“Party” listings
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Bele Chere
Over the past 33 years, this event has morphed from a small crafts gathering on a single street to a downtownwide celebration of arts, crafts, music, food, drink and general weirdness. The festivities—which transform much of downtown into a pedestrian zone—include restaurants serving “street” food, merchants selling handmade wares, and live music on multiple stages. July 29-31. (08/2011)
Downtown Asheville
828-259-5800
belecherefestival.com -
Beer City Festival
Voted Beer City USA in an online poll (administered by famed brewmaster Charlie Papazian) last year, this town is home to nine breweries. Come taste their creations (in souvenir tasting glasses) at this afternoon festival, which also includes booths from local restaurants and live music. It takes place at Roger McQuire Park in downtown. June 4. (05/2011)
S Spruce and College sts
828-252-2300
beercityfestival.com -
Sazerac
Celebrate Mardi Gras at this New Orleans-inspired bar, where classic cocktails—Old Fashioneds, Pimm's Cups and, of course, Sazeracs—are doled out against a chic chrome and ice-blue background. A tasty small bites menu features boudin (Cajun-style sausage) and escargots, and the rooftop patio seating gets crowded when the sun comes out. (03/2011)
29 Broadway St
828-376-0031
ashevillesazerac.com -
WESTVILLE PUB
Hoof it on over to the other Asheville (West Asheville—a retro downtown circa the 1950s) for a sit and listen at this pub, which has been serving up good pub grub, plenty of microbrews on tap and live music every night since 2002. Featured music ranges from local gypsy jazz to salsa and blues. (01/2011)
777 Haywood Rd
828-225-9782 -
PACK'S TAVERN
An enormous taproom with a view of Asheville's handsome City Hall, Pack's Tavern hearkens back to the town's yesteryear, with photographs of old Asheville hanging on the wood-paneled and exposed-brick walls, and a Prohibition-era booze-running passage snaking out from beneath the place. Plenty of local North Carolina beers are on tap, including half a dozen brewed right in town. (11/2010)
20 S Spruce St
828-225-6944
packstavern.com -
DOWNTOWN AFTER FIVE
You’re sure to be surrounded by locals at this monthly street stage concert, which also features plenty of booths selling locally brewed beers, T-shirts and good grub. This month’s performance features Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. Sept. 17. (09/2010)
North Lexington Ave at the I-240 overpass
no phone
ashevilledowntown.org -
SKYBAR
Summer evenings at this bar—with three wide balconies extending from the Flatiron Building—is the perfect place for a summer evening. Enjoy your drink while sitting at a café table with fabulous views. (07/2010)
18 Battery Park Ave
828-225-6998 -
THE ORANGE PEEL SOCIAL AID & PLEASURE CLUB
Established acts like the Smashing Pumpkins, They Might be Giants and Ani DeFranco have graced this state-of-the-art stage. This month features a show by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (May 12). (04/2010)
101 Biltmore Ave
828-225-5851
theorangepeel.net -
RANKIN VAULT
Highly skilled bartenders mix cocktails (try the blood orange martini) and serve up microbrews at this combination bar, lounge and eatery. The bustling Sunday Vinyl at the Vault party features DJ-selected tunes. (03/2010)
7 Rankin Ave
828-254-4993
rankinvault.com -
THE BOILER ROOM
While it's not the only club to inhabit the building at 11 Grove St., The Boiler Room rocks harder than any other place in town, attracting local talent like Lecivius, Kings of Prussia and Iam Somnus. (12/2009)
11 Grove St
828-252-2838
www.thegrovehouse.com
