The 11 Best Brewery Tours Asheville NC Has to Offer in 2026

Brewery tours in Asheville NC give visitors the best way to experience this mountain city’s craft beer scene, with more than 50 brewery locations to explore. Asheville has earned its “Beer City USA” title, and with good reason too. The city ranks as America’s biggest per capita beer destination and makes it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality craft brews. This piece covers the 11 best brewery tours in Asheville, from classic bus experiences to pedal-powered adventures, helping beer enthusiasts choose the perfect tour for their taste and style.

City Brew Tours – The Classic Asheville Brewery Tours Experience

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Tour Overview

City Brew Tours brings over 15 years of brewery tour expertise to Asheville and operates what they call the Original Brew Tour. Expert guides from the company lead participants through a curated craft beer experience. They provide behind-the-scenes access at each stop and share knowledge ranging from ancient beer history to modern brewing techniques. Tours depart from the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel at 31 Woodfin St. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to check in. The company maintains a 5-star Google rating and operates in all weather conditions as long as roads remain safe. Tours require a minimum of four participants to run. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes.

Breweries Visited

Each Original Brew Tour visits three hand-picked local craft breweries that City Brew Tours’ team of beer experts selects. The company has built strong relationships with affiliate breweries throughout Asheville and chooses locations that best represent the city’s craft beer scene. Specific brewery stops vary, though past tours have stopped at locations like Bantam Cider. Participants receive VIP access at each brewery and eliminate the need to choose beers themselves since guides curate the selection.

Duration and Pricing

The Original Brew Tour runs about 3.5 hours. Participants receive up to 12 samples of craft beer throughout the tour and a local snack. The tour has roundtrip transportation in the company’s van. Standard cancelations are free up to seven days before the tour date. Ticket insurance allows changes or cancelations up to three hours before the tour for added flexibility. You get full reimbursement minus booking and insurance fees. The company accommodates most dietary restrictions when notified during booking, though gluten-free beer availability cannot be guaranteed.

What Makes It Special

City Brew Tours earned the ranking as the #1 Bachelor/Bachelorette Experience in the United States. The tour combines education with entertainment. Guides share beer knowledge and provide access to brewing facilities closed to the public. No other Asheville brewery tour offers comparable access to local breweries, according to the company. Gift vouchers are available to purchase in specific tour amounts or custom dollar values. Private tours offer tailored experiences ideal for corporate events and celebrations when groups exceed ten guests.

Date night ideas in Asheville.

Asheville Brewery Tours – Behind the Scenes Access

Tour Overview

Asheville Brewery Tours has guided beer enthusiasts for over a decade through a city that produces more than 400 unique brews each week. Personal local beer experts lead each tour and share insider knowledge while providing behind-the-scenes brewery access that reveals how craft beer moves from grain to glass. The company offers three distinct tour types to match different priorities. Walking tours explore breweries nestled within the historic downtown district and allow participants to find the city’s rich brewing heritage on foot. Mobile tours provide transportation to outlying craft breweries beyond the city center. These tours give exclusive experiences at locations that are harder to reach for visitors. Private tours cater to groups seeking customized adventures tailored to specific priorities.

Breweries Visited

Each tour stops at three breweries. Participants sample three different local brews at each location. The selection spans various styles, flavors and colors, handpicked by knowledgeable guides to showcase Asheville’s brewing diversity. Walking tours often include stops at Bhramari Brewing, located just off the main downtown strip and easy to reach on foot. Wedge Brewing serves as another popular destination, especially their River Arts District location in the Foundation buildings. Highland Brewing Company represents a most important piece of Asheville’s beer history. It was the first brewery to open in the city and now produces over 60,000 barrels annually. The mobile tours venture to hidden gems throughout the region and provide access to breweries that most visitors might miss without local guidance.

Duration and Pricing

Mobile tours cost $79 per person and deliver exclusive tastings, expert guidance and detailed behind-the-scenes brewery access. Walking tours run $69 per person and offer an entertaining exploration of downtown’s brewing heritage. Private tours match the mobile tour price at $79 per person. They provide custom experiences perfect for special occasions or groups wanting a customized brewery adventure. Tours feature local favorites and innovative brews, selected to represent the best of Asheville’s craft beer scene.

