Explore Live Music, Concerts, Festivals & Events in Asheville, NC

WNCW is Western North Carolina’s premier public radio station, broadcasting at 88.7 FM from Spindale, NC. Known for its eclectic adult album alternative format, WNCW plays a rich mix of Americana, folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, world music, and NPR programming. Since its founding in 1989, it has become a cultural staple, serving Asheville and the surrounding region with a powerful signal and vibrant online streaming.

Eulogy, created by the team at Burial Beer Co., is a mid-sized music venue located at 10 Buxton Avenue on Asheville’s South Slope. The venue enhances the city’s vibrant live performance scene with a dedicated focus on experimental and underground music, hosting a broad range of local, national, and international artists across diverse genres. Eulogy features a full bar serving 18 taps of Burial beer, house-made cocktails, and wine from VISUALS, Burial’s natural wine and cider line. The rooftop VISUALS bar offers an open-air space for enjoying craft cocktails and wines, with stunning views, opening seasonally since spring 2024. Eulogy is designed to be a flexible, immersive platform for artists with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system by Pisgah AVL..

One World West nails that perfect West Asheville brewpub vibe—chill, spacious, with a seriously good lineup of house-crafted beers. The outdoor stage and patio area make it a go-to for sunny day hangs, casual nights with friends, or catching a live set that veers from jazz to indie to funk. The taproom upstairs is bright and welcoming, a great spot to sip their unique brews brewed fresh downstairs. Plus, rotating food trucks mean you’re never far from something tasty to pair with your pint. The taproom's atmosphere balances community connection with creativity, regularly hosting live music, food trucks, and special events year-round. Ample parking is available behind the venue via Allen Street. One World Brewing embraces a mission to inspire positive environmental and social change through collaboration with artists, musicians, and local nonprofits, fostering an inclusive and engaged community.

Looking for real-deal live music in Asheville? The Grey Eagle totally fits the bill. This River Arts District staple is Asheville’s longest-running all-ages venue, and there’s something on the calendar almost every night—indie darlings, bluegrass legends, punk upstarts, even surprise hip hop sets. The spot opened way back in the ‘90s in a garage and grew into a must-visit hangout with tons of personality. Now you’ll find a spacious stage, great sound, open dance floor, patio for warm nights, and some of the tastiest tacos and craft beer in town, thanks to the in-house taqueria. It holds about 550 people, so the energy is always high but never overwhelming. If catching concerts in Asheville sounds good, The Grey Eagle is one of those places you seriously can’t miss.

The Workshop Lounge, nestled inside The Foundry Hotel at 51 South Market Street in downtown Asheville, offers a refined yet approachable cocktail bar experience. Open Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 11 PM and Friday to Saturday from 3 PM to 11 PM, it features creative cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists alongside craft beers and a curated wine list. The lounge vibe combines modern elegance with a soulful, relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by regular live jazz and acoustic music sets. The food menu serves bar bites and sandwiches that complement the drinks, making it an ideal spot for a casual night out, romantic date, or pre-show gathering.

Third Room is Asheville’s cutting-edge live music venue and immersive multimedia art gallery, located right on Wall Street. Founded by local artists, it’s where DJs, jam bands, EDM, jazz, and visual art collide in an ever-changing, 360º projection space. You’ll find signature cocktails, elixirs, mocktails, and cozy lounges, but the real magic is in the community spirit and the calendar packed with performances, comedy, art markets, and private events. ADA accessible and artist-run, it’s the pulse of Asheville’s creative scene.

White Horse Black Mountain is a beloved intimate music hall located in downtown Black Mountain, NC. With a cozy capacity of approximately 150-180 seats, this venue is celebrated as a true “listening room” where the focus is squarely on the music and the artist-audience connection. In addition to live concerts featuring genres from jazz and bluegrass to rock and Americana, White Horse also hosts storytelling nights, theater, poetry readings, puppetry, and community fundraisers. The venue prides itself on outstanding acoustics, comfortable seating with sofas and tables, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Owned and curated by music industry veteran Bob Hinkle, White Horse Black Mountain fosters a vibrant cultural hub for Western North Carolina.

