April - September 2024
Downtown After Five provides free live outdoor music concerts in downtown Asheville every third Friday from 5-9 PM from April through September. Thousands gather on North Lexington Avenue near the I-240 overpass to enjoy local and national beers and a variety of food vendors. While admission is free, you must buy a $2 wristband to purchase beer, hard cider, and wine.
This year, they've introduced a new addition to Downtown After 5: a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers.
2024 Downtown After Five Lineup:
April 19 | Psychedelic Funk
In partnership with the Mosaic Art Walk, an event supporting 15 nonprofit organizations through the United Way, we’ll kick off the series with a blast of color and sound. Empire Strikes Brass will headline the evening, supported by opener Magenta Sunshine. The event will be emceed by comedian Kim Richardson, setting the stage for a night of immersive funk and psychedelic grooves.
May 17 | Yacht Rock
Teaming up with Blue Ridge Pride, we invite you to smooth sail through the sounds of Yacht Rock Schooner, with Lazr Luvr opening the night. Our emcee, DIVINE the Bearded Lady will ensure a memorable evening for all.
June 21 | Juneteenth
In a special collaboration with the MLK Foundation, we celebrate Juneteenth with the soulful Sierra Green & the Giants headlining and Lyric setting the mood.
July 19 | AVL Fest Kickoff
The official kick-off to AVL Fest, Asheville FM brings to the stage Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast as headliners, with The Greenliners opening.
August 16 | LEAF Downtown
In collaboration with LEAF Global Arts, we're excited to bring back LEAF Downtown at Downtown After 5. Tito Puente Jr. will be headlining the event, with the LEAF Kono Band opening.
September 20 | Outdoor Rec Fest
Closing out the series is September’s Outdoor Rec Fest with Riverlink. Featuring headliner Oliver Hazard and opener Paul McDonald. Celebrate Asheville's outdoor lifestyle by engaging with our outdoor recreation partners and vendors.
Beer & Food
Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit partners associated with each event.
No pets or bikes are allowed. Bring your chair, but no coolers or tents. The Asheville Downtown Association partners with five local nonprofits to sell wristbands at the event, giving each a $2,000 grant.
Nearby
Just a few blocks away is the Friday night Drum Circle. See more things to do in Downtown Asheville.
Explore Downtown Asheville
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries,… read more
During the day, downtown Asheville bustles with shoppers browsing more than 200 galleries, antique shops and local boutiques. Each evening, enjoy street entertainers, restaurants, breweries, festivals and music. Walk the Urban Trail and tour historic sites. See our Top 25 things to do downtown.
Live Music & Dancing, Downtown Asheville
Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week.
Asheville offers a multitude of places to go for live music and dancing any day of the week.
