You can feel it in the way leaders across this community are stepping up, bringing energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to moving Owensboro forward.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Strong communities are built by people who choose to get involved.
Right now, that’s happening across the board.
Nonprofit leaders are meeting real needs with heart and dedication.
Business leaders are investing not just in growth, but in people and progress. Higher education is also playing an important role by preparing the next generation of talent, expanding opportunity, and helping strengthen the foundation for Owensboro’s future.
City and county governments are helping move Owensboro forward by investing in infrastructure, supporting quality of life, and creating the conditions for continued growth and opportunity.
That kind of leadership and sense of community is special.
And the way it all comes together matters.
Our GO Chamber serves as the catalyst connecting leaders, encouraging collaboration, and creating the space for ideas, partnerships, and momentum to grow. It plays an integral role in facilitating the shared effort that is moving Owensboro forward.
The Chamber’s partnership with economic development is also a strategic collaboration for advancing our city’s direction, helping align vision, opportunity, and community leadership around what matters most for Owensboro’s future.
We’re fortunate to have it here and we shouldn’t take it for granted.
What we’re seeing today is just how strong it can be when leaders step up together.
If your business or organization is not part of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, take a moment to strongly consider joining. There’s a network of passionate and dedicated professionals and leaders who are ready to help you be a part of the energy that’s shaping Owensboro’s future.
I’m thankful for the community leaders we have in Owensboro and for the work they are doing every day to make this happen.
Their commitment, collaboration, and willingness to serve are helping create the kind of momentum that moves a community forward.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Owensboro program will have its 44th annual commencement exercises at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at its offices at 200 E. Third St.
The Class of 2026 includes: Rhonda Bergstrom, Kyle Best, Joni Bocianoski, Jake Boswell, Morgan Brown, Nico Bustamante, Alex Coomes, Sheila Crowe, Emily Davis, Robyn Edgell, Tara Estes, Kyler Fannon, Drew Frey, Zach Gilles, Katy Hart, Richard Hayden, Mandie Hicks, Logan Johnson, Nick Jones, Bryan Kennedy, Julia Kimbrell Brooks, Lisa Knott, Jarrod McCarty, Grant Miller, Lakeia Nard, Michelle Nobles, Todd Palmer, Jacqueline Russell, Khaibar Shafaq, Cory Smith, Nina Solis, Samantha Taylor-Kaai, Carsten Tindle, Brigette Wayne, Kristi Winkler and Courtney Yerington.
Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “We’re grateful to this year’s class for their investment in themselves, and to their employers for their flexibility and their acknowledgement that Leadership Owensboro develops leaders who are prepared to serve their organizations and community.”
He added, “I’m also incredibly proud of our chamber staff, whose dedication and hard work helped make this year’s Leadership Owensboro experience one of our strongest to date.”
Kitty Jones, chamber vice president, said, “Leadership Owensboro gives participants the opportunity to better understand our community, build meaningful connections and see firsthand the work happening across Owensboro. This class embraced that opportunity, and we are excited to see the impact they will continue to make.”
Leadership Owensboro says it is designed to “educate and empower emerging and established leaders through an in-depth exploration of the community’s industries, challenges and opportunities.”
The program is open to the public.
It will include refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.
For more information about Leadership Owensboro and graduation details, go to chamber.owensboro.com/.
The Owensboro Coin Club is hoping to change perceptions about coin collecting while growing its membership and expanding its impact throughout the community.
Founded in 2015 after an earlier Owensboro coin club dissolved decades ago, the organization has grown to approximately 30 members from throughout western Kentucky and southern Indiana. Under the leadership of President Tony Halcomb, the club has placed a renewed emphasis on community service, youth education, and charitable outreach.
“We need to be serving our community,” Halcomb said. “Coin collecting isn’t just for highly intelligent old men. It’s for everybody. Young and old, boys and girls. It’s our heritage, it’s our history.”
The club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Kennergy Operations Center, 3111 Fairview Drive. Meetings begin at 6 p.m., though members typically begin arriving around 5:30 p.m. to socialize, discuss recent finds, and prepare items for the club’s member auction.
Annual membership costs $20 for adults and $5 for youth members age 18 and under.
Halcomb said membership has grown steadily since he became president earlier this year.
“When I took over, I think we had about 19 members,” he said. “Now we’re up to around 30, and every month we seem to pick up one or two more.”
