Stamford's annual twin concert series is back this year after taking a pandemic pause in 2020.

Alive@Five and Wednesday Nite Live includes eight live concerts taking place at Miller River Park, a new and larger venue than Columbus Park, where the events were previously held.

“We’ve been planning this move for a while. This year just kind of made sense – the fact that we do need more room,” said Annette Einhorn, the director of marketing and events for Stamford Downtown.

Concertgoers will need more than just a ticket to get into the shows. Einhorn says proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 of the events will be required upon entry.

The policy will replace the city's outdoor mask mandate for large events.

The setup at Mill River Park includes a stage double the size of the one at Columbus Park and three LED screens that will allow the crowd to enjoy the show from anywhere in the venue.

The first act will be Blues Traveler this Wednesday for the start of Wednesday Nite Live. Alive@Five kicks off Thursday with Jon Batiste. Though the forecast calls for potential wet weather those days, organizers say the shows will go on.

“As long as the gates open, the festival happens. We're rain or shine,” says Einhorn.

The concert series lineup and ticket information can be found here.

Wednesday Nite Live is all-ages event. Kids 12 and under get in for free if they’re with a ticket-holding adult. Alive@Five is a 21+ event, and all guests must provide a valid form of ID.