Pack Square Park
Vibrant downtown park hosting lively festivals, concerts, and family fun with a popular splash pad and covered stage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, great for families
Pack Square Park
Best Time
Quieter, great for families
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant downtown park hosting lively festivals, concerts, and family fun with a popular splash pad and covered stage.
"A good setup for a festival, with a cool covered stage and great sound quality. "
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Always check the park's event calendar before visiting to know what's on!
💧 Splash Pad Fun
Bring swim gear for kids to enjoy the splash pad during warm weather.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Covered Stage
Center of the park
A well-maintained covered stage hosts numerous concerts and performances, offering great sound quality.
Splash Pad Fountain
Near the playground
A fantastic spot for kids to cool off and play during warmer months, making it a family favorite.
Community Events
Throughout the park
From workout sessions to music festivals and recovery rallies, the park is a dynamic venue for diverse community events.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Hotspot, But Check the Schedule
Family Fun & Evening Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Always check the park's event calendar before visiting to know what's on!
💧 Splash Pad Fun
Bring swim gear for kids to enjoy the splash pad during warm weather.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Easily accessible from public parking and close to downtown amenities.
🎶 Concert Crowds
Free concerts can get lively; be mindful of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedule
Always check the park's event calendar before visiting to know what's on!
💧 Splash Pad Fun
Bring swim gear for kids to enjoy the splash pad during warm weather.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Easily accessible from public parking and close to downtown amenities.
🎶 Concert Crowds
Free concerts can get lively; be mindful of your surroundings.
🤝 Community Gatherings
The park hosts many community events, check for free resources and activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pack Square Park is a versatile downtown hub, praised for its covered stage and family-friendly splash pad. While it excels as a venue for diverse events like festivals and concerts, some larger free events can attract a rowdier crowd, leading to a mixed experience for some visitors.
"It's a good setup for a festival but not overly well maintained. I do think the covered stage is pretty cool. The sound quality was great on this particular setup."
Jeff T
"Such a mixed bag, depending on the event. We have been going to pack Square for about 20 years now. During the day it’s lovely with the splash park, but sometimes in the evening, depending on the free concert, you do get some rowdy folks. Not super rowdy people, and it’s certainly not Our own house less folks, although some people like to blame the houseless population. They seem to be rowdy folks that are there to drink and they’re usually pretty drunk before the concert even starts. And they are stepping on people’s toes and not aware of their body and their surroundings and just generally making things dangerous. It would be lovely at the events when they are serving drinks if they had more police patrolling, again, not for our local houseless population, because they’re really not doing anything wrong, but for the rowdy who have clearly had too much to drink. And it also often seems like these folks are coming from out of town, because they talk about it, how much they love being able to go to Asheville and really listen to the music and get drunk. So I’m hoping we’re monitoring them. It would be lovely if there could be more police presence That is focused on those people overindulging and not focused on people just merely sitting and enjoying the park.
All that said, if it is not a big free concert that folks are coming to drink and be loud, it is a super safe space. We have had our kids’ ballet recitals there. We have had all sorts of lovely family- focused activities there. It just seems to be the bigger names that draw the crowds for the free concerts (often out of town, and I also see them littering and throwing things around. Hey, it’s not their town, right)? So they’re disrespecting our park. I would love to see more police presence handling those folks in particular. This concert in particular that you see in the photos, in one where my husband performed with the Asheville beer choir, as an opener before a big headliner. And I guess it had been a long time since we’d gone to a big headliner event, but wow, we were surprised at the rowdiness."
Lockie Hunter
"We visited the park during the 2025 Labor Day weekend Boomtown Festival and it was the perfect place for vendors and live music concerts!"
paige cleveland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pack Square Park is centrally located in downtown Asheville, making it easily accessible. It's a short walk from public parking lots and many downtown hotels. If you're coming from further out, consider local bus routes or ride-sharing services.
Yes, there are public parking lots nearby, and the hotel parking lot across the street is also convenient. However, during major events, parking can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! Pack Square Park is in the heart of downtown Asheville, making it a very walkable destination from most downtown accommodations.
