A Guide To: River Arts District by Travel Guides Asheville

River Arts District

“The River Arts District, or RAD, is a creative hub along the French Broad River. Former warehouses and mills, many with colorful exterior murals, contain glassblowing, pottery, and other artisan studios, plus indie art galleries.”

Colorful buildings in the River Arts District with a sidewalk, signage, plants, and a flag.
Colorful graffiti mural on the exterior wall of Grail Moviehouse theater featuring a bright yellow gear, a film reel, roses, and abstract designs. In front, there are two red umbrellas, turquoise stools, and a sidewalk cafe scene.
A blue brick building with a mural of clouds, flying children, and the word 'WEDGE' in large white letters. There is graffiti art at the bottom of the building and a black door entrance. To the left, a smaller building with grey graffiti on it and a
Exterior of a building with a purple wall and painted logo saying 'Foundation Studios', a parking lot, a few trees, and a partly cloudy sky.
Colorful graffiti art on building walls, featuring various tags and designs.
Skateboarder performing a trick at a skatepark with graffiti art on the wall, during sunset, with a child riding a bike in the background.
Colorful mural painted on the exterior wall of a building, featuring abstract patterns in blue, orange, purple, and pink.
Marquee sign above the entrance of a building with graffiti art on the walls.

Galleries, Studios & Shopping

More than 200 artists work in paint, pencil, pottery, metal, fiber, glass, wax, paper and more in The River Arts District. There are no official “Open Hours” for the River Arts District, but at any given time throughout the year, you will find a plethora of open studios and galleries.

  • The entrance of a building with a large sign that reads 'MARQUEE' in bold letters. The building has a weathered exterior with colorful graffiti on the walls surrounding the entrance.

    Marquee

    Marquee is a design centric market place of curated vendors from around the region and beyond that offer unique antiques, vintage and artful decor, jewelry and craft for the home and garden. Marquee is the culmination of a European street market with the colorful Asheville vibe.

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  • Graffiti mural on a building featuring a forest scene, a large sleeping animal, and a colorful bird with a Santa hat, with the word 'GALLERY' at the bottom.

    Foundation Woodworks

    Foundation Woodworks is a collective of artists sharing studio space, equipment and a passion for creativity. The gallery has everything from small gifts, like wooden jewelry and kitchen items, to beautiful custom furniture and sculptures.

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  • A brick building labeled 'Cotton Mill Studios' with black signs, surrounded by greenery,, with, a red umbrella, and a sign in the foreground that reads 'Cotton Mill Studios' and '122'.

    Asheville Cottonmill Studios

    Come explore the unique blend of history, community, and artistry that is The Cotton Mill. We are a collection of artists, makers, musicians and creatives, inspired by the mountains that surround us.

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More River Arts Galleries

Where To Eat & Drink

River Arts District is home not only to some of Asheville’s best artists, but also to some of the best restaurants and breweries too!

  • A plate of smoked ribs with one rib partially removed, highlighting the smoky meat, with a logo at the top reading '12 Bones Smokehouse, Est. 2005'.

    12 Bones Smokehouse

    At 12 Bones Smokehouse, we make everything from scratch. Our meats are smoked long & slow over select hardwoods. Our recipes are both old family favorites & new ones we’ve just come up with. We believe that simple ingredients & lots of care in preparation make the best food.

    Website
  • Colorful murals and graffiti art on exterior walls of buildings, with a sign reading 'EDGE' above the entrance, and a step ladder near the door in an urban outdoor setting.

    Wedge Brewery

    The Wedge on Foundy quickly became a cornerstone in the River Arts community, after it opened in 2017. Covered with large graffiti murals, the building has a life of its own. The Wedge serves as a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life to laugh, exchange ideas and drink Wedge beer.

    Website
  • Exterior view of Ultra Coffeebar with outdoor seating, trees, and a one-way street sign.

    Ultra Coffeebar

    Ultra has a full espresso bar serving Counter Culture Coffee, roasted in Durham, North Carolina. We make all our coffee flavor shots in-house. No chemicals, no excessive sugars or pretend flavors. If it says honey lavender, we steeped it with organic, French lavender buds and honey. If it says vanilla bean, we use Madagascar vanilla beans in it.

    Website
All River Arts Restaurants

Things To Do

From paddleboarding the French Broad River and skateboarding at the RAD Skatepark to catching a live show or watching an indie movie at Grail Moviehouse, there’s something for everyone to do while visiting the River Arts District!

  • Two people paddleboarding on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

    Wai Mauna SUP Tours

    The best way to stand up paddle Asheville! Wai Mauna Asheville SUP Tours offers guided tours, paddleboard rentals, lessons, and board deliveries.

    Website
  • Aerial view of a large outdoor concert with a stage, purple lights, and a crowd of people under tents and trees at sunset.

    Salvage Station

    From hosting nationally-touring headliners to up-and-coming acts on indoor and outdoor stages, Salvage Station has been voted Asheville’s best place to catch live music. Our spacious riverside venue is a favored hangout for drinks, live music, and casual outdoor dining.

    Website
  • Colorful mural on the exterior of Grail Moviehouse with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and blue stools in front.

    Grail Moviehouse

    Asheville's Alternative Cinema. The Grail Moviehouse is a locally owned and independent cinema showing first run, art, independent, foreign films, and documentaries. Our concession stand offers movie snacks and treats, local beer and wine to enjoy in the theater or pick up snacks to go.

    Website
More Things To Do
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