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.

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Mountains to the Sea Jazz Series Jazz + Poetry Quentin Baxter – Marcus Amaker
May 19 @ 4:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center – Veh Stage

A taste of the Low Country comes to the foothills when the Mountains to the Sea Jazz Series serves up some of Charleston’s finest and most talented musicians and creatives. GRAMMY award winner Quentin Baxter is a percussionist, composer, educator and prominent figure in the jazz community of his native Charleston, SC. Baxter will be joined by the multi-talented poet and musician Marcus Amaker. Baxter is Co-Principal of Charleston Jazz Initiative and drummer for the band Ranky Tanky. Amaker is the first Poet Laureate of Charleston. In addition to poetry, Amaker is an opera librettist. His debut opera, The Weight of Light, will premiere in 2024 for the Chicago Opera Theater. In 2019, Amaker won a Governor’s Arts Award in South Carolina, and was named the artist-in-residence of the Gaillard Center, Charleston’s world-renowned performance and education venue. The collaboration of these two incredibly creative individuals will delight foothills jazz aficionados to close out the series.

Mountains to the Sea Jazz Series: Quentin Baxter – Marcus Amaker
May 19 @ 4:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center – Veh Stage

A taste of the Low Country comes to the Foothills when the Mountains to the Sea Jazz Series serves up some of Charleston’s finest and most talented creatives. GRAMMY award winner Quentin Baxter is a percussionist, composer, educator and prominent figure in the jazz community of his native Charleston, SC. He’ll be joined by the multi-talented poet, musician and first Poet Laureate of Charleston Marcus Amaker.

Monday, May 20, 2024
Writing from the Top of Your Head
May 20 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Story Parlor
Monday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm at Story Parlor
4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20
Student showcase reserved for 6/3
No class 5/27
Writing from the Top of Your Head is a 6-week workshop for beginning through experienced writers, inspired by Emily
Brandon RAinwater Standup
May 20 @ 8:00 pm
The Bier Garden

Brandon Rainwater at The Bier Garden
Come join us for a night of laughter with the hilarious Brandon Rainwater! Get ready for a comedy show that will have you rolling in your seats. This in person event will be held at The Bier Garden, so grab your friends and get ready for a night of fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Brandon Rainwater perform live! Featuring Dante’ Quitman, guest Zlata Cass. Hosted by Ryan Cox! Full menu options! Largest beer selections in Asheville.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Poetry Night
May 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Virtual Writers Workshop Greg Lobas
May 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

Greg Lobas will lead a virtual writer’s workshop titled: “Writing Your Life into Poetry.”

“Write what you know” is one of the first and best maxims for the aspiring writer. But what if “what you know” is ordinary, even mundane? This workshop will look at ways to mine the gold that is in everyone’s life and turn it into poetry. It may take some digging. It may take a little change in perspective. But it is there, and it is material only you can use. We will focus on the narrative poem as a means of story-telling but will consider the lyric poem as well.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will Zoom for the virtual connection. Sign up to attend the workshop at workshop here:

Greg Lobas has been published extensively as both an outdoor writer and a poet. His debut book, Left of Center, won the 2022 Dogfish Head Poetry Prize, and placed second in the Delaware State Press Association awards. The book deals with his real life experiences as a fire captain and paramedic. His poems have been published in many journals. He is an experienced poetry workshop facilitator at Isothermal Community College.
Greg lives with his wife Meg and his dog Sophie in Polk County North Carolina.

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Scribblers Studio: Writing Lab for Tweens
May 23 @ 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Story Parlor

Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this 6-week series workshop gives space for young folks’ imaginations to run wild, turning anything and everything into an opportunity for storytelling! Students ages 11-14 will dive into their own worlds, build their own imaginations, and creating their own stories through a smorgasbord of storytelling forms. In this class, we’re putting creative power back in the hands of the budding creative both individually and as a group. What kind of wildernesses can we construct and discover?

At the end of the day, we’re exploring various forms of writing, infusing imagination into our stories, and we’re building trust and confidence in young creatives. No homework necessary!

Saturday, May 25, 2024
ABSFest Saturday Workshops: Whip Arts, Songwriting, Shimmies for Every Body, + The History of Sideshow
May 25 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Now in our 15th year, we are proud to offer affordable, all-levels workshops!
Class topics include Intro to Whip Tricks, Badass Shimmies, and Song-writing. We are also offering a FREE LECTURE on the history of Sideshow with America’s top historian, the legendary James Taylor. Study with the best!

Thursday, May 30, 2024
CARNIVALE MACABRE: Thunderdome
May 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– AGES 18+
– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Take an epic journey to the desolate sands of the future where a band of villainous warboys and their pet cannibal put on a dystopian variety show featuring Drag, Comedy, Burlesque, Magic, games and prizes, and specialty freak show acts paired with live music all night by the Carnivale Macabre house band Renounced Heroes!

Come dressed in your best dystopian wasteland attire for a chance to win prizes for your costume and immerse yourself in this futuristic hell scape.
Friday, May 31, 2024
Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused 3-course Dinner Shows
May 31 @ 6:30 pm
Rezonanance

Slice of Life Presents: Canna Comic Cuisine?
Two Infused Dinner & Comedy Shows
Friday May 31, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
& 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Rezonance Lounge via The Green Room 51 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Featuring a 3-course meal from Infuso including an infused Smashburger, infused salad, infused gourmet banana pudding, and a selection of infused cannabis drinks and surprise samples from local hemp brands.
Comedians curated by Slice of Life Comedy! Vaping (of The Green Room’s products only) is permitted.

Featuring Petey Smith McDowell

Space is limited, go to Smokesome.green to reserve your spots today!

Saturday, June 1, 2024
Nerd Pride Fest
Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Nerd Dungeon

Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm

Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.

Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.

As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Jun 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.

FREE. Meets in the garden weather permitting.

Sunday, June 9, 2024
Connect Beyond Festival
Jun 9 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Connect Beyond Festival returns to downtown Asheville, N.C. on June 7-9, 2024 for a weekend of performances, panels, film screenings and workshops with award-winning artists and thought leaders, exploring how the intersection of music, art, film and storytelling can inspire positive change. This year’s festival, dubbed by Ashvegas as “Asheville’s version of SXSW,” is themed around Connection To Deepen Resilience and Keep Moving Forward. Connect Beyond will be partnering with Slay The Mic Media to co-curate programs centered around youth empowerment. Tickets for the Connect Beyond Festival are slated to go on sale by May 13th. To optimize community accessibility, options include individual event tickets or a full weekend pass.

Standup Comedy at Avlpizza
Jun 9 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Btewung Co

Another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic! Professional featured performers in a fun environment. Hosted by Cody Hughes! Featuring Zandra Johnson, Johnathan Pruett & Jason Reel

Thursday, June 13, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest
Jun 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest
When: Wensday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website

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!

How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!

All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.

Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup

Standup Comedy Contest FINAL ROUND
Jun 13 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website
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!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!
All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.
Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup

Friday, June 14, 2024
Modern Dance Workshop
Jun 14 all-day
Center Stage Dance Studios

Train with world renowned Performing Artist, former Alvin Ailey principle Dancer & Teacher Raquelle Chavis- and explore modern dance and the Horton technique. Dancers will have 1 week of daily class training, while learning a series of fortification studies and challenging combinations, designed to perfect their technique, placement and performance. Additionally, dancers will learn new choreography and rehearse that piece daily. a studio performance will be given on the final day of this intensive workshop, showcasing the skills they’ve learned throughout the week. This program is open to dancers age 9-18 who possess a passion and drive to excel.

