Last Updated on May 6, 2025
Live performances are more than just something to see on the weekend. In the Blue Ridge, performance is a way of life. A way of connecting with neighbors and communicating with the past. And in Brevard, you’re never far away from it. This small town sings with mountain music, modern grooves, movies, performance art, and more from venues both historic and unexpected.
Here are a few spaces where you can catch a great show in Brevard, NC.
185 King Street
185 King Street combines music and great food in one welcoming venue in downtown Brevard. The business opened in 2009 as the first entertainment business in Brevard’s Lumberyard Arts District with a mission of supporting local musicians. Today, the district is flourishing and the business continues their original mission of supporting local artists. Most nights, you’ll find a new artist or band sharing their favorite tunes.
185 King Street, Brevard | (828) 877-1850 | 185kingst.com
Brevard College
The Paul Porter Center for Performing Arts is a 700-seat, state-of-the-art performance space on the campus of Brevard College. This acoustical marvel serves as a performance and academic space for students from the music and theater departments. It also hosts an impressive lineup of local and national artists. Recent performances include the Brevard Philharmonic, Brevard Community Band, Transylvania Choral Society, and the Artist Series. The center also houses the Kirkpatrick-Coleman Pipe Organ, an imposing $1.2 million instrument with three manual divisions, 69 ranks, and 3,539 pipes. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
One Brevard College Drive, Brevard | (828) 641–0641 | brevard.edu/the-porter-center
Brevard Music Center
Each year for more than 80 years, the world renowned Brevard Music Center has opened its doors to the public for dozens of concerts during their Summer Institute & Festival. The legendary summer music program trains hundreds of prodigious young musicians each season and pairs them on stage with gifted faculty and some of the most celebrated classical talents in the world. Easily 40,000 people will seat themselves in the open-air Whittington-Pfohl auditorium over the course of the series.
In September, the music center also hosts the Mountain Song Festival (pictured at top). The annual event was created to bring the best in acoustic mountain music to the community and to further encourage music in our everyday lives. The two-day lineup features a great group of local artists, children’s activities, nature exhibits, food, and more. Ticket proceeds benefit the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County.
349 Andante Lane, Brevard | (828) 862-2100 | brevardmusic.org
Co-Ed Cinema
Whether you’re on a date night, with friends, or watching solo, the historic Co-Ed Cinema has been a local entertainment icon for more than 80 years. The theater became the Co-ed Cinema when Brevard College became a co-educational school in 1934. Now, it’s a local favorite. The Co-Ed shows a selection of popular and newer releases that appeal to the entire community. Plus, your cinema experience is within walking distance to downtown’s terrific restaurants and galleries. Movies rotate on Friday of each week.
79 W Main Street, Brevard | (828) 883-2200 | coedcinema.com
The DFR Lounge
Since 2015, The DFR Lounge has hosted both legendary and contemporary touring and local musicians in an intimate listening room show space in the heart of Brevard, NC. The lounge’s magical atmosphere has the vibe and acoustics of an old speakeasy—cool, sweet, and engaging. From jazz and blues to classic rock and R&B, you never know who you’ll see at DFR. Stroll downtown to grab food and a drink (social districts allow you to bring your drink with you!). And come down to the underground to enjoy a show!
44 E Main Street, Brevard | (828) 966-7619 | dfrlounge.com
Transylvania County Library
The Transylvania County Library is more than just a place to check out books. It’s a vital, trusted source of discovery, inspiration, and innovation. And they host a variety of events for kids, teens, and the general public throughout the year. When it comes to live performances, there won’t be a fussy librarian in your face to shush you. Head to the Library Amphitheater as the sun sets to enjoy regional and touring musicians during the library’s popular Summer Concert Series. Download the app to stay up to speed on upcoming events!
212 S Gaston Street, Brevard | (828) 884-3151 | library.transylvaniacounty.org
Main Street
While it is tucked within the Land of Waterfalls, Brevard could rightly be called the land of festivals. The town offers almost weekly annual events through the summer season—and many of them happen right on Main Street. From traditional dancing to supporting local art, there’s something for everyone. May is the time to mark your calendar for 4th Friday Art Walks, when participating galleries and businesses showcase their best work. And White Squirrel Weekend, one of the region’s favorite Memorial Day events, pays homage to the town’s adorable mascot with three days of music, food, craft beer, and fun.
Main Street, Brevard | brevardnc.org
Find a home in Brevard, NC
Brevard, NC has distinguished itself as an epicenter for outdoor adventures, small businesses, education, art, and music. Tucked along the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic in-town living and big mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable hub of independent shops, boutiques, art galleries, pubs, and eateries. And Brevard is rich in year-round events and festivals.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Brevard, NC now!
