BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Just under four months after a section of White Horse Black Mountain collapsed during building renovation, the nonprofit music venue has reopened. White Horse welcomed their first act to the stage last Thursday and has more on the way. Further expansion of the space is also planned for the near future.
Back in the saddle
On Jan. 21, 2026, the former ticket booth at White Horse collapsed during renovation work on the building. Read about the collapse in our story here.
No one was injured during the accident, but White Horse was forced to close, left without the ability to host events for months. Community partners like The Monte Vista Hotel stepped up to assist the nonprofit, providing a temporary space for programming during the closure.
Judi Melton, director of marketing and community relations at White Horse, said that the hotel was a huge help.
“We had a lot of shows there. We were able to do some things that we didn’t do here. We had a piano series that was kind of more intimate and loungy that wouldn’t work in a big venue,” Melton said. “So, that part was really cool. But also, I think what’s most important is we have staff and artists, and it allowed us to keep people working. It allowed us to keep artists playing, and that’s really about what a lot of our mission is. Being able to do that, I think, is probably the biggest blessing we had out of our visit at Monte Vista.”
As White Horse reopens, the venue is looking toward revamping their outdoor space. Currently, indoor events at White Horse seat between 125 and 220 people. According to Melton, White Horse has plans for a new outdoor patio and deck, which will double the capacity of the venue to around 400.
“I think we’ll definitely be in the 400 neighborhood for inside, patio and deck,” Melton said. “It’s great for our area. You know, the more people that come and explore experiences like White Horse, or the [Black Mountain] Center for the Arts, or Pisgah or any of the places in town that bring tourism dollars to all the small businesses that are our neighbors and friends, it kind of all goes hand to hand.”
The deck will be constructed on top of the venue, providing mountain views and outdoor seating year-round, thanks to heating plans. Melton said the space will be accessible by both staircase and elevator.
In the meantime, the venue has plenty of events on the calendar. As with all White Horse shows, tickets are donate-what-you-can.
“So, for all intents and purposes, free, for those that need it to be free. We trust that the community who has capacity is gonna maybe pay a little bit more than they might for a ticket,” said managing director Zach Hinkle. “We trust that the people that are paying less, they’re paying less because they need to, and that’s been working out really well for us so far.”
Later this month, White Horse will host its regular open mic night, a benefit concert from David LaMotte and CHINOBAY and alumni and faculty from the University of North Carolina Asheville for a jazz and contemporary music jam.
Music at White Horse tends to be bluegrass, blues, Americana and folk, but the venue is excited to introduce new genres to the Black Mountain community, too.
“We’re always looking to expand the offerings here, and we’re always looking to bring a new sound,” Melton said. “I tell people you can find your favorite new artist here all the time. Somebody you’ve never thought of or have never heard of. You’d be surprised.”
For the full calendar of events, visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.org/events.