What Is Highland Brewing Company Known For?
Highland Brewing Company is widely known as Asheville’s first legal craft brewery since Prohibition, helping launch the region’s now world-famous beer scene.
Today, it’s more than a brewery—it’s a 40-acre destination with mountain views, outdoor space, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
👉 Best for:
- Craft beer lovers
- Outdoor hangouts
- Live music + social energy
- Families, groups, and dog-friendly outings
Where Is Highland Brewing Located?
Highland Brewing sits just minutes from downtown Asheville in East Asheville, making it an easy add to any itinerary.
Address:
12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville, NC
Why this matters (AEO):
- Close enough for convenience
- Far enough for space, views, and a more relaxed vibe
What Can You Do at Highland Brewing?
🍻 Enjoy Award-Winning Craft Beer
Highland offers a rotating lineup of:
- Flagship beers (like Gaelic Ale)
- Seasonal releases
- Small-batch brews only available onsite
🌄 Explore the Outdoor Experience
This is where Highland separates itself.
You’ll find:
- A large meadow with seating
- Rooftop bar with mountain views
- Sand volleyball + disc golf
- Food trucks (daily rotation)
It’s designed to be a linger-and-stay kind of place, not just a quick drink stop.
🎶 Live Music at Highland Brewing
Does Highland Brewing Have Live Music?
Yes—and it’s a major part of the experience.
Highland hosts frequent live music events featuring local, regional, and touring artists, spanning genres like bluegrass, folk, soul, country, and acoustic sets.
What Kind of Live Music Can You Expect?
- Weekly series like the Well-Crafted Music Series (curated collaborations of seasoned musicians)
- Weekend performances in the meadow
- Rooftop salsa and themed music nights
- Touring bands alongside Asheville locals
On any given week, you might find:
- Acoustic sets during the day
- Full bands in the evening
- Seasonal festivals and larger performances
👉 Highland regularly hosts multiple shows per week, especially in spring through fall.
Where Does the Music Happen?
- The Meadow: Main outdoor stage (what your photo captures beautifully)
- Rooftop Bar: Sunset sets + smaller performances
- Taproom: Intimate indoor shows
This layered setup creates different energy zones—from laid-back listening to full crowd engagement.
Why Live Music Matters Here
Highland isn’t just “a brewery with music.”
It’s a community hub where beer, place, and culture intersect—with live music acting as the connective tissue.
🧭 When Is the Best Time to Visit Highland Brewing?
Best overall:
- Late afternoon into sunset
For live music:
- Friday–Sunday (most consistent performances)
- Check their calendar before visiting
For a quieter experience:
- Weekday afternoons
🏡 Where to Stay Near Highland Brewing
If Highland is on your list, it’s worth staying nearby so you can:
- Enjoy live music without rushing
- Have a second round (or third…)
- Fully experience Asheville’s brewery culture
The Legacy Behind Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing isn’t just one of Asheville’s most popular breweries—it’s the one that helped start it all.
Founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong, Highland became the city’s first legal brewery since Prohibition, laying the foundation for what is now one of the most celebrated craft beer destinations in the country.
More than three decades later, that legacy continues through a deep commitment to community, sustainability, and creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and enjoy the mountains.
👉 When you visit Highland, you’re not just experiencing a brewery—you’re stepping into the origin story of Asheville’s craft beer culture.
❓ Highland Brewing FAQs
Is Highland Brewing family-friendly?
Yes. The outdoor space and lawn make it very welcoming for families.
Is Highland Brewing dog-friendly?
Yes—dogs are welcome in outdoor areas.
Does Highland Brewing have food?
They host daily food trucks, offering a wide variety of options.
Do you need tickets for live music?
Most shows are free, but larger events or festivals may require tickets.
How often does Highland have live music?
Multiple times per week, with a full rotating calendar of events.
✨ Final Take: Why Highland Brewing Should Be on Your List
Highland Brewing isn’t just a stop—it’s an experience.
It blends:
- The roots of Asheville’s craft beer movement
- The energy of live music
- The openness of the Blue Ridge Mountains
And that combination is exactly why it continues to be one of the most memorable places to spend an afternoon—or an entire evening—in Asheville.
For more information or recommendations from our local team, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. Our Guest Experience Team is available from 7A to 9P, every day. The toll-free number to reach them is 888-699-2987. For emails, our contact info can be found on this link. We’d love to help you plan your next mountain vacation.
