Alive After 5 Returns to Downtown Billings in August

May 3, 2021

Downtown Billings Alliance Media Release

BILLINGS, MT | After a disappointing and thoroughly socially distanced summer of 2020, things are looking up for the summer of '21! The Downtown Billings Alliance (DBA) and Valley Credit Union have announced a small-batch series of the beloved Alive After 5 outdoor concert series, beginning in August. Rather than the typical eight summer concerts, there will be four, a decision made that will hopefully allow the DBA, their community partners, and Public Health leaders to bring Alive After 5 back in the way the community has come to know and love.

Each of the Alive After 5 outdoor concerts takes place at a different downtown location Thursday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Admission to each Alive After 5 event is free to the public, however, those 21 and older wishing to consume alcohol will need to purchase a wristband for $2.

The 2021 Small Batch Alive After 5 series will kick-off Thursday, August 5th, at McCormick Cafe on Montana Ave. The following locations and corresponding dates include Walkers Grill on August 12th, Montana Brewing Company on August 19th, and Tiny’s Tavern on August 26th. The line-up of bands will be announced soon.

“These events don’t come together overnight. Typically, we start the process of planning Alive After 5 planning in November. It’s a big undertaking for our non-profit organization taking months to piece together hosts, bands, sponsors, sound techs, stages, street closures, insurance, staff, and volunteers,” explains Lindsay Richardson, Events & Communications Director at the DBA.

"The decision to bring the series back for four dates this August had everything to do with ensuring we could host outdoor concerts responsibly without any headcount limitations. We know these events draw thousands of concertgoers into downtown Billings and the health and safety of our community, while protecting the ability for our small businesses to stay open is our priority. We can’t wait to see everyone back at Alive After 5 in August,” states Katy Easton, CEO of the DBA.

The success of the concert series is due heavily to the host locations' efforts, good community attendance, the help of the season sponsors, and volunteers to help the DBA team ID and wristband guests. Current sponsors include Valley Credit Union, Best Western ClockTower Inn, First Interstate Bank and Desert Mountain Broadcasting. “We are still confirming additional sponsors for this 2021 season to help cover the costs of hosting these highly anticipated summer concerts,” says Richardson.

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