The historic Pierce Street district will come alive on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as Party on Pierce returns with an afternoon of music, food, history, and celebration. This free community festival, organized by the Pierce Street Gateway and the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, runs from 2 to 5 p.m. and promises an unforgettable mix of entertainment and community connection.
From neighborhood horse-drawn carriage tours to a bouncy house for children, the event is designed to appeal to all ages. Guests can also enjoy badminton matches on the street and tennis exhibitions on the historic court of Dr. Robert ‘Whirlwind’ Johnson, a pioneer in integrating the sport. “This year, attendees can expect an exhilarating array of activities that will cater to all ages,” said Sarah Blankenship, Executive Director of the Pierce Street Gateway. “The Jones Memorial Library will also be on site, recording oral histories, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to contribute their stories.”
Music will anchor the festival with performances by local jazz trio Selah Vie, followed by headliners The School of Funk, led by ToNY CaMM. Blankenship described the lineup as “a musical experience that will set the perfect tone for the festival’s opening and get everyone on their feet with electrifying rhythms and infectious energy.”
There will be no shortage of food and refreshments, with Two Sista’s Lemonade Stand, Arctic Icy Iceberg LLC, and Hardman’s Smokestack BBQ will be serving alongside a fish fry hosted by Jackson Street United Methodist Church. Coffee will be available inside the Calloway Store, while adult beverages will be poured in the Pierce Street Community Garden, adjacent to the music stage. “Guests are truly in for a treat,” Blankenship said.
Jolynn Smith, Board Chair for the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, emphasized the importance of the partnership for Party on Pierce. She said, “We chose to collaborate with Pierce Street Gateway because we wish to support our neighborhood partners who have like-minded missions. We feel there is unity in working together and seek to emulate the qualities and mission of Dr. Robert W. ‘Whirlwind’ Johnson.”
Smith added that the event also highlights Dr. Johnson’s contributions. She said, “It’s critical to keep his legacy alive. Dr. J vigilantly worked to integrate the medical profession in Lynchburg, the sport of tennis, and ensure that his players received scholarships and opportunities to compete, all at a time when racial unrest was the norm.”
The event is made possible by significant community partnerships, with the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation as the lead partner. Major sponsors include the Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Wawa, alongside contributions from local vendors and organizations such as Old City Cemetery and Rush Homes. Virginia Episcopal School is providing 40 volunteers, and RS Payne Elementary is offering its parking lot for attendees.
Blankenship acknowledged that planning hasn’t been without challenges, including construction at the Calloway Store, where a pavilion is being built. “However, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team and volunteers, we have skillfully navigated these obstacles,” she said.
To learn more about the Pierce Street Gateway, visit www.piercest.org, and the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, visit https://whirlwindjohnson.org/