Members collect everything from half dollars and Buffalo nickels to rare denominations, paper currency, and foreign coins.
“Each member usually prefers a specific coin,” Halcomb said. “One guy collects 20-cent pieces. Another collects currency. We’re always learning from each other.”
For Halcomb, the hobby began at age 8 after an uncle introduced him to coin collecting.
“Every weekend or every other weekend, he’d take me down to the local coin store and let me pick out a coin,” Halcomb said. “That’s where it all began for me.”
While collecting remains the club’s foundation, Halcomb said community involvement has become a major focus.
Members collect canned goods at every meeting for Crossroads Food Bank, where Halcomb volunteers. The club has donated more than 100 pounds of food this year and awards points toward its annual Member of the Year recognition for members who contribute food or volunteer at community events.
The club also plans to participate in the Homeless Coalition of Ohio Valley’s annual fall festival in October by hosting a hot dog and bean soup fundraiser.
One of the organization’s newest initiatives is the Coin Books for Kids program, designed to introduce young people to coin collecting, history, and financial literacy.
The program recently held its first presentation at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Owensboro. Participants receive a free copy of the 2026 edition of the “Red Book,” a widely used guide to U.S. coins, along with a historic U.S. coin.
Students learn how to identify, research, and grade coins while exploring the history behind American currency.
“There’s art, there’s history, there’s science, what the coins are made of, mathematics, economics,” Halcomb said. “There are so many aspects of education that coin collecting involves.”
The program was originally conceived by former club treasurer George “Rusty” Hagan III. Halcomb said he was able to tell Hagan that the program had become a reality shortly before Hagan’s death.
“I witnessed the greatest joy I have ever seen in my life,” Halcomb said.
Following Hagan’s passing, his family donated numerous items to the club, including the first 50 Red Books used in the program, more than two pounds of sterling silver, and other coin-collecting materials.
Halcomb is working to expand the program through partnerships with Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, private schools, Girls Inc., the Opportunity Center, Rotary Club of Owensboro, and other organizations.
The club has also become a member of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and is exploring grant opportunities to support future educational and community initiatives.
Additional fundraising efforts are planned throughout the year, including a family-friendly magic show this summer and sales of commemorative 2026 Enduring Liberty Semiquincentennial half dollars celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Halcomb said the club’s goal is not only to preserve the hobby but also to create opportunities for education, service, and community engagement.
“The more the merrier,” he said. “We’re trying to get people interested and show them that coin collecting can teach you a lot about history and about the world around you.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Owensboro Coin Club can attend a monthly meeting or contact Halcomb at 270-316-8866.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
The new Nothing Bundt Cakes location in Owensboro is hosting several grand opening events next week, including community appreciation days, a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser, and giveaways for free Bundtlets for a year.
The bakery, which recently opened at 2490 Calumet Trace, Unit 3, in Gateway Commons, is owned by Brad Paxton, Matthew Keiser, and Neal Hawkins.
“Owensboro feels like home to me, and it’s been amazing to see old friends and make new ones,” Paxton said in a release. “Growing up in Paducah, I have such fond memories here, and it’s the perfect place for our first location.”
The bakery’s grand opening activities are scheduled for June 2-6.
Community Appreciation Days will run June 2-4, with select groups receiving a free Bundtlet with the purchase of another Bundtlet by showing a badge, ID, or uniform. Healthcare workers, first responders, and military members will be recognized Tuesday, while teachers and school staff will be honored Wednesday. City employees will be recognized Thursday.
A ribbon cutting with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on June 3.
On June 5, the bakery will host a benefit day for Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County, donating 20% of sales to the organization.
The week will conclude Saturday with a “Free Bundtlets for a Year” giveaway beginning at 9 a.m. The first 50 guests ages 18 and older will receive a punch card redeemable for one free Bundtlet each month for a year at the Owensboro location.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Muhlenberg County-based IT company is working to bring a more personal, hands-on approach to technology support for small businesses across western Kentucky, including the Owensboro area.
ServStak was launched about three years ago by Derek Dukes, who said the company focuses on managed IT services, cybersecurity, network management, and day-to-day technology support for businesses without an in-house IT department.
Dukes, who grew up in Muhlenberg County and graduated from Muhlenberg North High School in 2007, said his background includes years of working in automation and IT.
“I was working as an automation or controls engineer at Daicel in Beaver Dam when they started moving everything to Arizona, and we shut the factory down,” Dukes said. “So, I decided to go out on my own and get into IT work.”
