Events at The Orange Peel, Asheville

About The Orange Peel

The Orange Peel is a historic live music venue and nightclub in downtown Asheville, NC (101 Biltmore Ave) that helped define the city’s music scene. Housed in a former roller-skating rink built in 1946, this brick-and-mortar club has seen many lives: in the 1950s it was “Skateland”, and through the 1960s–70s it hosted legendary R&B and soul clubs (named Jade, Emerald and the original Orange Peel) where artists like The Commodores and The Bar-Kays took the tiered stage (theorangepeel.net). Vacant for years, the building was reborn in 2002 (its first show was October 2002 (www.pubintproj.com)) and over two decades has become one of the Southeast’s premier music venues. Rolling Stone famously named the Orange Peel a “Top 5 rock club” in the U.S., and Pollstar has ranked it among the world’s 100 top club venues every year since 2007 (www.pubintproj.com). In 2014 the club sold its millionth ticket (www.pubintproj.com). To music fans, the Peel is beloved for its intimate vibe, top-notch acoustics and professional sound/lighting rigs (the club boasts state-of-the-art audio and lighting equipment rarely found in a venue this size (theorangepeel.net)). Whether it’s an up-and-coming indie band or a rock legend, the Orange Peel’s aura and history make it a must-visit stop in Asheville.

Events and Programming

The Orange Peel hosts concerts almost every night of the week, covering rock, indie, folk, hip-hop, electronic, jam, soul and more. Local bands share the stage with national and international touring acts across genres – from singer-songwriters and jam bands to punk, metal and pop. The club especially shines during big runs and special series: for example, in summer 2007 the Smashing Pumpkins chose the Orange Peel for a two-week East Coast residency, drawing 8,000 fans and putting Asheville on the national music map (www.pubintproj.com). It has also hosted comedy nights and other events (notable performances include Bob Dylan (2004), Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ice Cube (2011) and Foo Fighters member Dave Grohl in 2018 (ashvegas.com) (www.pubintproj.com)). On any given weekend you might catch a respected local act, a college rock outfit or a surprise pop-up show. In winter months the venue packs its 1,050–1,100 standing-room capacity (theorangepeel.net) (www.ashevillestage.com) for hot acts, whereas some early/afternoon or seated shows may have reserved seating (the club can reconfigure for special events). A unique feature is the attached PULP lounge (see below), which often hosts acoustic sets or DJ nights. Special annual events include New Year’s shows and collaborative concerts during festivals in town. Typical ticket prices range widely – smaller shows can be as low as $10–$15, while bigger headliners often run $40–$60 (plus fees) – so it pays to check listings early. In general, however, tickets sell quickly: the Orange Peel is known for selling out popular shows well in advance.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets can be purchased online via the venue’s official site or authorized vendors well before show dates, or in person at the Orange Peel box office during business hours. (The box office is open Wednesdays–Thursdays 11:30am–4pm, Fridays 10am–4pm, and on show days from about 4pm until the venue closes (theorangepeel.net) (theorangepeel.net).) For high-demand concerts, tickets usually go on sale months ahead and often on a Friday morning. Fan clubs and local radio sometimes get presales, and joining the venue’s mailing list can alert you to early sales. There is no service fee on tickets made at the box office, but an online service fee (typically a few dollars per ticket) is standard for web orders (theorangepeel.net). Ticketmaster/Etix-type services handle most sales, but it’s safest to buy through the venue or recognized outlets only. Authenticated will-call pickup is available – just bring your photo ID to the box office – or you can print tickets at home. Note that the club does not release extra tickets for sold-out shows, and there are no refunds (only exchange for rescheduled/canceled shows). If you have extra tickets to sell, North Carolina law caps resale at face value plus up to $3, so plan accordingly. In summary: plan early, buy only from official channels or the door (if available), and have a backup plan in case premieres sell out fast.

Seating and Layout

The Orange Peel’s main performance area is an open floor (approximately 1,050 capacity) with the stage at one end. It’s general admission (standing room only), spread out on a slightly springy wooden dance floor that encourages a lively crowd. There are no fixed seats on the floor, although a few stools line the walls near the bars for those who prefer to perch. Many fans love getting right up by the stage for an immersive view, but the sound and sightlines are good throughout. If you prefer a bit more space, the sides and rear of the floor offer a view without being in the crush. There is a small balcony/mezzanine area above the venue (accessed via stairs/elevator) that is sometimes used for viewing or as VIP space; tickets for this area are limited and may be available for certain shows. Adjacent to the main hall are two full-service bars (one on each side), so no matter where you stand you’re usually within sight of a bar. Arguably the best “seat” depends on your style: front row for a show, or next to the back wall if you want a breather spot. Acoustically, customers frequently praise the sound quality – comments note “the acoustics are good” thanks to the club’s excellent line-array speakers and mixing consoles (www.tripadvisor.com). There is also a mezzanine lounge called PULP (see below) that offers a very small stage or listening room atmosphere, but most ticket-types are general admission.

