Award-winning professional theatre in downtown Asheville connecting people with entertaining and exceptional plays that illuminate our shared human experience. NC Stage is a local hit, voted best local theatre many times over, and has received national recognition with accolades from the American Theatre Wing. Opening week specials and student discounts available.
Entertainment
Rain or shine and on your own or with a group, Asheville offers countless entertainment options for every taste. Whether you want to entertain the kids or enjoy a romantic evening, our guide will help you curate the best possible experience.
Perched atop the new Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown, enjoy Asheville’s largest terrace-wide rooftop bar. We take “beer garden” to an elevated level. Our hand-crafted cocktails and locally-sourced beers can be enjoyed on our rooftop, all of which are served with a side of spectacular mountain views. Warm yourself by the outdoor fire pit or indulge in the indoor ambiance inspired by America’s industrial roots. Wherever you choose to relax, we guarantee you’ll feel right at home from the very first sip.
Most people aren’t aware that Asheville is the brewing capital of the Southeast. In fact, on just about any day of the year, one can select from about fifty locally brewed craft beers.
675 Merrimon Avenue, North Asheville
Pan Harmonia is an independent repertory company based in Asheville, North Carolina, directed by flutist Kate Steinbeck. Nationally recognized for its artistic excellence and creative vision, Pan Harmonia offers a mosaic of concerts, educational residencies and community outreach.
Every year since 1946 ACT has offered Western North Carolina superb productions of comedies, dramas, and musicals, and this year will be no exception.
The State Theatre of North Carolina, and one of the finest local playhouses in the United States. Highly acclaimed throughout the theater world. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina.
For years, the 18,000 square foot YMI building was the social and economic center of Asheville’s Black community. Currently YMI is a cultural center operating with support from the City of Asheville. Its impressive Tudor-style structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features four galleries and a 300-seat performing arts theatre.
This intimate 500-seat theater is host to more than 150 performances annually by professional touring artists and local arts organizations. Performances normally last around two hours.
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nantahala Gorge Excursion (4½ hour round trip), Day Out With Thomas™, Peanuts™ Pumpkin Patch Express, and the Polar Express™, are just a few of the wonderful trips available to passengers. Call for additional information, or to make advance reservations.
Brevard Little Theatre provides excellent amateur and professional theatre in Transylvania County and encourages young and old alike to develop and maintain lifelong relationships with the theatre arts, whether through participation or attendance.
Broadway’s is a members-only gritty American bar with a wide range of food and beer, including a wonderful rendition of pho. Obtaining a membership requires a three-day wait and a $5 fee.
This is the home of the Western North Carolina State Fair. The facilities include the McGough Arena, J. Clayton Davis Arena, Outside Warmup Rings, Sales Arena, Stall Barns, and Youth Building.
As summer heats up the Appalachian sky, so does Downtown After Five! Every third Friday of the Month, the Asheville Downtown Association brings you live music and cold beer. As well as lots of food offerings from local restaurants. Downtown After Five is a free event. Please remember to bring your valid ID and cash to purchase T-shirts, beer, wine, soft drinks and food!
Established in 1976, O.Henry’s is one of North Carolina’s oldest gay bars. It continues to be a welcoming home to tourists and locals alike.
Song O’Sky Chorus invites all women 18 and over to join the fun of singing. We sing many different genres–gospel, blues, Broadway show tunes, folk songs–just to mention a few. No previous musical instruction is required; you don’t have to be able to read music. A good ear, a love of harmony, and the desire for instant friends and fellowship are all that’s necessary.
Located in the historic Hayes & Hopson building in the heart of Downtown Asheville’s newly renovated Pack Square Park, this locally owned tavern offers outstanding food in a friendly and hospitable atmosphere. Whether taking in our large eclectic menu in the beautifully restored interior, watching your favorite sports on the 10 big screens, enjoying some of Asheville’s greatest musical acts, or enjoying on of the more than 30 brews on tap while relaxing on the parkside patio; at Pack’s Tavern you will experience an atmosphere that is uniquely Asheville.
Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets and join us for good times at the new Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. Shindig on the Green takes place at Pack Square Park. Locals and visitors alike come together downtown “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, until 10:00 pm. Shindig on the Green will soon begin its 2019 season!
Events for this week, as well as future events around the greater Asheville and Western North Carolina area.