Saturday, June 15, 2024
Art Exhibit Opening “Visionary Art Magick”
Jun 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

A night of music and art…experimental collage artist & accomplished guitarist “Taumi Swami” Tom Johanson will exhibit repurposed & altered collages and mandalas & play original psychedelic rock!
Taumi Swami, aka Tom Johanson, “paints” with paper, combining imagery and messages from print media into intricate mystical and personal compositions. As of late, he’s been channeling themes like Utopian landscapes and fairy realms, real world scenes with odd characters, the mystical woman, alien goddesses, as well as Dystopian and Paleolithic themes due to the regressive politics of the moment, and heroic themes of good, struggling with darkness. Most of his materials and frames have been found, recovered, or “thrift-stored”.

Johanson has written and recorded 100 songs on his Apple computer and created 500 unique collage album covers for them, and some 50 colored ink covers as well.

Johanson began his musical career in the early 60s playing guitar with Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, Jose Feliciano, Richie Havens, and many other inhabitants of the East Village in NYC. His band, The Fugitives, was the first rock band signed to Columbia Records, and they had several hits on the charts in NY in the 1960s.

His influences stretch out from the fifties, Little Richard, Elvis, Moody Blues, Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Santana, Van Halen, and many more. Also jazz and blues artists, like Coltrane, The Blues Project, Charlie Mingus, Paul Butterfield, and dozens of others since, like Jason Mraz.

Johanson lives in East Asheville with his wife Hannah and his cat Lucky.

Doors open at 5:30. Artist reception and live music 6-9pm.
Showing through August 3.

Like all events at the Flood Gallery, this exhibition is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and food will be available. Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and educates, encourages, challenges and inspires the community through music, film, literary, and contemporary art.

Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused Dinner Show
Jun 15 @ 7:00 pm
Rezonanance

A night of Live Comedy with in our cozy, vape-friendly Rezonance VIP Lounge, featuring a 3-course cannabis-infused dinner and infused drink, samples from local brands, and a goodie bag of dispensary freebies worth $50+!

Sunday, June 16, 2024
Asheville Junior Theater presents- Frozen JR.
Jun 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Frozen JR. is a 60 minute version of the Broadway hit, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak + Grist
Jun 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Join Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company for a night of spoken word. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause. The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.https://www.instagram.com/darkcitypoetssociety/?hl=en
Sign-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Poetry Night
Jun 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Thursday, June 20, 2024
Summer Solstice Sound Bath
Jun 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Center or Spiritual Living Asheville

Celebrate the light of Summer with a one hour Summer Solstice Sound Bath! A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
For the meditation, we will feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you bask in the suns gentle rays imagining the light penetrating your body with healing energy.

Note: Please bring a mat/blankets/pillow since you will be lying on the floor.
Wear comfortable and flexible clothing.
Choose your space starting at 6:15 pm, doors close promptly at 6:30 pm.

NOTE: Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd. (see map in comments).
There is a boardwalk walk way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

THE MOTH PRESENTS: ASHEVILLE STORYSLAM – “GUTS”
Jun 20 @ 7:30 pm
The Grey Eagle
 Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm
– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– GA SEATING IN FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. 
THE MOTH resumes their recurring monthly Asheville StorySLAM at The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm! This month’s theme is….


GUTS:  Prepare a five-minute story about moments of boldness and courage and the peaks and pratfalls of a daring spirit. Scaling mountains or admitting to mistakes. Being the first in line to try a never before tested remedy or the last diver at the safety stop in shark infested waters. Tell us about your nervy-est (or most nervous) experiences.
Friday, June 21, 2024
Asheville Standup Comedy Pageant
Jun 21 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join Slice of Life Comedy Friday June 21 at pleb urban winery for a fun Asheville Standup Comedy Pageant! We are raising money for 103.3ashevillefm our local community radio station, they produce diverse and eclectic programming that inspires listeners to build connections across our communities and discovers new music and ideas. This comedy show is moderated by your AFM friends at slumberpartyavl Jake Ali & Michele and hosted by the amazing Asheville treasure, Hillary Begley The contestants are the winners of 3 previous contests held at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Jason Webb Ryan Gordon (the third final contest is selected June 13) There will be games, standup and silliness. Delicious Food truck Mean Pies Pizza is available, get your tix early this will sell out!

