Asheville Music Venues and AVLFest

It was back in 2019 that Rolling Stone printed an article “Why Asheville, North Carolina is the New Must-Visit Music City,” and since then, the music scene has only grown. No matter your jam, Asheville has pretty much everything you can think of in the way of musical tastes and venues. 

We asked a few Asheville Bed and Breakfast owners about some of their favorite spots and why and here’s what they had to say:

1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House

The Grey Eagle. There’s an outdoor patio where people can listen to live music in the afternoon and there’s also an indoor venue where shows typically start around 8 p.m.  The Grey Eagle was voted by touring musicians as one of the nation’s top 25 live music venues and in 2016, by Garden and Gun magazine, as one of “Ten Must-See Music Venues in the Southeast.”

Princess Anne Hotel

The Salvage Station. Less than half a mile from downtown Asheville, the folks at Princess Anne like the fact that the lawn is large enough so people can really spread out. It rarely gets overcrowded and people can dance without bumping into each other.  The eclectic and laid-back vibe of this salvage yard turned music venue has a massive outdoor stage and an indoor stage for more intimate shows.

Sweet Biscuit Inn

French Broad Outfitters - Hominy Creek River Bar: While it’s technically not a straight-up music venue, it’s also not very touristy and offers up a river view. Local bands can often be heard here. The venue is all outdoors and there’s a bar and permanent food truck. It’s very Asheville (think barefoot kids, off-leash dogs and adults dancing and playing in and out of the water.) Sierra Nevada is another spot they enjoy. It’s located near the Asheville airport and its large outdoor amphitheater has a wooded backdrop and expansive seating area where you can lounge on the lawn while regional musicians take the stage each Saturday and Sunday for free shows. 

Pinecrest B&B

Little Jumbo is very close to several of Montford’s B and Bs. It’s a real neighborhood bar – and there’s live jazz on Monday and Tuesday nights. There’s even the occasional dance party. You never know what you’re going to step into at this relaxed spot that’s reminiscent of a speakeasy from days gone by. Jack of the Wood is another local favorite, a great place to listen to Bluegrass and Folk music while downing a pint of Ale.

Bent Creek Lodge

The Orange Peel tops their list. It’s mostly a standing crowd here, though a few extra dollars will snag you a seat. The place can hold up to 1,050. It’s developed an international reputation as one of the best music clubs in the country. 

Inn at Amaris Farms

The Barn at Paint Fork in Barnardsville – and they have Ax throwing too! The stage is built out of locust wood and donations from each show go to a nonprofit organization for the prevention of suicide and bullying awareness. This venue is close to Amaris Farms, and about a 40-minute drive from downtown Asheville.

Wildberry Lodge

The great thing about Doc Brown’s BBQ in Candler is that you can sample some of the region’s best BBQ while listening to live music which happens several nights per month.  

AVL Fest Makes its Debut

This is a new musical event. Its debut will take place from August 3-6, 2023 and is being co-presented by Wicked Weed Brewing and Worthwhile Sounds. It's set to fill 20+ area concert halls, clubs, and outdoor venues with an exceptional multi-genre lineup of local, regional and national talent.

AVL Fest Line-up

In addition to scheduled performances and music venues, musical spontaneity pervades Asheville’s streets, restaurants and bars.  From buskers and drum circles to pop-up performances and dueling piano bars, there’s always a little buzz in the air. 

So, why not check the schedules of some of these innkeeper’s recommendations and see what lights your fire? Then you can thank them in person when you book your stay.