News Summary
The Downtown After 5 concert series is making its highly anticipated return to Asheville on April 18, relocating to Pack Square Park for more space and community enjoyment. This year’s event will include a kids zone, accessible facilities, and a marketplace featuring local goods. The first concert will celebrate spring with live music and art, followed by an after-party at Hemingway’s Cuba. The series will continue throughout the summer with events on June 20 and August 15, offering a fantastic opportunity for community bonding and entertainment.
Asheville’s Downtown After 5 Concert Series is Back and Better Than Ever!
Hey, Asheville! Get ready to shake off that winter chill because the highly anticipated Downtown After 5 concert series is returning to town, and it’s looking like it’s going to be a blast! Mark your calendars for April 18, as Pack Square Park is set to transform into a lively hub of music, fun, and community spirit!
New Venue, New Vibes!
This year, you’ll notice a change of scenery. The concert series is moving from its usual spot on North Lexington Avenue to the spacious and welcoming Pack Square Park. The new venue means more room to spread out on the lawn, so grab your picnic blankets and come ready to relax and enjoy!
What’s New This Year?
There are some exciting new features popping up for this year’s series! For starters, you can look forward to accessible public restrooms, which is always a plus when you’re out having fun. There’s also going to be a special kids zone where the little ones can burn off some energy while you kick back and enjoy the tunes.
And for those of you who love supporting local businesses, the marketplace of local goods curated by Horse and Hero will be a fantastic place to shop. You never know what unique treasures you might find!
Music and Fun on April 18
On that first fabulous night, get ready to dig into the theme “Downtown in Bloom”, a celebration that’s all about welcoming spring. Adding to the festive atmosphere will be local artist Gus Cutty, who will capture the event live with his painting skills – what a unique experience to witness!
After-Party Plans!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! After the concert wraps up for the night, be sure to head over to Hemingway’s Cuba for the official after-party where the musical group, The Sun Sippers, will keep the party going strong even after 9 p.m. It’s the perfect way to keep the good vibes alive with friends!
Parking and Accessibility
For those needing to drive, don’t worry! There are plenty of parking options available, including city garages and street parking close to the venue. Just a heads up, though: while you may love your furry friends, pets are not allowed in the event area, except for certified service dogs!
A Special Experience Awaits
If you’re looking for a more elevated experience, check out the preferred access pass options. This will provide you with designated seating and a drink to enjoy while you take in the show in comfort!
Bringing the Community Together
The Asheville Downtown Association has been hard at work organizing this event for a whopping 37 years! It’s a cherished series meant to bring the community together, especially after the ups and downs we’ve all faced over the past year. Last year brought some challenges when two events had to be canceled due to weather, including the popular Oktoberfest, which fell victim to Hurricane Helene.
But this time around, optimism is in the air, and everyone is hopeful for a great turnout. Local businesses are counting on strong community support, so let’s show up and make some noise in true Asheville style!
Save the Dates!
Don’t forget that the Downtown After 5 concert series doesn’t just end on April 18. There are two more events planned for this summer on June 20 and August 15. So, this season, let’s celebrate music, community, and local culture together!
See you at the park, Asheville – it’s time to enjoy some great tunes and make fantastic memories!
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Additional Resources
- AVL Today: Your Guide to Downtown After 5
- WLOS: Downtown After 5 Returns
- AVL Today: Plan Ahead – Asheville NC Events
- WLOS: Downtown After 5 2021 Lineup
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
