You could search far and wide, travel hundreds of miles and spend lots of money and still not have as much fun as you can have at Historic Downtown Roswell’s Alive After Five monthly celebration. On evenings every third Thursday April through October, Historic Downtown Roswell becomes the place to be. Shops stay open offering discounts, prizes and special goodies and events, artists are on hand at galleries to mingle with the crowds, restaurants offer dining and drink specials, and musicians perform on three different stages. They don’t call it Alive After Five for nothing!

Since its inception in 2005, the anticipation mounts and the planning starts earlier each year. The downtown is transformed from winter to spring as the trees leaf out, the dogwoods blossom and street-side alfresco dining grows in popularity. The nights grow warmer, and the days longer, heralding the arrival of this much-anticipated Downtown Roswell tradition. “Let’s hit Alive After Five; Hey, you going to Alive After Five? Meet you at Alive After Five,” – and so the popular chatter goes.

Historic Canton Street becomes the epicenter of fun. Lampposts are adorned with bright balloons is shades of orange, red and purple, live music provides a soundtrack for the fellowship and fun and a sea of revelers forget the worries of the day and celebrate the finer pleasures of stimulating art, fine food, fellowship and the entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by these thriving downtown businesses.

“Alive After Five attracts local residents and visitors who come out each month in droves to meander the streets of Historic Roswell, running into friends and neighbors, while enjoying live entertainment, casual shopping, and a bite to eat,” says Sally Johnson of the Chandlery, a popular Downtown boutique.

Local musicians will perform at three venues during the evening: Heart of Roswell Park, Plumtree Village and Eclectic Finds. The local talent changes each month, so be sure to check the schedule for the listings so that you do not miss your favorite entertainers. Got kids? No problem—many of the merchants cater to families, offering moonwalks and bounce houses or clowns.

Parking is limited in the Historic District, but additional parking has been arranged and is available at the City of Roswell Municipal Complex (City Hall) Parking lot, Wachovia Bank parking lot on Magnolia Street, Roswell United Methodist Church parking lot at the corner of Magnolia Street and Mimosa Street, and The Board of Trade parking lot off of Alpharetta Highway. For your convenience, there are free Trolley Shuttles from the parking lot of City Hall to many destinations downtown.

by Caitlin Marvin

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For more information, go to www.aliveafterfiveroswell.com