LYNCHBURG, VA — Sept. 2026 — Pierce Street Gateway and the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation are proud to present the 3rd Annual Party on Pierce on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM along the historic 1301–1422 blocks of Pierce Street.
Supported in part by the City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism through the James River Arts & Cultural Grant Program, this free, family-friendly street festival brings neighbors, historians, and visitors together to celebrate the vibrant history, rich culture, and enduring spirit of Lynchburg’s historic Pierce Street corridor.
Event Details at a Glance
● WHAT: 3rd Annual Party on Pierce Street Festival ● WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM ● WHERE: 1301–1422 Pierce Street, Lynchburg, VA ● PARKING: Free parking is available nearby at R.S. Payne Elementary School. ● ADMISSION: Free and open to the public!
Festival Highlights & Special Milestones
● Calloway Store Ribbon Cutting & Soft Opening (2:00 PM): The festival kicks off with an official ribbon cutting at the historic Calloway Store! Attendees are invited inside for an exclusive sneak peek of the space as transformation efforts continue toward completing its full public exhibits. ● Tennis Exhibitions on Dr. Robert W. “Whirlwind” Johnson’s court: Step onto sacred sports grounds with the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation as they host live tennis exhibitions on the historic court where legends Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe trained. ● Historic Touchstone – Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum: Celebrate another crown jewel of Pierce Street by connecting with representatives from the home and garden of the famed Harlem Renaissance poet, activist, and gardener.
Special Activities & Wellness (In Collaboration with Sattva Yoga & Wellness Center)
Enjoy family fun, wellness activities, and interactive performances scheduled throughout the afternoon:
● 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Special Character Visit from Spider-Man ● 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Tai Chi & Kung Fu Demonstrations ● 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Drum Circle & Belly Dancing Performance
Featured Orators & Legacy Speakers
The event will highlight powerful community voices and history keepers:
● Desmond R. Mosby — Local orator, youth advocate, and doctoral candidate, bringing inspiring remarks on leadership, legacy, and community empowerment. ● Jolynn Johnson-Smith — Legacy speaker and granddaughter of the legendary Dr. Robert "Whirlwind" Johnson, sharing stories of her grandfather's groundbreaking work breaking color barriers in American tennis. ● Hylan "Hank" Hubbard III — Legacy speaker, Board President of Pierce Street Gateway, and former Dunbar High School student, will be sharing his unique perspective on how our history shapes our future, as well as discussing the purpose, vision, and exciting future of Pierce Street Gateway.
Live Music & Historic Tours
● Live Music: Festival-goers will enjoy a full afternoon of live musical entertainment, showcasing a dynamic lineup of local talent from Nikki & The Groove Band and DJ Q! ● Horse & Carriage Tours (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Take a step back in time with free, guided historic horse and carriage tours provided by Triple F Farms and stewarded by local historian Dr. Gerry Sherayko.
Accessibility & Hydration
● Cycling Without Age Lynchburg: Volunteer pilots will offer complimentary trishaw rides on three-wheeled passenger bikes throughout the day, ensuring the festival is accessible, comfortable, and fun for attendees of all mobility levels. ● Wawa (Official Water Sponsor): Returning for the second consecutive year as official Water Sponsor, Wawa will provide free water stations to keep attendees hydrated and cool.
Historic & Community Non-Profit Partners
Festival-goers can connect with local history, health resources, and civic organizations throughout the afternoon, including:
● Jones Memorial Library ● Old City Cemetery ● Johnson Health Center ● Community Access Network ● Lynchburg Voters League ● Lynchburg Fire Department ● Birth in Color ● And more!
Food, Drinks & Local Vendors
● Elks Lodge #181: Serving hot, savory dishes made on site—including fried, grilled, and smoked favorites for purchase. ● Jackson St. United Methodist Church: Offering ice-cold, homemade lemonade for purchase to keep everyone refreshed. ● Chillyz on da Block: Offering ice cream and popsicles for purchase from 3:00-5:00 PM. ● Three Roads Brewing Company (Adult Beverage Sponsor): Serving a curated selection of locally crafted beers for purchase (21+ with valid ID).
About Pierce Street Gateway & The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation
Pierce Street Gateway is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and revitalizing the historic Pierce Street neighborhood in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation works to restore and preserve the historic home and tennis court of Dr. Robert W. "Whirlwind" Johnson—the "Godfather of Black Tennis"—who trained legends Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe.
“The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation is excited to partner with Pierce Street Gateway for the 3rd Annual Party on Pierce. This event brings together people from Lynchburg and other communities to celebrate the significant history of the accomplished African Americans who resided on Pierce Street and enjoy a day of camaraderie, history, music, dance, and activities.”-Jolynn Johnson Smith, MA, RACR - The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation (https://whirlwindjohnson.org/)
For more information about the event or to learn how to get involved, visit https://www.psglyh.org/events-programs or follow Pierce Street Gateway on social med
