Summer is here and so are Coeur d’Alene’s iconic summer activities. Every Wednesday through September, Live After 5 will rock the corner of Sixth Street and Sherman Avenue as a hub for entertainment, food and drink. In its fourth year on Wednesday evenings in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Live After 5 features music, food vendors, booths and a beer garden.

“One of our goals is to bring the community together for an event that is affordable and family friendly,” said Tyler Davis, head of Davis Enterprises, the event’s production company.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and close around 9 p.m., and attendees should bring their own chairs and blankets. Admission is free for kids 12 and younger and $5 for 13 and older. There are also season passes available for $65.

Eight of the 15 bands this summer tour nationally, and many have never been to the Pacific Northwest before. Part of the mission behind Live After 5 is to attract new artists and groups to Coeur d’Alene.

“The talent keeps getting better and better every year. This year is our best lineup so far,” Davis said.

In addition to promoting musicians and community enjoyment, Live After 5 also benefits local businesses. Some can get their name out by sponsoring the event or speaking at it, and others profit from the increased foot traffic downtown.

Davis was inspired to start Live After 5 by similar events he helped coordinate in Boise and Idaho Falls. These events were something he looked forward to every Wednesday evening, and when he moved to Coeur d’Alene eight years ago, decided to try bringing it here.

“To make it overall a community event,” Davis said regarding the purpose of Live After 5.

Davis Enterprises also produces 1st Friday Funk, a new event that features funk bands on the first Friday nights of June, July, August and September. Its format is the same as that of Live After 5 regarding price, time and location, and many of Wednesday’s vendors will be present.

Also being put on by Davis Enterprises is a concert with elevated seating during Car d’Lane on June 17. This will feature local band The Rub, and bleachers for spectators to enjoy the band and Car d’Lane antique vehicles as they drive down Sherman Avenue. It will be in the same lot at Sixth and Sherman. Tickets can be purchased at squareup.com/store/Liveafter5.