What Makes It Special

The relaxed experience suits both beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The tour is available whatever your prior craft beer knowledge. Guides provide in-depth information about the craft beer process and maintain an informative yet relaxed atmosphere. The company’s longevity in the market speaks to their expertise. They have refined their approach over more than ten years of operation. Participants gain access to unique locations that showcase why Asheville continues to dominate craft beer conversations nationwide.

Amazing Pubcycle – Pedal and Sip Your Way Through Asheville

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Tour Overview

Participants power their own trip on Amazing Pubcycle’s 15-person pedal bike, a motor-assisted vehicle that transforms the standard brewery tour into an active adventure. The setup accommodates 10 pedalers, 3 non-pedalers, and 1 conductor who guides the group through downtown Asheville. Tours operate as BYOB experiences. Beer or wine only—no liquor permitted. Canned beer and boxed wine are preferred, though wine bottles and growlers work due to their thicker construction. Glass beer bottles are prohibited. All drinks must arrive unopened. Tours depart from N. Spruce St. beside the Twisted Laurel at 130 College St. The bikes roll through streets at a leisurely 6 miles per hour and feature automotive braking systems. Tours are family-friendly, with no requirement to enter pub or brewery stops.

Breweries Visited

The 1.5 hour Pub Tour makes one stop that lasts 20-30 minutes at local establishments. Typical stops include Catawba Brewing, Conundrum, or Pack’s Tavern, though specific locations vary between tours. The 40-minute Nomad Tour skips bar stops and focuses on downtown sights, art, and culture while still providing the full pedaling experience. Tandem Tours, made for large groups, include one 20-minute bar stop.

Duration and Pricing

Amazing Pubcycle offers multiple tour configurations to match different priorities. The standard 1.5 hour Pub Tour provides the complete pubbing and cycling experience. The Nomad Tour delivers a 40-minute cruise that showcases downtown Asheville without establishment stops. Tandem Tours accommodate up to 30 riders on Sunday through Thursday, perfect for corporate events and reunions. Tours require a minimum of six participants to operate, with priority given to groups of ten or more. Smaller groups may combine with other bookings. Tours facing insufficient participation may require rescheduling with a 100% refund option available.

What Makes It Special

The experience combines music, positive vibes, and personable tour guides who crack jokes and share local trends rather than deliver formal history lessons. Participants bring their own coolers and ice for drink storage. Plastic curtains and heaters give the bikes winter comfort. The setup suits celebrations from bachelorette parties to family gatherings and appeals equally to those seeking a party atmosphere or clean fun.

Asheville puns.

Asheville Brews Cruise – Luxury Bus Brewery Tours in Asheville

Tour Overview

Mark and Julie Lyons launched North Carolina’s first brewery tour in 2006, making Asheville Brews Cruise the original operator in what would become Beer City USA. The company has guided thousands of beer enthusiasts through Asheville’s brewery scene in the last 15+ years and earned features in Southern Living, The New York Times, and Draft Magazine. All tours depart from the Vance Memorial, where participants board the distinctive big yellow school bus with a smile painted on the front. Experienced guides lead each experience and engage guests with information about the brewing process, beer history, tasting techniques, and food pairing fundamentals. The company’s longevity has promoted relationships with many local breweries and often provides opportunities for participants to speak directly with Asheville’s seasoned brewmasters.

Breweries Visited

Each tour stops at [3-4 Asheville breweries], selected to showcase a wide variety of beer styles and brewing approaches. The company maintains partnerships with six brewery affiliates and rotates stops to provide diverse experiences. Past tours have included locations like Hi-Wire, where participants sampled smooth brown ales, Pisgah with its vanilla porter, and Catawba featuring experimental flavors like peanut butter and jelly beer. Space is reserved at each brewery and eliminates wait times while ensuring dedicated staff attention. The relationships mean guides can arrange special access and direct conversations with brewing teams.

