The Creative Heart Beats On: Valentine’s 2026 in the River Arts District

Asheville -- January 16, 2026: The Creative Heart Beats On: Valentine’s 2026 in the River Arts District

There is a unique kind of romance in resilience. This year, as Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, the River Arts District (RAD) isn't just celebrating love—it’s celebrating a homecoming. After the devastating floods of Hurricane Helene left much of the district underwater, the 2026 season marks a triumphant Creative Renaissance. From the 4th-anniversary milestone of Marquee Asheville to the hundreds of artists who have dug out the mud to reopen their doors, the RAD is once again the vibrant, industrial soul of Asheville. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on workshop to spark a new passion or a candlelit corner for a quiet toast, this weekend offers a powerful way to celebrate connection while supporting the small businesses that define our community.

Valentine’s Weekend Event Schedule (2026)

Thursday, February 12

• Love, Marquee 4th Anniversary Celebration

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Location: 36 Foundy St, Asheville, NC 28801

  • Highlights: A celebration of rebirth featuring a DJ set by Ganymede, Street Creatures, and themed cocktails.

  • Community Feature: The Love Letter Community Wall (partnered with Battery Park Book Exchange and Story Parlor) will be open for guests to share notes of gratitude for the city.

Friday, February 13

• Ukrainian Pysanky Egg Workshop: Valentine’s Edition

  • Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Studio A, 375 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801

  • Details: Master the art of wax-resist folk art with romantic motifs.

• XOXO: A Galentine's Slumber Party

  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM

  • Location: The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

  • Details: An all-inclusive "sleepover dream" with tarot readings, a nail bar, snacks, and a DJ set.

Saturday, February 14 (Valentine's Day)

• The Great RAD Saturday Sale & Stroll

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: District-wide

  • Details: Visit hundreds of reopened studios across Roberts St and Depot St for special holiday discounts and live demos.

• Paint Your Partner!

  • Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  • Location: Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801

  • Details: A playful, high-energy session focused on fun and connection rather than perfection.

Sunday, February 15

• Palette Knife Painting Workshop

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Location: Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St, Asheville, NC 28801

  • Details: Learn to create bold, textured "textured magic" with heavy body acrylics.

Essential Dining & Drinks Directory

• Piccolina – 375 Depot St, Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28801

• The Bull and Beggar – 37 Paynes Way #7, Asheville, NC 28801

• Golden Hour (at The Radical) – 95 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801

• The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage – 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

• Sugar & Snow Gelato – 99 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801

• RAD Brewing Co. – 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801

• Anoche – 176 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

• Plēb Urban Winery – 289 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801

• Baby Bull – 1 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801

• Grey Eagle Taqueria – 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

• WNCTimes

• Image: WNCTimes