HELLBENDER

by The Orange Peel

ABOUT US

The Orange Peel Announces First Show, New Name for Outdoor Venue

Outdoor music in a green, riverside setting is coming to Asheville this summer with the unveiling of Hellbender by the Orange Peel, the new outdoor venue opening in July 2026.  Located at 151 Thompson Street just off Swannanoa River Road and S. Tunnel Road, Hellbender kicks off a limited concert series later this year, and announces plans for a permanent stage and full season beginning in Spring 2027.

The approximately three-acre concert site sits along a bend in the Swannanoa River and includes the property of the former Cursus Keme, the beloved local brewery which closed after Hurricane Helene. The new venue will feature a gently graded concert lawn for general admission, as well as options for both premium and standard seating at shows.

Hellbender by The Orange Peel

Hellbenders (WNC’s celebrated, giant salamander) are known for their longevity, adaptability and sensitivity to the health of the river ecosystems they inhabit. In choosing the uniquely Appalachian species to represent the new venue and become its unofficial outdoor brand mascot, the long-time management team at the Orange Peel hopes to reflect their connection to place, their history in Asheville, and the new venue’s riverside setting, while signaling their commitment to a thoughtful, sustainable activation of a site shaped by water and history.  

“The Orange Peel’s 24-year history as a local live music business, deeply connected to our community, is central to everything we do,” said Liz Whalen Tallent, head of marketing and co-owner of Big Picture Concert Group, The Orange Peel, and Hellbender. “We love bringing people together for live music and we love Asheville, and Hellbender will be a reflection of both.  Our team has been a work family for nearly 20 years now, and having weathered our share of challenges together alongside our community, we are deeply committed to Hellbender being sustainable for the long term. As we invest in this new venture and watch it come to life over the next few years, we look forward to being part of rebuilding, re-energizing and bringing new life to the Swannanoa River Road industrial corridor which was hit so hard.  Asheville music fans are some of the most dedicated and engaged crowds in the whole touring world, and we can’t wait to introduce Hellbender to all the music lovers out there.”

First Show Announcement at Hellbender

The first show to be announced at Hellbender will take place Saturday, August 1, featuring headliners Rhiannon Giddens, Mavis Staples, and Mary Chapin Carpenter, with support from Hurray for the Riff Raff.

Billed as “Rhiannon Giddens presents American Tunes: Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing: Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff,” this special engagement marks the first official show announcement of Hellbender’s inaugural season.

Under open skies, Rhiannon Giddens brings together Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mavis Staples, and Hurray for the Riff Raff for a joyful celebration of American songs that connect generations. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. at hellbenderavl.com and at the Orange Peel box office, located downtown at 101 Biltmore Ave. Seated tickets will be available, along with general admission lawn tickets that include access to designated areas where small picnic blankets and beach towels will be permitted.

More Information

While a full season of programming is planned for 2027, a limited 2026 season will begin in July and run through October, with more concerts to be announced soon. Additional details on upcoming shows and tickets can be found at hellbenderavl.com or theorangepeel.net. We look forward to sharing more about the ongoing development of Hellbender in the days to come.

FAQS

DIRECTIONS & ADDRESS

151 Thompson Ave, Asheville, NC 28803. The venue is located at the end of Thompson St., a short distance off of Swannanoa River Road (NC 81). We recommend taking Exit 7, from I-240.

Please note, concert-goers should avoid using the route from Fairview Road to Glendale Avenue, through Oakley, to reach the venue. There will be traffic management points at Fairview Road and Glendale, and at McArthur Lane and Glendale, to ensure that concert traffic does not unduly impose on the residential area between these two points.

COMING SOON!

Options for reaching the venue are limited to the following:

  • Free parking and shuttle service
  • Paid parking in temporary concert parking areas surrounding the venue. These spaces must be reserved in advance (parking will be available to reserve starting April 15, 2026).
  • Ride-share (Uber, Lyft) or Drop-Off: All Ride Share will drop off at 15 Mulvaney St.
  • ADA drop off – See ADA section below
  • Public Transportation, Bike or Walk: Bike parking will be available at both gates.


**There is NO street parking surrounding the venue on Swannanoa River Road (NC81), Thompson St, Simpson St, or Glendale Rd. The City of Asheville will be actively enforcing no parking along shoulders throughout the area**

Hellbender is locally owned and operated; it is of utmost importance to us that our shows impact our community positively. We ask that when coming to enjoy a concert, all concert-goers be respectful of surrounding property owners.  At all times, please:

  • Respect neighboring businesses and residences. 
  • Follow all No Concert Parking signs and Do Not Park in residential areas. No Parking rules will be strictly enforced. 
  • Use designated parking areas only.
  • Dispose of trash properly.
  • Be respectful of neighbors when leaving the venue at the end of our concerts

All events are All Ages unless otherwise noted.

Children 3 years old and under get in free and do not require a ticket.

Hearing protection is strongly encouraged for young children.

Hellbender is an ADA-compliant, accessible venue.

For vehicles with ADA placard designation, please contact us at team@bigpictureconcerts.com for advanced parking options

Accessible viewing areas are available at all shows. A seating area is also available by reservation at all shows, for those who would prefer to sit at our concerts.

ADA restroom accommodations are available onsite.

If you require additional accommodations, please contact us in advance so we can best assist you.

For those with ADA designation, please use the drop-off area at Thompson Ave directly in front of the venue entrance.

All events conclude by 10:00 PM in accordance with local sound ordinances.

Events are held rain or shine, unless otherwise noted.

In the case of severe or dangerous weather (such as high winds, lightning and thunder, and similar conditions), performances may be delayed, paused, or canceled for safety.

Updates will be shared via our website and official social media channels. Buyers will also be contacted by email, through our official ticket selling platform, Etix.

Tickets are available on Hellbenderavl.com through our ticketing partner Etix.

Please be sure all Hellbender tickets are purchased directly through the venue website:  Hellbenderavl.com. Not only does this ensure your tickets are legitimate and valid, but it ensures that we can be in direct communication with you about show policies, schedule changes and weather updates.

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is officially canceled.

Hellbender is primarily a general admission outdoor venue.

Seated tickets are available for those who prefer. For most shows, there is both Premium and Standard seating available. Within these two sections, the specific chair location is first come, first served.  

Blankets are permitted when indicated on the individual show listing page at hellbenderavl.com

To ensure a safe and efficient entry process:

Small purses, fanny packs, and small bags are permitted.
Bags larger than 6” x 6” may not be permitted unless they are clear.
All bags are subject to search.

Please note, all guests will enter through automated metal detection upon arrival.

Prohibited items include:

  • Outside food or beverages
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Illegal substances
  • Professional cameras without prior venue approval
  • Large backpacks or oversized bags

We look forward to sharing more about Hellbender soon!