Culture

Asheville Downtown Association spotlights post-Helene business with Doors Open Downtown

Downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their door to welcome folks in and signal that they’re open and ready for business.

October 17, 2024 • 
Molly Wilson
Asheville skyline with mountains in the background

The initiative’s goal, says Executive Director Hayden Plemmons, is to “help facilitate healing and encourage support for our local businesses as we work toward recovery.”

Photo by @andre.daugherty.photo

As some resources return and businesses begin to navigate the post-storm landscape, some local spots are ready to reopen. So the Asheville Downtown Association is organizing Doors Open Downtown — an initiative to fill the streets and shops of the city again.

The concept is simple. On Saturday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 26, downtown businesses can display a red balloon on their doors to indicate that they’re open and encourage folks to reconnect and support.

Businesses can pick up a balloon from the Downtown Association office, Horse and Hero, or Citizen Vinyl.

Then, on Thursday, Oct. 31, downtown will come alive for a Halloween Block Party. From 4 to 7 p.m., you and the little ones can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, listen to live music, enjoy kids’ activities and restaurant specials, and bring your pup to a dog costume contest.

More from AVLtoday
A wicker picnic basket sits on top of a blue plaid blanket on grass.
Entertainment
Build the perfect Asheville picnic
It’s time to dust off the checkered picnic basket + blanket and take advantage of the fresh air.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
Asheville_Pickleball_Court_LoRes.png
City
Help decide the location of Asheville’s first public pickleball complex
April 13, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
HomeTrust Park rendering.png
City
Asheville Tourists ballpark gets a new name
After more than 100 seasons as McCormick Field, the ballpark is now dubbed HomeTrust Park, marking a partnership between Asheville’s minor league team and its largest financial institution.
April 13, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
land bridge
Travel and Outdoors
A new kind of wildlife crossing for WNC
Land bridges have become an increasingly popular tool to facilitate safe passage for wildlife, and the state’s first will be completed by the end of the year in Robbinsville.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
Appalachian wildlife refuge donations.png
City
Help shape the future of Asheville’s resilience hub networks
The City of Asheville and Thrive Asheville are partnering to identify what worked well as neighbors responded to Helene — share your stories at the April 18 event.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
AVL matches
Culture
Where to collect matchbooks in Asheville
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore Asheville and support local businesses at the same time.
April 6, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
The Majestic
Food
The Scheffer Group brings Chinese-American cuisine to Merrimon at The Majestic
The group behind Gan Shan, Jettie Rae’s, and Vinnie’s is setting out to capture the magic of NY’s Mott Street with its fourth concept, The Majestic.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
artemis II patch.jpeg
City
WNC’s ties to NASA’s Artemis II mission
A Weaverville company stitches itself into the history of space travel, while a historic former NASA facility in Rosman returns to its original mission 60 years later.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
VISUALS.png
Food
35+ outdoor dining spots in Asheville
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Asheville’s many beautiful patios.
April 1, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
MSK 2.jpg
Food
Asheville reps two James Beard Award finalists
Chef Montgomery Taylor of Montgomery Sky Farm and Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group pushed past the semifinalist round for the accolades.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers