Downtown Visitor Trends – March 2026
March marked a strong transition into the spring season for Downtown Asheville, with 1.1 million visits, representing an increase over 2025, which was still influenced by the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
Compared to March 2023—a more typical pre-storm benchmark—visitation was slightly lower, with 1.1 million visits in 2026 versus 1.2 million in 2024. While activity has not fully returned to 2023 levels, the gap has narrowed compared to earlier winter months.
The extended downtown workforce reached 16,400, exceeding March 2023 levels at 14,800, while the resident population remained stable at 2,400.
Key insights:
Approaching seasonal norms: March visitation is trending closer to pre-storm levels, signaling a return to typical spring patterns.
Strong daytime base: Growth in the extended workforce supports steady downtown activity.
Spring peak: March typically marks the peak of spring activity ahead of a small dip in April and May before summer peaks in June and July.
Looking forward:
March 2026 reflects momentum heading into the busier spring and summer seasons. Ongoing investment in events, programming, and placemaking will help build on this trend and support sustained visitation in the months ahead.
These insights, gathered through the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, help guide planning, support local businesses, and inform strategies to maintain a vibrant and active downtown year-round.
