Patchogue's Alive After Five Is Back And Bolder

PATCHOGUE, NY — The Alive After Five street festival will be back and bigger than ever from 5 to 9 p.m. on July 14 to Aug. 25, according to host David Kennedy, the executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.

Dining space will be expanded outdoors and the musical stages are considerably larger after a two-year wait for the Patchogue Village event, which was put on hold during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, said Kennedy, who has hosted the festivities for 21 years.

“It used to be that in front of each individual restaurant there would be some music and their outdoor drinking area in front of their restaurants, which was smaller,” Kennedy said to Patch. “We really wanted to introduce more family activities to the events and provide bigger staging for larger acts and bigger bands.”

Regional bands will take to the five different stages set up for the event, according to Kennedy.

“We are proud of our musical lineup this year,” said Kennedy. “The performances across all genres from rock to country to funk to jazz.”

Kennedy also expects 120 vendors at the street festival with food and crafts.

“All the restaurants expanded their space onto the streets so you can enjoy a great dinner at the heart of everything or visit the many food trucks,” said Kennedy. “There is even something for a grab and go.”

On July 14, Jah Stix (6 to 7 p.m.) and Drop the 4 (8 to 9 p.m.) will perform at the Blue Point Stage at Railroad Avenue.

Enrose (5 to 6:30 p.m.) and OP Effect (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) will perform at the Aspire Stage on South Ocean Avenue.

Kelly J. Powell & Russ Green (5:15 to 5:40 p.m.), Billy Lamont (5:50 to 6:15 p.m.), Cole Fortier (6:30 to 7 p.m.), Krist Kettles ft. Astronauto (7:15 to 7:45 p.m.) and A.N.A. (8 to 9 p.m.) will perform at the Dorene Rose’ Art Stage on Furman Square.

O El Amor (5 to 9:30 p.m.) will perform at the Serene Home Nursing Agency Stage on East Main Street; All Stars (5 to 6:30 p.m.) and Half Breeds (6:30 to 9 p.m.) will perform at the Clare Rose Stage at West Main Street.

More acts are expected to perform at the aforementioned stages on July 28, Aug. 11 and Aug. 25.

Whiskey Neat and The Tap Room will be offering drinks nearby.

Kids will be able to enjoy performances by stilt walkers, aerial stunts and a magic show, added Kennedy.

“We are super excited after the two-year hiatus,” said Kennedy. “They will also have costume characters, crafts and activities for our kids.”

There will also be face painting, balloon twisting and music for the kids at Blue Point Stage throughout the day on each four days, said the executive director.

For more adult fun, expect sword swallowers, contortionists and fire breathers near Railroad Avenue, said Kennedy.

“That’s something new for adults looking for that type of entertainment,” added Kennedy.

There will be road closures at Main Street Patchogue and North Ocean Avenue, north of Main Street and anyone who wants to get to the festival by train can take the LIRR to the Patchogue Station and walk two blocks north. However, to get there by car, take the LIE to exit 53 and go South on Nicholls Road.

“Because parking can be an issue, anybody coming outside of Patchogue, we encourage them to use the Live After Five Shuttle starting at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph’s University.

“A shuttle will be running continuously through 11 p.m. even after the event is over so that people will have the ability to get back to their car.

“People driving to town can park at the parking lot at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Waverly Avenue off of South Service Road,” added Kennedy.

To learn more about the festival visit aa5.patchogue.com/festival-information/.

The rain date for the event is Sept. 1.