Getting There and Parking

The Orange Peel is located at 101 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville, just a few blocks from Pack Square. By car, enter “101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville” into your GPS. Note that the venue itself has no private lot – street parking is available (and is free after 6pm on most downtown streets), or you can park in nearby lots/garages. For example, several public parking decks serve the Biltmore/Hilliard area (often $5–$10 evening rates). Do not block driveways or park in tow-away zones; follow signs carefully. Traffic before big shows can be heavy, so allow extra travel time. For drop-offs and rideshares, the main entrance on Biltmore Ave (on the corner) is typical; just watch out that stopping long isn’t allowed on Biltmore, so a quick drop-off on Hilliard Ave around back is another option. Asheville’s transit system (ART) serves downtown: routes S1, S2, S3, etc., pass within a block or two of the venue (ask the driver for a stop on Biltmore Ave near Hilliard or near Pack Square). Central bus/shuttle stops (like Grove Arcade/Downtown Transit Center) are about a 5–10 minute walk. If you’re coming by tour bus/coach, the Pack Square area is suitable for drop-off. In short: driving or rideshare is most convenient for most visitors, but buses and even Greyhound/Amtrak (Union Station) can connect you to this downtown address.

Inside the Venue

When you arrive, expect a friendly staff at the door checking IDs and tickets. The venue is a smoke-free indoor space (theorangepeel.net), so if you need a cigarette or vape you’ll be sent to the outdoor smoking deck (on the north side of the building by the stage (theorangepeel.net)). Be prepared for a quick bag/purse search: no large backpacks or bags are allowed inside (theorangepeel.net). (Small clutches or bags are fine.) Further inside, you’ll find two main bars serving a wide selection of local craft beers, ciders, wine and mixed drinks (theorangepeel.net). The bar staff are usually busy but known to be courteous – some patrons have even reported complimentary drinks for good customer service experiences (www.tripadvisor.com). Lighting is dim except for the stage, creating an intimate club atmosphere; the stage itself has high-quality concert lighting and often dramatic effects. Noise level will be loud – this is a live concert space, so expect to shout to friends or use phone flash (no strobe flash photography) and take care of your hearing (ear plugs are handy for sensitive ears). The walls are decorated with posters and murals celebrating music; the vibe is “old-school club meets modern concert hall.” A drink-holder ledge partially encircles the main bar areas and provides a place to set beverages. There is no free house Wi-Fi for patrons (typical of clubs), so most guests use cell data (coverage is decent). Restrooms are located toward the rear and side of the venue (ask staff if you can’t find them). A coat-check is available during the cold season if you need (typically downstairs near the PULP bar (theorangepeel.net)). Throughout the show, venue staff will circulate – they’ve been praised for handling crowds with professional ease (www.tripadvisor.com). Merchandise tables (shirts, posters, etc.) are usually set up near the stage or entrance; artists often sell their own merch there. In short, expect a rock-club feel: dark, friendly, energetic, with easy access to drinks and (thankfully) plenty of free water stations to keep fans hydrated.

Nearby Amenities

Downtown Asheville around the Orange Peel is packed with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. If you have time before a show, try one of the many eateries just steps away. Popular pre-show spots include Southern comfort food at Tupelo Honey or Biscuit Head, creative New American at Chestnut, or River Arts District smokehouse barbecue at 12 Bones – all are within a few blocks. For a more upscale meal, The Blackbird and Curate (Spanish tapas) are nearby and often recommended. Asheville is also famous for craft beer, so bars like Thirsty Monk, Wicked Weed Barrel + Bier (brewpub), and several downtown taprooms are great for a drink before or after a show. Almost any type of cuisine can be found – from sushi to pizza to Italian – in walking distance. If you’re staying overnight, there are many hotels within half a mile of the club: Aloft Asheville Downtown is literally across Hilliard Ave, and several boutique inns like the Kimpton Hotel Arras, AC Hotel Asheville, and Foundry Hotel are just a few blocks away. (It’s wise to book early on concert weekends.) Downtown taxis and rideshare vehicles run late (especially on weekends), or the free ART Downtown shuttle can get you from Asheville’s core (like Pack Square) almost door-to-door. In short, the Orange Peel is in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant nightlife district – arrive hungry or thirsty, you won’t run out of options!

