5th Street Live Revives Uptown’s Legendary Day-End Festival, Alive After Five
The iconic Alive After Five vibe was brought back in the spotlight on July 10, 2024, with the launch of the 5th Street Live fest in Uptown. This Thursday evening hotspot is not just trying to recreate the magic of its predecessor but aims to elevate the weekly experience for Charlotte’s nightlife lovers.
A Decade-Old Legacy Resurrected
A decade ago, EpiCentre was an essential part of Uptown, a hub bustling with activity, eateries, and, not to mention, unforgettable tales. It was during this time that Alive After Five (AA5) made its mark as the town’s highly-coveted weekly networking event. Now renamed as Queen City Quarter, the area still retains memories of EpiCentre’s vibrant past, especially the Thursday essential — AA5.
Reliving the Epic AA5 Memories
Imagine the scenario, you’d be counting the hours to escape your mundane 9-5 job to dive into the euphoria that is AA5. The ambiance featured coordinated music playlists delivering a ‘maneater’ vibe, moments of liberation with Fireball shots, and, of course, the anticipation-filled trip to the EpiCentre. The three-level venue with its unique blend of clubs including Suite and Bubble and live music venues like Tin Roof promised an unforgettable evening.
The New Era of 5th Street Live
Fast forward to 2024, the 5th Street Live has successfully revived those magical Thursday moments. The evening exhibition comes alive with Truist Center’s plaza filled with mingling and milling Charlotteans as the tunes of live music fill the air, and the vibes make bystanders want to ‘pop in for a quick one.’ The drinks are accessible, provided by seven on-location bars ready to quench any and every thirst.
Dusk Dawns a Different Activate
As the sun sets, a different kind of energy takes over. Enter DJ Yona, adding the much-needed zing to the crowd, an energy reminiscent of the AA5 glory days. As if on cue, a woman in a hot-pink tennis skirt entertains the audience with her twerking skills, embracing her ‘main character energy’ and giving into her playful pursuits.
The AA5 Experience Reinvented
While 5th Street Live is indeed built on a cherished legacy, it refrains from replicating the past. Instead, it mirrors a future, promising a fresh approach to Uptown’s evening scene, a refreshing change for a scene that had been noticeably stale in the past years. If you yearn to relive your ‘Thirsty Thursday’ moment at Uptown with nostalgia flavours, 5th Street Live is your destination. The event graces the Truist Center Plaza every Thursday night from 5-10 p.m., exclusive to those who are 21 and up.
Support the local works and immerse yourself in this historical moment of rebirth, standing as a symbol of rejuvenation in Uptown with 5th Street Live. The Queen City community’s diverse voices are making a significant impact on local journalism today, enriching and shaping cultural narratives.
