Alive at Five Summer Concert Series 2026
Frederick's signature outdoor happy hour concert series. 21 weeks of live music, local food trucks, and craft beverages every Thursday evening at Carroll Creek Outdoor Amphitheater.
Quick Info
📅 When
Every Thursday
May 7 - September 24, 2026
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Where
Carroll Creek Amphitheater
Carroll Creek Park
Downtown Frederick, MD
💰 Cost
$5 admission
Craft beverages: $7 each
Food varies by vendor
🎟️ Age
21+ only
ID required
No minors permitted
About Alive @ Five
Alive @ Five is Frederick's premier outdoor concert series and the Downtown Frederick Partnership's largest annual fundraiser. For over two decades, this beloved summer tradition has brought the community together for evenings of live music, local food, and craft beverages in the heart of downtown.
The series features a diverse mix of musical genres including rock, jazz, R&B, indie, and more, with both returning favorite bands and new performers each season. Proceeds from the event support the Downtown Frederick Partnership's year-round work to enhance and promote downtown Frederick.
What to Expect
- Live Music: Two sets of performances each evening from local and regional bands
- Food Trucks: Rotating selection of local food vendors offering diverse cuisines
- Craft Beverages: Local craft beers, cocktails, and wine available via token system
- Community Atmosphere: Outdoor setting along scenic Carroll Creek with friends and neighbors
Music & Performers
Alive @ Five features a carefully curated lineup of musical talent throughout the season. Each week brings a different musical experience, with genres spanning:
🎸 Rock
Classic rock, alternative, and modern rock bands
🎷 Jazz
Jazz ensembles, smooth jazz, and blues
🎤 R&B
R&B, soul, and funk performances
🎹 Indie
Indie rock, folk, and alternative artists
Full Lineups: Complete weekly lineups are available at downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive
2026 Alive at Five Weekly Lineup
The 2026 season features 21 bands across all genres. Below are the upcoming shows — for live updates and any schedule changes, check downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive.
| Date | Performer | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| June 18 | Ahzay & The Squad | Hip Hop & R&B |
| June 25 | Captain Electric | 2000s Throwbacks |
| July 2 | Freddie Long Band | All the Hits |
| July 9 | Ben Flournoy | Bluesy Pop |
| July 16 | La Unica | Irish Latin Fusion |
| July 23 | Stitch Early & The Populatn | Original Rap & Hip Hop |
| July 30 | Reverend Smackmaster & the Congregation of Funk | Motown Soul Grooves |
| Aug 6 | Ballistic Berry | Indie Rock |
| Aug 13 | Conor & the Wild Hunt | Americana Folk |
| Aug 20 | My Chemical Bromance | Pop Punk Emo |
| Aug 27 | Kate Cosentino | Funky Pop |
| Sep 3 | Pebble to Pearl | R&B Funk |
| Sep 10 | Andy Shaw Band | Roots & Reggae |
| Sep 17 | Costas Colectivo | Salsa |
| Sep 24 (6 PM) | Special Delivery Band | Classic Rock — Season Finale |
Source: Downtown Frederick Partnership. The season finale on September 24 starts at 6 PM instead of 5 PM.
Food & Drink
Food Trucks
Each week features a rotating selection of local food trucks and vendors, offering a variety of cuisines including:
- BBQ and smoked meats
- Gourmet burgers and sandwiches
- Tacos and Mexican cuisine
- Asian fusion and noodle dishes
- Desserts and sweet treats
- Vegetarian and vegan options
Beverage Pricing
Craft beverages are available from local breweries, distilleries, and wineries:
$7 Craft Beverages
Craft beer, cocktails, and wine from local Frederick-area producers
Local Selection
Featuring Frederick-area breweries, distilleries, and wineries; Brewer's Alley is the anchor food/drink partner
Cash/Card
Beverages purchased at the event; no outside beverages or water bottles permitted
Practical Information
Seating
The Carroll Creek Amphitheater offers limited seating. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for comfort. First-come, first-served for available seating areas.
Parking
Downtown Frederick offers multiple parking options:
- Street parking (metered and free spots)
- Public parking garages within walking distance
- Private lots with evening rates
Tip: Arrive early for the best parking options, especially on popular concert nights.
Accessibility
The Carroll Creek Amphitheater is wheelchair accessible. Accessible seating areas are available. Contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership in advance for specific accessibility accommodations.
Weather Policy
Alive @ Five is an outdoor event. In case of inclement weather:
- Check the Downtown Frederick Partnership website and social media for updates
- Light rain may not cancel the event
- Severe weather may result in cancellation or postponement
- Decisions are typically made by 3:00 PM on the day of the event
Planning Your Visit
What to Bring
- Lawn chair or blanket for seating
- Cash and cards for tokens and food
- Valid government-issued ID (21+ event)
- Light jacket for cooler evenings
- Sunscreen for early season shows
Best Times to Arrive
- 5:00 PM: Gates open, food trucks ready, first come first served seating
- 5:30 PM: Music begins, crowds increase
- 6:00 PM: Peak attendance, best food truck selection
- 7:00 PM: Second set, still good atmosphere
Group Gatherings
Alive @ Five is perfect for group outings, date nights, and after-work gatherings. Consider coordinating with friends to claim a larger seating area early in the evening.
Getting Involved
Volunteer
Alive @ Five is supported by volunteers. Opportunities include:
- Token booth assistance
- Setup and breakdown
- Event coordination
- Marketing and promotion
Contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership for volunteer opportunities and availability.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations. Sponsors receive brand exposure at this well-attended community event while supporting downtown revitalization efforts.
Contact Information
Downtown Frederick Partnership
Website: downtownfrederick.org/aliveatfive
Email: info@downtownfrederick.org
Phone: Check website for current contact information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alive @ Five family-friendly?
No, Alive @ Five is a 21+ only event. Valid ID is required for entry. Minors are not permitted.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
No, outside food and beverages are not permitted. Food and drinks must be purchased from on-site vendors.
What happens if it rains?
Check the Downtown Frederick Partnership website and social media for weather updates. Severe weather may result in cancellation.
Are pets allowed?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at Alive @ Five. The Downtown Frederick Partnership explicitly notes "Yes, your dogs are welcome! We love to see your furry friends enjoying the outdoors too."
Is there an ATM on-site?
Token booths accept both cash and cards. ATMs are available at nearby downtown locations if needed.
Can I purchase tokens in advance?
Tokens must be purchased on-site at the event. No advance token sales are available.