Hellbender AVL Sounds Fest

ADA Drop-Off

For passengers with ADA needs only, drop-off is available directly at the main gates, located at 155 Thompson St.

Only passengers who are unable to walk from the nearby Rideshare Drop-Off Lot (see below) will be allowed to drop off directly at the front gates. Please reserve this option for those with mobility restrictions.

Uber/Rideshare Option

Rideshare Drop-Off and Pick-Up Address:
9 Mulvaney St, Asheville, NC 28803

Rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, must use 9 Mulvaney St for drop-off and pick-up to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Set 9 Mulvaney St as the destination in your rideshare app before requesting your ride. Rideshare vehicles will not be allowed to drop guests off directly at the gates.

Walk, Bike, or Bus

Public Transportation: There are bus stops within walking distance of the venue, but please be aware that city buses have limited hours during weekends.

Bike: Bicycle parking will be available. Motorcycles will need to use our paid lots or shuttle from the Asheville Mall.

Walk: If you live nearby and choose to walk, use caution, as there are few sidewalks in the venue vicinity—especially post-Helene. We join our Oakley neighbors in advocating for the City of Asheville to add more sidewalks and multimodal transportation options!

Free Parking and Shuttle Option

Hours: 1pm–7:30pm
Pick-Up Location: Asheville Mall, former JCPenney entrance
Address: 3 South Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

The festival will offer a free shuttle pick-up at the Asheville Mall. Pick-up will be near the back entrance to the former JCPenney, located at the south end of the complex, past Belk Department Store. Use any open parking nearest the former JCPenney.

Turn into the mall entrance at the third traffic light, closest to Belk. Look for the A-frame sign.

Shuttles will run continuously from 1pm, when doors open, until after the show ends at 7:30pm and are free to ride.

Please note: For this event, the festival is operating one shuttle bus, so please be patient!

Hellbender Is a General Admission Venue

Hellbender is a large, outdoor general admission venue. While most shows offer a sizeable reserved seating section, all wristbands for the festival event are General Admission, and there will be no rows of chairs set out.

Hellbender lawn chairs will be available to rent for $5 each. Personal chairs are not allowed, so plan to rent one—don’t bring your own!

If you don’t plan to arrive early, bring a blanket or beach towel. We will have plenty of room for blankets at the event. We also offer bench seating around the shaded riverside area if you want to take a break during the show.

Bathrooms and Facilities

Hellbender offers plentiful restroom facilities.

There is a block of permanent bathrooms near Gate 2, at the back of the venue along the river. Men’s, women’s, and family/unisex restrooms are available.

We also have portable toilets near the Gate 1 entrance, close to the stage.

Free Water

We have three free water taps behind the bar building, directly across from the main entry area. Look for the sign!

We provide plastic cups, but recommend bringing your own empty water bottle to reduce waste.

Chair Rentals

We do not allow outside chairs into the venue, but lawn chairs are available to rent for $5 each.

Please return rented chairs to the rental stand when you’re finished with them.

ADA Seating

ADA seating is available in the ADA viewing section. This area is located on a paved platform near the main bar. Seats will be provided for you.

Rain or Shine

All shows are rain or shine. As long as there is no severe weather—such as lightning, high winds, or a hurricane threat—in the forecast, the show will proceed as planned, even if it is raining.

If the show has already started and severe weather forces us to stop, we will make an announcement over the loudspeaker and evacuate the venue.

Box Office

There is no box office on-site for the AVL Sounds Festival event. Please have your festival tickets and credentials ready in advance.

Food Trucks at the Show

Check out our food truck area, featuring delicious options from local food trucks. You don’t need to leave the gates to enjoy some local eats!

We will offer a variety of options. Check our social media for the food truck schedule at your event.

Clear Bag Policy

To reduce staff contact with guests’ belongings, no bags or purses larger than 6″ × 6″ will be allowed through the gates unless they are made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC.

All guests will pass through automated metal detection upon arrival. To expedite the entry process, do not bring metal items that may set off the scanners.

IDs

The show is open to all ages, but remember to bring a valid ID if you are over 21.

Accepted forms of identification include:

• Military ID
• State-issued driver’s license or ID
• Passport

OK to Bring

• Empty water bottles—find our three water taps behind Bar 2
• Blankets or mats smaller than 3′ × 5′
• Clear bags and purses
• Small opaque bags measuring less than 6″ × 6″
• Your AVL Sounds Festival wristband and/or credentials
• Your valid ID if you plan to have a drink
• Patience and respect for fellow show-goers, our artists, and our krewe

Do Not Bring

• No re-entry
• No chairs or other camping furniture
• No blankets larger than 3′ × 5′ (standard beach blanket size)
• No bags or purses larger than 6″ × 6″ unless made of clear material
• No umbrellas
• No professional photography, cameras, or flash
• No outside food or beverages
• No pets or animals, except legal service animals
• No fireworks, weapons, or other dangerous items
• No illegal substances