements, visit FridayAfter5.com, follow Friday After 5 on social media, and sign up for the newsletter to stay in the loop.