Rainy Day Activities
Rainy Day Guide: What to Do When It's Raining in Asheville
Don't let a rainy day or cold weather dampen your Asheville adventure! Whether you're into art, games, music, or just want to stay cozy indoors, Asheville has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained when the weather isn't cooperating. This guide highlights the best rainy day and cold weather spots in and around downtown Asheville, perfect for planning your perfect indoor day from The Lazy Tiger Hostel.
Museums & Culture
Asheville Art Museum
Explore modern and contemporary art across multiple floors, located right on Pack Square in the heart of downtown Asheville. The museum features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that showcases regional and national artists.
Moogseum
Discover the legacy of Bob Moog and the synthesizer revolution at this interactive museum downtown. Play synthesizers yourself, explore exhibits on electronic music history, and experience a uniquely Asheville attraction. Small but immersive, perfect for music lovers and curious minds.
Marquee Asheville
Large curated marketplace in the River Arts District featuring dozens of local artists, makers, and vintage dealers. Indoor, spacious, and wander-friendly, perfect for browsing on a rainy day.
Books, Coffee & Board Games
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
Combine your love of books and wine at this unique spot in the Grove Arcade. Browse used books while enjoying wine and champagne in a cozy, literary atmosphere. Perfect for a sophisticated rainy day escape.
Malaprop's Bookstore/Café
A classic indie bookstore in downtown Asheville where you can browse curated selections, grab a coffee, and settle in for hours. Known for its community events and excellent book recommendations, it's a beloved local institution perfect for book lovers.
Well Played Board Game Café
With hundreds of board games to choose from, snacks, beer, and cider available, this is the perfect spot to spend a rainy afternoon. Stay as long as you want, try new games, and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. Great for groups or solo adventurers looking to meet fellow gamers.
Arcades, Bowling & Funtivities
Asheville Pinball Museum
Pay one flat fee for unlimited pinball and classic arcade games. Perfect for reliving childhood memories or introducing younger visitors to retro gaming. A fun, nostalgic way to spend a rainy day in downtown Asheville.
Asheville Retrocade
Located in West Asheville, this retro arcade offers all-day play with arcade games, consoles, and pinball machines. A great value for gamers who want to spend hours exploring classic and modern games.
Sky Lanes Bowling
An old-school, locally owned bowling alley on Patton Avenue. Perfect for a classic rainy day activity with friends or family. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and affordable fun.
Ace & Eagle
Located inside Hi-Wire RAD, Ace & Eagle features indoor golf simulators, billiards, and shuffleboard. It's a big, comfy indoor hang space perfect for groups looking for active indoor entertainment with drinks and food nearby.
The Draftsman Bar & Lounge
Underground cocktail bar inside The Restoration Hotel with vintage bowling lanes, darts, billiards, and lounge seating. A good rainy-day evening hang spot for drinks and games.
Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing
A-Escape Asheville
A local escape room company offering private-group escape rooms downtown. Perfect for team building, date nights, or groups of friends looking for an immersive puzzle-solving challenge.
Escape the 828
An interactive scavenger hunt and puzzle experience that turns Asheville into your personal escape room. Perfect for rainy days, you can play from a local bar or brewery, making it an ideal indoor activity when the weather turns. Choose from games like Operation Mindfall or Bachelor/Bachelorette Royal for a fun, one-of-a-kind Asheville experience.
Axeville Throwing Club
Try your hand at axe throwing while enjoying drinks in a social atmosphere. An easy group activity that's fun for beginners and experienced throwers alike. Perfect for a unique rainy day experience.
Movies, Music & Night Out
Asheville Pizza & Brewing – Merrimon "Brew & View"
Combine pizza, local beer, and second-run movies at this unique venue on Merrimon Avenue. A perfect rainy day combo that lets you enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment all in one place.
Live Music Venues
Asheville's vibrant music scene offers plenty of indoor venues for rainy day entertainment. Check out popular spots like The Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle or Eulogy for live performances.
Wellness
Sauna House
Located downtown, Sauna House offers hot/cold contrast therapy rooms, sauna, cold plunge, and showers. Especially great when the weather is less than ideal, this wellness space provides a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation on a rainy day.
Asheville Salt Cave
Himalayan salt cave with relaxation sessions, sauna/steam experiences, and massage therapies. Calming, warm, and fully indoors, perfect for escaping the rain and cold weather.
Plan Your Rainy Day Adventure in Asheville
Looking for the perfect place to stay while exploring Asheville's indoor attractions? The Lazy Tiger Hostel is your ideal base for rainy day adventures. Located conveniently in downtown Asheville, we offer cozy accommodations and easy access to all the spots mentioned in this guide. Need help planning your indoor itinerary? Our staff is here to provide personalized recommendations for your rainy day activities.