ALIVE AFTER FIVE is expected to gather as many as 25,000 participants nightly to Patchogue in celebration of 25 years as a summer music and street festival.
The event kicks off July 2 with multi-stage concerts as well as a red, white and blue logo to coincide with Ameria's 250-year anniversary and patriotic drinks and festivities at participating restaurants along Patchogue River.
Then it continues Thursdays July 16, July 30 and Aug. 13 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a rain date of Aug. 20.
“This year we have about eight or nine stages of music in all different areas. We actually have a family fun road (South Ocean Avenue). There’s Rock Underground and Musicology, and we’re doing a barbecue-lemonade-type thing on that road, and some cornhole—things like that,” said Maria Scheuring, chairman of Alive After Five for Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.
The festival offers many genres available simultaneously but not within earshot of each other. As Scheuring explains, “It’s a very big footprint, all of Main Street and two other side streets,” including Arts Alley with Patchogue Arts Council.
Over 100 vendors will be on hand with axe throwing, face painting and more, as well as Team Fun with magic shows.
“We make sure we have a nice variety of things for everyone to enjoy as well as outdoor dining,” Scheuring said. She noted Charlie Gomes of Aroogas has been working with the restaurants.
This year visitors will be permitted to stroll the grounds with their brews or wine, rather than be confined to one place.
She recalls Patchogue was “not too pedestrian friendly” when resident Vincent Grucci of Macy’s fireworks fame proposed a revitalizing outdoor event. “It grew and evolved over the years,” she said.
Patchogue Theatre also has Alive After Five performances as per its website.