Asheville Music Festivals: From Bele Chere and Moogfest to AVL Sounds Fest
Asheville has long been known as one of the Southeast’s great music cities, and its festivals have helped shape that reputation. For years, Bele Chere transformed downtown into one of the largest free street festivals in the region, drawing thousands of visitors for live music, local artists, food vendors, and a weekend that celebrated everything Asheville had to offer. Later, Moogfest introduced an entirely different experience, blending electronic music, technology, art, and innovation while paying tribute to Asheville native and synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog.
While those festivals have become part of Asheville’s history, the city’s live music scene continues to evolve. New events are building on that legacy, creating fresh traditions while giving both locals and visitors even more reasons to spend a weekend downtown.
AVL Sounds Fest: Asheville’s New Live Music Festival
In recent years, AVL Fest connected music lovers with artists performing across venues throughout downtown Asheville. In 2026, that legacy branched into two new events as the festival evolved into AVL Sounds Fest and Asheville BuskerFest, each offering its own take on Asheville’s thriving music scene.
BuskerFest shines a spotlight on the city’s street performers, bringing musicians, entertainers, and artists to sidewalks, plazas, and public spaces throughout downtown. It’s a celebration of the spontaneous performances that have long been part of Asheville’s personality.
AVL Sounds Fest takes a venue-driven approach, transforming bars, clubs, breweries, listening rooms, and performance spaces into stages for local, regional, and nationally touring artists. With performances spread throughout the city, festival-goers can build their own schedule, discover new bands, and experience Asheville’s music scene one venue at a time.
Fitz and the Wolfe: An Official AVL Sounds Fest Venue in Downtown Asheville
This August, Fitz and the Wolfe is proud to join the inaugural AVL Sounds Fest as one of the festival’s official venues. Throughout the weekend, we’ll showcase the eclectic programming that’s become part of our identity, from country dance parties and singer-songwriters to New Orleans-inspired sounds and high-energy local favorites.
Our festival lineup kicks off on Thursday, August 6, with our fan-favorite Dueling Guitars featuring Buckland and a special guest. On Friday, the party splits into two distinct experiences with Fancy & the Friends in Low Places bringing a ’90s country dance party upstairs while Meschiya Lake delivers her “Half-Way to Mardi Gras” performance downstairs. Saturday keeps the momentum rolling with Laron Huntley and Heavenly Vipers, giving festival-goers another opportunity to experience two completely different musical styles under one roof.
One of the best parts of AVL Sounds Fest is discovering Asheville through its venues. Along with Fitz and the Wolfe, festival-goers can catch performances at legendary destinations like The Orange Peel in downtown, The Grey Eagle in the River Arts District, and Fleetwood’s over in West Asheville, each adding its own character to the festival experience. Whether you’re planning to see one show or spend all weekend hopping between venues, AVL Sounds Fest is the perfect excuse to explore Asheville’s incredible live music community.
Where to Stay During AVL Sounds Fest in Asheville
Whether you’re traveling in for the weekend or planning a downtown staycation, the official hotel partners of AVL Sounds Fest put you close to the music.
Haywood Park Hotel is the perfect home base for anyone planning to spend time at Fitz and the Wolfe. Located inside the historic hotel, our venue is just steps from your suite, making it easy to catch every performance, grab a nightcap, and head upstairs when the music winds down. With spacious suites, a rich history, and one of downtown Asheville’s best locations, it’s the ultimate festival headquarters.
Just a few blocks away, Cambria Downtown Asheville offers modern accommodations and is currently the #1 rated hotel in Asheville on TripAdvisor. Before or after the festival, head to Hemingway’s Cuba, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, where handcrafted cocktails, Cuban-inspired cuisine, and panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views make for the perfect way to start or end the evening.
For guests looking for exceptional value, Country Inn & Suites Asheville River Arts District offers comfortable accommodations along with a complimentary shuttle serving both Downtown Asheville and the River Arts District. Leave the car parked and let the shuttle handle transportation while you enjoy everything AVL Sounds Fest has to offer.
Experience the Inaugural AVL Sounds Fest at Fitz and the Wolfe
The first year of any festival is something special, and we’re excited to help welcome AVL Sounds Fest to downtown Asheville. Bringing together an incredible lineup of artists, unique venues, and music fans from across the region, the festival continues Asheville’s long tradition of celebrating live music while creating something entirely new.
Whether you’re dancing to ’90s country, discovering your next favorite band, or simply enjoying a cocktail between sets, we hope Fitz and the Wolfe becomes one of the highlights of your AVL Sounds Fest weekend.