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.

the square has potential to be a nice respite in the downtown area but the removal of a monument (no idea what was there) gives the place a sad vibe. Maybe the city should place something else in the space so when you look at the pig figures you don't see the empty pedestal behind it.

There is something magical about Pack Square. It truly emphasizes Asheville's atmosphere and spirit. Freedom; especially freedom of speech. You never quite certain what you will find. Streets may be closed for a festival--everyone welcome. Various vendors ply their wares, selling whatever products mesh with the theme of the particular festival. Maybe a preacher strolling past seeking souls; then there is a busker [street performer] singing tunes for a donation from passers-by. Maybe ladies walking topless and nary drawing a glance since that's legal and accepted in Asheville. Perhaps spot two guys carry signs promoting conservative stances. Another time, there are a few liberals holding signs espousing their perspective. Yet, rarely have I witnessed an angered fist or loud words in opposition. They seemed to have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable. Lots of art and creativity and friendliness. Heck, this more than about Pack Square, its the whole warmth and camaraderie exuded from the citizenry. Not saying there is an absence of cranky people--they do exist--but the kindness and accepting differences in others make for a gentle community.

Fortunately there was an arts and crafts fair when we went that made it worthwhile to get off the trolley and peruse the merchandise. In fact I picked up some cute earrings for my daughter. It really looked festive that day. Of course there is that monument base where I believe there was a Confederate statue that has since been removed. I did see one homeless person stumble through the area but nothing compared to what one reviewer saw a couple of years ago. The arts and crafts show was on a Saturday if that helps.

Sat at bar, good service & pub food. Truffle fries were good and my Bison Burger was excellent. Salads are large.