Redefine the Weekend in Asheville’s River Arts District
Asheville’s River Arts District (RAD) is a lively, ever-evolving hub of creativity nestled along the banks of the French Broad River. Once home to a stretch of industrial warehouses, the area has been transformed into a thriving community of more than 350 working artists and makers. Despite the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, the RAD continues to flourish, offering art, activities, and inspiration for a weekend getaway–and then some!
Getting Around
The River Arts District is just minutes from downtown Asheville and offers a variety of convenient transportation options. Free street parking and designated lots are scattered throughout the area. Prefer not to drive? The Gray Line Trolley Tours “Hop On, Hop Off” route includes stops in the district. Once there, you’ll find the RAD to be highly walkable and bike-friendly, with most studios open from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Use the ArtsAVL Arts Guide to help plan your visit, or check out River Arts District Artists (RADA) online for artist details and studio listings.
Collective Pursuits
One of the defining features of Asheville’s River Arts District is its wealth of studio collectives—former industrial buildings that now house groups of working artists. These creatively repurposed spaces allow visitors to explore a wide range of artistic styles and mediums all in one place. From painting and photography to ceramics, textiles, and jewelry, each collective offers a distinctive blend of creative energy and conversation. Notable stops include 362 Depot Street, Pink Dog Creative, NorthLight Studios, Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts, and Wedge Studios, which shares space with Wedge Brewing, a favorite gathering spot for both art lovers and beer enthusiasts.
Additional collectives highlight the diversity of RAD’s artistic community. Aura Arts is a vibrant multi-gallery space that includes Trackside Studios, Jaime Byrd Contemporary Art Gallery, the new ceramics collective Clayworks, making it a key destination for fine art and ceramics. Phil Mechanic Studios is known for experimental and contemporary work and includes the STAND Gallery. Warehouse Studios hosts seven artists working in painting, fiber arts, jewelry, and paper.
Just steps away, The Radical Hotel brings a modern edge to the district’s industrial roots, with rooftop views and Golden Hour, a wood-fired restaurant and cocktail bar—an ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you’re browsing or collecting, these working studios offer an authentic and inspiring way to connect with Asheville’s creative core.
Wearable Art
Looking to take home something you can wear? These studios blend fine craftsmanship with fashion-forward design, making wearable art a standout category in RAD. ESB Jewelry features handcrafted, angular designs by Erica Stankwytch Bailey. Stephanie Ellis Jewelry blends antique and contemporary styles with recycled gold, while Laura Wood Studios delivers bold, colorful statement pieces. Next door, Jeffrey Burroughs hosts a weekly champagne-and-shopping experience on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you’re in the market for sustainable fashion, stop by Sew Co., where their in-house clothing line Rite of Passage features timeless, thoughtfully made garments. Nearby, Local Cloth (reopening soon!), a volunteer-led nonprofit, supports the region’s fiber economy through community education, local products, and artisan goods. Their shop offers a curated selection of fiber art and apparel with a mission-driven impact.
Create Your Own
After soaking in the inspiration of the River Arts District, why not dive into the creative process yourself? Many RAD studios offer hands-on classes in ceramics, painting, fiber arts, and more. Odyssey ClayWorks is a standout option for pottery lovers, offering everything from beginner wheel-throwing and figure sculpture classes to weekend intensives and summer clay camps for youth. They also offer 30-minute private lessons on the potter’s wheel—perfect for a fun, no-pressure introduction to clay. All classes include materials and access to open studio hours, so you can truly immerse yourself in the medium.
If you’re looking for a faster project, the North Carolina Glass Center offers 30-minute “Make Your Own” sessions where you can craft your own ornament, cup, pumpkin, or paperweight with guidance from expert glassblowers. Whether you’re seeking a spontaneous creative moment or a more structured class, the RAD makes it easy to turn your visit into a hands-on artistic adventure—and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation to remember it by.
Special Events
To make the most of your visit, plan around one of RAD’s signature events:
RAD Art Market
Every Saturday through October | 11 AM–5 PM | Free
Explore handmade works from local artists in an open-air setting.
RAD Sip + Stroll
August 9, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM | Free
A summer celebration of art, flavor, and community throughout the district.
RAD Resilience
September 13, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM | Free
Honoring one year since Hurricane Helene, this community-wide event focuses on healing, strength, and creativity.
RADfest
November 8–9, 2025 | 10 AM–5 PM | Free
A two-day festival of art, music, and cultural energy in the heart of RAD.
These locally owned studios and businesses offer one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting a resilient and vibrant arts community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, we hope this guide helps you Redefine the Weekend. No matter where you stop, creativity flows throughout Asheville’s River Arts District.