While specific routes vary, Asheville has public bus services that can get you close to the downtown area. Checking the local transit authority's website for routes and schedules is recommended.
The park is generally accessible with paved pathways. Specific event accessibility information should be checked with the event organizer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pack Square Park itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific ticket requirements apply to ticketed events held within the park.
The splash pad is typically free to use for visitors during operating hours, making it a great free activity for families.
As a public park, Pack Square Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, event hours will vary depending on the scheduled activity.
While the park is a public venue, specific event hosting and rental information would need to be directed to the city's parks and recreation department or the event organizers.
Restrictions can vary by event. For large concerts, it's common to have rules about outside food, drinks, and bags. Always check the specific event guidelines.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Pack Square Park hosts a wide variety of events, including live music concerts, festivals like Oktoberfest, community rallies, workout sessions, and family-friendly activities.
Yes, especially during the day! The splash pad is a major attraction for children, and there's open space for them to run around.
The park features a covered stage, a splash pad, shade trees, and open green spaces. Restrooms are typically available, especially during events.
Generally, dogs are allowed in Asheville parks on a leash, but specific rules may apply during events. It's best to check event guidelines or city park regulations.
The atmosphere can range from family-friendly and relaxed during daytime activities to energetic and lively during concerts and festivals. Some larger free concerts may attract a rowdier crowd.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many events held at Pack Square Park, especially festivals and concerts, feature food trucks and vendors offering a variety of options. +1
For general park visits, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks is usually fine. However, for ticketed or large events, restrictions on outside food and beverages often apply.
Food offerings vary widely depending on the event. You might find everything from German food at Oktoberfest to diverse options from food trucks at community festivals.
Yes, Pack Square Park is surrounded by numerous restaurants in downtown Asheville, offering a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences.
Some events, particularly festivals and concerts, may serve alcohol. These events usually have designated areas and age verification.
📸 📸 Photography
The covered stage provides a great backdrop, especially during events. The splash pad area is fun for candid shots, and the open green spaces offer a classic park aesthetic.
Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed for non-commercial use. However, professional photography or filming may require permits.
During festivals, the vibrant atmosphere, performers, and diverse crowds offer unique photo opportunities. The park's architecture and surrounding downtown views also make for good shots.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting. Daytime is great for capturing the splash pad and general park activities.
Drone usage in public parks is often restricted or prohibited due to privacy and safety concerns. It's essential to check with local aviation authorities and park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, consider attending daytime events or community gatherings, which tend to be more family-oriented. While larger free concerts can be exciting, be aware that they might attract a more adult crowd.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2To save money, consider packing your own picnic to enjoy in the park, as food vendors at events can add up.
🎶 Music & Festival Enthusiasts
It's also the venue for popular events like Oktoberfest and other community festivals that draw significant crowds and offer diverse entertainment. Keep an eye on the park's event calendar to catch upcoming performances and festivals. While some events are free, others may require tickets.
The covered stage is a key feature, ensuring performances can go on regardless of weather, and providing excellent sound for attendees. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Downtown Asheville: Events at Pack Square Park
to vibrant community festivals like Oktoberfest and important rallies, the park transforms throughout the year. It's a place where residents and visitors alike gather for music, food, and shared experiences. The presence of a well-equipped covered stage makes it an ideal location for performances, ensuring good acoustics and a central focal point for attendees. Beyond the larger spectacles, Pack Square Park also hosts more intimate community gatherings. You might find pop-up workout sessions on a Saturday morning,
or recovery rallies offering support and resources. This diversity of events highlights the park's role as a versatile community hub, catering to a wide range of interests and needs. Planning your visit around an event can significantly enhance the experience, offering a glimpse into the local culture and spirit of Asheville. It's important to note that while the park is generally well-maintained, the atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the event. Larger free concerts, particularly those that attract out-of-town visitors focused on drinking, can sometimes lead to a rowdier environment.
Family Fun and Daytime Delights
While the park is generally safe and welcoming, the reviews suggest that the atmosphere can shift during larger, free evening concerts. Some visitors have noted that these events can sometimes attract individuals who overindulge in alcohol, leading to a less family-friendly environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit