
Live Music Grows in WNC with New Outdoor Venues
If you’re wondering what’s it like living in Hendersonville and its scenic neighbors, here’s one more reason to fall in love with Western North Carolina—our vibrant, ever-evolving music culture. Just a short drive from Hendersonville, Asheville and Black Mountain continue to raise the curtain on new opportunities for live outdoor entertainment, making this an exciting time for music lovers and newcomers alike.
The Orange Peel Returns to the Outdoors
One of Asheville’s most beloved music venues is stepping back into the spotlight with a fresh outdoor project. The team behind The Orange Peel recently announced plans for a brand-new open-air venue on Thompson Street. This location, once home to Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē, will be reimagined in a sustainable and flood-conscious way, a mark of the community’s resilience following the area’s flooding during Tropical Storm Helene.
Operated under the newly formed Big Picture Concert Group, the team is creating a thoughtful, flexible space designed for year-round use and community engagement. The venue will feature:
- Prereserved parking access with staff assistance
- Shuttle service from nearby retail lots
- Designated ride-share zones
- Connections to the future Swannanoa River Greenway for bikes and pedestrians
The project’s ethos strongly aligns with local values around sustainability and public access, making it not just a venue, but a renewed gathering point. It’s this thoughtful planning that continues to make this region a top destination for those looking to relocate to Hendersonville or its surrounding areas.
White Horse Black Mountain Expands Its Footprint
Just east of Asheville in lovely Black Mountain—an easy day trip or evening escape from Hendersonville—the nonprofit venue White Horse Black Mountain is stepping into its next chapter with a major expansion. Thanks in part to over $736,000 in funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Product Development Fund, the venue plans to build a new 3,972-square-foot covered patio and an 18-foot-high upper deck with mountain views.
Once completed, the new outdoor spaces will feature:
- A small performance stage for music, local markets, and community gatherings
- A completely ADA-compliant and accessible expanded lobby
- Additional egress points to improve crowd flow and safety
For residents and those hoping to move to Hendersonville, venues like White Horse Black Mountain bring inspiring arts and accessibility right to your doorstep. To stay updated on all the exciting music and cultural happenings in WNC, be sure to check listings at Mountain Xpress Calendar.
A Hub for Culture, Community, and Convenience
Beyond the entertainment factor, these expanding concert spaces reflect the deepening statewide investment in sustainable community experiences. It’s the kind of growth that makes living in Hendersonville so rewarding—peaceful mountain living with the perks of a thriving artistic scene just minutes away.
Plus, access to upcoming projects like the Swannanoa River Greenway ties everything together, offering new walking and biking routes for families and concertgoers alike. As we’ve shared before, quality of life is a big reason why folks are moving to Hendersonville—and our growing music culture is music to everyone’s ears, literally.
Why This Matters for You
If you’re thinking about making the move or are blessed to already live here, all of this is part of Hendersonville’s broader appeal. Between charming downtown festivals, spontaneous park concerts, and now, large-scale outdoor venues designed with year-round enjoyment in mind, there are endless things to do in Hendersonville and the broader region.
So grab your picnic blanket, lace up those hiking boots, or just bring your open heart—music, art, and connection are waiting for you in the Western North Carolina mountains!
Learn More
- Check out updates about The Orange Peel’s upcoming outdoor venue via Mountain Xpress
- Visit the official site for White Horse Black Mountain for event details and expansion news
- Explore why others choose WNC as home
Whether you’re dialing into mountain melodies or planning to dance under the stars, a new era of music is calling in Western North Carolina. Answer it—you just might find home on the other side of the stage.