Experience the Best Entertainment and live music in Asheville

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.

The Odd is a beloved West Asheville neighborhood dive bar and event space located at 1045 Haywood Road, known for its quirky, eclectic blend of live music, performances, and unique atmosphere. This all-ages venue features a diverse calendar of events including drag shows, comedy nights, game nights, magic, burlesque, rock, metal, punk, and more. T The Odd's atmosphere is enhanced by an intriguing oddities museum vibe with vintage art, curiosities, and vibrant murals decorating the space. The bar serves a full range of drinks, including specialty house cocktails, local craft beers, and fun items like Jell-O shots and glittered beverages. Open late daily, The Odd is a hotspot for Asheville’s alternative and creative community.

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.

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.

Asheville Yards is downtown Asheville’s newest large-scale outdoor event and concert space, located at 75 Coxe Avenue next to Asheville Brewing Company. Spanning nearly 1 acre of mostly flat, fully enclosed outdoor space, Asheville Yards boasts a permanent stage, covered bar areas, a rooftop patio with seating, a 20-foot movie screen, and its own signature food truck, AVL Taco Truck. The venue is designed to accommodate up to 4,000 guests for concerts, festivals, private events, and community gatherings, featuring professional bar and event staff to ensure a seamless experience. Public parking is available nearby, and the venue emphasizes ADA compliance with accessible seating and designated areas for guests with medical needs.

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.

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.

Imperiál, located at 48 College Street 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.

The Crow & Quill is a renowned craft cocktail and whisky bar located in downtown Asheville. Known for its intimate speakeasy ambiance, the venue features over 800 whiskeys and an extensive list of craft spirits, alongside house-made seasonal cocktails and select wines. The cozy space is decorated with antiques and vintage décor, evoking an old-world charm inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, delivering a dark, moody, and inviting atmosphere. The bar operates daily from 5 PM to midnight, offering patrons a refined yet relaxed destination for late-night drinks and conversation.

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.

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..

Asheville Retrocade, located at 800 Haywood Road in West Asheville, is a nostalgia-packed arcade featuring more than 5,000 classic video games, pinball machines, skee-ball, foosball, air hockey, and racing games spread over two floors. For a flat fee of $10, visitors enjoy unlimited play from noon until 2 AM, with free admission for children under 5. The arcade offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere until 9 PM, after which it transitions to a 21+ venue with a full bar serving local craft beers, wine, and soft drinks. Along with arcade favorites like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, Retrocade also features nostalgic memorabilia and a cozy patio area, making it an ideal spot for gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike.

One World Brewing West, located in vibrant West Asheville, is a 10-barrel craft brewery known for its welcoming taproom, outstanding craft beer lineup, and a spacious outdoor area with a stage, seating, and bar. The brewery serves a variety of flagship and rotating beers brewed onsite, alongside wines and cocktails, making it a versatile spot for beer lovers and casual visitors alike. 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.

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.

Sky Lanes Bowling in West Asheville is a beloved community bowling alley located at 1477 Patton Avenue, offering tons of fun for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Open daily, the venue features multiple lanes with bumpers and assist ramps for kids, making it an ideal spot for families and beginners. The alley also includes an arcade, air hockey, and a full-service bar and grill serving popular comfort foods like wings, pizza, burgers, nachos, and salads. Known for its inviting atmosphere and affordable prices, Sky Lanes caters to casual bowlers, leagues, and special event parties. Established since 1963, it has long been a favorite destination for recreation and social gatherings in the Asheville area.

AVL Ride, also known as Asheville Taxi, has been a cornerstone of dependable ground transportation in the Asheville metropolitan area since 2014. Offering a full range of on-demand ride services including airport transfers, local rides, scheduled pickups, and group transportation with 14-passenger vans, AVL Ride provides convenient, friendly, and professional service 24/7/365. Customers can book rides through a free smartphone app available on Google Play and the Apple Store, by calling or texting, or via online reservations. The company partners with local organizations to assist with food donations and medical transportation services, demonstrating a commitment to community support and social responsibility. AVL Ride drivers are known for punctuality, cleanliness, and helpfulness, enhancing the overall customer experience.

