City Guide
Asheville
Where Vinyl Meets the Mountains
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has quietly become one of America's most vibrant music cities. Rolling Stone named it one of the Best Music Cities in America, and for vinyl collectors and live music fans, it's nothing short of paradise.
The city's music DNA runs deep—from Appalachian folk traditions to a thriving indie rock scene that's produced bands like Wednesday, now considered one of the greatest rock bands of their generation. Whether you're digging through crates at Harvest Records, catching a show at the legendary Orange Peel, or stumbling upon a drum circle at Pritchard Park, Asheville delivers music experiences you won't find anywhere else.
The Music Scene
Asheville's sound is rooted in the mountains. Old-time Appalachian music, bluegrass, and Americana flow through the city's veins, but what makes Asheville special is how those traditions collide with everything else—indie rock, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds.
Americana and bluegrass reign as the predominant genres. The Steep Canyon Rangers, a Grammy-winning bluegrass band that regularly tours with Steve Martin, call Asheville home. But the city's indie rock scene has exploded in recent years, led by Wednesday, whose 2025 album Bleeds has "solidified them as one of the greatest rock bands of this generation."
The Moog synthesizer factory is headquartered here, adding an unexpected electronic edge to the mountain town's musical identity. And every Friday night, the drum circle at Pritchard Park brings the community together in a celebration of rhythm and spontaneity.
Local studios like Echo Mountain Recording—a church-turned-studio—have attracted artists from the War on Drugs to Zac Brown Band, cementing Asheville's reputation as a serious recording destination.
Record Stores
Asheville's record stores reflect the city's eclectic spirit—from punk specialists to folk-heavy shops to stores that do a bit of everything. Most are concentrated in West Asheville along Haywood Road or downtown, making for easy crate-digging crawls.
Harvest Records on Haywood Road is the flagship, stocking a deep selection of indie, rock, punk, metal, and world music. Static Age Records downtown covers the full spectrum from experimental to hip-hop. For a more curated experience, Citizen Vinyl combines a record store with a pressing plant and cocktail bar.
Don't sleep on Records in the RAD in the River Arts District—it's a treasure trove of used VINYL, cassettes, and music memorabilia in one of the city's most creative neighborhoods.
Live Music Venues
From 100-seat dive bars to a 7,000-seat arena, Asheville's venue ecosystem supports every kind of music experience.
The Orange Peel is the crown jewel—a Rolling Stone Top 5 Rock Club that hosts roughly 1,000 fans for acts ranging from indie darlings to legacy artists. Dave Grohl once noted that "everyone was talking about this place." It started as a Black soul and R&B club in the 60s before being revitalized in 2002.
The Grey Eagle has hosted over 10,000 acts since 1999, making it Asheville's longest-running venue. The listening room vibe and on-site taqueria make it a local favorite for Americana and folk.
For outdoor shows, Asheville Yards (formerly Rabbit Rabbit) brings major touring acts to a downtown amphitheater with mountain views. And for catching the next big thing, The One Stop is where local bands cut their teeth in a sweaty basement setting.
Sly Grog Lounge
Eclectic performances in a welcoming space
255 Haywood St
Asheville's happiest, most enjoyable location for the unexpected—music, spoken word, burlesque, puppets, fashion shows, and more in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Odd
Beloved dive bar with great local bands
1 Rankin Ave
A great little dive bar with excellent draft beer selection and fun cocktails. The bands and music never fail to deliver authentic Asheville vibes.
The One Stop
Where Asheville bands break out
29 1/2 Biltmore Ave
The place to catch up-and-coming Asheville bands before they make it big. Intimate basement venue with raw energy and cheap drinks.
Music History & Legends
Asheville's musical heritage spans from the High Priestess of Soul to modern country megastars.
Nina Simone (1933-2003), born in nearby Tryon, defined a genre-defying sound that touched classical, blues, jazz, and gospel. Her legacy looms large over the region. Roberta Flack, the first artist to win Grammy Record of the Year twice consecutively, also hails from the area.
More recently, Luke Combs grew up singing in choir and playing football at A.C. Reynolds High School before becoming one of country music's biggest stars. In 2024, he headlined the Concert for Carolina alongside Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor, raising over $24 million for Hurricane Helene relief.
Jermaine Dupri, the legendary hip-hop producer who's worked with Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, and Janet Jackson, was born in Asheville before making his name in Atlanta.
The Echo Mountain Recording studio, housed in a converted church, has become a destination for artists seeking the Asheville sound. Bands from White Denim to Turnpike Troubadours have tracked albums in its hallowed halls.
Neighborhoods for Music Lovers
Downtown is the epicenter of nightlife. The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, and numerous bars are all within walking distance. Street performers add spontaneous magic, especially around Pack Square.
West Asheville along Haywood Road is VINYL collector heaven. Harvest Records, Orbit DVD, and Morgan's Comics line the strip, with plenty of cafes and breweries to fuel your digging. The neighborhood has a distinctly local, less touristy vibe.
River Arts District (RAD) is the creative heart of the city. Former industrial buildings now house artist studios, breweries, and Records in the RAD. It's walkable along the French Broad River and connects to downtown via greenway.
South Slope is brewery central—Highland Brewing, Burial Beer, and others offer live music alongside their pints. It's the spot for afternoon drinking and impromptu performances.
The Perfect Music Day
Morning: Start in West Asheville with coffee at Odd's Cafe, then hit Harvest Records when they open. Work your way down Haywood Road to Orbit DVD and Morgan's Comics. Grab lunch at the Admiral or Biscuit Head.
Afternoon: Head to the River Arts District. Browse Records in the RAD, explore the studios, and grab a beer at Wedge Brewing. Walk the greenway to decompress before the evening.
Evening: Check who's playing at The Orange Peel or Grey Eagle. If it's Friday, swing by the Pritchard Park drum circle around 6pm before the show. Post-show, grab a nightcap at Sly Grog Lounge or The Odd.
Pro tip: Check show calendars in advance—Asheville's best venues sell out, especially on weekends. The Grey Eagle's taqueria is a hidden gem for pre-show dinner.
Your Route
Practical Info
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer ideal weather for walking between shops and venues. Summer brings festivals but also crowds. Winter is quieter but many venues stay active.
Getting around: Downtown and West Asheville are walkable. The RAD requires a short drive or rideshare from downtown. Parking is generally manageable except during peak tourist season.
Where to stay: Downtown puts you walking distance from venues. West Asheville is quieter and closer to record shops. Budget options are limited—Asheville has trended upscale.
Local tip: Most record stores are closed or have limited hours on Monday. Plan your crate-digging for Tuesday–Sunday. The drum circle happens every Friday, weather permitting.