Duration and Pricing

Tours run [between 3 to 3.5 hours], with tickets priced at [$60 for classic Walking Tours and Mobile Cruises]. Participants [typically receive 12 4oz samples] distributed across the brewery stops. The all-inclusive format covers tasting samples at each location, production facility tours when available, snacks, water, transportation, and gratuities to brewery staff. Each tour concludes back in downtown Asheville within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment venues. The company recommends arranging safe transportation afterward, whether through rideshare services or designated drivers.

What Makes It Special

The all-inclusive structure removes financial surprises and allows participants to focus on the experience rather than tracking additional costs. So guests know the exact price upfront, with beer samples, facility access, snacks, and gratuities already covered. Production tours reveal the brewing process firsthand, from analyzing different hop varieties to watching canning operations. Guides serve as beverage consultants and help participants find styles they might otherwise overlook while sharing trivia about science, history, and geography. The [pours are generous], and some beers feature high alcohol content, making the provided snacks essential for maintaining comfort throughout the experience.

South Slope Brewery Walking Tour – Explore Beer City USA on Foot

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Tour Overview

The South Slope district sits just south of downtown Asheville and packs more than a dozen breweries into less than a square mile. This former industrial neighborhood earned its “Brewery District” designation due to eight breweries concentrated within a few blocks. The area is perfect for self-guided exploration on foot. The complete walking route covers about 1.2 miles and takes 4-5 hours when visiting multiple locations. Most South Slope breweries open around noon. The recommended start time of 1:00 PM allows visitors to hit 4-5 breweries with about an hour at each stop. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience compared to busier weekends and give better opportunities to chat with brewing staff. Street parking exists throughout the district, though it fills up on weekends. Paid lots charge $5-10 for all-day access.

Breweries Visited

Catawba Brewing at 32 Banks Avenue features a seven-barrel system, bottling line, two bars and a courtyard with 24 taps at the front bar and six more at the back bar. Green Man Brewery at 27 Buxton Avenue stands as one of North Carolina’s oldest breweries. It produces traditional English-style ales in a three-story building with a tasting room that overlooks the production floor and an outdoor beer garden with mountain views. Burial Beer Co. at 40 Collier houses a ten-barrel system and taproom that accommodates up to 200 guests, plus an outdoor deck and beer garden. Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium at 147 Coxe Avenue specializes in barrel-aged sour beers. Twin Leaf Brewing at 144 Coxe Avenue features a dozen beers made in their ten-barrel system. Hi-Wire Brewery at 197 Hilliard offers five year-round beers plus rotating craft lagers and sours. Urban Orchard Cider Co. at 24 Buxton Avenue provides creative hard ciders made with local ingredients.

Duration and Pricing

Self-guided South Slope tours cost nothing beyond what visitors spend at individual breweries and parking. Paid parking lots range from $5-10 and provide all-day access without meter feeding. A complete exploration takes 4-6 hours when visiting 3-4 breweries and grabbing food. Most visitors spend 45-60 minutes per brewery.

What Makes It Special

The district’s industrial heritage shows in converted warehouses that now house taprooms and create an authentic atmosphere. South Slope represents Asheville’s largest concentration of production breweries. It offers the quickest way to hop between breweries where visitors walk 5-10 minutes between most taprooms.

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River Arts District Brewery Tour – Art Meets Craft Beer

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Tour Overview

Former industrial buildings have become a creative hub where craft beer meets local art along the French Broad River. BREW-ed operates the Sip and Scene River Arts District Brewery Walking Tour, a three-hour experience that blends ingredient demonstrations, production floor access, and local history. The tour route runs from RAD Brewing Company to Wedge Brewery, with an optional stop at Hi-Wire. A certified beer expert guides each tour and distinguishes BREW-ed as the only Asheville brewery tour operator with this professional credential. Participants must bring valid government-issued photo identification and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking city blocks and industrial floors.

