10 Top Music Venues in Asheville, North Carolina
1) Salvage Station | Riverside Drive
Just minutes from the River Arts District, Salvation Station features outdoor and indoor stages. They host headliners and up-and-coming acts, having been voted as one of the best places to catch a show in the area. There are several bars and a New Orleans-inspired on-site restaurant.
2) Mothlight | Haywood Road
A great neighborhood hangout has a full bar and a wide selection of local brews. Grab a drink and listen to rock and electronica from around the world. The popularity of indie and alternative music is high in this city (Parquet Courts, Matthew E. White, Small Black, Tills, Doc Aquatic, and more have played here).
As a "music first" venue, you'll have access to a terrific sound and lighting system that will help you get the most out of each performance.
3) The Orange Peel | Biltmore Avenue
The Orange Peel is one of the "Top Five Rock Clubs in the Country," according to Rolling Stone magazine. Black Label Society, the Beastie Boys, and Ice Cube have all performed there, as have Bob Dylan, Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Folds, and Kings of Leon. This is one of those venues where you can feel up close and personal no matter where you sit.
The Orange Peel has some "Love for Locals" if you're from Buncombe County. Residents can take advantage of some fantastic benefits. If you're not from the neighborhood, make a reservation for one of the upcoming shows and see what all the hype is about.
4) Isis Music Hall | Haywood Road
Located right in the center of west Asheville, Isis has the feeling of an old single screen movie house – because that’s what it used to be. Now revamped to be a music hall, they also offer dinner and cocktails.
They aim to be a place for friends to gather, enjoy great food, conversation, and music. Time yourself correctly and come for an intimate dinner, or a rock concert with 449 other people.
5) Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre | Gay Street
The amphitheater is hidden among the woods and rolling hills of the Historic Montford district, only minutes from downtown Asheville. The venue provides unequaled views and sound quality. It is North Carolina's only natural amphitheater, yet close enough to downtown and North Asheville to grab dinner and drinks before or after the show.
6) The Harrah's Cherokee Center and the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium | Haywood Street
The Harrah's Cherokee Center (previously called the US Cellular Center) is Asheville's oldest venue, and it's now two venues in one, with a large 7000-seat arena and a smaller 2500-seat Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Bob Dylan, Elton John, Phish, and other well-known acts have performed here, as have prominent comedians like Jerry Seinfeld. Harrah's Cherokee Center is also home to the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
7) 5 Walnut Wine Bar | Walnut Street
A wine bar with amazing music is truly one-of-a-kind. Not only are the surroundings stunning (particularly the enormous rolling windows that open into the street), but there are also $5 wine bargains and free live music every day at 8 p.m. You'll need to get there early for a good seat.
Ragtime, classic Americana, and Afropop, as well as a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, and other regional delicacies, are on the menu.
8) Rabbit Rabbit | Coxe Avenue
A collaborative project between Asheville Brewing Company and Orange Peel Entertainment, Rabbit Rabbit, is a new venue between the South Slope area and downtown Asheville.
“Orange Peel Events and Asheville Brewing Company consider our partnership on this new project, on a needle-in-the-hay piece of property right in the middle of our beloved downtown, the ultimate stroke of good luck. For us, for our customers and fans, and for Asheville.”
This is a great place to catch a show, have a meal and a drink, and enjoy the best of Asheville music.
9) Sly Grog Lounge | Haywood Street
Sly Grog Lounge is a bar, a music venue, and Asheville's happiest, most enjoyable location! If you want to see why AVL is so unique, go to SGL and meet the creative, cool people who make it so.
Music, performance, spoken word, storytelling, drama, fashion presentations, puppets, burlesque, and meet-ups are all events you can find at Sly Grog Lounge.
10) Off The Wagon Dueling Piano Bar | North Market Street
Did you know you can experience a dueling piano bar in downtown Asheville? Off The Wagon has to be on your list of music venues to experience in western North Carolina. Our shows are always incredibly fun, our atmosphere is exciting, and our drinks are great.
If you want to check out Off The Wagon, we would love to hear from you. Give us a call or stop by next time you’re in Asheville.
