The Asheville area is brimming with all manner of live music, from multi-stage festivals to buskers on bustling downtown streets. One thing locals love is the Asheville area’s intimate venues, often off the beaten path and perfect for hearing a range of homegrown musicians. Here’s the inside scoop on some of our favorite free or inexpensive spots for listening to local artists live in Asheville and Western North Carolina. While you’re enjoying the show, make sure to lend support by tipping the band, buying drinks and food, and spreading the word about these awesome businesses backing local artists!
Asheville area breweries with free live music
Highland Brewing is famed for its lively live music scene, whether it’s at the Taproom, The Meadow or the Downtown Taproom. Check out the Crafted Songwriter Series every Wednesday evening, a free show spotlighting a new singer-songwriter performing original music as well as crowd favorites (held in The Taproom, or in The Meadow when the weather’s warm). https://highlandbrewing.com/calendar/well-crafted-music-series/2024-09-04/
French Broad Brewing supports the local music scene with free live performances throughout the week, as well as weekly bluegrass jams. In addition, the brewery (near Biltmore Village) hosts special concerts highlighting the culture and activity of Asheville. https://www.frenchbroadbrewery.com/events/
The WhistleHop in Fairview is a popular destination to enjoy free live music along with your beverage. Thursdays are Jazz and Wine night, with live jazz from 6 to 8 p.m. https://whistlehop.com/events?view=calendar&month=08-2024
Ginger’s Revenge in Asheville’s River Arts District is home to a range of free shows in its tasting room, including the popular Jazz Sundays, featuring a different guest artist every week followed by an open jazz jam. https://gingersrevenge.com/events/?fwp_event_location=riverside-tasting-room
Catch some tunes at WNC restaurants and bars:
Five Walnut Wine Bar, a local favorite for over a decade, features wine, small bites and free live local music most nights in a cozy and inviting space, all in the heart of downtown Asheville. https://www.5walnut.com/visit
Blue Mountain Pizza in Weaverville serves up nightly live music alongside its famed pies. Featuring longstanding favorite local performers as well as up-and-coming artists, there’s a wide variety of homegrown talent to take in, all for free. https://www.bluemountainpizza.com/music
At Little Jumbo in Asheville’s Five Points, all music shows are free, including the popular Tuesday night jazz performance. Enjoy an array of cocktails while you take in the tunes at this intimate neighborhood spot. https://www.instagram.com/littlejumbobar/ https://littlejumbobar.com/
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar in downtown Asheville’s Grove Arcade features free live music Wednesday through Sunday that spills over into their outdoor patio in the warmer months. https://batteryparkbookexchange.com/
The Scotsman, located on the first floor of a historic freemason-built building in Waynesville, features a range of free musical performances alongside traditional Irish pub offerings. https://www.scotsmanpublic.com/entertainment/
Unique venues to hear free, local live music:
On the first floor of the Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Bar (a hotel housed in – that’s right – a former jail), Zadie’s Market hosts Appalachian Ballad Nights every Second Wednesday of the month, along with rotating live music on select Fridays and Saturdays. Follow https://www.instagram.com/oldmarshalljail/ for updates on their free-performance calendar.
Packa’s Place, 20 miles south of Asheville in Horse Shoe, is part farm, part beer garden, offering a uniquely entertaining experience. Make a day of your visit, enjoying seasonal offerings such as pumpkin patches and artisan markets, then stay for the free music in the BARn featuring local artists. Tune in to https://www.instagram.com/packasplace/ for live music details.
Cedar Mountain Outpost in Brevard might look like a simple convenience store and gas station, but it’s so much more. Part coffee shop, part deli, part gourmet grocer, and yes, part gas station, this unique stop frequently features free, live performances from local musicians. Visit their Instagram account for music updates. https://www.instagram.com/cedarmountainoutpost/
For information about real estate that’s an easy drive from these local music spots, or anywhere in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
Search: Asheville Area Real Estate
Connect