HELLBENDER

by The Orange Peel

ABOUT US

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.”

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.

From Downtown Asheville
Go South on Biltmore Ave
Turn left on Swannanoa River Rd
Following signs for parking lots / rideshare drop-off

From South
Take I-26 W to I-40 E
Exit 50 off I-40 E
Turn right on Swannanoa River Rd
Following signs for parking lots / rideshare drop-off

From North
Take I-26 E to I-240 E
Exit 7 for US-70
Continue straight down S Tunnel Rd
Turn right on Swannanoa River Rd
Following signs for parking lots / rideshare drop-off

From East
Take I-40 W
Exit 53B to US-74A W
Turn right at exit
Turn left on Swannanoa River Rd
Cross over S Tunnel Rd
Following signs for parking lots / rideshare drop-off

From West
Take I-40 E
Exit 50 to US-25
Turn left at exit
Turn right on Swannanoa River Rd
Following signs for parking lots / rideshare drop-off

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PARKING

Options for reaching the venue are limited to the following:

  • Free parking and shuttle service from the Asheville Mall
  • Paid parking in temporary concert parking areas surrounding the venue. These spaces must be reserved in advance (see individual show listing for a link to parking information specific to that show).
  • Ride-share (Uber, Lyft) or Drop-Off: All Ride Share will drop off at 9 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 primarily a general admission standing outdoor venue.

Seating: A limited number of seated tickets are available for most shows. Within the section you choose (Preferred or Standard), seating is first come, first served. 

Lawn Chair Rentals: Outside chairs are not permitted inside the venue. Folding chairs are available to rent for $10 at the venue merch tent on the day of the show only. At this time, we are not taking advanced reservations for lawn rentals. While rentals may sell out, we stock enough chairs to accommodate most crowds. For everyone’s safety, rental chairs may only be used in designated lawn seating areas. Please look for posted signs.

Blankets: Guests are also welcome to bring a small beach towel or mat measuring 3′ x 5′ or smaller to sit on.

Additional bench seating and hammocks are available in our shaded riverside viewing area. Arrive early to claim your favorite spot!

 

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 info@hellbenderavl.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.

See current seating map here.

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.

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!