Thursday late afternoon at Riverside Rhapsody is a solid way to ease into the evening. The brewery's got that laid-back Woodfin feel, good for catching a show before you commit to a full night out.

Franklin's Kite and Carolina Reapers cycle through pretty often, and Acoustic Dead shows up whenever the Grateful groove needs scratching. The taproom books a solid mix of bluegrass, jam, and soul acts most weekends, with most shows running free at the door.

If you're heading just north of Asheville to Woodfin, Riverside Rhapsody is the kind of brewery that feels like a second home. Two homebrew buddies started it, and the draft list runs from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to bright pale ales and deeper malt-forward pours.

The taproom has an indoor bar plus plenty of picnic tables outside, where you can kick back with friends or bring your dog. If you're hungry, Iron & Oak Brisket is right next door serving BBQ that pairs perfectly with a cold pint.

Locals love the chill, welcoming vibe here. It’s the sort of place where you can catch everything from bursting IPAs like Hevaleny Clouds to smooth Belgian ales. Plus, they often have live music or trivia nights that make the whole experience more fun. 

If you’re bringing a pup or just wanna enjoy the fresh air, the outdoor seating is dog-friendly and perfect for relaxing. Just a heads up: on busy nights, parking can get tight, so plan accordingly.

Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company

Looking for live music in Asheville tonight? Find venues and show schedules downtown, on the South Slope, in West Asheville and the River Arts District. Almost all post shows as Scoops on Dig Local, so check a profile before you go. Downtown, The Orange Peel on Biltmore Avenue and Asheville Music Hall on Patton Avenue book touring bands, Jack of the Wood has hosted Celtic and bluegrass nights since 1997, and Hotel Eve does live jazz on Lexington Avenue. The South Slope has Eulogy on Buxton Avenue, Revival on Asheland Avenue and outdoor concerts at Asheville Yards on Coxe Avenue. Along Haywood Road in West Asheville, catch a set at The Odd, Fleetwood's or The Double Crown, or a quieter show at AyurPrana Listening Room and Story Parlor. The River Arts District has The Grey Eagle on Clingman Avenue and full album sides on vinyl at Joyful Noise. Hellbender by The Orange Peel puts outdoor shows on the Swannanoa River. Head east to Black Mountain for White Horse, Town Pump Tavern and Pisgah Brewing's outdoor stage, or north to JuneBug Retro Resort in Weaverville. For theater and orchestra, see the Wortham Center, the Asheville Symphony and free Shakespeare from Montford Park Players.

Live Music in Asheville, NC: Venues, Shows and Events

Asheville's food scene is mostly local, and this guide walks it neighborhood by neighborhood. Many of these spots post their daily specials, happy hours and events on Dig Local, so check a profile before you go. Downtown, Posana on Biltmore Avenue builds its menu around local farms, The Rhu on South Lexington Avenue is known for its cruffin, Old Europe Pastries has made Hungarian pastries since 1994 and now sits on Broadway, and Capella on 9 serves tapas on the roof of the AC Hotel. On the South Slope, Tiger Bay Cafe cooks Latin and West Indian food inside Ben's Tune Up, and the Funkatorium on Coxe Avenue pours sour beer. Haywood Road in West Asheville has Biscuit Head, Thai Pearl, Finest and Westville Pub. Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville has plant, Mountain Madre, Mother Ocean Seafood Market and 828 Family Pizzeria. In East Asheville, RendezVous serves French bistro food on New Haw Creek Road, and Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack fries Nashville-style hot chicken on Patton Avenue and in Arden.

Asheville Food and Drink: Restaurants, Specials and Happy Hours

Asheville breweries pour everything from crisp lagers to wild sours, and these taprooms, brewpubs and craft beer bars are worth the trip, downtown and across the mountains. On the South Slope, the Funkatorium pours sour and funky beers, Wicked Weed's original brewpub anchors Biltmore Avenue, and Asheville Brewing Company has taprooms on Coxe Avenue and Merrimon Avenue. The River Arts District has Wedge Brewing, New Belgium on the French Broad River, RAD Brewing and Ginger's Revenge for gluten-free ginger beer. West Asheville has Archetype Brewing, One World Brewing West and Westville Pub on Haywood Road. Just north in Woodfin, Zillicoah and Riverside Rhapsody sit along Riverside Drive, and Salt Face Mule adds 36 holes of mini golf. East Asheville's Highland Brewing is the city's first craft brewery, and Black Mountain has Pisgah Brewing and Lookout Brewing. South of town, try Sweeten Creek Brewing, Turgua in Fairview, 12 Bones Smokehouse in Arden, and Sierra Nevada and Mills River Brewing in Mills River. Every brewery below has hours, photos and directions.

Breweries in Asheville, NC: Craft Beer and Taproom Guide

Asheville is a dog friendly town, and these breweries, restaurant patios, bars, shops and pet services welcome you and your dog. Many breweries allow leashed dogs, including Highland Brewing and its meadow in East Asheville, Wedge Brewing, RAD Brewing, New Belgium and Ginger's Revenge in the River Arts District, and Archetype, One World West and Westville Pub on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, Wicked Weed's brewpub has two pet friendly patios, the Funkatorium is on the South Slope, and Twisted Laurel and Posana have dog friendly patios near Pack Square. Woodfin has Zillicoah, Riverside Rhapsody and Salt Face Mule along the French Broad River. South of town, try Sweeten Creek Brewing, 12 Bones Smokehouse in Arden, Turgua in Fairview, and Sierra Nevada and Mills River Brewing in Mills River. Black Mountain has Pisgah Brewing and Lookout Brewing. For pet supplies and care, visit Asheville Pet Supply on Merrimon Avenue and All Pets Animal Hospital on Patton Avenue. Every listing below has hours, photos and directions.

The Sawtooth Troubadours

The Scoop