Dukes said ServStak primarily serves smaller operations, including law offices, insurance agencies, and other professional businesses.
“We’re still pretty small, honestly,” Dukes said. “I’m still just trying to find my feet.”
Dukes said ServStak offers managed IT services, cybersecurity support, cloud solutions, network management, employee onboarding and offboarding assistance, and troubleshooting for businesses needing ongoing technical support.
He added that one of the company’s primary focuses is offering direct, local customer service rather than routing clients through large help desks or call centers.
“I’m trying to bring back hands-on and in-person IT service,” Dukes said. “I get tired of calling people and having to sit there and go through all these help desks and five different people to get a problem solved.”
Instead, Dukes said he wants customers to have a single point of contact when issues arise.
“I just want my customers to be able to call one person and get it accomplished without having to wait for phone calls back and all the bouncing back and forth,” he said.
ServStak’s services can vary depending on the type of business and the sensitivity of the information they handle.
“It’s different for a tire shop than it is for an attorney or a dentist,” Dukes said. “Someone who’s securing sensitive data is definitely more vulnerable to an attack.”
He said the company can assist businesses with everything from fixing individual technical issues to managing an entire IT network, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities and employee onboarding or offboarding.
Dukes said he is currently working to expand more into the Owensboro market, noting that Muhlenberg County offers a smaller pool of potential business clients.
“I’m trying to tap the Owensboro entrepreneur market,” he said. “Muhlenberg County is a pretty small market for businesses.”
Though the company remains small, Dukes said the personalized approach is what separates ServStak from larger providers.
“If you’re tired of going through phone help desks and you want someone to come in and work with you to solve a problem, that’s what we do,” Dukes said.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
For more than five decades, Lawton Insurance has maintained a presence in Owensboro, evolving through several transitions while continuing to emphasize personalized service and local relationships.
According to Lori Byers, an agent with the company’s Owensboro office, the agency first opened locally in 1969 as Horn Insurance before later becoming Horn and France Insurance in the 1980s. The Owensboro office joined the Lawton group of agencies in 2016.
The Lawton name itself traces back more than 125 years in Kentucky insurance history. The company’s website notes that founder Clyde Allison Lawton Sr. established the independent agency in Central City in 1899, with the business continuing through multiple generations before transitioning to current ownership.
Today, the Lawton group includes offices in Owensboro, Central City, Bowling Green, Greenville, and Hartford.
“We’re honored to be a part of this community and part of the business community in Owensboro,” Byers said. “We pride ourselves on supporting the community.”
Byers said the agency regularly supports local schools and athletics programs, while also participating in charitable initiatives throughout the region. One recent effort involved providing devotional books to local students entering military service after graduation.
The Owensboro office, located at 200 E. Third St., Suite 101, shares a building with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
As an independent insurance agency, Lawton Insurance offers a wide range of personal and commercial products, including auto, home, life, health, business, and group health insurance coverage.
“We represent just about every personal and commercial carrier that an independent agency can have, so we have a wide variety of options,” Byers said. “We have the ability to shop for you, so you don’t have to do that yourself.”
The company’s website highlights offerings ranging from personal property and vehicle insurance to commercial liability, employee benefits, and life insurance products.
Byers said Lawton works with businesses of all sizes, including municipalities and large commercial accounts, while still trying to maintain what she described as a “hometown insurance agency feel.”
“So many independent agencies are being bought by larger insurance carriers,” she said. “We are still pretty much locally owned, and we still try to provide that hometown service to hometown people.”
That local service became especially important following severe weather events across the region, including the major hailstorm that impacted Owensboro last year.
“We personally handled those claims and turned them in, and tried to help walk people through that claims process ourselves,” Byers said. “We didn’t just give them a 1-800 number to a claims department.”
Byers said the increase in severe weather events has made many customers more aware of the importance of proper insurance coverage and responsive service.
“The good thing is that’s why we do have insurance,” she said. “If we do have those events, we’re here.”
Customers interested in obtaining a quote can either call the Owensboro office directly or visit Lawton Insurance’s website to submit information through the company’s online quote tool.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
Friday After 5 kicks off tonight, and organizers say this 30th anniversary season is the largest and most diverse one to date.
The free weekly event runs May 15 through Aug. 7 and will once again transform the downtown riverfront into a hub for live music, food, and community gathering — a role it has steadily expanded since its early days as a smaller local attraction.