The Crow and Quill is Asheville’s go-to secret spot for craft cocktails, rare spirits, and truly cozy vibes right in the heart of downtown. Tucked behind a nondescript entry on North Lexington, this Victorian-inspired speakeasy is famous for its mind-blowing selection: over 800 whiskeys and 1,100 spirits from all over the planet. Whether you’re craving a perfectly smoked Old-Fashioned or something totally new, the friendly bartenders here shape drinks using fresh, seasonal ingredients—even garnishes picked straight from the owner’s garden. Bar snacks and tasty bites round out the menu, perfect for late-night hangs or a pre-show sip. Known for expertly crafted cocktails with seasonal ingredients sourced locally, their drinks are as much a show as they are a delight—think flaming cinnamon sticks and infused smoke. The bar often hosts live jazz, folk, and Americana music, plus themed events like blanket forts and storytelling during winter, making it a staple of Asheville’s nighttime culture.

The Orange Peel is the must-hit spot in town for anyone who loves live music with some serious pedigree. Known for its killer sound system and intimate-but-packed vibe, it’s Asheville’s premier venue for big national acts mixing it up with the city’s vibrant local scene. The place pulses with energy, packed with eclectic crowds ready to dance, mingle, and soak up everything from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic and funk. When it gets busy, expect a lively crowd vibrating across its spacious dance floor. Plus, Pulp, the funky downstairs lounge, is your go-to for cocktails and a chilled-out view of the main stage streamed live.

Asheville Yards is a fresh, vibrant venue blending a modern concert space with a community hub feel. Known for welcoming a broad spectrum of live music—everything from folk and indie to electronic and hip-hop—it sits in a restored industrial site that exudes raw, artsy energy. With a capacity of about 600, it hosts both packed shows and community gatherings. Food trucks and craft beers on tap add to the lively atmosphere.

Asheville Music Hall is where you head when you want a top-tier concert experience without the chaos of huge arenas. This place brings nationally touring acts, up-and-coming bands, and the occasional local scene favorite, all in a venue that feels big but still keeps it personal. The sound and lighting are on point, making it a favorite for music lovers who want to catch anything from rock, indie, hip-hop, electronic, to pop. Plus, the venue’s layout lets you get close enough to feel the energy but also find chill spots if you need a breather.

The Wortham Center is Asheville’s go-to hub for seriously good performing arts — a cozy multi-venue setup where you can catch everything from sharp theatre pieces and dance shows to live music and comedy. It features a classic 500-seat main theater that’s perfect for both nationally touring acts and local productions, along with smaller black box and studio spaces for experimental performances and workshops. The center’s vibe is intimate and welcoming, making you feel like you’re part of the show rather than just a spectator. Plus, it’s right in the mix downtown with easy access to great restaurants and after-show hangouts.

Imperiál, located in downtown Asheville, is a vibrant cocktail bar with an emphasis on mezcal, tequila, and agave-based spirits. Formerly known as The Imperial Life, this venue began as an auxiliary bar to the renowned restaurant Table and evolved into a spirited and lively nightlife destination. The intimate space features a dynamic DJ lineup, a crafted cocktail menu focused on unique agave flavors, and a late-night atmosphere perfect for dancing, socializing, or enjoying expertly mixed drinks. Imperiál operates primarily in the evenings from Wednesday through Saturday, making it a prime spot for after-dinner drinks and late-night fun.

Montford Park Players (MPP) is North Carolina’s longest-running Shakespeare company, devoted to providing free, high-quality outdoor theatre since 1973. Nestled in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood in the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, MPP produces an extensive 20-week summer season featuring Shakespeare’s plays alongside other classic and contemporary works. The City of Asheville built the amphitheatre in 1983 due to MPP’s success and growing audience. Beyond summer outdoor performances, MPP presents indoor productions in fall and winter as part of their expanded season. Their mission centers around making theatre accessible and affordable, serving both locals and visitors with a culturally enriching experience.

