Live Music Lives in Asheville

Tune In to Asheville's Live Music Scene

Wander through Asheville and you’ll hear music in every nook and cranny. A bluegrass fiddler on the sidewalk, an indie rocker at a club and an old-time jam session at a bar are equally at home here. Immerse yourself in Asheville’s live music scene with this handpicked list of the city’s top music spots.

Busker Street Life Serenade

The fastest way to hear the most music is just to walk through downtown Asheville. The city’s street performance scene boasts buskers of all kinds, from country crooners to electric violin players. It’s hard to miss the talent that overflows onto Asheville’s streets, so keep your ears out for some of the most unique music in town.

Rock Out at Local Clubs

National acts breeze through Asheville every week, ranging from celebrated North Carolina bands like The Avett Brothers to indie darlings like OK Go. In between, local bands including Floating Action and Empire Strikes Brass take the stage.

Big venues like The Orange Peel, Rabbit Rabbit, and Salvage Station rock to the rafters, while more intimate clubs like Fleetwood's cater to a relaxed crowd. Stop by the Grey Eagle or head up to White Horse Black Mountain in nearby Black Mountain for folk shows and benefit concerts.

Music Under the Stars

Step back in time with Shindig on the Green, a celebration of old-time and bluegrass music downtown in Pack Square Park. Fiddlers play their hearts out and cloggers twirl across the stage at this weekly event, held Saturdays around sundown throughout July and August. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a little pocket change for some sweet snacks at this free event.

A Feast for Your Ears

Chow down on barbecue and enjoy spirited sounds at Luella’s Bar-B-Que during the summer months. Bold Rock Hard Cider hosts a Bluegrass Brunch at its downtown taproom every Saturday and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights Jerusalem Garden Cafe offers live Middle Eastern music and belly dancing performances.

Jump in on a Jam Session

Jack of the Wood in downtown Asheville has been hosting bluegrass and old-time music jams for nearly 15 years. Some of the best musicians in the area sit in on these fierce fiddling sessions and laid-back impromptu gatherings, which take place every Wednesday and Thursday. Here's a guide on where to find bluegrass in and around Asheville.