Asheville isn’t called a top music destination for nothing. Our music scene has been expanding so steadily that we even outpaced Nashville in 2017, and last year Rolling Stone called us “the new must-visit music city.” From 2010-16, the county’s music industry grew by 52%, and it has a yearly direct economic impact of around $22.5 million.
And while you might be familiar with our bigger venus like The Orange Peel + Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, did you know there’s a place for live music + escape rooms ? Or an outdoor music venue that’s hosted people like Bernie Sanders + Michael Franti? Or a bar with live gospel music every month? Read on to meet alll of Asheville’s music venues... and get ready to dust off your dancing shoes.
Ready to shake your groove thing every night of the week? Read on to see our full roundup of music venues in the 828. And, check out our interactive map of all of the venues on Google Maps here.
Downtown
5 Walnut Wine Bar, 5 W. Walnut St.
Nightly live music (Wednesdays with Les Amis are a crowd favorite). Wine + Cheese bar with local beer and + snacks available.
Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway St.
Newly opened jazz club in the old Tressa’s space. Operated by Charlie Hodge of Sovereign Remedies + Ole Shakey’s.
Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave.
One of the premiere mid-size venues. Has a 360-seat capacity, and hosts music from all genres. Weekly events include the always-popular Tuesday Night Funk Jam. Walk downstairs and find The One Stop, a more intimate, 200-person venue showcasing local + visiting musical talent. Food available.
The BLOCK off Biltmore, 39 S. Market St.
Located in the oldest African-American business district and the oldest African-American cultural center in the country (YMI Cultural Center), this community gathering space offers cocktails, conversation, music + art.
More than just a music venue, Conundrum also has escape rooms for the adventurous + hosts all sorts of shows. Actors, actresses, comedians, game designers, story writers + cocktail crafters come together to share their experiences at special events.
Crow & Quill, 106 N. Lexington Ave.
Live swing, jazz + folk music every night. Over 700 spirits, beers + cocktails served in an atmospheric setting with antique decorations.
Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave.
Open since 1996, this Celtic-style pub is the original home of Green Man Brewery, and specializes in handcrafted English ales + pub fare. Music selection features acoustic jam sessions featuring fiddlers.
Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St.
Historic space that hosts concerts, as well as weddings, musicals + plays and special events.
The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave.
Long-running venue that also organizes larger outdoor shows at Highland Brewing + other spots around town. Sign up for one of their historical building tours here.
Static Age Records, 110 N. Lexington Ave.
Multi-genre, up-and-coming + under-the-radar. Also a record store.
U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St.
Features the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and the ExploreAsheville.com arena, and is home to big music + sporting events. Also hosts festivals such as Warren Haynes Christmas Jam. In January, the name will change to Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville.
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 2 S. Pack Sq.
Comprised of three spaces: The Diana Wortham Theater, an intimate 500-seat theater featuring music, theater + dance; the Tina McGuire Theatre, a 100-person black box theater; and the Henry LaBrun Studio, a multi-use space used for classrooms and performances. Check out our article about the Wortham Center here.
River Arts District
Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr.
Intimate venue that showcases local bands + singer/songwriters.
The Bywater, 796 Riverside Dr.
Laid-back atmosphere featuring live music + local beer. Outdoor seating with scenic views of the French Broad.
The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave.
Intimate, long-running venue located just outside of downtown. Acts from all different genres, and a focus on bringing up-and-comers to town. Protip: Grab food from the Taqueria before a show or for lunch. It’s open daily from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St.
Large outdoor shows + special events with plenty of beer + food trucks on-site.
Ole Shakey’s Getaway, 790 Riverside Dr.
Casual, classic dive bar atmosphere with outdoor seating on the french Broad River. Occasional live music + is pet friendly.
Art studio with a gallery space that hosts multi-genre performances with an emphasis on the experimental + under-the-radar.
Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr.
One of Asheville’s newest venues, this riverfront bar, restaurant + concert space includes an outdoor performance area that holds up to 2,500 people. Has hosted events like a Bernie Sanders rally, Battle of the Burger + Michael Franti.
West Asheville
Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd.
Karaoke, open mic + jam sessions every week. Starting in October, they will host an art show every Thursday.
Listening room + event space. Also hosts professional events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties + corporate events.
Live music + karaoke at a speakeasy style bar located in a tiny house. Includes a monthly gospel night, where traditional gospel groups come and perform in the bar.
Vintage shop + bar that features clothing, car parts, records and art. Hosts live music, comedy, and quirky weddings in the wedding chapel.
Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd.
Features multiple stages + a full service bar and restaurant. Hosts local acts and up-and-comers. Weekly events include Bluegrass + Jazz nights.
Head here for Sunday brunch, which features live music on the patio from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Occasional jazz music.
One World West, 10 Patton Ave.
Live music every night, along with craft beer + cocktails. Yearly membership is one penny, and the spot is pet + kid friendly.
The Mothlight, 701 Haywood Rd.
Live shows at least three nights a week. Open every night as a neighborhood bar. Bonus: Mortal Kombat arcade games + a small art gallery.
The Odditorium, 1045 Haywood Rd.
Features all genres of music. Other events include comedy shows, freak shows, trivia, poetry, oddities and strange collections, dance parties + art shows.