Asheville FM (WSFM-LP 103.3 FM) is a nonprofit, low-power community radio station broadcasting from downtown Asheville since 2015. The station showcases a freeform programming format featuring locally produced content reflective of the diverse western North Carolina region, including music, talk shows, local news, and cultural programming in both English and Spanish. Powered almost entirely by volunteers, Asheville FM offers about 60 unique shows hosted by area residents, blending genres from rock, blues, funk, and hip hop to world music and children's programming. The station also partners with nonprofits, artists, and activists to amplify marginalized voices and provide community resources.

LEAF Global Arts, located in downtown Asheville’s historic The Block district, is a vibrant nonprofit dedicated to connecting cultures and creating community through global music, arts education, and cultural preservation. Housed in the renovated Del Cardo building, a site with rich musical history and ties to Asheville’s Black business district heritage, LEAF offers an immersive experience combining interactive museum exhibits, workshops, music performances, and educational programs. The space features the Easel Rider Art Bar, classrooms for art and cultural workshops, a world instrument “petting zoo,” and rotating exhibitions highlighting global traditions and Black cultural legacies. Open Wednesday through Saturday by reservation, LEAF serves as a dynamic platform fostering global connections through the arts locally and worldwide.

Located at 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville, North Carolina Stage Company is a premier professional theatre dedicated to presenting a diverse and dynamic repertoire of plays and performances. The intimate venue seats approximately 125 guests, providing an immersive experience with excellent sightlines and sound quality. NC Stage Company champions contemporary works alongside classics, highlighting regional stories and global themes. The theatre prioritizes accessibility with reserved seating options, hearing loop systems, and nearby parking at Civic Center and Rankin Avenue garages. Serving the Asheville community since 1985, it is a cultural cornerstone for those seeking high-caliber live theatre productions. Currently in its 21st season, NC Stage was founded by Charlie and Angie Flynn-McIver in 2001. After establishing vibrant acting and directing careers in New York City, the couple returned to their home state of North Carolina to establish NC Stage Company, and have been producing professional theatre ever since. NC Stage has been twice recognized for artistic excellence by both the prestigious American Theatre Wing and the North Carolina Theatre Conference George A. Parides Award. The company was also voted best local theatre for 11 out of the past 13 years in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Poll. NC Stage has hosted 3 world premieres, including Stalking the Boogyman in 2013, Curvy Widow, and Brave New World, both in 2016. NC Stage is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, under a Small Professional Theatre Tier 4 Contract.

Nestled in the scenic hills of Weaverville, Eda’s Hide-a-Way is a vibrant distillery bar offering a lively fusion of craft spirits, cold beer, cocktails, and comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming setting. A second location of Eda Rhyne Distilling Co., this venue features nightly live music spanning genres such as bluegrass, Americana, rock, and folk alongside pool and shuffleboard tables, ping-pong, and a casual outdoor view. Eda’s Hide-a-Way is an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy local culture, flavorful drinks, and social games just a country mile from Asheville. Their event calendar regularly includes open mic nights, bluegrass jams, and special concerts, supporting both emerging and established artists.

The Asheville Tourists Baseball Club is the Class "A" affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission hosts memorable sporting events that will enrich the lives of the athletes and spectators in Western North Carolina.

Sovereign Kava Bar is North Carolina’s first and premier kava bar serving traditional South Pacific ceremonial kava made by hand. Dedicated to a relaxing, inclusive social environment, the bar offers a variety of kava drinks, kava cocktails, Maeng Da tea, CBD edibles and tinctures, Buchi Kombucha, vegan snacks, and more. The space features a cozy interior with stone wall accents, intimate lighting, and a welcoming vibe for guests from all walks of life looking to chill out and catch a natural buzz. Open daily from noon until midnight, with extended hours to 1 AM on most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Sovereign also hosts weekly live music, open mic nights, ping pong tournaments, and monthly comedy and jazz jams.

Fitz and the Wolfe is an eclectic downtown Asheville bar and live music venue known for its three distinct atmospheres: The Showroom, The Den, and The Palm Room. The Showroom pulses with honky tonk music and vibrant energy, ideal for dancing and lively nights. The Den offers a cozy retreat with vintage pinball machines, pool tables, and sophisticated drinks. The Palm Room is a dimly lit, upscale speakeasy with tropical Victorian décor, refined cocktails, and intimate vibes. The food menu features comfort fare like smash burgers, hot dogs, and wings. Fitz and the Wolfe also hosts swing dance lessons, singer-songwriter nights, and rotating live music performances.