Saturday, June 22, 2024
Breakthrough Breathwork Meditation Workshop with Sound Baths
Jun 22 all-day
Magictown Movement Studio

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and inner healing through our groundbreaking Breathwork Meditation Workshop including 2 Sound Baths! During this immersive experience you will be guided through a powerful Breathwork practice to help you massively release stress, heal past wounds and traumas, access deeper levels of awareness, and connect more profoundly to Source.

Led by two professional highly experienced facilitators with over 50 years experience between them, this workshop will
deepen your connection with your breath and unlock its incredible potential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Join a group of like-minded individuals on the path to self-discovery in a supportive nurturing environment on the beautiful island in Marshall on one of the world’s oldest rivers.

You may come to the full day (10am-4.30pm, $120 ) which includes two Breathwork Meditation Sessions with sound baths and a session of Self-discovery. You may also come to the first Breathwork Meditation Session with sound bath only (10am-1pm, $60) or the second Breathwork Session with sound bath only (1.30pm-4.30pm, $60).
Register at www.breakthroughbreathwork.com/events

Monday, July 1, 2024
Beginner Thai Massage Series
Jul 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Weaving Rainbows

Hello Asheville Fam! Thank you for the invite to teach in our community. Previously, I spent five years teaching multiple weekly classes in Knoxville, TN. Now that I’m officially in AVL, Maan and I are excited to offer two class series in July: Foundational AcroYoga and An introduction to Thai Massage. Mark your calendars and register soon as space is limited!

Details:
Mondays in July 7:30pm-9:00pm
$111 For Series
$33 Drop-in
Downtown at Weaving Rainbows (62 Wall St)

Join Rebekah JOY and Maan for a 5-week series! Each week, participants are guided through giving and receiving a 30-minute, full body Thai Massage. We will explore different postures including supine, prone, and seated. Moving with the breath, we use gravity and bodyweight to flow seamlessly through transitions and postures. In this partner practice, we build trust by using clear communication and honoring personal boundaries. Participants are fully clothed.

To Register:
Venmo @rebekah-luhrs

Limited Space
Register in advance

All attendees get 50% off if they are signed up for the AcroYoga Series.

More info at:
https://www.rebekahluhrs.com/register

Rebekah Joy has been teaching Thai Massage since 2016 in conjunction with AcroYoga in Knoxville, TN. In 2017 she completed her AcroYoga Teacher Training though AcroYoga International in Mexico.

Standup Comedy of ZO Myers
Jul 1 @ 8:00 pm
The Bier Garden

Come join us for a night of laughter with the hilarious Zo Myers at The Bier Garden! Get ready to be entertained by Zo’s unique brand of humor and witty jokes. This in person event promises to be a night full of fun and laughter that you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends and head over to The Bier Garden for a memorable evening of standup comedy! Featuring Cayla Clarke & Jordan Julius. Get food, drinks and laughs! Largest beer selection in Asheville! Doors open at 7p so come get your spot early! Tickets $12/$15 at door

Standup Comedy of Zo Myers!
Jul 1 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
The Bier Garden

Come join Slice of Life Comedy for a night of laughter with the hilarious Zo Myers at The Bier Garden! Get ready to be entertained by Zo’s unique brand of humor and witty jokes. This in person event promises to be a night full of fun and laughter that you won’t want to miss. Grab your friends and head over to The Bier Garden for a memorable evening of standup comedy! Featuring Cayla Clarke & Jordan Julius. Get food, drinks and laughs! Largest beer selection in Asheville! Doors open at 7p so come get your spot early! Tickets $12/$15 at door

Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jul 3 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.