diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 9919a7cb81..ce5da7f7e8 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-## 1.6.0 (Unreleased)
+## 1.6.0-alpha20230719 (Unreleased)
 
 NEW FEATURES:
 * `terraform test`: The previously experimental `terraform test` command has been moved out of experimental. This comes with a significant change in how Terraform tests are written and executed.
diff --git a/version/VERSION b/version/VERSION
index 45d114a213..bcc365a537 100644
--- a/version/VERSION
+++ b/version/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-1.6.0-alpha1
+1.6.0-alpha20230719