Shiloh & Gaines is Asheville’s beloved neighborhood dive bar spotlighting live music and good vibes. Nestled on Hendersonville Road, this bar offers an eclectic, laid-back atmosphere with quirky décor and games like pool and darts to keep the fun going. With rotating food trucks parked outside, it’s the perfect casual hangout for locals craving great drinks and community.

Revival is Asheville’s newest live music venue, opening October 3, 2025, in the heart of the South Slope Brewery District at 66 Asheland Avenue. This intimate space is designed for quality listening experiences with great sound and a welcoming vibe. It will host a range of live shows including concerts and special events in a cozy setting.

Chatt Hills Music is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community through live music in Asheville and surrounding Western North Carolina areas. Since its inception in 2021, Chatt Hills has focused on presenting diverse concerts featuring singer-songwriters, Americana, jazz, rock, and classical music. Their events are often hosted at notable venues like The Grey Eagle Music Hall and the outdoor Olivette Riverside Pavilion in Asheville. Chatt Hills is committed to supporting original music artists exclusively, paying fair and guaranteed fees while ensuring high-quality, authentic performances. The organization also prioritizes music education outreach, performing at local schools and providing free admission to children at all shows to foster the next generation of music lovers.

The Handlebar is one of Asheville’s oldest and most beloved dive bars. Originally known as "Old Haywood" when it was part bar and diner, and later "Just 1 More," a biker bar, it now welcomes a diverse crowd of local Ol’ Timers, Bikers, Rock ’N’ Rollers, and Boot Scooters. Known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, it’s a staple of Asheville nightlife with karaoke every Saturday from 9 pm to 1 am.

Sly Grog Lounge is Asheville’s go-to for anyone craving a bar with personality. Inside, you’ll find wild décor, thrift shop oddities, vintage video games, pinball, and whatever might strike your fancy—from babydolls to board games and art supplies. Sly Grog doubles as one of Asheville’s true DIY music venues, booking everything from heavy rock, punk, and weird synth to DJ and electronica sets. Need more? There’s Foxy & Co. for vinyl, music gear, and offbeat thrift scores. The space stays open every night until 2 a.m. and feels equal parts neighborhood clubhouse and artist’s playground.

Located at 1078 Tunnel Road in East Asheville, The Social is a vibrant neighborhood pub known for its welcoming vibe, great food, and lively entertainment scene. Since 2014, owners Cory and Christen Short have made The Social a cornerstone of Asheville’s music culture, offering top-tier karaoke, live acoustic and band performances, and comedy and trivia nights. The pub’s menu features standout delights such as burgers, wings in 18 flavors, quesadillas, and fun appetizers, complemented by local craft beers and full bar service. Open until 2 AM nightly, The Social is also a favorite gathering spot for watching sports on its massive 150-inch screen.

Silverados is a well-known live music venue and bar located at 2898 US-70 Highway in Black Mountain, just 13 miles east of Asheville. The venue features a large outdoor concert park with a capacity of approximately 2,500 guests and an indoor bar area equipped with pool tables, darts, karaoke, and a lively atmosphere. Silverados hosts a diverse lineup of musical acts including rock, country, blues, and more, attracting both local music lovers and touring artists. The outdoor concert space offers scenic mountain views, professional sound systems, and food truck options, making it a popular destination for festivals and summer concerts. The venue emphasizes community spirit and live entertainment in a friendly setting.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is Western North Carolina’s largest and most versatile event venue, located in downtown Asheville at 87 Haywood Street. This multi-room complex features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena with a seating capacity of 7,674, the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium holding 2,431 guests, and an adjacent banquet hall for up to 500 attendees. The center hosts a diverse range of events including concerts by major touring artists, professional basketball tournaments, trade shows, conventions, theatrical performances, and community gatherings. Opened in 1974 and managed by the City of Asheville, the venue combines modern amenities with historic charm and continues to be a cultural and entertainment hub for the region.