Asheville -- July 17, 2026: After months of anticipation, Asheville music fans are about to experience the city's newest outdoor concert destination. Hellbender by The Orange Peel officially opens to the public this weekend, marking a major addition to Western North Carolina's live music scene.
Located along the Swannanoa River at 151 Thompson Street, between Biltmore Village and South Tunnel Road, Hellbender offers a unique outdoor concert experience designed to complement Asheville's vibrant music culture while providing an intimate setting for nationally recognized performers.
The inaugural weekend features performances by Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr., giving concertgoers their first opportunity to experience the venue.
Hellbender's opening carries special meaning for the Asheville community. The property sits in an area that suffered extensive damage during Tropical Storm Helene in September 2024, when the Swannanoa River overflowed its banks, covering the site with mud, debris and floodwaters. What visitors will see this weekend is the result of months of cleanup, rebuilding and hard work by The Orange Peel team, transforming the property into one of Asheville's newest entertainment destinations.
The venue represents another milestone in the region's recovery while reinforcing Asheville's reputation as one of the Southeast's premier destinations for live music.
Guests attending opening weekend should plan ahead for parking. There is no free parking available at the venue. Paid parking options include:
Salamander Lot – 40 Simpson St. – $30
Water Dog Lot – 99 Thompson St. – $20
Swannanoa Lot – 208 Swannanoa River Road – $15
The parking lots open one hour before venue gates and remain available until 11 p.m.
Concertgoers can also take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service from Asheville Mall. Five shuttle buses will run continuously beginning one hour before gates open until 10 p.m. Pick-up is located near the former JCPenney entrance, just beyond Belk Department Store.
For decades, The Orange Peel has earned national recognition for bringing world-class artists to Asheville. Hellbender expands that legacy outdoors, creating a larger venue capable of hosting major touring acts while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has made The Orange Peel one of North Carolina's most respected music venues.
With opening weekend finally here, Hellbender is set to become another landmark in Asheville's thriving entertainment scene, offering residents and visitors a new place to enjoy live music along the banks of the Swannanoa River.