Downtown Asheville's free outdoor concert series, Downtown After 5, will bring music and community engagement to the city center this spring and summer with a multicultural lineup. Presented by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA), the series highlights downtown Asheville through public artwork, storytelling, and community events. For Buncombe County residents, that means another opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly entertainment while supporting local businesses.
The 2026 Downtown After 5 series will take place in Pack Square Park, featuring national and regional artists paired with local nonprofits. According to the ADA, the event celebrates Asheville's culture, creativity, and community through music. The series coincides with the Fabric of Downtown campaign, which seeks to spotlight what makes downtown Asheville special. Each event will include food trucks, beverage vendors, artisan markets, and family-friendly activities.
The concert lineup includes:
April 17: Stomp and Holler Night with headliner Sam Burchfield, opener Hillclimbers and Friends, and nonprofit partner RemixIT Asheville.
May 15: Latin Dance Night with headliner La Sonora Carolina, opener Ulisse Rotoli, and nonprofit partner Food Connection.
June 19: Juneteenth Celebration with headliner Kanika Moore, opener Reggie Headen and the Nite Time Noon, and nonprofit partner MLK Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County.
Aug. 21: New Orleans Night with headliner J and The Causeways, opener Bayou Diesel featuring the Asheville Second Line, and nonprofit partner Asheville Mardi Gras.
Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, said the series brings people together and celebrates the culture, creativity, and community that make downtown special. For more information, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org and be sure to check wnctimes for more details and other stories for this area.