2026 Alive at Five in Albany, NY: Annual Summer Concert Series
The 2026 Alive at Five free summer concert series returns to Albany, NY, every Thursday evening from June 4 through July 16, 2026 (excluding July 2) from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. As a Capital Region staple since its 1990 premiere, this massive annual tradition is shaking things up for its 37th season.
To make the music more accessible than ever, the city is shifting to a fresh, "neighborhood-hopping" format—bringing big-name national acts, emerging talent, and local favorites to iconic venues throughout the community.
What to Know About Alive at Five for 2026
Shifting venues means the vibe changes every single week! Here are the core details you need to navigate this year's series like a local insider:
- When: Six select Thursday evenings (June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 9, 16)
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Cost: FREE to attend!
- Ages: Fun for all ages, family-friendly environment.
2026 Complete Lineup & Locations at a Glance:
- June 4 (R&B Night): Jon B with D Lawson Experience, Geri Howard Phillips | Location: Jennings Landing
- June 11 (Emo Night): We The Kings with Side B | Location: Jennings Landing
- June 18 (Hip-Hop Night): B.o.B with Aila Chiar & DJ King Bully | Location: Tri-Centennial Park
- June 25 (Afrobeats Night): You, Me & Afrobeats Party ft. DJ TGIF, Soular Sounds & Afrellie | Location: Broadway (Warehouse District)
- July 9 (Classic Rock Night): FJ: A Tribute to Foreigner & Journey ft. Dom Domenech, Ginger Geezus | Location: Washington Park Lakehouse
- July 16 (Funk & Jam Night): Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with The Nolanauts | Location: Washington Park Lakehouse
Insider Tip: Because the stage travels to different neighborhoods this year, parking sites vary by week. Event parking typically opens at 4:00 PM with an $8 flat fee at nearby municipal lots and garages (like Quackenbush or Riverfront for the downtown shows).
Mark Your Calendar: Explore the 2026 Lineup Below!
Each Alive at Five concert will feature critically acclaimed artists across a variety of genres, along with a curated mix of food and retail vendors, sponsor giveaways, and special deals from local businesses throughout downtown Albany. Check out the individual event dates below to plan your summer Thursdays!
2026 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
When is Alive at Five 2026 in Albany?
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.
Who is playing Alive at Five 2026?
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).
Is Alive at Five free?
Yes! The Albany Alive at Five concert series is 100% free to attend and open to all ages. No tickets or reservations are required.
What time does Alive at Five start?
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.
Where is Alive at Five located this year?
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/.
« Back to the Albany Summer Guide
