First Friday Events And Sidewalk Dining Return To Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — Community events are beginning to return to the Town Of Leesburg. On Friday, July 2, the town will host a "First Friday" event with live music and art displays for the first time since March 2020.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the town hosted a First Friday event each month, with the exception of January. The events encouraged residents to have a night on the town, with free events scattered across Leesburg.

For many local businesses, the return of the First Friday event will be a welcome occasion. 27 South Interiors is a locally owned furniture and home decorating business in historic downtown. "We will do our best, as always, to promote this event. Because we love Leesburg!" they wrote on Facebook.

July's return event is planning to host 22 different live musical artists, eight art exhibits, four wine tastings, and a book signing. Friday's event is a preamble to the weekend's other 4th of July festivities, including fireworks, a concert, and the annual parade.

Read more: 4th Of July Fireworks 2021 Near Leesburg

The First Friday event on July 2 will also be held in conjunction with the town's sidewalk dining program. Restaurants between Market Street and Loudoun Street in Leesburg will be able to expand their outdoor dining space into the streets.

"As a result, the roadway will be closed to allow easy pedestrian access," town officials said in a news release. The roadway is scheduled to be shutdown from 3:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Anyone planning to drive in the area should expect delays and may want to plan an alternate route.

The town originally started the program in August 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic shut down businesses across the area. The expanded outdoor dining allowed restaurants to accommodate more customers while providing adequate social distancing.

More information on Leesburg's First Friday events is available on their Facebook page.