What Makes This Venue Special

The Orange Peel’s unique character comes from its mix of history, sound quality and community spirit. It’s housed in a vintage building that once anchored a diverse cultural scene: an exhibit on-site chronicles how the space was a roller rink and a hub for Black music in the 1950s–70s (ashvegas.com) (theorangepeel.net). That heritage lives on in a venue that values both up-and-coming acts and legends – from indie duos to historic performers like Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper and Beastie Boys (www.pubintproj.com). Being run by a local nonprofit (Public Interest Projects) means the Peel is as much about community as profit: they reinvest in the arts, offering low ticket prices for local acts and even free events like music workshops and history tours. Musicians love playing the Orange Peel because the crowd is close and enthusiastic – and because the house PA (D&B audiotechnik speakers, Yamaha consoles, etc.) produces clear sound that artists praise. The staff and production team are seasoned, so shows usually run smoothly even at full capacity. Architecturally it’s nothing like a sterile arena – it still feels like a downtown neighborhood club, with exposed brick walls, art installations, and that “rock & roll cave” vibe, yet with modern lighting rigs and video screens to give big-concert flair. Legendary stories circulate here: for instance, Asheville’s annual music culture partly traces back to the Peel’s success; when major acts hold a New Year’s run, fans travel from all over. In sum, the Orange Peel is special because it’s both cozy and world-class – an unassuming club that has hosted the millionth ticketed fan in Asheville history (www.pubintproj.com). It’s a gateway into Asheville’s music heart, where every show feels like a local happening and every note resonates with the city’s creative energy.

Visitor Tips and Information

– **Arrival:** Aim to get there early (at least 30–45 minutes before showtime). Downtown parking can fill up, and the box office line for will-call or tickets moves faster on arrival than during the scramble right before doors. If you have a Will Call order, pick it up at the box office the afternoon or evening of the show (bring your ID).  
– **Age and ID:** Unless a show is advertised “all ages”, the Orange Peel is strictly 18+ (ID required, even for 18-year-olds). On all-ages nights, minors must stay near the back with supervision and should use ear protection. Babies under 2 generally aren’t allowed.  
– **What to Bring:** Comfortable, casual clothing is fine – Asheville is laid-back. Wear shoes you can dance and stand in. Earplugs are not a bad idea for loud shows. Bring a small bag or purse if needed (it will be searched). Small cameras and phones are ok (videos/pics from your phone are typical), but professional SLR cameras or video gear require permission from management.  
– **What NOT to Bring:** No large backpacks, coolers or outside food/drinks. Weapons of any kind, and illegal substances, are strictly forbidden.  
– **Security/Policies:** Security will check bags and may wand patrons briefly. Smoking/vaping is prohibited indoors – step outside to the patio deck. Re-entry: if you leave (for example to smoke or use your car), you need your ticket stub and wristband intact to re-enter. Staff will stamp wrists/tickets on exit and check them closely on return.  
– **Food & Drink:** The two full bars serve local beers, ciders, wine and mixed drinks (no food is sold at the bar, though sometimes small snack vendor trucks appear outside). Yes, there are water jugs available if you need a free drink of water (a previous review notes complimentary water is provided, so stay hydrated!).  
– **Coat Check:** Available only in winter (check season: roughly Nov–Mar). If it’s cold out, they’ll have a checked-coat area downstairs near the Pulp entrance (theorangepeel.net).  
– **Bathroom:** One large restroom area (separate sides for men/women) is mid-back on the main floor, plus one near the bar. Expect a line at peak intermission.  
– **Accidentals:** The venue is basement-ish with no floor seating, so those prone to dizziness should drink water between shows. Keep your phone or a watch handy – you might need it to meet friends if it’s crowded.  
– **Insider Advice:** The Orange Peel sometimes offers free “behind the scenes” tours on non-show afternoons (historical tours every Wed–Fri by reservation), which can be fun if you’re interested in music history (ashvegas.com). Also check if the artist is planning a “meet-and-greet” venue (not common here, but check event details). Follow the venue’s social media or sign up for newsletters for surprise pop-up shows or contests. Lastly, be prepared for friendly southern hospitality: the staff and local concertgoers often make newcomers feel welcome, so ask around if you’re unsure where to stand or what to do!

Frequently Asked Questions