The Meeting Planner’s Guide to Unique Venues in Asheville

From grand estates to outdoor escapes, Asheville has no shortage of incredible venues for conference and meeting planners looking to create an exceptional offsite event. Whether you’re a planner who has visited many times, or you’re considering Asheville for the first time, this is your inside scoop to some of our city’s best and most memorable venues.

Downtown Asheville

Distinctive Downtown Venues

In the heart of Asheville, a vibrant downtown welcomes you to explore streets lined with independent boutiques, buzz-worthy restaurants and notable craft breweries. Enjoy the city soundtrack of street-corner musicians and performers as you immerse your guests in Asheville’s free-spirited vibe.

Overlooking Pack Square Park in the center of town, choose from The Century Room’s beautiful wood and exposed brick ballroom (180 seated; 250 reception) or the chic and versatile private loft at Daphne Room at Twisted Laurel (85 seated; 125 reception). Nearby, The Venue boasts three levels of meeting space and accommodates groups ranging from 200 to 750 attendees.

For open-air gatherings, book the patio at District 42 (40 seated; 60 reception), one of the restaurants of the Kimpton Hotel Arras. Or check out Rabbit Rabbit, one of Asheville’s hottest downtown venues—it accommodates up to 600 guests in its outdoor beer garden.

Take over the iconic Orange Peel concert venue (250 seated; 1,000+ reception), or host your event at The Asheville Masonic Temple, a 100-year-old landmark featuring a theater (350) and a wide-open dining room (200). And new on the scene, Circa 29 (150) on the lower level of The S&W Market Food Hall, a classic art deco building, lends events a distinct speakeasy vibe.

Sky-High Scenes

To elevate your offsite event, look to one of downtown Asheville’s exciting rooftop venues.

The Montford (75), perched atop the Doubletree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, is a classy spot for raising a toast with a craft cocktail or local brew while watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Capital Club of Asheville (120 seated; 200 reception) features panoramic views from indoors and out, with a large terrace perfect for hosting happy hour after a day of seminars and workshops.

Large groups (up to 300) will love the mountain breeze and Cuban rhythms at Hemingway’s Cuba (at Cambria Hotel), where 4,000 square feet of rooftop terrace beckon with fire pits, flexible seating, and the flavors of Havana.

Wide-Open Spaces

Just outside of Asheville’s city limits you’ll find mountain views and pastoral landscapes where you can breathe in the natural beauty that lures visitors to Asheville year after year.

To the west of downtown, the Event Center at The Farm offers a beautiful indoor/outdoor space for up to 300 guests, plus private cooking classes for small groups up to 12 and a Chef’s Table in-kitchen dining experience for up to 40 guests. Be sure to check out the breathtaking views and flexible spaces at venues like Claxton Farm, Franny’s Farm, and Taylor Ranch.

Hickory Nut Gap Farm is a fifth-generation farm in picturesque Fairview, about 20 minutes from downtown. The Big Barn (up to 225) is a 60-year-old dairy barn perfect for dinners, receptions, and concerts.

For a vintage experience, take a look at JuneBug Retro Resort, an outdoor venue located about 20 minutes north of downtown. Customize your event (up to 200) with a 1960s Airstream-turned-bar or a 1953 Ford farm truck that doubles as a performance stage.

For large group events with views of Asheville’s surrounding mountains, check out the event venue, Crest Center & Pavilion, or the historic resort with outdoor venues, The Omni Grove Park Inn.

The Iconic Biltmore

One of Asheville’s most exceptional settings for a group event is Biltmore, which offers picturesque beauty, multiple venue locations, and exclusive programs for groups of all sizes.

For larger groups, consider Diana at Biltmore, an outdoor venue with sweeping views of the Biltmore house and the surrounding mountains. This secluded space accommodates up to 600 attendees. Also consider Antler Hill Barn, once the center of all agricultural operations on the estate—it’s been renovated as an informal event space for groups of up to 400.

Smaller groups can meet in one of Biltmore’s most intimate spaces. The Champagne Cellar, located at the estate winery, features stone walls and refined décor and is perfect for groups of up to 30. For medium-sized groups, Cedric’s Garden offers an open-air event space that can seat up to 70 and can be combined with indoor meeting space at Cedric’s Loft.

Inquire about Biltmore’s other historic venues—your group could dine amid the lush exotic plants and pointed glass roof of the 1890s Conservatory, mingle beside the tranquil pools of the Italian Garden, or have a picnic in the vineyard on the West Side of this legendary estate.

Asheville Art Museum

Meet With the Muses

Asheville’s creative community provides multiple ways for groups to immerse themselves in art and cultural experiences.

Many of the galleries at the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum are available for special events (200 seated; 400 reception). Imagine mingling among masterpieces at a cocktail reception in the glass-walled atrium or at the rooftop cafe and terrace overlooking the mountains. Ask about guided tours for groups of up to 20 to learn more about the museum’s permanent or rotating exhibits.

Check out Lexington Glassworks in downtown Asheville—the studio and showroom can host up to 110 for a reception while attendees enjoy local craft beer and watch a live glass-blowing demonstration. Or host a reception at a downtown gallery like the Center for Craft or the Benjamin Walls Gallery.

Beer City Rendezvous

Explore Asheville’s craft beer scene at some of the city’s most notable beer locales, many of which offer meeting space, behind-the-scenes tours, guided tastings and, of course, heady pints of locally brewed beer.

At Highland Brewing Company, Asheville’s oldest craft brewery, book the tri-level industrial-chic event space (300 seated; 400 reception) complete with a rooftop patio featuring 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Medium-sized groups (up to 80) can book the barrel room for a more intimate experience.

On Asheville’s brewery-packed South Slope, Green Man Brewery welcomes groups to its “Green Mansion” location. The third-floor tasting room offers plenty of space for up to 125, plus exclusive access to the covered outdoor patio, which can also be booked separately for up to 40. For a more casual event, rent out the loading dock (up to 75) and hire a local food truck! This outdoor space has plenty of picnic tables and room to mingle. Inquire about adding a private tour or beer tasting to your group’s event.

In the River Arts District, the Cloud Room at Wedge at Foundation accommodates up to 130 (70 seated) with a dedicated bar. And the event space at Hi-Wire Brewing’s Big Top location near historic Biltmore Village, groups can rent The Event Space for meetings, dinners, or receptions (200 seated; 350 reception) or gather in the open-air bier garden (50 seated; 100+ reception).