News
Oktoberfest is back!
A spin off of the German Oktoberfest, the Asheville Oktoberfest will feature 15+ breweries and craft beverage makers. There will also be the Aloft Hotel Festival Games, hosted by Asheville Sports and Social Club, local food vendors, and music by Lagerhosen! Tickets: -VIP tickets will include early access to festival (1pm-2pm), VIP tent with food […]
Lineup Announced for 35th Season of Downtown After 5
The 35th season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, returns Downtown Asheville the 3rd Friday of the month from April to September. DTA5 is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public. 2023 Lineup Friday, April 21 Devon Gillfillian Growing up in Philadelphia on a steady diet of […]
Holiday Parade 2023, accepting parade applications
November 18th, 2023 11am-1pm. Accepting parade applications! If you are interested, please fill out the form below: Holiday Parade Application Link
Share Your Feedback with on Use of Opioid Settlement Funds
Buncombe County wants to hear from residents on how it should prioritize funding that will come from the Opioid Litigation Settlement. The County is set to receive $16 million over 18 years. Communities can use these dollars to help attain outcomes for residents through treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and other life-saving programs and services. Pharmaceutical […]
Pack Square Visioning
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County are hosting public feedback sessions for residents to share their thoughts on how to make Pack Square Plaza a welcoming place for all in our community. There are many opportunities to share your thoughts including in-person focus groups, virtual meetings and an online feedback form. Learn more here.
Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour
Downtown businesses have decorated their windows for the holiday season. Use the map linked here to take.a walking tour while shopping for the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list. Thanks for supporting small local businesses.
Entries for the Asheville Holiday Parade
Below is a list in alphabetical order of entries for the 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, on Saturday, November 19. The parade begins at 11am. More info here. Business/Group Name 14th Weather Squadron 106.9 The Light 828 Bail Bonds A New Hope Home Care AARP, Mountain Region, NC AC Reynolds […]
Katie Button & Meherwan Irani to Serve as Grand Marshals for Asheville Holiday Parade
Local chefs, Katie Button and Meherwan Irani, to serve as Grand Marshals for the 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles Applications now available. The 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls, dances and marches through Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 19. Local chefs and restaurateurs, Katie Button and Meherwan Irani, will […]
Updates on Homelessness, Safety Initiatives
We understand that downtown, and our community as a whole, are facing significant overlapping challenges including Covid recovery, a 21% increase in people who are unsheltered, substance use and mental health crisis, staffing shortages in multiple City and County departments and others. We have shared recent survey data and concerns from our members, downtown businesses […]
2022 Asheville Holiday Parade Applications Available
Applications for the 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, are now available. The parade rolls, dances and marches through Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 19 beginning at 11am. Before applying please read the detailed rules and information for participants here. The parade only runs smoothly if everyone follows the rules and direction from […]
Understanding Unsheltered Homelessness-Opportunity for Input
Homelessness has increased in Asheville since the Covid-19 pandemic, with recent numbers showing a 21% increase in unsheltered people in our community. The City of Asheville, Buncombe County and the Dogwood Health Trust partnered to bring in a consultant from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. The project has two phases: Phase One – a […]
Rankin Avenue Substation Public Meetings Scheduled for August 11 and 22
Duke Energy and the City of Asheville are exploring the possibility of replacing the existing downtown substation on Rankin Avenue (behind Harrah’s Cherokee Center), with a modern substation across the street. Duke will host two public meetings on Thursday, August 11 at 9am and again at 4pm, as well as a virtual option on Monday, August […]
Carter, Anne, Patton Stormwater Project (CAPS)
The City of Asheville is undergoing a project to improve stormwater drainage in the Carter, Anne and Patton area of Downtown Asheville. Moderate to heavy rain storms create localized flooding near this area. A new stormwater drainage system will be installed within the public right-of-way that extends the existing stormwater system on Carter Street down […]
Ingles Independence Day Celebration July 4
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Monday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza. ULTIMATE AIR DOGS […]
Mayor and City Council Candidate Questionnaire Responses
We asked candidates for City of Asheville Mayor and Asheville City Council to answer questions regarding the top issues identified by downtown businesses and residents. We focused on Mayor and Council for the primary because their actions tend to most impact downtown. In the future, we hope to expand our questionnaire and forums to include […]
Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, 2022 Lineup
The 34th season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, returns Fridays to downtown Asheville the 3rd Friday of the month from April to September. DTA5 is held on North Lexington Avenue and events are free and open to the public. 2022 Lineup April 15 The Fritz The Fritz is a soul-driven psychedelic funk […]
The Importance of Downtown
Downtowns are special because they’re the only neighborhood that is shared by everyone in a community. A strong and healthy downtown stimulates economic growth and generates significant revenue for local governments. The Asheville Downtown Association is embarking on a project to showcase why our downtown is important. The intention of the project is to make […]
Watch Video of our State of Downtown Luncheon
If you were unable to attend our State of Downtown Luncheon, you can watch a recording of the event here. Thanks to First Bank and Harrah’s Cherokee Center for supporting the luncheon.
