In Asheville, bluegrass is less a soundtrack than a shared table: pull up a chair, listen close, and you may hear generations of mountain music moving through the room.
Whether it's street buskers or in lively venues like the Grey Eagle, The Orange Peel, Jack of the Wood and Asheville Music Hall, Asheville has long been a mecca for musicians – particularly bluegrass.
There’s a reason Asheville and the surrounding areas host such festivals as the Shindig on the Green and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, but what about the Bluegrass jams going on around Asheville almost every week? Come to listen, or bring an instrument and join in! Here are some places to listen to bluegrass music weekly in Asheville.
Where can you hear weekly bluegrass and old-time music in Asheville?
Weekly Bluegrass Schedule
- Tuesdays
- 6 p.m.: Head just a few miles east for the unplugged, all-levels Black Mountain Bluegrass Jam in the taproom or on the patio at Pisgah Brewing Company.
- 6:30 - 9 p.m.: Join the open acoustic bluegrass jam at Eda's Hide-a-Way in nearby Weaverville, which welcomes all musicians and listeners.
- Wednesdays
- 6-8 p.m.: Highland Brewing’s Well-Crafted Music Series, hosted by Matt Smith, brings local and regional musicians to the brewery’s stage on Wednesday evenings. The series often features Asheville-area bluegrass, folk, Americana and acoustic artists, making it a strong addition for visitors looking to hear mountain music in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- 6:30 p.m.: Catch the Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays at French Broad River Brewery, an energetic weekly jam featuring traditional acoustic instruments and special guests.
- 8 p.m.: For a modern take, check out the Connor Koz’ Grass Underground showcase and session taking place in the basement at One World Brewing downtown.
- Thursdays
- 7-9:30 p.m.: Experience The Thursday Bluegrass Jam hosted by Drew Matulich at the iconic Jack of the Wood Pub in downtown Asheville.
- Sundays
- 12 p.m.-3 p.m.: Check out the weekly Bluegrass Brunch at Jack of the Wood.
- 2 p.m.: Relax with a matinee performance from Suns of Stars at One World Brewing West, playing a mix of contemporary and traditional bluegrass.
What are some of the best Asheville bluegrass bands?
Whether you hear them on Spotify or in person, Asheville is home to many incredible bluegrass and Americana bands and musicians.
Steep Canyon Rangers: Perennial Billboard chart-toppers and frequent collaborators of Steve Martin, the Steep Canyon Rangers embody the bluegrass sound of Western North Carolina.
Town Mountain: Mixing rock with honky-tonk and a Springsteen vibe, Town Mountain is helping to reshape bluegrass for the next generation of listeners.
Tellico: With a vivid blend of storytelling and musicianship, Tellico creates an innovative sound that’s becoming popular in today’s bluegrass music.
River Whyless: An emerging folk-rock band with powerful vocals and inventive songwriting, River Whyless’ haunting songs are infused with bluegrass history with an eye toward an exciting musical future.
Brushfire Stankgrass: With a heavy dose of “modern mountain fusion,” Brushfire Stankgrass offers listeners a variety of bluegrass/newgrass and a nod to jam rock.
Zoe & Cloyd: A husband a wife duo, Zoe & Cloyd are a force of nature in the bluegrass scene with their soaring harmonies and heartfelt songwriting.
Unspoken Tradition: With chart-topping bluegrass singles and an unflinching sound, Unspoken Tradition represents the best of Western North Carolina and its ever-changing music scene that continues to evolve.
What summer bluegrass and mountain music events should visitors know?
Shindig on the Green
For one of Asheville’s most beloved warm-weather music traditions, head to Pack Square Park for Shindig on the Green. The free summer series brings together bluegrass and old-time string bands, dancers, ballad singers, storytellers and informal jam sessions around the park. In 2026, Shindig on the Green is scheduled for July 11, 18 and 25, and Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and arrive ready for a true Southern Appalachian gathering “along about sundown.”
99th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Produced by the Folk Heritage Committee, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival celebrates the music, dance and storytelling traditions of the Southern Appalachians. The 99th annual festival is scheduled for July 30–Aug. 1, 2026, with nightly performances featuring musicians, dancers and storytellers.
AVL Sounds Fest
AVL Sounds Fest brings a wide range of live music to venues across Asheville, with a genre-bending lineup that reflects the city’s creative stage culture. The 2026 festival is scheduled for Aug. 6–9.
Weaverville’s Music on Main
Just north of Asheville, Weaverville’s Music on Main brings live music, food trucks, craft beer, family activities and a free open-air concert atmosphere to downtown Weaverville. The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 4–9 p.m.
