Asheville Downtown Association Competes for Levitt AMP Grant
Asheville Downtown Association Competes for Levitt AMP Grant to Bring Free Outdoor Music Series to Pritchard Park
Community Encouraged to Vote by September 15
Asheville, NC – The Asheville Downtown Association is excited to announce that Asheville is in the running for a Levitt AMP Asheville Grant Award, a competitive matching grant program created by the Levitt Foundation. This grant could bring a 10-week series of free, family-friendly concerts to Pritchard Park in the heart of Downtown Asheville.
The Levitt AMP Grant Awards are designed to activate underused public spaces through the power of free, live music, creating community connection and supporting local economies. Across the country, Levitt AMP concert series have demonstrated how consistent, high-quality programming can transform public spaces into vibrant gathering places.
“With the Levitt AMP Grant, we have the opportunity to transform Pritchard Park into a lively hub of music, culture, and connection,” said Hayden Plemmons, Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association. “This series would uplift Asheville and the greater WNC region at a time when recovery, reconnection, and resilience are needed most.”
The series would feature a diverse lineup of local and regional talent while also supporting Asheville’s food vendors, artists, and small businesses. Consistent programming at Pritchard Park would increase foot traffic on key days, create a safer, more welcoming environment, and showcase Downtown Asheville as a destination for creativity and civic pride.
How the Community Can Help
The next step in the Levitt AMP Grant process is a public voting campaign. Community members are encouraged to vote online or by text through September 15 to help secure Asheville’s spot as a Levitt AMP city.
Text to Vote: Text ASHEVILLE (all caps) to 1-877-409-5525
The top finalists will advance to the next stage of the selection process, with winners announced later this year.
“We need the community’s voice to make this happen,” added Plemmons. “Every vote brings us closer to free live music in Downtown Asheville.”
About the Levitt Foundation
The Levitt Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America through free, live music. Presenting concerts in 45+ communities across the U.S., the foundation empowers towns and cities to transform underused public spaces into welcoming destinations through the Levitt AMP Grant Awards, Levitt Pavilion network, and other initiatives. More information is available at www.levitt.org.
About the Asheville Downtown Association
The Asheville Downtown Association is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the vitality of Downtown Asheville through placemaking, advocacy, and community events. From beloved traditions like the Asheville Holiday Parade to seasonal programs like Downtown After 5, the Downtown Association works to create a vibrant, safe, and welcoming Downtown for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Learn more at www.ashevilledowntown.org.
