From huge music halls to the streets of downtown Asheville, talented musicians and live music can be found everywhere. Some of the best concerts and top up-and-coming performers frequently perform at neighborhood dive bars, juke joints, and local hot spots. 

The Asheville music industry has exploded in the last decade, possibly surpassing Nashville. If you've visited Asheville, make a plan to see a gig at one of these under-the-radar music venues and see why Asheville's eclectic music scene is gaining popularity.

Lesser Known Music Halls in AVL

1. Double Crown

Double Crow is a New Orleans-themed venue with Christmas lights strung across the old Hammond organ-turned-liquor bar and walls decorated with old New Orleans chief's photographs. Opened in 2012, this community space offers live music and drinks, making this location a formidable southwest Asheville dive bar destination. 

Sunday Karaoke, DJs spinning soul music, old-school rock and roll, world music, and the occasional Soul nights showcasing old-school R&B bands from all over the county keep the vibe and ambiance alive. With a whiskey selection and daily specials, it's a great place to hear live music or listen to a DJ blast old country tunes.

2. 5 Walnut Wine Bar

This laid-back downtown Asheville hot spot serves a wide range of fine wines, local draft beers, and live music without the typical wine bar vibe. 5 Walnut Wine Bar features a long, hand-carved, natural wood bar that runs the length of the room, as well as huge curtain windows that open to the street, making it an excellent people-watching spot. 

They offer $5 wine discounts and free live music every day at 8 p.m. Local acts perform a variety of genres including ragtime jazz, Afropop, and traditional Americana. The wine bar can fill up quickly, so arrive early to get a seat.

3. Salvage Station

The Salvage Station is a family-friendly outdoor arena that seats approximately 2,000 people. It was salvaged from a junkyard and transformed into one of the area's largest outdoor events. 

The newly opened Salvage Station has proven to be an excellent place to spend the day with friends and family, holding anything from monthly flea markets to food competitions, music festivals, and performances by nationally touring musicians. The area has green grass, picnic tables, local draft beers, and a beautiful view of the French Broad River. 

4. Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar

If you’ve never experienced a dueling piano act, Off The Wagon is a dueling piano bar that offers a wild and fun-filled evening like no other. The musicians have a repertoire of thousands of popular songs from the last few decades, and the show is entirely request-based, with no setlist. 

You can listen to all of your favorite songs while enjoying some of the best cocktails in town and the best service you've ever had. Off The Wagon is the perfect spot for anyone searching for a one-of-a-kind venue to celebrate a special occasion or simply have a good time.

If you’re interested in participating in an exciting evening at Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar and want to learn more, visit our website or contact us!