Returning for a second season, the Washington Tourism Development Authority and Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to kick off their three-month Alive After Five series of community events for spring 2020.

From 5:30 to 7:30 this Friday, the Caboose Park on the corner of Main and Gladden streets will come alive with community, live music, good food and libations. It’s part of a series of events on the first Friday of the month that will continue on April 3 and May 1.

Alive After Five was conceived as a venue for friends, co-workers and families to hang out and unwind after a long week in a fun, casual atmosphere. The event series kicked off last fall in October after Hurricane Dorian rained out the first scheduled event for September.

“November really picked up,” said Gabrielle Whitlock, WTDA’s marketing and special events coordinator. “We saw a huge crowd, a lot of people congregated to watch the band and we sold a lot of beer. It was definitely a good turnout and we hope it continues to grow as we put them on monthly.”

While adults can enjoy tunes from Honeybee Kind, along with beer and wine sales, there will also be ample activities for the kids as well, including face painting, lawn games and a balloon artist. Food at the event will be offered through the Spiedie Turtle, and attendees are encouraged to also shop and eat downtown after the event concludes.

“It will benefit the community to have a place to go and meet up monthly,” Whitlock said. “It’s also going to benefit tourism simply by providing the community with something to do. That will allow them to advocate that Washington is a cool, fun place to be and that there are always things going on.”

For the April 3 event, Josh Branch will provide music, with the food from The Rock Food Truck. Rounding out the series on May 1 will be live music from The Monterio Experience, accompanied by the Taco Express food truck.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair. For more information about Alive After Five and other upcoming events, visit www.visitwashingtonnc.com.