Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Join us April 4-5, 2025, for two days of family-friendly fun! We’ll have storytelling, workshops, a quilt display, and more. If you can’t attend the festival in person but don’t want to miss the fun, you can sign up for an “online viewing” ticket. Festival tickets are free for students and teachers, individuals with disabilities, and those with low income and are low-cost for all others. Discounts are available.
The Connect Beyond Festival returns April 5-6 at The Third Room in Asheville, creating a space where storytelling, music, and film ignite meaningful conversations. This year’s festival lineup takes on some of the most pressing topics of our time, just as we mark the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene.
Join us for two days with a diverse lineup of artists, filmmakers, and thought leaders.
The Connect Beyond Festival returns April 5-6 at The Third Room in Asheville, creating a space where storytelling, music, and film ignite meaningful conversations. This year’s festival lineup takes on some of the most pressing topics of our time, just as we mark the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene.
Join us for two days with a diverse lineup of artists, filmmakers, and thought leaders.
Local, regional, and national organizations will present information and ideas about advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Q&A and social hour will follow. Food and drinks will be available. Free and all are welcome!
Grab your four-legged friend and come out for some fun and friendly competition at the Buncombe County Sports Park Dog Park. There will be a small and large dog division and division will have approximately 30 minutes to find as many hidden eggs (filled with treats) as possible. In addition, dogs who collect the most eggs will receive a special prize. Free, Registration Required.
Get ready to move, get inspired, and get your game on!
Discover your inner athlete and ignite your path to wellness at the Asheville Sports + Fitness Fair presented by Asheville Parks & Recreation! Step into the recently renovated Memorial Stadium as it transforms into a vibrant hub of energy showcasing the world of local sports leagues, fitness opportunities, and healthy living.
Explore youth and adult sports leagues, learn about organizations focused on wellness and active living, and discover a wealth of resources dedicated to improving well-being. Uncover hidden gems in the local fitness scene and learn about exciting new ways to stay active and engaged.
At 6pm, join the City of Asheville for a special ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony celebrating the renovation of Memorial Stadium and revitalization of Mountainside Park. It’s a chance to be part of Asheville’s commitment to health and recreation.
If your organization is interested in participating in the fair, please email [email protected]. Space is limited.
Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Cayla Clark
Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!
Wednesday April 16, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Headliner Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer. While she is still new to the world of stand-up comedy, she has enjoyed exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out her hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavl
Also on the show is Ryan Gordon, Roman Fraden, Sarah Love & other great comics showing it all!
tix: https://theorangepeel.net/…/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/
Join us as we partner with Asheville GreenWorks to kick off spring in full bloom at our first Downtown After 5 of the year! Join us for a night of great music featuring Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast with Dirty French Broads opening the show.
Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series—it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site alongside a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers. Join us at Pack Square Park for these unforgettable evenings of music, community, and celebration.
The purpose of the Hendo Earth Fest is to promote community education for all ages on environmental and sustainable practices, inspire action, and renew and expand commitments to protect our planet. Local and regional environmental allies focus on participation/hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to educate, renew and expand action to protect our Western North Carolina environment and natural resources. In our first inaugural 2023 festival, we saw approximately 2,000+ participants!
Join us on Saturday, April 19th, for a festive & unforgettable 420 block party! Enjoy fantastic vendors, live music and entertainment, delicious food, amazing in-store deals & discounts throughout the day! Plus, there will be exciting surprises, including a limited number of Golden Tickets that are redeemable on 4/19 or 4/20, and will be hidden inside select flower bags/Prerolls. Customers who find a ticket receive a free gram of their choice on 4/19 or 4/20. And on top of that, there will be a drawing for a Grand Prize Chromebook giveaway!
The Caravan Art Bazaar will transform our space into a hub of creativity, featuring live caricatures. Mo’s Magical Manes will add a touch of sparkle with fairy hair and bang trims, and Wyld Heart & Friends will showcase their unique one-of-a-kind creations.
Chill & relax at the traditional smoke sesh with the Asheville Dispensary crew at 4:20 PM. on our spacious deck & enjoy delicious food from The Royal Vegan Food Truck and Dalaya Thai Cuisine.
Whether you come for the art, the food, or the music, take a moment to kick back, unwind, and connect with the community. We’re offering a full day of uplifting experiences to enhance the vibe for 420 weekend 2025! This is one block party you won’t want to miss. We hope to see you there!
Celebrate with us! 919 Haywood Rd., West Asheville, 12 PM to 8 PM.
Celebrate with the whole family at The Horse Shoe Farm’s Silo Cookhouse this Easter with a delicious brunch buffet crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. Gather with your loved ones around the table and indulge in delightful Southern favorites, from honey roasted ham to house biscuits with savory jam and butter. Guests can build their own omelets at a bespoke station, select from an assortment of fresh salads, and enjoy tasty desserts like carrot cake cupcakes to get into the easter spirit. Most excitingly for the little ones, guests to the Silo Cookhouse Easter Brunch can participate in a fun-filled easter egg hunt on the property starting at 2pm!
Sunday April 20 from 11am to 3pm, reservations required. $85/adults, $50/kids age 3-12.
Celebrate Easter brunch with the whole family at Kanuga! Enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal favorites, including fresh pastries, savory entrees, and delicious desserts. Gather with loved ones in a warm and welcoming setting as we celebrate this special day together.
