Axeville Throwing Club, Asheville’s first axe-throwing bar (yes, you read that right), opened last week at 99 New Leicester Hwy. The 3,400-square-foot space has multiple lanes for throwing, plus a beer + wine bar, cozy seating areas (where you can chill out or catch a lumberjack tournament on the big-screen TVs) + a photo booth area. Bonus: They may eventually have live music + will feature local artists on their walls.

It’s been a long time coming – the owners signed the lease last April, but were delayed by renovations + permitting that took longer than expected. Now, they’re fully up and running – and the results are axe-ellent. ⛏️

Axeville is open Thursday-Sunday – from 5-10 p.m. on weekdays + 1-10 p.m. on weekends. We gave it a try and are here with all the #protips you need to know before you go.

If axe-throwing sounds a little medieval, that’s because it is. Throwing axes were used in the Middle Ages and even earlier as weapons by soldiers + Vikings. A few centuries later, axe-throwing arrived in the Americas with settlers who threw competitively as a leisure activity.
Now, the sport of axe-throwing is officially regulated by the National Axe Throwing Federation, which hosts an annual championship competition, and it’s frequently part of lumberjack competitions.
You don’t need any experience to throw – axe-throwing coaches (a.k.a. axperts) will walk you through the process + ensure that you’re throwing safely.
You throw by lifting the 1.5-pound axe over your head and using one or both hands to hold it until you release. And yes, you’ll feel pretty cool when you’re doing it.
Lanes for throwing are about 15 feet long and have side fencing + a barrier between throwers. Your coach works with you on how close to stand to the target. Up to 5 people share a target.
The point system is similar to darts – with the goal being to hit the target, especially the bull’s eye.
The standard target is 36 inches wide and has four concentric circles – each has a different point value.
It takes a while to get the hang of throwing if you haven’t done it before, so be patient and let your axpert guide you.
You’ll need to wear closed-toed shoes.
Leave the kids at home: Axeville is currently 18+.

Want to go? Grab your ax-quaintances and reserve a spot in advance – they fill up fast and walk-ins are first come, first served.

An hour of throwing costs $21 per person, or if you have 5+ people you can reserve a 2.5 hour slot at $36/person. Best idea for company team-building ever?

And, if you discover this is your new favorite sport, Axeville will offer leagues starting this summer.

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