With exactly two weeks until AVLFest returns to dozens of Asheville stages, organizers at Worthwhile Sounds and Wicked Weed Brewing are excited to unveil the day-by-day schedule for its August 1-4 event. With over 350 artists spanning an extensive array of genres, plus a variety of bonus programs including comedy, panel discussions, family-friendly activities, and more, the 2nd annual AVLFest promises an unforgettable celebration of Asheville music and culture set to surpass the achievements of its inaugural event.
For the second year in a row, AVLFest will bring non-stop entertainment to a number of host venues across town, including fixtures like The Orange Peel, Asheville Music Hall, The Grey Eagle, and more. With newly-participating establishments like Eulogy, Citizen Vinyl, and Jack of the Wood joining this year’s festivities, nearly every corner of the city will soon be overflowing with live music and bustling crowds. Official AVLFest showcases include performances by Asheville legends like Papadosio, River Whyless, Town Mountain, Toubab Krewe, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Ashes & Arrows (who were recently featured on the hit show America’s Got Talent) and a sizeable stack of other local favorites; national contemporaries including The New Pornographers, Washed Out, Jessica Pratt, Blitzen Trapper, S.G. Goodman, and The Heavy Heavy.
AVLFest passholders will also gain access to a mix of extra curricular programs including Liner Notes: Curated Conversations with AVLFest Artists, occurring Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30-3:30 p.m.at Citizen Vinyl; kid-friendly activities and a Rock Academy Showcase at Highland Brewing from 2:00-7:30 p.m. on Sunday; a tribute to Malcolm Holcombe (whose final performance was at the inaugural AVLFest last year) featuring Asheville mainstays Darren Nicholson, Ashley Heath, Planefolk, Dan Johnston, Laura Blackley, and Dylan Walshe at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.; an Asheville Stages Photo Exhibit titled “3 Songs. No Flash” on display at various venues throughout town, and many more pop-up events.
Jeff Whitworth, founder of AVLFest presenting partner Worthwhile Sounds, shares “AVLFest is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of our close-knit community and our collective vision to make Asheville a true hub for the arts. We are excited to return for a second year, uniting artists, venues, local businesses, nonprofits, and passionate audiences in a shared love for music.”
“Surrounded by some of the world’s most ancient mountains and rivers, Asheville’s creative scene is deeply rooted and ever evolving. This Blue Ridge Mountain town has drawn and nurtured creatives for generations. Music brings community together – and that’s just one of the meaningful reasons Explore Asheville is delighted to support AVLFest for residents, artists and visitors alike,” added Vic Isley, President & CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.
As AVLFest gears up for its second year, attendees can look forward to an “only in Asheville” experience bursting with eclectic performances, thought-provoking conversations, and unique local flavors that showcase the community-based spirit of the city’s vibrant arts scene.
$135 GA and $250 VIP Weekend passes are available now. Local patrons who would like to support AVLFest while sparing online ticketing fees can now purchase AVLFest passes in person at Harvest Records and Records in the RAD. A portion of proceeds from AVLFest’s 2024 festival will benefit Asheville Music Professionals, a local nonprofit driving education, advocacy, and collaboration in the western North Carolina music community.
"We're excited to be included in the 2nd Annual AVLfest as the nonprofit partner," says AMP board member Josh Stack. "It's fitting in that the festival and AMP exist due in large part to the immense amount of local musical talent. It's long been a point of pride for Asheville. AVLfest is quickly becoming a signature event in this town and we couldn't be prouder to have been invited to serve in this capacity."
To learn more about AVLFest, explore the lineup, view shuttle and bike routes, or purchase passes online, visit avlfest.com and follow along at @AVLFest on Instagram and Facebook.
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WHAT: 2nd Annual AVLFest
WHERE: Various Venues – Asheville, NC
WHEN: August 1-4, 2024
TICKETS: $135-250
TICKET LINK: AVLFest Tickets
FESTIVAL WEBSITE: AVLFest.com
About Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing is an award-winning brewery based in Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in December 2012, Wicked Weed currently operates a 50-barrel production brewery, a sour beer production facility and four retail locations; the original Brewpub in the heart of downtown Asheville, the southeast’s first mixed-culture dedicated taproom, the Funkatorium, and the Wicked Weed West taproom. Wicked Weed opened Cultura, a fine dining restaurant in 2019 that was nominated in 2020 by the James Beard Foundation for Best New Restaurant. In 2021 Wicked Weed launched their newest endeavor, Vīdl Winery, specializing in the production of natural wines. In 2024 Wicked Weed expanded distribution to northeastern states including Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey. Learn more at: WickedWeedBrewing.com.
