One of Kendall Whittier’s favorite evening events is back in 2021, kicking off with a bike-themed Kendall Whittier After Five: Wheeling to Whittier event on May 13.

“Kendall Whittier After Five is an outdoor concert and entertainment series we host in the summer,” said Jessica Jackson Seay, executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street. “After taking 2020 off for obvious reasons, we are thrilled to finally be able roll out the astroturf and welcome guests back into our pop up park!”

Every month for After Five, volunteers lay 2,400 square feet of astroturf, covering part of the Whittier Square parking lot at the corner of Admiral and Lewis. The event is free and open to the public.

It takes place on the second Thursday of the month from May through October from 5-9 p.m.

For 2021, each After Five will have a different theme or focus. Wheeling to Whittier is bike-themed, and attendees are encouraged to get to the event using active transportation, such as a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or other means. A special gift will be given to anyone caught “wheeling” to the event.

The duo Desi and Cody, playing with their full band, will perform from 7-9 p.m. as the headlining activity.

The pop up park provides a place for attendees to sit and listen to the music or other entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets but some chairs will be provided.

Before the band takes the stage, Jeffrey Tanenhaus, author of West of Wheeling, will talk about how he decided to leave his New York City home, steal a ride-share bike and ride 3,020 miles to Los Angeles. He was featured in Newsweek and People Magazine, among other publications, and even recorded an interview with Stephen Colbert. Tanenhaus will begin at 6:30.

Nine One Skate will bring ramps, quarter pipes, boxes and rails to create a small skate park in the parking lot. They’ll be skating and performing tricks from 5:30 through dusk.

“We have such a wide range of entertainment for this month’s After Five — music, skateboarding, storytelling,” said Sydney Alison, community engagement coordinator for Kendall Whittier Main Street. “There’s something here for everyone of all ages!”

The event will also include a special announcement from SAIED Music regarding the Play Me Tulsa initiative, and Kendall Whittier Main Street will announce the $500 winner of the Ready. Set. EAT! campaign.

A casual group bike ride will leave from Tom’s Bicycles at 2648 E. 11th St., at 5:30 p.m. and end up at the Kendall Whittier After Five event. The ride is free and open to the public. Lights are encouraged for those leaving the event after dark.

Marshall Brewing Company will be selling beer selections at the event, and there will be a free Kids Zone for the younger guests. A special “Friends” VIP access tent will be on site for Friends of Kendall Whittier, with complementary beverages available.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have the BloodMobile out between 3-7 p.m., taking blood donations. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment but are not required to.

“OBI is finding it challenging to collect enough donations to keep their hospitals stocked with life-saving blood,” said Marla Roberts, senior account manager for OBI. “There’s no need to wait if you have recently been vaccinated. So many of the requirements have changed recently that if you haven’t been able to donate previously you should check in with OBI to see if you’re now eligible to give.”

Pollos Asados al Carbon, a food truck behind She Brews Coffee House, will be open serving up tacos, gorditas and other goodies, on Thursday until 10 p.m.

Kendall Whittier Main Street volunteers will be wearing masks, and attendees are strongly encouraged to as well. Masks will be required in the Friends area. Seating, Kids Zone and high touch areas will be sanitized regularly. The Tulsa Health Department has reviewed the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Other After Five events this year include: Bark in the Park (June 10), Kids Night (July 8), Comedy Night (August 12), Salsa Night (September 9) and TU Night (October 14).

After Five is made possible through a sponsorship by Fowler Automotive. Music is provided by Limitless Live.

Kendall Whittier Main Street is a nonprofit organization that inspires the ongoing revitalization and growth of a historic and cultural neighborhood in Tulsa, striving to transform it back to a thriving, walkable commercial district. KWMS is a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District.

For more information about the Kendall Whittier Main Street, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com.

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