2022 Issues Survey Results
We recently surveyed our members and downtown businesses on issues related to downtown. We had 101 responses. This survey was focused on downtown businesses, but we hope to partner with other organizations to perform a downtown resident survey later this year. Click here to review the results.
State of Downtown Luncheon, presented by First Bank, Tuesday, March 8
Note: The State of Downtown Luncheon is sold out. We have limited the number of tickets to allow for social distancing, so we will not be able to accommodate additional guests. We are planning to record the presentation for later viewing. The Asheville Downtown Association will host its annual State of Downtown Luncheon, presented by […]
Nonprofit Wristband Partner Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association selects local nonprofits to sell wristbands at its events. The nonprofit receives a grant of $2,000 and has the opportunity to display marketing materials to share their program of work with large audiences. Nonprofits provide 30 volunteers over 18 to work in two shifts between 5 and 9:30pm. Volunteers […]
Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest. Learn more about requirements and fees here. Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm. Access the application here.
2022 Downtown Issues Survey Available Now
Twice each year, we survey our membership and the downtown business community. Surveys are an important tool in gathering feedback from our members. The results will be presented at our State of Downtown Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. This survey is focused on downtown businesses. We want […]
ADA Elects New Board and Executive Committee Members
The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) today announced the election of new board and executive committee members. Board members support the ADA’s mission to be a leader and advocate for the vitality of Downtown Asheville. Bill Durr (Ward & Smith) will serve as president of the board of directors with Beth Lane (McGuire Wood & Bissette) […]
We’re Hiring an Event Manager
The Asheville Downtown Association is seeking an Event Manager. Events include: Downtown After 5, the Pritchard Park Summer Series, the Independence Day Celebration, Speaker Series, Oktoberfest, Annual Membership Meeting, State of Downtown Luncheon, the Asheville Holiday Parade and others as assigned. Event Management • Submit all necessary permit applications and relevant supplemental documents in a […]
Downtown Holiday Windows Walking Tour & Contest Winners
Downtown businesses have decked out their windows for the Holiday Season. Our Holiday Windows Walking Tour is the perfect way to see the beautifully decorated windows while exploring downtown. Several of the participating businesses also entered our Holiday Windows Contest. Winners are: Best in Show: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe WOW Factor: Dog & Pony Show […]
Buncombe County Extends Indoor Mask Mandate to Jan. 5
Press release from Buncombe County: The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has extended the county-wide face covering requirement for all indoor public spaces through Jan. 5, 2022 at noon. The indoor mask requirement also extends to Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville, and Woodfin. In Buncombe County, COVID-19 case rates continue to be high, […]
Lineup Order for the Asheville Holiday Parade
The Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles of WNC, is Saturday, November 20 throughout Downtown Asheville. The parade begins at 11am. Posted below is the lineup order for the parade. The Asheville Holiday Parade is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association, in partnership with the City of Asheville. Sponsors and Partners make the Parade […]
Nominate an Essential Worker to Ride on the Hometown Heroes Float in the Asheville Holiday Parade
We’re teaming up with iHeart Asheville to honor essential workers at the 75th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 20. You can nominate that special person who helped keep us all going during the pandemic: healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and school employees, grocery and pharmacy associates, sanitation and public services… Head over to […]
2021 Asheville Holiday Parade Applications Available
To apply for entry in the parade, first read the 2021 rules here. It’s imperative that you carefully read the rules and regulations prior to filling out your application. Find the 2021 parade application here. Please be creative, parade entries must be entertaining and family friendly, not all entries will be accepted. Applications and payment […]
Survey Results Show Majority of ADA Members Support an Indoor Mask Mandate
The Asheville Downtown Association sent out a brief survey on a potential mask mandate to its business and nonprofit members (approximately 350). We had 87 responses over the roughly two days the survey was open. A few responses are from businesses who are not members of the ADA. The survey may have been forwarded to […]
Urban Trail Stations Rededicated
On Tuesday, June 29, the Urban Trail Committee will celebrate the rededication of three of the trail’s stations. The Urban Trail is a collection of 30 works of public art throughout downtown commemorating history, culture and architecture. Shopping Daze: The marker was reinstalled following the Haywood Streetscape project in 2020. A plaque honoring the contributions […]
Downtown After 5 2021 Lineup Features All Local Bands
The 33rd season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, kicks off Friday, July 16 from 5-9pm. For 2021, Downtown After 5 will take place the 3rd Friday of the month July – September and is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public. 2021 Lineup July 16 Acoustic […]
ADA Foundation Funds Micro-Grants for BIPOC-owned Downtown Businesses
Seven BIPOC-owned, downtown businesses receive grant awards through Asheville Downtown Association Foundation and Mountain BizWorks partnership The Asheville Downtown Association Foundation (ADAF) in partnership with Mountain BizWorks has awarded a total of $17,500 to seven BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) -owned, downtown Asheville businesses as part of the Multicultural Catalyst Fund Micro-Grant Program. […]
Surveys on How to Prioritize Federal Covid-Relief Funding
Buncombe County and the City of Asheville will receive significant funding from the American Rescue Plan for Covid-relief. The County expects $51 million and the City $26 million. It’s vital that downtown business provide feedback on their needs and priorities. While the specific guidance on how funding can be spent has not been released, it […]
NC Announces Timeline for Lifting Covid-related Restrictions
NC Governor Roy Cooper today announced that he plans to lift restrictions on capacity, social distancing and mass gatherings by June 1. The mask mandate will remain in place until 2/3s of adults in the state are vaccinated. More from WBTV here.
