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2026 Alive at Five - Albany's Annual Summer Concert Series

Alive at Five is the City of Albany's signature free summer concert series. A staple of the Capital Region since it premiered in 1990 with a performance by legendary folk artist Richie Havens, the series has grown into a massive annual tradition. Showcasing a diverse lineup of big names, up-and-coming acts, and the region’s most talented original artists, Alive at Five offers six weeks of critically acclaimed performances catering to nearly every taste.

crowd at alive at five
Photo provided by City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs, credit to ©Andrzej Pilarczyk (pilarphotog@yahoo.com)

What to Know for 2026

The 2026 series is bringing high-energy performances to multiple iconic locations across the city to make the shows more accessible to the community.

  • Dates: June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 9, 16 (Six Thursdays)
  • Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Cost: Free to attend
  • Ages: Fun for all ages
performer on stage at outdoor concert

2026 Alive at Five Concert Lineup

Each Alive at Five concert will feature critically acclaimed artists across a variety of genres, along with food and retail vendors, sponsor giveaways, and special deals from local businesses throughout Downtown Albany.

alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: R&B Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St Albany, NY 12207
alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Emo Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Jennings Landing, 1 Quay St Albany, NY 12207
alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Hip-Hop Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Tri-Centennial Park, 560 Broadway Albany, NY 12204
alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Afrobeats Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Broadway (Warehouse District), Broadway Albany, NY 12206
alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Classic Rock Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Washington Park Lake House, Washington Park Rd Albany, NY 12203
alive at five event promo for 2026
2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Funk & Jam Night
The 2026 Alive at Five Summer Concert Series returns for its 37th year with a fresh "neighborhood-hopping" format, bringing six weeks of free, world-class music to iconic locations across Albany.
Washington Park Lake House, Washington Park Rd Albany, NY 12203

Parking Information

Parking fees and locations vary depending on the concert site. For all locations, event parking typically starts at 4:00 pm with an $8 fee.

June 4, 11, & 18 (Downtown Locations)

For shows at Jennings Landing and Tri-Centennial Park:

  • Riverfront Garage: 2 Columbia St.
  • Quackenbush Garage: 25 Orange St.

June 25 (Warehouse District)

For the performance on Broadway:

  • Warehouse Lot: 53 North Ferry St.

July 9 & 16 (Washington Park)

For shows at the Washington Park Lakehouse (Note: locations subject to fees):

  • Lot 2: 72 Central Ave. (Between Central & Western Ave.)
  • Lot 3: 327 Washington Ave. (At Washington & Lexington Ave.)
  • Lot 4: 124 Central Ave. (Between Central & Bradford St.)

Pro Tip: Handicap parking and EV charging spaces are available at the Quackenbush and Riverfront garages. For real-time updates and more details, visit parkalbany.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Alive at Five

The 2026 Alive at Five concert series runs for six weeks on Thursday nights from June 4th through July 16th, 2026 (note: there is no concert on Thursday, July 2nd). Each event kicks off at 5:00 PM and runs until 8:00 PM, with food trucks and tables, vendors, and parking lots opening early at 4:30 PM.

The 2026 lineup features headliners Jon B (June 4), We The Kings (June 11), B.o.B (June 18), You, Me & Afrobeats (June 25), FJ: A Foreigner & Journey Tribute (July 9), and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (July 16).

Yes! The Albany Alive at Five concert series is 100% free to attend and open to all ages. No tickets or reservations are required.

All concerts run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday nights. Food trucks, gates, and vendor areas typically open around 4:30 PM.

For the 2026 season, the series is using a new "neighborhood-hopping" format. Shows will be held at Jennings Landing, Tri-Centennial Park, Broadway in the Warehouse District, and the Washington Park Lakehouse.

For more information, contact the City of Albany Office of Cultural Affairs at (518) 434-2032 or visit their website at https://www.albanyevents.org/events/alive-at-five/.

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About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.
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