Asheville, NC, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Asheville is preparing for the construction of a new outdoor concert venue by Big Picture Concert Group, which could accommodate up to 6,000 attendees. Located at 155 Thompson Street next to the Swannanoa River, this venue is designed to incorporate modular, flood-resistant structures in response to its floodplain location. City planners are working with developers to ensure environmentally friendly landscaping and safety features. This development aims to enhance Asheville’s live music scene while prioritizing community recovery efforts.
Asheville is set to become home to a new outdoor concert venue planned by Big Picture Concert Group, with the potential to host up to 6,000 people. This venue would be significantly larger than the current leading venue, the Orange Peel, which has a capacity of 1,100 attendees.
The proposed site for this new venue is located at 155 Thompson Street, adjacent to the Swannanoa River. This prime location is approximately a mile from the Asheville Mall. However, it is important to note that the property is situated within a floodplain, which poses certain challenges for development.
To address the flood risk, the design of the venue will incorporate modular, flood-resistant structures. This innovative approach reflects the developers’ commitment to safely accommodate large crowds while complying with environmental regulations. The project includes essential features such as a main stage, shipping container bars, and box offices, while also providing open space for the audience.
City planners are currently requesting developers to revise their plans to incorporate flood-friendly landscaping, ensure accurate tree canopy assessments, and coordinate efforts regarding a nearby street closure. These revisions are critical to minimize environmental impacts and enhance community safety in light of the venue’s location.
If approved, this new venue would emerge as Asheville’s largest outdoor concert venue, surpassing the current titleholder, Asheville Yards. However, a construction timeline for the project has yet to be disclosed, as it remains in the development stage.
The initiative for the new venue is part of broader efforts to enhance Asheville’s vibrant live music scene and support community recovery in the wake of recent challenges. The Orange Peel, recognized as one of the Southeast’s top concert venues, has historically supported various prominent artists, and the development of a larger venue could open new opportunities for live performances in the region.
In summary, the plans for a new outdoor concert venue in Asheville are designed to increase the city’s capacity for hosting live music events while being environmentally conscious. This project aims to benefit both the local community and the cultural landscape of the area.
FAQs
What is the capacity of the planned outdoor concert venue in Asheville?
The venue could seat up to 6,000 people, making it significantly larger than the Orange Peel’s 1,100-person capacity.
Where is the new venue planned to be located?
The property for the new venue is located at 155 Thompson Street, adjacent to the Swannanoa River.
What features will the concert venue include?
The project includes features such as a main stage, shipping container bars, box offices, and open space for crowds.
What requirements have city planners set for the project?
City planners have requested developers revise their plans to include flood-friendly landscaping, accurate tree canopy plans, and coordination regarding a nearby street closure.
Key Features of the New Outdoor Concert Venue
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 6,000 people |
| Location | 155 Thompson Street, adjacent to the Swannanoa River |
| Main Structures | Modular, flood-resistant structures |
| Features | Main stage, shipping container bars, box offices |
| Environmental Considerations | Flood-friendly landscaping will be incorporated |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Plans 6000-Seat Outdoor Concert Venue
- 828 News Now: October Concert Calendar
- Billboard: Indie Music Venue Profile – Orange Peel
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
- Google Search: Asheville concert venue
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