Engage in the City of Asheville’s Budget Process
From the City of Asheville: The City of Asheville wants to hear from you! City staff have approached the budget process differently this year by reviewing existing services with a focus on members of our community that experience inequity. Through our internal department work, and from what heard through Reimagining Public Safety several opportunities for […]
State of Downtown Update – Recording and Survey Results
On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Asheville Downtown Association hosted its annual State of Downtown Update in a virtual format. The event was presented by First Bank, with additional support from Ward and Smith, P.A. 2021 ADA Board President Tommy Dennison and Executive Director Meghan Rogers provided an update on the association’s program of work and […]
Arts Impact Survey Shows $23.1M in Local Losses
February 1, 2021 – Asheville, N.C. | The Asheville Area Arts Council’s most recent arts impact survey further highlights the devastating impact of COVID on the Buncombe County creative sector. Findings show $23.1 million in lost revenue since March 2020, with 16 businesses likely to close in the next 3 months. According to Americans for […]
Virtual State of Downtown Update Tuesday, Feb. 23
The Asheville Downtown Association will host its annual State of Downtown Update virtually this year. The event, presented by First Bank with support from Ward and Smith, P.A., is Tuesday, February 23 beginning at noon. The update will include a review of 2020 initiatives, as well as priority areas and programs for 2021, 2021 ADA […]
828 Go Local Challenge
We’re partnering with Asheville Grown, Just Economics and the City of Asheville to launch the 828 Go Local Challenge. We know our small, local businesses need our support more than ever right now. Here’s a fun way to support them, and you may win a fun prize. It’s become an Asheville tradition to celebrate Love […]
Asheville Wellness Tours Offers Virtual and Hybrid Retreats
From ADA Member Asheville Wellness Tours: Amid new restrictions on local businesses’ operating abilities and continued surges in COVID 19 cases across Western NC, we at Asheville Wellness Tours would like to introduce… Virtual/Hybrid Retreats! We’ve adapted and added extensively to our local tour offerings, and are entering 2021 with new and improved “COVID Edition” […]
Rent, Mortgage, & Utility Assistance Available for Covid-19 Relief
PRESS RELEASE from Buncombe County: Rent, Mortgage, & Utility Assistance Available: Commissioners Accept $900K in Federal Aid for COVID-19 Relief More funding for those in need of pandemic-related assistance will soon be available. On Jan. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved accepting $900,000 of federal funding via a Community Development Block Grant […]
Family Forward NC Rapid Response Program Webinar Jan. 25
Family Forward NC COVID-19 Rapid Response Program provides no cost access to HR experts to assist employers in identifying industry-appropriate, family-friendly workplace benefits during re-opening/retooling. These supports help employers and working parents build resilience during and after the COVID crisis. Rapid Response focuses specifically on small business, manufacturing and hospitality industries, but recommendations and tools […]
Buncombe County & City of Asheville Add New Covid-19 Restrictions, Beginning Jan. 2
On December 23, Buncombe County and City of Asheville officials announced tighter restrictions to help slow the spread of Covid-19 in our community. Key points: Buncombe County, City of Asheville, and Town of Montreat will move to add more stringent measures in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The new local order signed on Dec. 23, 2020, reduces the capacity […]
COVID-friendly Meet & Greet Santa and Coat Drive
ASHEVILLE, NC — Go Mini’s is excited to announce its first installment of the #OnTheGoMini event series with a COVID-friendly Meet & Greet Santa and Coat Drive, brought to you by Go Mini’s Portable Storage in partnership with Stephan Pruitt Photography, Eblen Charities, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Appalachian Santa, and Asheville Strong. Asheville, it’s been a […]
Downtown Holiday Windows Contest Winners Announced
The Asheville Downtown Association today announced the winners of its annual Downtown Holiday Windows Contest. Judge’s scored on creativity, originality, interpretation of theme, use of merchandise and the WOW factor. The theme is “Home for the Holidays,” fitting for 2020. “Even in a challenging year, downtown businesses have given us beautifully decorated windows,” said Meghan […]
Holiday Family Food Box Giveaway Sat. Dec. 12
WWE Star Titus O’Neil Gives a Little Extra “Muscle” to Help Asheville Families at Holiday Family Food Box Giveaway this Saturday Asheville, NC (12/9/20) – In a year of many “firsts” and “new norms,” there is one certainty: the compassion and care for our community continues to forge wonderful new partnerships. This Saturday, one of […]
NC Phase 3-New Restrictions
Governor Roy Cooper announced new Covid-19 restrictions on Dec. 8. These include begin Dec. 11 and include: Statewide Stay at Home Order from 10pm – 5am with exceptions for essential workers and essential travel Onsite alcohol sales must end at 9pm, restaurants to close for dine-in service at 10pm, but may continue to serve takeout […]
Photos with Santa Nov. 21
Photos with Santa can be found at this link.
