Hendersonville – On Saturday, May 3, the City of Hendersonville marked the completion of its multi-year streetscape revitalization of the historic 7th Avenue District with a lively community celebration. The 7th Avenue Street Fest welcomed residents and visitors alike with live music, local vendors, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the newly refreshed area.
The opening festivities capped off a morning that also saw the return of the Hendersonville Farmers Market for its 2025 season. The dual events transformed the district into a hub of activity, offering everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts, family-friendly activities, and performances by local musicians.
The 7th Avenue Streetscape project, a $4.2 million investment in downtown Hendersonville, began construction in early 2023. The effort included significant infrastructure improvements such as underground utility upgrades, along with enhancements to pedestrian safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. The completed project features widened sidewalks, new lighting, landscaping, and signage—all designed to make the district more inviting for both locals and tourists.
The May 3 celebration featured live music from local acts Radical Joy, featuring Mary Kay Williams and Reggie Headen, and The Stripe Brothers. City officials led a ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize the transformation of the area. Shortly afterward, the ArtScape Banner Reveal took place at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, unveiling vibrant new public art.
With its completion, the 7th Avenue streetscape project has redefined the district as a pedestrian-friendly destination and economic asset for the community. The grand opening celebration served as both a symbolic and literal step forward, inviting residents to rediscover the historic area and enjoy everything downtown Hendersonville has to offer.
Meanwhile, earlier that morning, the Hendersonville Farmers Market launched its fifth season at the Historic Train Depot on Maple Street. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the market featured more than 45 local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, eggs, plants, baked goods, crafts, and specialty foods. Live music by Jacob Dunham and a kids’ activity area sponsored by Mini Batch Bakery added to the market’s welcoming atmosphere. Many vendors extended their hours to stay for the Street Fest, helping bridge the two events into a full day of celebration.
The Hendersonville Farmers Market will continue to operate every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 26. The market is pet-friendly, accepts SNAP/EBT benefits, and participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program, allowing shoppers to stretch their grocery budgets while supporting local farmers. Parking is available along Boxcar Street and at the nearby courthouse.
“We had a great turnout to celebrate the opening day of the Farmers Market and introduce 7th Avenue to the community,” said Jamie Carpenter, Downtown Manager for the City of Hendersonville. “It was a great day to celebrate a long-awaited construction project, along with the introduction of several new businesses and more on the way. The feelings throughout the day were joyful, with many of our businesses, property owners, committee members, volunteers, city staff and contractors all gathered together for the ribbon cutting and celebration.