“This is without a doubt the biggest and most exciting season we’ve ever put together,” said Heath Eric, CEO of The Eric Group and talent buyer for the series. “When you look at the diversity of the lineup, the number of high-impact nights, and the overall experience we’re creating across two stages, it’s truly a celebration of everything Friday After 5 has become over the last 30 years.”
That growth is reflected in both the scale and scope of the 2026 lineup.
Eric said this year’s schedule intentionally blends genres and audiences, featuring everything from classic rock and Southern rock to country, R&B, pop, and high-energy dance bands. The goal, Eric said, is to ensure that each week offers something different while still maintaining the familiar feel that has kept crowds returning for three decades.
“It’s important for us to program something for everyone,” Eric said. “You’ll see national touring acts, regional favorites, tribute experiences, and emerging artists all sharing the same stage. That’s what makes Friday After 5 special — every Friday night feels different.”
The 13-week season includes several marquee nights, including a July 3 event featuring a drone show and a July 10 concert designated as the official 30th anniversary celebration.
A defining feature of the series remains its two-stage format, which allows for continuous music throughout the evening. Performances begin on the Overlook Stage before shifting to the Main Stage for headlining acts, creating a steady flow of entertainment from early evening through the night.
“We’re not just putting on a concert — we’re creating an experience,” Eric said. “Two stages allow us to showcase more talent, keep the energy up all night, and give fans even more reasons to come early and stay late.”
While nationally touring acts and tribute bands often draw the largest crowds, Eric emphasized that local and regional performers remain a key part of the lineup. More than 20 artists from the region are scheduled to perform this season, providing a platform for local talent alongside higher-profile acts.
“We’re incredibly proud of the local talent we have in this region,” Eric said. “This platform allows us to showcase those artists alongside bigger touring acts, and that’s something we’re very intentional about.”
Eric said attendance is expected to reach up to 15,000 people per night, with even larger crowds anticipated for major event evenings. That turnout continues to position Friday After 5 as not only a weekly entertainment option, but also a significant driver of tourism and economic activity in Owensboro.
“Our goal has always been to create something that serves the community while also bringing people into Owensboro,” Eric said. “This lineup reflects that balance — we’re showcasing our city while delivering a high-level entertainment experience that attracts visitors from across the region.”
The 30th anniversary is also a moment to reflect on the people behind the event.
“For 30 years, Friday After 5 has been driven by an incredible group of volunteers, board members, sponsors, and community partners,” said Brad Howton, chair of Friday After 5. “This 30th anniversary season is a celebration of that legacy and everything this event has come to represent for Owensboro.”
What began as a local summer gathering has evolved into one of the region’s largest free concert series, drawing thousands to the riverfront each week and becoming a defining part of Owensboro’s identity.
As the milestone season approaches, organizers said the focus is on delivering a summer that reflects both the event’s history and its continued growth.
“There’s a lot of excitement around this season,” Howton said. “We’ve worked hard to make it special, and we can’t wait to see the community come together to celebrate 30 years of Friday After 5.”
Friday After 5 takes place each Friday from 5-10 p.m. on the downtown riverfront. Admission is free.
Friday After 5 lineup
May 15 – City of Owensboro Night Main stage: Juice Box Heroes (rock/pop/dance hits) Overlook stage: The Green Lights (rock/pop)
May 22 Main stage: Jimmy Church Band (Motown/pop/R&B/dance) Overlook stage: The Bobby Clark Band (classic rock/variety)
May 29 Main stage: Sterling Elza + KG & The Bad Habits (red dirt country/rock) Overlook stage: Jay McElwain Band (rock/blues)
June 5 Main stage: Resurrection – A Journey Tribute + Reckless: America’s Bryan Adams Experience (classic rock/arena rock) Overlook stage: Flat Stanley (alternative/rock)
June 12 Main stage: Hayden Coffman + L’il Man J + Musick Studios All Stars (country/country rap/pop) Overlook stage: Roulette (rock/variety)
June 19 Main stage: Nigel Dupree & The Heat + Galactic Foghorn (southern rock/rock) Overlook stage: Retro Shock (80s/rock)
June 26 Main stage: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience + Hayley Payne (classic rock/Eagles tribute) Overlook stage: The Sorrels (Americana/country)
July 3 – Drone show night Main stage: Whiskey Row + Cynthia & The End Times (modern country/rock) Overlook stage: Last Call (country/rock)
July 10 – 30th anniversary celebration Main stage: Lakeview + Dan Hall & Blackford Creek (country/rock/modern country) Overlook stage: Uncharted Band (rock/variety)
July 17 Main stage: Vinyl Radio + Lindsey James Williams (classic rock/70s hits) Overlook stage: The Blue Bridge Boys (bluegrass/Americana)
July 24 Main stage: Unlimited Show Band + DJ George Rose (R&B/funk/soul/dance) Overlook stage: Hall Pass (rock/pop)
July 31 Main stage: DJ Shay’s Dance Party + Cam Thompson (DJ/country/alt-country) Overlook stage: The Rubbing Alcoholics (rock/party)
August 7 – Back to school bash Main stage: TBA Overlook stage: Soul N The Pocket (funk/soul/R&B)
Harding, Shymanski & Company has spent the last five decades building a reputation around relationships, collaboration, and long-term advisory services — and now the regional accounting and advisory firm is working to deepen its presence in Owensboro.
