ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Downtown After 5, Asheville’s annual free, outdoor concert series, will return for four multicultural shows this spring and summer.

The series is presented by the Asheville Downtown Association and made possible by community partnerships. National and regional artists are paired with a local nonprofit for every show.

This year, Downtown After 5 will coincide with the Fabric of Downtown campaign, an effort to spotlight what makes downtown Asheville special through public artwork, storytelling and more.

“Downtown After 5 has always been about more than music,” said Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the ADA, in a press release. “It’s about bringing people together and celebrating the culture, creativity and community that make Downtown special. This year’s series ties beautifully into the Fabric of Downtown campaign, reminding us that every business, artist, nonprofit and neighbor is a thread in the story we’re continuing to weave together.”

Each Downtown After 5 show will be held in Pack Square Park at the heart of downtown Asheville. The events are free and open to the public and feature food trucks, beverage vendors, artisan markets and family-friendly activities, in addition to the music onstage.

The 2026 artist lineup includes:

Friday, April 17: Stomp and Holler Night

  • Headliner: Sam Burchfield
  • Opening: Hillclimbers and Friends
  • Nonprofit Partner: RemixIT Asheville

Friday, May 15: Latin Dance Night

  • Headliner: La Sonora Carolina
  • Opening: Ulisse Rotoli on Flamenco Guitar
  • Nonprofit Partner: Food Connection

Friday, June 19: Juneteenth Celebration

  • Headliner: Kanika Moore
  • Opening: Reggie Headen and the Nite Time Noon
  • Nonprofit Partner: MLK Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County

Friday, Aug. 21: New Orleans Night

  • Headliner: J and The Causeways
  • Opening: Bayou Diesel, with a special appearance from the Asheville Second Line
  • Nonprofit Partner: Asheville Mardi Gras

For more information, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org.

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