AVL Sounds Fest and Asheville BuskerFest Bring Music and Street Performers to the City

Riverview Station sold for restoration, Asheville Regional Airport gets $2.5M for new taxiway

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Asheville's citywide AVL Sounds Fest returns August 6-9, bringing hundreds of acts to venues across town, while a new companion event, Asheville BuskerFest, debuts May 2-3 in Pack Square, Pritchard Park, and the River Arts District. Riverview Station in the River Arts District has been sold to historic-preservation developer GBX Group, which plans a major restoration. Asheville Regional Airport is also getting $2.5 million in federal funding to build a new taxiway, improving safety and efficiency.

Why it matters

The return of AVL Sounds Fest and the debut of Asheville BuskerFest will provide a boost to the city's vibrant music and arts scene, drawing visitors and showcasing local talent. The sale and restoration of Riverview Station preserves an important part of Asheville's creative community and riverfront, while the new taxiway at the regional airport will enhance transportation and economic opportunities.

The details

AVL Sounds Fest will feature hundreds of acts performing at venues across Asheville from August 6-9. The new Asheville BuskerFest will spotlight local street performers in Pack Square, Pritchard Park, and the River Arts District on May 2-3. Riverview Station, a former tannery complex in the River Arts District, has been sold to historic-preservation developer GBX Group, which plans a major restoration project. Asheville Regional Airport is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding to build a new taxiway, improving safety and efficiency without disrupting commercial flights.

  • AVL Sounds Fest will take place August 6-9, 2026.
  • Asheville BuskerFest will debut on May 2-3, 2026.
  • Riverview Station was recently sold to GBX Group.
  • The $2.5 million in federal funding for the Asheville Regional Airport taxiway project was announced in 2026.

The players

AVL Sounds Fest

Asheville's citywide music festival that features hundreds of acts performing at venues across the city.

Asheville BuskerFest

A new companion event to AVL Sounds Fest that will spotlight local street performers in Pack Square, Pritchard Park, and the River Arts District.

Riverview Station

A former tannery complex in Asheville's River Arts District that has been sold to historic-preservation developer GBX Group for restoration.

Asheville Regional Airport

The regional airport serving Asheville and Western North Carolina, which is receiving $2.5 million in federal funding for a new taxiway project.

GBX Group

A historic-preservation developer that has purchased Riverview Station in Asheville's River Arts District and plans a major restoration project.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The return of AVL Sounds Fest, the debut of Asheville BuskerFest, the restoration of Riverview Station, and the airport taxiway project all demonstrate Asheville's continued commitment to supporting its vibrant arts, music, and transportation infrastructure, which are vital to the city's economic and cultural vitality.