Founded in 1975 by Al Harding and Dick Shymanski, the firm began with a philosophy that differed from many traditional CPA firms at the time, according to Matt Folz, Evansville Region President.
“At that time, many CPA firms operated under a model where one CPA primarily served each client on their own,” Folz said. “Al and Dick saw an opportunity to do things differently.”
Rather than assigning clients to a single accountant, Harding, Shymanski & Company built a team-based approach centered on matching clients with professionals best suited for their specific needs and challenges.
“We view clients as clients of the firm, not just clients of one person,” Folz said. “That allows us to bring the right resources, experience, and perspective to each situation.”
The firm celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025 and has grown to approximately 200 employees with offices in Evansville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky.
While Harding, Shymanski & Company has maintained client relationships in Owensboro for years, Folz said the firm made a more intentional push into the market over the last year as leaders observed the city’s continued growth and momentum.
“As a firm, we are always looking for thoughtful ways to grow and serve businesses in strong, vibrant communities,” Folz said. “We continued to see the exciting growth and momentum taking place in Owensboro, and it became clear to us that this was a community where we wanted to be more engaged.”
That interest grew organically as firm leaders and employees increasingly visited Owensboro for community events and entertainment opportunities.
“Many of us had already been coming to Owensboro personally for events like Friday After 5, arts festivals, shows, dinners, and other community activities,” Folz said. “We were impressed by the energy and progress we saw.”
The firm began attending Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster events before officially joining the chamber in fall 2025.
Folz said the firm believes it fills an important niche between smaller compliance-focused accounting firms and larger national firms that may not always align with privately owned businesses.
“With around 200 employees, we have the depth and resources to provide a broad range of services while still being relationship-driven and accessible,” Folz said. “Our goal is to be a true business advisor to our clients, not just a compliance provider.”
The company’s services include tax planning and compliance, wealth advisory and planning, accounting and auditing, payroll and client accounting services, succession planning, advisory services, and medical billing.
Across those service lines, Folz said the emphasis remains on helping clients make informed decisions and prepare for long-term success.
“Our focus is on helping clients make better decisions, plan for the future, and address the challenges and opportunities they face in their businesses,” he said.
As the firm expands its footprint in Owensboro, Folz said leaders want their presence to extend beyond business transactions.
“Being part of the Owensboro community means more to us than simply doing business there,” Folz said. “We want to build relationships, be present, and find meaningful ways to contribute.”
He said the firm values community involvement and sees investment in local communities as an important part of its culture.
“We believe strong communities are built when businesses and individuals are willing to invest time, energy, and resources back into the places where they work and live,” Folz said.
Folz also emphasized the company’s commitment to remaining independently owned — something he said is becoming increasingly rare within the accounting profession.
“Independence gives us the ability to remain nimble and make decisions that are best for our clients, our people, our firm, and the communities we serve,” Folz said.
Looking ahead, Folz said the firm intends to continue growing while remaining grounded in the relationship-focused philosophy established by its founders more than 50 years ago.
“We are proud of our history, but we are also very focused on the future,” Folz said. “Our goal is to continue building a firm that provides high-quality advisory and compliance services while staying true to the relationship-focused approach that has guided us since 1975.”
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
Would you be willing to risk it all for your dream? That’s the question most if not all small business owners have to ask themselves on a daily basis.
