Asheville River Arts District Tops USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Poll

The Asheville River Arts District (RAD) was named the top arts district in the United States in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, with winners announced Feb. 25, 2026. The recognition came through the publication’s combined process of public voting and editorial selection, positioning the RAD ahead of other nominated arts districts nationwide.

USA TODAY’s 10Best program relies on readers to cast ballots and on an internal editorial panel to finalize winners, and the Feb. 25, 2026 announcement reflected that dual process. For Asheville and Buncombe County institutions that rely on visitor traffic - galleries, studios and arts events within the RAD - the designation signals national visibility driven directly by reader engagement in the voting period.

Local leaders and arts stakeholders in Buncombe County will likely use the No. 1 ranking from USA TODAY for marketing and programming tied to the River Arts District brand. Because the award rests on public voting, the Feb. 25, 2026 result demonstrates measurable public interest among USA TODAY’s readership and suggests a near-term boost in tourism attention from readers who follow the 10Best readers’ poll.

The RAD’s top ranking in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards adds to Asheville’s broader cultural profile in 2026, following a national readers’ poll culmination on Feb. 25, 2026. That profile can affect gallery foot traffic, weekend visitation to the French Broad River corridor, and decisions by event promoters and merchants in Buncombe County who track national media recognition when scheduling exhibitions, open studios and special events.

With USA TODAY’s winning list finalized Feb. 25, 2026, the River Arts District now carries a No. 1 designation from a national readers’ poll and editorial selection process. That formal acknowledgment offers a clear talking point for RAD organizers and Buncombe County cultural promoters as they plan outreach and programming for the remainder of 2026.