Breweries Visited

The River Arts District Brewing Company anchors the tour with 20 taps. Up to 16 unique, in-house made beers are available, plus wine, local cider, ginger beer, and non-alcoholic options. The family and dog-friendly atmosphere creates a mountain hideaway feel despite sitting at the foot of downtown. Wedge Brewing has served as the neighborhood gathering spot where locals congregate since 2008. The original Wedge Studios location has bistro lights, outdoor seating, and a dirt parking area that adds authentic character. Fourteen beers on tap range from IPAs to pilsners. The Iron Rail IPA and The Golem have developed devoted followings. Private tours take a different route and visit Hi-Wire, Twin Leaf, and Green Man breweries with focused tastings and behind-the-scenes access where available.

Duration and Pricing

The public walking tour runs three hours and mixes guided tastings with technical explanations of brewing science. Private group experiences also span three hours and can accommodate custom requests for special occasions. Tours emphasize responsible consumption and safe, informative experiences for adults of legal drinking age. Guides aid tastings at multiple venues and provide context on beer styles, brewing processes, and Asheville’s brewing history.

What Makes It Special

Over 200 artists work in the district in a variety of mediums from traditional painting to experimental sculpture. Craft brewing and artistic creation share dedication to craftsmanship, respect for tradition balanced with state-of-the-art techniques, and deep community connection. Taprooms have rotating galleries that showcase local artists and make the brewing process part of the visual landscape. Visitors can watch artists work in their studios and then sample crafted beer that reflects similar attention to detail.

Electric Bike Brewery Tours Asheville NC – Eco-Friendly Beer Adventure

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Tour Overview

Electric bikes eliminate Asheville’s steep terrain challenges and provide an environmentally responsible way to explore the beer scene. Multiple operators guide these tours. French Broad Outfitters brings [12 years of local expertise] and Flying Bike Tours emphasizes [environmentally and socially responsible tourism]. Professional guides assess each participant’s bike comfort level and beer priorities before departure. They customize routes through greenways and off-the-beaten-path locations. Tours require participants to be [16 years or older] and [under 250 pounds], with a [moderate level of physical fitness recommended]. The [electric pedal assist and throttles] conquer Asheville’s hills without effort, and all equipment including helmet and lock comes standard.

Breweries Visited

Each tour stops at [three microbreweries] selected to match individual beer priorities. Guides take participants through various parts of the city and choose breweries that match stated tastes rather than following a fixed route. Some tours include a mid-crawl BBQ stop to complement the tasting experience. The customization approach means specific brewery lineups vary. Guides showcase locations ranging from popular establishments to lesser-known spots based on group interests.

Duration and Pricing

Tour lengths span [2 or 4 hours] depending on the chosen experience, with some extending [up to 4 hours]. Flying Bike Tours charges [$79.00] for [approximately 3 hours] of guided exploration. The first beer arrives free, though participants should bring cash or credit cards for additional drinks. Guests must arrive [30 minutes before scheduled departure] for bike fitting and safety briefings.

What Makes It Special

State-of-the-art e-bikes feature powerful motors capable of conquering any hill. They transform what would be a strenuous ride into an adventure anyone can enjoy. The eco-friendly approach appeals to visitors seeking sustainable tourism options while maintaining the full brewery experience.

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Private VIP Brewery Tours – Customized Beer Experiences

Tour Overview

Several operators provide tailored brewery experiences where participants design their own itinerary. BREW-ed offers private tours with undivided attention from local beer experts at no additional cost beyond standard pricing. Guests choose the day and time that works best. Asheville Brewery Tours specializes in custom experiences for groups ranging from 10 to 100 people, making them suitable for corporate gatherings and celebrations. Brews Cruise provides flexibility on start times and can accommodate up to 10 guests on private walking tours, with chartered vehicles available for larger parties. Damn Good Beer Bus operates wrapped 14-passenger vehicles perfect for brewery hopping, while Leap Frog Tours emphasizes luxury transportation with hotel pickup service throughout greater Asheville.

Breweries Visited

Private tours visit three breweries, with participants sampling three different local brews at each location. Guides work with tour coordinators to curate the perfect collection of breweries tailored to group interests and priorities. Mobile private tours offer exclusive access to unique breweries beyond the city center and provide behind-the-scenes glimpses with customized tastings. The flexibility allows groups to include specific breweries they want to visit, with operators doing their best to accommodate special requests.

