RAD Renaissance May 10, 2025

Asheville Six months after Hurricane Helene left parts of Asheville's River Arts District submerged and silent, the creative pulse of the city is returning with vibrance and vision.

On May 10, 2025, the River Arts District (RAD) will officially launch the RAD Renaissance — a one-day celebration marking a new chapter for the district’s artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Anchoring the event is the debut of the RAD Art Market, a new weekly open-air marketplace featuring original works by dozens of local artists and makers — many of whom were directly impacted by the storm. The market, located in the heart of the district along Roberts Street, aims to boost both cultural tourism and small-scale entrepreneurship as Western North Carolina continues its broader economic recovery.

A Creative Economy in Recovery

The River Arts District, home to more than 200 artists, studios, galleries, and creative businesses, is a cornerstone of Asheville’s local economy. Prior to Helene, it drew thousands of visitors annually, with studios often doubling as storefronts for everything from textiles and ceramics to craft brews and custom furniture.

Hurricane Helene disrupted all of that — with widespread flooding damaging roads, studios, and walk-in business. The RAD Renaissance marks a conscious pivot toward stability, visibility, and innovation. The Art Market, running every Saturday through fall, provides an accessible platform for artists to showcase and sell their work in a centralized space.

What to Expect at RAD Renaissance

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 10, visitors can explore:

The inaugural RAD Art Market, featuring local artisans, crafters, and food vendors

Live performances, community mural painting, and street art

Interactive art demos and open studios throughout the district

Themed flower stations and creative installations for public interaction

The event is free and open to all ages, with shuttle service and public parking options to accommodate a larger crowd.

Small Businesses Driving the Revival
Local businesses — many of which have been quietly rebuilding since fall 2024 — see the event as a signal of collective recovery.

Wedge Brewing Co., a longtime RAD anchor, plans to host live music and outdoor food trucks throughout the day. Nearby creative studios like Cotton Mill Studios and Riverview Station will participate with artist meet-and-greets and extended hours.

“We’ve had to rebuild more than just walls,” said gallery co-owner Marcus Lenoir, who spent months rehabbing flood-damaged floors and inventory. “This market isn’t just economic — it’s emotional.”

A Broader Investment in Asheville’s Creative Identity
The RAD Renaissance arrives as other parts of Asheville — from South Slope to West Asheville — are seeing renewed investment in arts, events, and tourism marketing. The Explore Asheville bureau has resumed promotional campaigns, and the city’s Economic Development Office has included RAD in its 2025 revitalization map.

Event organizers hope the May 10 celebration will be both a commercial and cultural launchpad — one that invites locals and visitors to re-engage with Asheville’s artist community not only for a day, but for a season of renewal.
RAD Renaissance 🗓️ May 10, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Upper River Arts District. Roberts Street, Artful Way, Clingman Ave, Depot Street
Free admission

WNCTimes