Dinner, a show, and a few unusual date ideas around Asheville, all checked as open for fall 2026.
Asheville is a good date town because the good restaurants, music venues, and theaters are within walking distance downtown. This list mixes dinner spots with things to do afterward. Book ahead and check hours, since restaurants here open and close frequently.
Cúrate - Spanish Tapas Downtown
Cúrate at 13 Biltmore Avenue is Chef Katie Button and Félix Meana's Spanish tapas bar, open since 2011. It serves tapas, charcuterie, and raciones with seasonal Appalachian ingredients and has an all-Spanish wine program. Reservations are through OpenTable.
Chestnut - Creative Southern Cooking
Chestnut at 48 Biltmore Avenue opened in 2012 and describes its food as classics done right with a touch of cutting edge. It serves dinner nightly, and reservations are through Resy.
Table - Seasonal New American
Table has served a small, seasonal New American menu downtown since 2005 under Chef Jacob Sessoms, with a menu built around Southeastern farms and producers.
A Show at The Orange Peel
Catch a touring band at The Orange Peel. The fall 2026 calendar includes Bright Eyes and Allison Russell. The venue lists ages and seating for each show, so check before you buy.
Theater Downtown
Asheville Community Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors runs through October 11, 2026, and North Carolina Stage Company's Misery is listed from October 14 through November 1, 2026.
Lights, Seasonally
Biltmore's Luminere is an evening outdoor light and sound show on select nights through October 18, 2026. Later in the season, Winter Lights at the Arboretum runs November 13, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
A Low-Key Option
The Asheville Pinball Museum is an easy, playful date, with unlimited play on 40 pinball machines and 40 classic video games.