The Old Farmers Ball (OFB) is a large group of WNC (mostly Asheville) residents who, as a community, participate in, promote, and sponsor various community dance events each week.
SART’s purpose has been to produce quality theatre by a professional non-profit company and to present plays concerning Appalachia that portray the rich culture and heritage of its people and to promote the development of original plays.
A 427-acre facility with a Visitor Education Center, state-of-the-art greenhouses, beautiful gardens, and walking trails. Surrounded by lush folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum is adjacent to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 393, and is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in America. Please note that the Arboretum recently increased its personal vehicle parking fee to $14 in order to help sustain new and future upgrades at the Arboretum and also create more job opportunities. Also, commercial vehicle parking is $50, bus parking is $100, and the first Tuesday of each month is half off personal vehicle parking.
The actors and technicians of the Montford Park Players are all volunteers. In any given year, about one hundred fifty people donate their time, talent, and expertise to our productions. What we all hold in common is a love of Shakespeare and a delight in presenting his plays to our friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina.
The Vanishing Wheelchair, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity. We perform a monthly live magic show at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. “Magic, Mirth & Meaning” acts as a fundraiser for the non-profit and showcases the talents of people with disabilities and those who wish to help them.
The Grey Eagle is Asheville’s longest-running all-ages venue and has hosted over 10,000 different bands and artists including Ralph Stanley, Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, Richie Havens, Frank Black, Deen Ween, Lake Street Dive, Slick Rick, Nathaniel Ratcliff, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Budos Band, Darrell Scott, and many more. Equally impressive is the long list of local talents performing in a setting featuring a large dance floor, relaxing patio area, and one of the best sound systems in Asheville.
The U.S. Cellular Center is Western North Carolina’s preeminent multi-purpose event facility and is managed by the City of Asheville. The facility first opened to the public in 1974 and has since hosted thousands of concerts, sporting events, trade and consumer shows, graduations, speeches and other types of events over the years.
The Orange Peel Social Aid & Pleasure Club of Asheville, North Carolina was voted one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 5 Rock Clubs in the country. Asheville’s premier downtown live music club is a smoke free facility that features a state of the art sound and lighting system. Musical acts appearing on stage have included Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips, Ben Harper, Blondie, Spoon, Sonic Youth, My Morning Jacket, Dinosaur Jr, Smashing Pumpkins, Arcade Fire and many more. Our warm atmosphere and beautiful facilities are also ideal for private parties and events of all kinds. We look forward to seeing you at the Peel!
11 Grove Street, Downtown
Looking for a summer camp in the cool WNC mountains, then look no further, as the Asheville.com camp directory lists a broad range of selections.
The Red Stag Grill emanates Old-World ambience with hand-hewn tables, oak flooring, and intimate lighting. The menu features a masterful blend of chops, game and traditional favorites – all with an emphasis on the freshest local ingredients complimented by an extensive wine list. The restaurant also includes a dramatic lounge for socializing while enjoying brilliantly prepared libations. Located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel.
Where the Smokey Mountains meet the British Isles. Handcrafted beers and wine & spirits. One of Asheville’s favorite places to come and relax, listen to music, and enjoy fresh, locally sourced pub fare. Menu offers a broad selection of delicious meals. Located below the Laughing Seed Restaurant at 95 Patton Avenue.
Asheville’s arts-focused community — home to generations of writers, musicians and artists — has sustained the Asheville Symphony for nearly 60 years, embracing the orchestra’s endless creativity, artistic expression and collaborative explorations.
Tressa’s is a nightclub with a New Orleans vibe offering cocktails, food, and entertainment.
Since 1984, Gallery of the Mountains has featured handmade crafts by more than 100 local and regional artists living in the Southern Appalachian region. Discover curated collections of artisan-made clothing, jewelry, home decor, unique gifts and Asheville-made mementos. Gallery of the Mountains is located in the Sammons Wing of The Omni Grove Park Inn, set atop Sunset Mountain in Asheville, NC.
Warren Wilson Theatre is the performance laboratory of the College’s Theatre Department. Here students and members of the community can enjoy active involvement in a literary and performing art with roots in the past and innovative possibilities for the future. Students perform as actors, work backstage as technicians, and have opportunities as designers, directors, and playwrights