Duration and Pricing

Most private brewery tours in Asheville last three hours. Asheville Brewery Tours charges $79 per person for their private 3-brewery experience. Damn Good Beer Bus prices their all-inclusive private tours at $89 per person, including 12 pours totaling 48 ounces of beer, water and local snacks. Leap Frog Tours starts at $99+ per person, with the higher price reflecting personalized attention and luxury transportation. Brews Cruise bases private tour pricing on various factors such as timing, stops and travel distance, making each tour quote unique to the group’s specifications.

What Makes It Special

All-inclusive private tours eliminate financial surprises by covering craft alcohol samples, designated drivers, tour guides, bottled water and snacks. Add-on options include lunch or dinner at local establishments and enhance the experience beyond just brewery visits. Private tours suit bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations and team building activities, providing VIP treatment at the finest breweries.

West Asheville Brewery Crawl Tour – Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

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Tour Overview

West Asheville’s brewery scene runs along Haywood Road, where neighborhood establishments prioritize community over tourism. This walkable area offers a self-guided crawl experience through breweries that function as modern gathering spots where regulars receive greetings by name. The atmosphere is different from downtown’s busier establishments and provides intimate spaces designed to encourage conversation rather than crowds. Most breweries occupy repurposed buildings with architectural history, from former gas stations to converted warehouses. Self-guided tours allow flexible pacing, with visitors choosing how many stops to include and how long to linger at each location.

Breweries Visited

Archetype Brewing emphasizes farm-to-glass sourcing and creates beers that reflect their Appalachian location through traditional European styles among American craft favorites. Diatribe Brewing takes an irreverent approach with beers that challenge boundaries yet remain drinkable in a fun, unpretentious taproom. One World Brewing operates as a nano-brewery with an alehouse and outdoor bar that features open yard seating. Oyster House Brewing Company crafts quality beers including their award-winning Moonstone Stout, brewed with oyster shells that add hints of sea salt and minerals. New Belgium’s east coast brewery sits along the French Broad River and features a tasting room with a beer garden. Wicked Weed’s 50-barrel production brewery offers a dog and family-friendly taproom with patio access.

Duration and Pricing

Self-guided West Asheville brewery crawls cost nothing beyond individual brewery purchases and any parking fees. Visitors spend 45-60 minutes per brewery, with total crawl times ranging from 3-5 hours depending on stops included. The breweries cluster within walking distance along Haywood Road, which eliminates transportation costs.

What Makes It Special

These establishments maintain deep neighborhood connections and serve as community centers where brewing traditions meet creative exploration. The pub-style approach prioritizes social experience, with communal tables that foster conversation. Away from tourist crowds, the authentic atmosphere welcomes beer aficionados and casual drinkers equally.

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Downtown Asheville Brewery Walking Tour – Historic Beer Scene

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Tour Overview

Historic downtown Asheville packs more than 15 craft breweries into a walkable 12-block grid between Patton Avenue and Merrimon Avenue. Multiple operators lead guided walking tours through this urban brewery cluster. BREW-ed stands out with certified cicerone guides who bring professional beer expertise to each tour. Asheville Brewery Tours provides knowledgeable guides who lead participants through bustling downtown streets. Tours meet at designated locations, and some depart from the Asheville Art Museum near the blue orb. The wheelchair-accessible format suits all physical fitness levels and accommodates service animals.

Breweries Visited

Each downtown walking tour stops at 3-4 breweries selected to showcase a variety of beer styles. Participants sample three different local brews at each location and experience the creativity and passion of Asheville’s brewers. Tours visit establishments housed in renovated historic buildings, from former bus stations to art deco storefronts. Guides provide behind-the-scenes access where possible and show the brewing process from grain to glass.

Duration and Pricing

Downtown walking tours run between 3 to 3.5 hours. Pricing ranges from $60 for classic tours to $69 for premier guided experiences. Participants receive 12 four-ounce samples distributed across brewery stops. Cancelations require at least 24 hours notice to receive full refunds.

