Cinq à sept facts for kids

Cinq à sept ( literally 'five to seven') is a French-language term for activities taking place after work and before returning home (sometimes using overtime as an excuse), or for having dinner (roughly between 5 and 7 p.m.).

It may also be written as 5 à 7 or 5@7.

In Quebec

In Quebec French, the term stands for a social gathering. It may bring together friends or colleagues or may be organized around a specific event, such as a book launch or vernissage. Wine, beer, and cocktails are served along with finger foods and other hors d'oeuvres. Such a party held later may be named for the specific time (e.g. six à huit, meaning "six to eight").

A cinq à sept can be a formal gathering held in a wide range of public and private spaces, such as art galleries, university campuses, and places of work, but it is also commonly used more informally as a promotion in bars to attract patrons. The English equivalent might be a semi-formal "wine and cheese" gathering or an informal "happy hour".