WNCW 88.7 FM is a listener-supported public radio station based in Spindale, North Carolina, serving Asheville and the greater Western North Carolina region. Established in 1989 and operated by Isothermal Community College, WNCW offers a unique blend of music programming focused on adult album alternative (AAA) to highlight a wide range of genres including roots, bluegrass, folk, blues, jazz, Celtic, and Americana. Broadcasting from a tower on Clingman’s Peak near Mt. Mitchell, the station reaches a multi-state area with translators in Greenville SC, Boone NC, and Charlotte NC. WNCW is renowned for its extensive music library, community-focused programming such as the iconic Crossroads show, and support of local artists. Its mission is to share diverse music not commonly heard on commercial radio, serving as a “window” into the rich cultural heritage of Western North Carolina.

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 Grey Eagle is Asheville’s oldest and longest-running live music venue, proudly serving the River Arts District since 1994. Located at 185 Clingman Avenue, this venue is renowned for its eclectic lineup featuring bluegrass, rockabilly, jazz, rock, indie-rock, folk, and blues artists from local, regional, and national stages. The venue features one of Asheville’s best sound systems, a large dance floor, and a relaxing patio area. The attached Grey Eagle Taqueria is beloved for its Latin-American cuisine made from local farms, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. Whether visiting for food, drinks, or live music, The Grey Eagle creates an authentic Asheville cultural experience.

The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC, is a premier live music venue renowned for hosting diverse genres including rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic music. Situated centrally on Biltmore Avenue, this iconic venue features a spacious 1,050-person capacity, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, plus a lively atmosphere ideal for intimate shows and large concerts alike. Whether you’re a local or visiting Asheville for the vibrant music scene, The Orange Peel offers world-class performances with national and emerging artists. The venue includes a full-service bar, offering local craft beers, specialty cocktails, and wines, along with nearby dining options that complement the concert experience. Known for its energetic crowd and excellent acoustics, The Orange Peel stands out as a cultural hotspot in Western North Carolina.

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.

Spend your time in downtown Asheville at Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar. Centered in the beer hub of the South Slope, they specialize in bringing classic arcades cabinets, pinballs, and console games back from the past to share with the town they love.

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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.

the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) offers an engaging and hands-on science experience for visitors of all ages. AMOS features interactive exhibits spanning geology, biology, paleontology, physics, and environmental science, including the notable Teratophoneus dinosaur skeleton and the Colburn Hall of Minerals. The museum's highlights include a STEM lab, tree climb, terrabox topography simulator, fossil dig, toddler nest, and rotating special exhibits focused on current science topics.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Cultural District, the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is a renowned multi-venue facility dedicated to enriching, enlightening, educating, and entertaining through the performing arts. Originating in 1992 as the Diana Wortham Theatre, the center underwent a major expansion in 2019 that added two additional venues alongside its flagship 500-seat proscenium Diana Wortham Theatre: the Tina McGuire Theatre, a flexible black box venue seating 80-100, and the Henry LaBrun Studio, a multi-use space for classes and events. The larger facility hosts more than 200 public events annually, ranging from music, dance, and theater to comedy and educational series, attracting over 55,000 patrons each year. The Wortham Center is home to numerous local arts groups and also features the acclaimed Wortham Presents series, showcasing nationally acclaimed touring artists.

Asheville Music Hall is a premier mid-size live music venue nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, located at 31 Patton Avenue. With a cozy 360-person capacity, this venue is perfect for fans seeking intimate concert experiences without sacrificing sound quality or atmosphere. Since opening in 2011 in the storied former Stella Blue location, Asheville Music Hall has hosted music legends such as Ghostface Killah, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, and Disclosure, alongside rising stars like Papadosio, Everyone Orchestra, and Dopapod. The venue features a full-service bar and an attached restaurant, The One Stop Deli, offering quality food and drinks to complement live shows. Asheville Music Hall presents all genres, from hip-hop and electronic to rock and jazz, ensuring a diverse and vibrant music calendar.