May is National Small Business Month.
How would you define a small business? An organization of less than 10 employees? 50 employees?
The Small Business Association Office of Advocacy defines a small business as a company that has less than 500 employees. That means that nearly all of our Chamber members are small businesses.
Nearly 68% of new small businesses survive about two years. Nearly 50% make it to five years. Just over 25% make it over 15 years.
It’s hard. It’s sacrifice. It’s not a 40-hour work week.
Small businesses are what you remember about a city. They allow interactions you don’t forget.
While online shopping is convenient, it doesn’t greet you with a smile or ask how your kids are doing.
I think one of best things we can do for our small businesses is ask our big businesses to use them for their services.
I love getting to hear stories about our larger corporations buying Christmas gifts for their employees from our local shops. Or taking their out-of-town clients to their favorite local restaurant. We see that often at the Chamber.
Small businesses often play a large role in getting big businesses to locate in your community.
Friday After 5 will mark its 30th anniversary this summer with what organizers are calling its biggest and most diverse season yet, continuing a long-standing tradition of free, family-friendly entertainment along the downtown riverfront.
The 2026 season, presented by Jagoe Homes, runs from May 15 through August 7 and will once again feature weekly concerts, a street fair, and a mix of national touring acts, regional performers, tribute bands, and emerging artists across two stages.
Organizers say the milestone season reflects both the event’s growth and its enduring role as a community gathering place.
“This is without a doubt the biggest and most exciting season we’ve ever put together,” said Heath Eric, CEO of The Eric Group and talent buyer for Friday After 5. “The level of talent, the diversity of the lineup, and the number of special moments planned for this 30th anniversary are unmatched.”
Board chair Brad Howton said the longevity of Friday After 5 can largely be attributed to its accessibility and community-driven atmosphere.
“My opinion is, what makes what’s made it so successful and long-lasting is the fact that it is free entertainment,” Howton said. “It’s an opportunity for friends, for families, to get out on a Friday night during the summer, go downtown to Owensboro and just enjoy the weather, enjoy the entertainment, and just mingle.”
Originally launched in 1997 as a small series of concerts aimed at drawing people back downtown, the event has grown into a regional attraction that draws thousands each week. In 2025, organizers reported more than 120,000 attendees over the course of the season.
Howton said the event has evolved beyond music into a broader experience.
“I think what’s different now is we’ve tried to focus more on the family side of things, providing things for all ages to do,” he said. “The Street Fair has become a huge part of it. Now it’s not only a place for people to come hang out — they’ve got craft vendors, food vendors, beverage vendors. It’s grown into that come down on Friday night and stay for a long time and just enjoy it.”
The Kroger Street Fair opens at 5 p.m. each week and includes food trucks, local vendors, and activities, while live music begins on the Overlook Stage from 6-8 p.m., followed by Main Stage performances from 7-10 p.m.
The event has also expanded geographically over the years, stretching along the riverfront beyond its original footprint near the RiverPark Center.
“It’s grown to the point now where the attendance for the main stage would not fit in that back patio of the RiverPark Center,” Howton said. “It’s just a good thing. It really is.”
Organizers say the event continues to have an economic and tourism impact, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
“I like to walk up and down Smothers Park before things get started and talk to people,” Howton said. “It was Michigan, Illinois, Alabama, Georgia — people saying that’s how they came to town was because of Friday After 5.”
This year’s lineup includes a wide range of genres, from Southern rock and country to pop, R&B, and dance music. Highlighted nights include the July 3 drone show and America 250 celebration, the July 10 30th anniversary celebration, and the August 7 back-to-school bash season finale.
Howton said the event’s continued success depends heavily on community support.
“What I really like to express is that without the sponsorship that we do get and the support that we get — city, county, sponsors — it would not be possible in any way to have the events and the bands that we have downtown,” he said.
Principal sponsors for the 2026 season include Jagoe Homes as the title sponsor, along with Romain Subaru and Romain Cadillac, Owensboro Racing & Gaming, Atmos Energy, and Kroger, among others.
Howton also credited both longtime and newer board members for helping sustain the event.
“It’s the energy, it’s the passion of those new board members, too,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re down there each and every Friday night. I think that gives people a sense of ownership, and that we care about it and enjoy it as well.”
Admission to all Friday After 5 events remains free. Organizers say additional announcements, including the final night’s headliner, will be released in the coming weeks.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
