Search
0
Share
Hellbender by The Orange Peel
What you need to know
Asheville's largest outdoor concert venue sits on three acres along the Swannanoa River at 151 Thompson Street — the former home of Cursus Keme brewery. Operated by the same team behind The Orange Peel, Hellbender opened in summer 2026 with a limited inaugural season and plans for a permanent stage and full programming beginning spring 2027. The amphitheater holds approximately 6,000 and features a general admission lawn, premium and standard seating, shaded awnings, bars, food truck areas, and two entrances. Named for the hellbender, Appalachia's giant aquatic salamander, the venue draws its identity from the region's wildness and resilience.
Local's Tip
Free parking and a shuttle service are available. Paid reserved parking can also be booked in advance starting April 15. General admission lawn gets you close to the stage — arrive early to stake your spot on the grass.
What the locals say
Locals say Hellbender feels like the outdoor show experience Western North Carolina has been waiting for — open skies, river air, and the same locally-rooted booking sensibility that made The Orange Peel a national landmark. The three-acre site along the Swannanoa hits different when the mountains are in the background and the lineup is stacked.
What you need to know
Asheville's largest outdoor concert venue sits on three acres along the Swannanoa River at 151 Thompson Street — the former home of Cursus Keme brewery. Operated by the same team behind The Orange Peel, Hellbender opened in summer 2026 with a limited inaugural season and plans for a permanent stage and full programming beginning spring 2027. The amphitheater holds approximately 6,000 and features a general admission lawn, premium and standard seating, shaded awnings, bars, food truck areas, and two entrances. Named for the hellbender, Appalachia's giant aquatic salamander, the venue draws its identity from the region's wildness and resilience.
What the locals say
Locals say Hellbender feels like the outdoor show experience Western North Carolina has been waiting for — open skies, river air, and the same locally-rooted booking sensibility that made The Orange Peel a national landmark. The three-acre site along the Swannanoa hits different when the mountains are in the background and the lineup is stacked.
Scoops for Hellbender by The Orange Peel