What Makes It Special

Downtown’s urban setting means breweries occupy historic buildings rather than purpose-built facilities. This creates authentic atmosphere. The leisurely walking pace allows appreciation of Asheville’s architecture and mountain views between tastings.

Black Mountain Brewery Day Trip – Mountain Brews Beyond the City

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Tour Overview

About 15 miles east of Asheville, Black Mountain is a quieter alternative to Beer City’s bustling scene. The Black Mountain Ale Trail operates as the first guided brewery tour in this mountain town. Tours depart from the parking lot behind Black Mountain Brewing in the walkable downtown area. A bus transports participants between locations. The scenic routes pass through Mill Creek Forest and guides discuss the brewing process and regional history.

Breweries Visited

The trail stops at three distinct locations. Black Mountain Brewing at 131 Broadway Avenue features covered outdoor seating and about seven rotating taps. Lookout Brewing Company at 103 S. Ridgeway Avenue has both wine and beer selections. You’ll find unique flavors like raspberry and hazelnut alongside traditional IPAs. The tour concludes at Hillman Beer in Old Fort, where participants enjoy the creekside location and view the brew house situated inside the taproom. Pisgah Brewing, located at 2948 US-70, produces notable IPAs and their popular Blueberry Wheat.

Duration and Pricing

Each Black Mountain Ale Trail experience runs about 3 hours. Tours include behind-the-scenes brewery access, beer tastings at each stop and transportation between locations.

What Makes It Special

The 30-minute drive from Asheville provides escape from tourist crowds while maintaining craft beer quality. Post-tour, participants can explore Black Mountain’s downtown or enjoy food from SMOKE food truck.

North Carolina puns.

Comparison Table

Enjoy Brewery Tours in Asheville

Asheville’s craft beer scene offers something for every type of visitor, from classic bus tours to pedal-powered adventures. Of course, choosing the right brewery tour depends on your priorities: guided experiences provide expert knowledge and VIP access, while self-guided crawls offer flexibility and budget-friendly exploration.

Guided tours deliver great value if you want behind-the-scenes access and expert insights. Self-guided options suit visitors who prefer setting their own pace through neighborhoods like South Slope or West Asheville.

Asheville’s status as Beer City USA guarantees great craft beer experiences no matter which tour style appeals most. Pick the tour that matches your interests, bring comfortable shoes, and prepare to find why this mountain city earned its brewing reputation.

FAQs

Q1. How long do most brewery tours in Asheville typically last? Most brewery tours in Asheville run between 3 to 3.5 hours, though some options vary. Walking and bus tours generally fall within this timeframe, while shorter experiences like the Amazing Pubcycle Nomad Tour last just 40 minutes. Electric bike tours can extend up to 4 hours depending on the package selected.

Q2. What’s included in the price of a guided brewery tour? Guided brewery tours typically include transportation, beer samples (usually 9-12 tastings of 4 ounces each), behind-the-scenes brewery access, knowledgeable guides, and often snacks and water. Some all-inclusive tours also cover gratuities to brewery staff, eliminating unexpected costs during the experience.

Q3. Can I do a self-guided brewery tour in Asheville? Yes, self-guided brewery tours are popular and cost-effective options in Asheville. The South Slope district and West Asheville neighborhoods are particularly well-suited for walking between breweries, with multiple establishments concentrated within a mile. You only pay for parking (typically $5-10) and your drinks at each brewery.

Q4. Are Asheville brewery tours suitable for non-beer drinkers or families? Many tours accommodate non-beer drinkers and families. Some breweries offer wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options. The Amazing Pubcycle is family-friendly with no requirement to enter brewery stops, and several walking tours are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Q5. How far in advance should I book a brewery tour in Asheville? Booking at least a week in advance is recommended, especially for weekend tours and during peak tourist seasons. Most operators require a minimum number of participants (typically 4-6 people) for tours to run. Cancelation policies vary, but many offer free cancelations up to 7 days before the tour date.