Asheville, North Carolina, has a perfect blend of local talent, touring acts, and quirky, artsy energy. Bands like Steep Canyon Rangers hail from the city, as do Luke Combs and Roberta Flack. Buskers set up around the city, especially during weekly drum circles.
The city also attracts bigger names like The Avett Brothers to Harrah’s Cherokee Center, the largest venue in town. But on any other night, you can see smaller bands perform all over the city, similar to what you’ll find in The Triangle. Plan on paying a cover fee and tipping the band!
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The Best Asheville Music Venues
27 Club, Downtown
True to its name, the 27 Club pays homage to legendary musicians who passed away at age 27, such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain. The venue exudes a moody, rock-centric aesthetic with dim lighting and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
It’s a place where you can catch a raw punk set one night and a burlesque show the next. The club, which is 21 and over, also hosts weekly karaoke nights. It has a full bar and can accommodate 50, so shows, including past performances by Bad Fidelity and Tiny TVs, are intimate.
Asheville Music Hall, Downtown
With a capacity of approximately 360 people, the Asheville Music Hall has an energetic setting for live music enthusiasts. The hall has hosted a wide range of artists, from hip-hop legends like Ghostface Killah to electronic acts like Disclosure, as well as jam bands such as Papadosio and Dopapod.
Located downstairs, The One Stop is a cozy bar, restaurant, and performance space featuring local and regional acts, open mic nights, and themed events. The hall also hosts seasonal outdoor concerts at French Broad River Brewery. Most of the shows are 21 and over, so confirm the details ahead of time.
The Grey Eagle Music Hall, River Arts District
Established in 1994 in neighboring Black Mountain, the Grey Eagle is the city’s longest-running all-ages music hall, known for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic programming. It’s set inside a former auto garage.
With room for 550 people, you can see a wide range of music, including Americana, indie rock, bluegrass, folk, hip-hop, and more. Past acts include the Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Come early to enjoy the onsite taqueria.
Jack of the Wood, Downtown
Established in 1997, Jack of the Wood offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with wood-paneled interiors and a welcoming vibe. Affiliated with Green Man Brewery, the pub is renowned for its live music, craft beers, and hearty pub fare.
The bar offers near-nightly live music, including old-time and bluegrass music jams, traditional Irish music, touring acts, and weekend performances by The Bluegrass Boys and Nobody’s Darling String Band. The 21 and over venue can accommodate 60 people.
The ODD, West Asheville
Formerly called The Odditorium, The Odd is proudly Latinx-, LGBTQ-, and women-owned, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all patrons. The interior is adorned with an array of oddities and curiosities, including taxidermy and memorabilia.
The venue hosts not just live music, but entertainment in all forms. Expect to see rock, punk, metal, and hip-hop acts, plus drag shows and comedy nights. The Odd also has a full bar that emphasizes local craft beer, with funky Jell-O shots and a food menu.
The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Downtown
Even if you haven’t been to Asheville, you’ve likely heard of The Orange Peel, named by Rolling Stone as one of the best live music clubs in the country. Originally a downtown roller rink and later an R&B club, it’s operated as a music venue since 2002, hosting big names like Bob Dylan, the Beastie Boys, and The Smashing Pumpkins, who played a nine-show residency in 2007.
The space can hold over 1,000 music lovers, and most shows are all ages, but confirm for each performance before going. Located downstairs, Pulp is a members-only cocktail lounge that streams live performances from the main stage, offering a relaxed setting to enjoy the music.
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Looking for a place to stay in Asheville? We recommend the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown for groups, The Radical for art lovers, and the Omni Grove Park Inn for first-timers in the city (review here).
You should persuade the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium to have Stella Cole!!!!!