2025-26 New Year Celebrations

A vibrant mix of concerts, masquerades, family-friendly festivities, soulful gatherings, and supportive spaces.

Asheville is preparing to ring in 2026 with celebrations that promise music, magic, and community connection.

The Avett Brothers at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville: A spirited countdown with one of North Carolina’s most beloved Americana bands, joined by The Infamous Stringdusters.

Mystical Masquerade at the Omni Grove Park Inn: Inspired by Phantom of the Opera, this glamorous evening will feature fine dining, live entertainment, and theatrical mystery.

Downtown Asheville New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl: Themed drinks, lively crowds, and a chance to explore the city’s eclectic pub scene.

Resolution Run: An annual downtown tradition that kicks off New Year’s Day with energy and optimism.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum: More than a million lights illuminating whimsical displays, including towering trees and Dambo’s Troll sculptures.

Soulful Celebrations

Beyond the big stages, Asheville’s African American community will celebrate in smaller, intimate venues that highlight Black artistry and culture:

Local Lounges & Bars: Spaces like The Social Lounge and Ben’s Tune-Up will host DJs spinning R&B, funk, and soul.

Pop-Up Lounges: Black-owned pop-up events often feature Afrobeat, hip-hop, and soul sets. Visit Black Wall Street AVL on Instagram (@blackwallstreetavl) or the YMI Cultural Center (@ymiculturalcenter) for up-to-date info.

Local DJs: Performers such as DJ Nex Millen (@djnexmillen) and DJ Black Caesar (@djblackcaesar) spin high-energy sets blending old-school R&B with contemporary beats.

These venues offer more than music—they provide spaces of belonging and cultural connection, ensuring African Americans in Asheville welcome 2026 in places that feel like home.

Alcohol-Free & Supportive Spaces

Recognizing that not all celebrations revolve around alcohol, Asheville also offers inclusive, supportive environments.

Alcohol-Free Gatherings: Community centers and churches host sober New Year’s Eve events, emphasizing fellowship, music, and reflection. Check out the Stephens-Lee Community Center at 30 George Washington Carver Ave., and local churches offering welcoming spaces.

Recovery-Friendly Spaces: Organizations such as Asheville AA groups like Daily Decisions at 60 Church St (ashevilleaa.org/meetings) and nonprofit recovery centers like Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness at 209 Tunnel Road (sunriseinasheville.org) provide free support meetings and safe spaces for those in recovery, ensuring that everyone can celebrate without pressure.

Family-Friendly Alternatives: Events like the Resolution Run, held at 80 Court Plaza downtown (idaph.net/resolution-run), and the North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way (www.ncarboretum.org) offer joyful, substance-free ways to welcome the year.

From glitzy concerts and masquerades to soulful Black-owned lounges and alcohol-free community spaces, Asheville’s New Year celebrations reflect the city’s eclectic spirit. Whether you are looking for music, cultural connection, or supportive fellowship, we hope you can welcome 2026 in style.

For a list of events, please visit happeningnext.com/asheville/new-year. Take time to support a few of the local businesses listed at diglocal.com/asheville-nc/categories/26-asheville-black-owned.