Give back this Earth Day with Buncombe County Parks and Recreation. Volunteers are invited to assist in clean-up and service projects. Volunteers groups are limited in capacity so Volunteer Registration is required. All tools and materials will be provided. More details coming soon!
Post Helene, nurturing and repairing our relationship with and to Nature is vital for our children and our community. Gather with us at Kanuga to celebrate the wonders of Mother Earth! The fun begins at 3:30 p.m. Come meet our local animal ambassadors, catch critters in the stream, sow native seeds, and learn in our mini-ecology classes.
Support our organic garden by purchasing native plants.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to Kanuga!
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Grove Arcade In Bloom: A Celebration of Growth
Spring is arriving in full bloom at one of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks! Grove Arcade In Bloom will transform the historic place into an immersive floral wonderland this Spring 2025. Come celebrate with us on Saturday, April 26, from 12 PM to 5 PM!
This event will feature:
🎻 Live Symphony Quartet from Asheville Symphony
🌷 Immersive Floral Installations by Studio Flora Diva, including a flower wall
🛍 Botanical Market by BB Barns and other local vendors with plants and garden treasures.
🎭 Performances & Art Installations
🍹 Aperol Spritz Pop-Up Bar
With support from B.B. Barns, Aperol Spritz, Stewart Owen Dance, Asheville Symphony, Studio Flora Diva, and On the Wing, Grove Arcade In Bloom is set to be a must-visit celebration of springtime, music, and community.
Follow @grovearcade on social media for updates.
For media inquiries, interviews, or questions please contact: [email protected]
Join us with friends and family as we celebrate Earth Day and the spring season! Games, pontoon boat tours, Earth Day crafts and education, kayak demos from waterways, and more. Make your own mini greenhouse and visit with community partners. This free event is open to all ages, and no registration is required.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Join us as we celebrate Earth Day and spring! More details coming soon
Step into summer with the Asheville Symphony as we herald the return of the Asheville Amadeus Festival! We’re launching this year’s festival at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s lively Mills River taproom, where we’re unveiling our festival-exclusive brew — Fables & Folklore Hazy IPA. This enchanting creation weaves together bright pineapple and orange notes in a tropical profile that’s as enticing as a tale passed down through generations — perfect easy drinking for an early- summer festival.
We will be joined by Amadeus Festival co-headliners Time for Three, Ranaan Meyer, Nick Kendall and Charles Yang. Don’t miss this chance to meet the artists and toast the start of 11 glorious days of Amadeus festivities with a pour of our specially crafted beer, delicious fare from Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s kitchen, and live music!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with 1756 Society entry beginning at 5:00 p.m.
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWING
46 N Mills River Road, Mills River
Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three (TF3) stands at the busy intersection of classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter. To experience TF3 live is to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew. This Jukebox program, a featured event in this season’s biennial Asheville Amadeus Festival, includes all three members of TF3 and showcases an eclectic mix of original songs, popular covers, and some of the most iconic music ever written. “In person, the members of Time for Three come off as just three dudes in a band,” said NPR. “But with their staggering technique and freewheeling genre-crossing, it’s hard not to be swept up in the force of their contagious energy.”
Join us for a family-friendly First Friday at Resurrection Studios Collective, featuring Asheville Artworks Mother’s Day mug painting as well as tons of other shapes to choose from. First Friday celebrations include a fashion show by All Around Artsy, live music, a mocktail bar, visit artists in their studios, and new art debuting in the gallery. Mugs and pottery will be available for pickup the following week before Mother’s Day. RSVP recommended, but walk-ins welcome.
The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Inc. is excited to host its Spring Plant Sale & Marketplace on May 3, 2025 from 9AM – 3PM. Join us for an amazing day featuring locally grown trees, flowers, shrubs, herbs and veggies, as well as hand-crafted works of art. Throughout the day we will feature a variety of educational talks along with live music, a food truck, and of course all LOCAL vendors!
This event helps to support the WNC community by supporting its small business owners. Our vendors are thoroughly vetted in sustainable growing practices. Join us for a day of fun, education, and entertainment. Vendors will offer a huge variety of plants and artwork including:
– Rare specialty plants, boxwoods, and unusual perennials;
– Stately conifers, dwarf conifers, and trees;
– Premium fruit trees and flowering shrubs;
– Japanese Maples and other fine ornamental trees;
– Edibles, grasses & groundcovers;
– Early spring herbs & vegetable starts;
– Fresh-cut, locally-grown flowers;
– WNC natives & landscaping plants;
– Wildcrafted, certified organic skincare options;
– Planted containers, unique floral designs and plant materials;
– Honeys and vinegars;
– Hand-crafted wrought iron and functional garden art;
– Knife and tool sharpening.
This one of a kind event is not to be missed! Rain or shine so please dress accordingly. Supporting local scholarships and community grants focusing on horticulture, conservation, and the environment.
Explore 22 beautiful greenhouses filled with mixed patio planters, hanging baskets, perennials, houseplants, shrubs, and plant starters. Enjoy live music, food from Smashville Food Truck and Mountain Man BBQ, a craft fair featuring jewelry and home goods, kids’ activities including a scavenger hunt and potting station, plus a mechanical bull! Appalachian Standard CBD products also available. With 600-900 attendees expected, carpooling is recommended. Free admission.