Hendo Big City Arts with a Mountain Atmosphere
With a city population somewhere around 15,000 and the surrounding county topping out near 115,000, most would not think Hendersonville, NC would have a thriving arts scene. Those folks would be wrong. For its size, Hendersonville boast a big city arts scene in a picturesque mountain city.
Theatre
The State Theatre of North Carolina is located a few miles from downtown Hendersonville in the town of Flat Rock and produces several Broadway-caliber shows. The 2019 lineup includes classic reproductions of The Jungle Book and South Pacific among others (click for shows). For those wanting even more shows, the Hendersonville Community Theatre has been going strong for over 50 years. Visitors and patrons can enjoy performances ranging from Steel Magnolias to August: Osage County.
Music
There is a thriving scene of local musicians that play regularly in downtown venues and coffee houses like Appalachian Coffee Company. However, there are several organized music groups including Hendersonville’s Symphony Orchestra which has been conducting the classics and modern interpretations for nearly 50 years. The 75 strong amateur and professional musicians of the Hendersonville Community Band play hold a concert every quarter and there are singing groups like the Carolina Concert Choir. The Hendersonville Swing Band pump out big sounds of modern classics and swing-era music at various concerts throughout the year, some benefiting local organizations.
Art
The Arts Council of Henderson County is a community organization promoting the arts in Henderson County and surrounding Western North Carolina. The council also organizes and hosts the annual Art on Main exhibition in downtown Hendersonville which has been going strong for 60 years. Just 30 minutes north you will also find the River Arts District. This area in Asheville is home to over 200 artists that create artistic works across a range of styles and media.
Film
For fans of Hitchcock and indie films, the Hendersonville Film Society has got you covered. The group hosts viewings at Lake Pointe Landing’s Smoky Mountain Theatre and offers memberships. The Flat Rock Cinema is a “bistro cinema” offering dining and drinks as you watch its mostly independent film selections.
Both visitors and locals can indulge their senses in their favorite art form in Hendersonville, NC! Check these posts for food and brewery recommendations.