The park beside the Washington Civic Center will be alive with activity this Friday as the Washington Tourism Development Authority hosts its final Alive After 5 of the year. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Created as a fun way to get people downtown on a Friday evening, Alive After 5 was first slated to premiere in early September. Mother Nature, however, had different plans, and Hurricane Dorian forced the cancellation of the first event. Earlier in October, Alive After 5 found a fresh start, drawing a decent crowd downtown.

“It’s a free event for the community,” said Gabrielle Whitlock, WTDA’s special events and marketing coordinator. “We have tons of activities for all age groups, entertainment, food and drinks for people to purchase while they’re there. Our hope at the TDA is we would like to see out-of-town guests come to the event. But we recognize that it may take time to build that recognition. For now, we want as many people from the community to come out as possible to support our event.”

Headlining Friday’s event is The Monterio Experience, a multi-genre cover band featuring past and present hits. Also on site will be select vendors from the Harbor District Market and an Anita’s Tacos food truck.

For the kids, face painting, lawn games, a balloon artist and a snow machine will offer plenty to do. Adults can also enjoy craft beer, wine and other beverages available for purchase with cash. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs while they enjoy the festivities.

Organizers say the goal is to get people to visit downtown and drive foot traffic to downtown restaurants and businesses.

“We hope to get some more people from the surrounding area, not just downtown, involved and wanting to come out and participate,” Whitlock said. “ … We hope more people in Washington will get to know about it.”

While this Friday marks the last Alive After 5 of the fall season, the monthly event will return for three months next spring in March, April and May.