Buncombe County & City of Asheville Announce Additional Covid-19 Requirements for Businesses
County and City leaders held a press conference today (Nov. 25) to announce new requirements for businesses, as well as plans for enforcement. They issued a Local Emergency Declaration outlining these new requirements. All businesses must post their Maximum Emergency Capacity and signage regarding face coverings at public entrances. Signage resources can be found here. […]
Feedback Needed on Noise Ordinance Revisions
City staff has released revisions to the Noise Ordinance and they’d like your feedback. The revision process began in 2019 and included significant community engagement. Changes in a nutshell include: • Establishes objective decibel standards and clarifies sound measurement criteria for commercial and industrial noise sources. • Restricts construction in all districts to 7 a.m. […]
Tribute Properties is requesting Artist Qualifications for a mural project at the proposed development, The Ironwood, in downtown Asheville
Tribute Companies is requesting Artist Qualifications for a permanent art mural(s) for their mixed-use development, The Ironwood, located on Asheland/Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. Tribute Companies seeks an artist/artist team to create a permanent art mural(s) for their mixed-use development, The Ironwood, located on Asheland/Coxe Avenue just south of downtown Asheville’s Central Business District. The […]
Shop Small Y’all, Small Business Week Nov. 21-28
Shop Small Y’all! It’s not just Small Business Saturday, it’s Small Business Week! Select downtown businesses offering special deals. This allows shoppers to spread their shopping out over several days to allow for social distancing. Some businesses are also hosting raffles with prizes including gift cards to downtown businesses. Many businesses offer online or appointment […]
Covid-19 Information for Buncombe County
For the latest information on the Covid-19 pandemic in Buncombe County, please visit this link. You’ll find information on case counts, safety requirements and guidelines, testing sites and community resources.. North Carolina and Buncombe County have instated mask/face covering requirements when visiting any business or when in public. Follow the three Ws – wear your […]
Master Concept Plan for Haywood/Page Approved by Council
The master concept plan for the City-owned properties at 68 Haywood Street was adopted by Asheville City Council on Oct. 27. The plan closely follows the work of the Visioning Committee, appointed by City Council in 2016, and also after a series of public engagement sessions earlier this year. The master plan is the next […]
Haywood Street Businesses Open During Construction
The Haywood Streetscape Project is getting closer to completion. The project began early this year and includes water, sewer and stormwater work; new and widened sidewalks; street amenities including trees, benches and bike racks; and milling and paving of Haywood Street. Businesses along Haywood Street remain open during construction. The Asheville Downtown Association, in partnership […]
AVL Shares Space Extended to Jan. 3
The City of Asheville announced that AVL Shares Space is extended until Jan. 3. AVL Shares Space is an initiative to allow businesses to expand into in order to increase their capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative includes: Curbside pickup zones Expansion on private property Expansion on areas of adjacent public sidewalk Expansion […]
2020 Asheville Holiday Parade Canceled
The Asheville Holiday Parade is canceled for 2020 due to public health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to cancel the parade was based on North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s September 30th announcement moving North Carolina into Phase 3. Phase 3 continues to limit outdoor gatherings to 50 people and provides capacity limits for […]
City Council Candidates Answer Questions from ADA
The Asheville Downtown Association asked City Council candidates to submit responses to a questionnaire regarding downtown issues in advance of the primary election (held in March 2020). Given that so much has changed since March, we updated the questionnaire to include questions on the Covid-19 pandemic and racial justice. Candidate responses are posted below. […]
