Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Asheville’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from riverfront stages to cozy bars, there’s a stage for any type of tune. To get to know them all, you must do three things.

Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.

Expect to see people milling about here on the night of a show. | Photo by AVLtoday

Arenas

Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville | 87 Haywood St.
Capacity: 7,700

The venue is the largest multi-room event center in WNC, boasting the ExploreAsheville.com arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Expect to see acclaimed popular acts here, with upcoming shows from Nick Cave and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

Let the sign point you in the right direction to a show you won't forget. | Photo by AVLtoday

Concert Halls

The Grey Eagle | 185 Clingman Ave.
Capacity: 550

Asheville's longest-running music venue has hosted over 10,000 acts since it moved from Black Mountain to Asheville in 1999. See a show inside or on the patio, but either way, be sure to grab a few bites from the Grey Eagle Taqueria to fuel your night of jamming.

The Orange Peel | 101 Biltmore Ave.
Capacity: 1,050

This iconic venue was named one of the top five rock clubs in the nation by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2008 — and since then, it hasn't stopped hosting acts ranging from bluegrass to hip-hop. You can even take a virtual tour of the space before catching a show.

Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | 18 Biltmore Ave.
Capacity: 500

Most shows take place inside the Diana Wortham Theatre — one of the three spaces housed within the arts center. The performance venue offers a recently upgraded sound system, hearing assistance technology, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Kick back and enjoy some tunes by the river. | Photo via Angela Roote

Outdoor Settings

The Meadow at Highland Brewing | 12 Old Charlotte Hwy.
Capacity: 3,000

This alfresco offering sets the stage for local and larger acts alike. AVLFest headliner Kurt Vile played here earlier this month to an enthusiastic crowd of fans.

New Belgium Brewing | 21 Craven St.
Capacity: 500+

Larger outdoor shows take place on the massive lawn of the brewery. Plenty of food trucks and brews are available for when you get hungry + thirsty while dancing the night away.

Rabbit Rabbit | 75 Coxe Ave.
Capacity: 4,000

Opened in summer 2020, this open-air space was designed to help keep folks six-feet apart. It's evolved into a premiere spot for large acts, with upcoming shows from powerhouses like Band of Horses and Willie Nelson.

The Outpost | 521 Amboy Rd.
Capacity: 2,000+

They Grey Eagle spread its wings to open this outdoor venue in the summer of 2022. See local and touring acts on the side stage, with larger shows taking place on the feature stage in the meadow.

Salvage Station | 468 Riverside Dr.
Capacity: 2,500

This salvage yard turned music venue sits right along the French Broad River, with a massive outdoor stage (and an indoor stage for more intimate shows). With full bars filled with local taps, and Root Down Kitchen serving up soul food, it's got all you need for a good time.

A one stop shop for drinks, food, and live music. | Photo by AVLtoday

Intimate spaces

Asheville Music Hall | 31 Patton Ave.
Capacity: 360

Metal, EDM, jam bands — you name it and this venue has the genre on the calendar. Plus, the venue presents acts to play live at French Broad Brewery as well.

The One Stop | 55 College St.
Capacity: 200

See the up and coming bands of Asheville's music scene here before they make it big — you'll get cool points with your friends for sure.