Looking for the best things to do in Asheville's River Arts District? From glassblowing workshops to street murals, craft beer, and local art studios, here's your complete RAD guide.
If you've heard locals mention "the RAD," they're talking about one of the most electric creative neighborhoods in the South. Asheville's River Arts District is a stretch of reimagined industrial warehouses along the French Broad River, now packed with working artist studios, craft breweries, street murals, and some of the city's best food. It's not a tourist attraction in the polished sense. It's a living, breathing art community that happens to welcome visitors with open arms.
Whether you have a few hours or a full day, here's how to make the most of it.
Try a Glassblowing Workshop (You'll Make Something to Take Home)
This is the one thing in the RAD you absolutely cannot miss. We're local Asheville artists who have made the River Arts District our home, and when you book a glassblowing experience with us, you're not just watching, you're making. Working side by side with our artists, you'll shape molten glass into a cup, paperweight, or ornament that you actually get to take home. It's part spectacle, part craft, and completely unforgettable.
Whether you're visiting solo, with a partner, or wrangling a group, we'd love to share the magic of glassblowing with you. Come visit us, book ahead, and bring your curiosity. Spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Note- we are only open for bookings on the weekends, but our shop is open all week.
Curious to see some of our work before you arrive? Take a peek at our online shop, where you'll find hand blown drinkware, ornaments, bud vases, and more. All made right here in the RAD.
Studio Hop Until You Find Your Favorite Artist
The RAD is home to hundreds of working artists across buildings like Riverview Station, Phil Mechanic Studios, and The Marquee, a sprawling 50,000-square-foot marketplace that reopened in 2025 after Hurricane Helene, housing over 300 artists, antique dealers, and makers. Pop in, browse, and don't be shy about striking up a conversation. Most artists love talking about their work, and you might walk out with something one-of-a-kind.
Pro tip: Visit on a Second Saturday. The RAD hosts monthly district-wide gallery walks with live music, artist demos, and vendors spilling out into the streets.
Chase the Street Murals
You could spend an entire afternoon just following the street art. The RAD's walls are covered in massive murals by local and visiting artists, turning the whole neighborhood into an open-air gallery. Keep your eyes open as you walk between studios. The best ones tend to surprise you mid-block.
Grab a Drink (or Two)
The RAD has a serious craft beer scene. Wedge Brewing Company is the neighborhood institution, with a sprawling outdoor space along the railroad tracks that draws a crowd on sunny days. Burial Beer Co. on Collier Ave brings a darker, more atmospheric vibe with equally excellent brews. And if you're in the mood for something different, Anoche on Clingman Avenue is Asheville's best mezcal bar, tiny, cozy, and genuinely special.
Eat Well
No RAD day is complete without food. For something quick and satisfying, White Duck Taco Shop does creative tacos in a bright, casual space. 12 Bones Smokehouse is legendary if you like meat. The BBQ here is so good it has drawn presidential visits. Coffee lovers should find their way to Ultra Coffee Bar for a solid espresso and a moment to regroup before more studio hopping.
Catch a Show at the Grey Eagle
One of Asheville's most beloved live music venues, The Grey Eagle sits right in the RAD and hosts an eclectic mix of indie, folk, Americana, and more. Check their calendar before your trip. There's almost always something worth catching.
Plan Your Visit
The River Arts District is located just minutes from downtown Asheville, with free parking available throughout the neighborhood. Most studios are open Tuesday through Saturday, with some open on Sundays. Second Saturdays and the bi-annual Studio Stroll (held in May and November) are peak times to visit if you want the full experience.
Bonus Tip:
If you like to skate, bring a pair of roller-skates, or blades! There is a long pathway following the river, where you can skate with Asheville locals.
Ready to make something beautiful? Start your RAD day with a glassblowing workshop at Small Batch Glass and book your spot here.
