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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.

Saturday, August 31, 2024
Recreation Park Swimming Pool
Aug 31 all-day
Recreation Park

Swimming Pools

Asheville Parks & Recreation’s public pools provide safe and affordable outdoor summer fun for all ages. For info about pool schedules, please call 828-348-4770 or visit ashevillecitypools.com.

Malvern Hills Park’s 90 year-old outdoor pool will not open this summer. While we were able to keep the facility operational through last summer, the pool can no longer be repaired to safely meet the needs of our community. For more, read this article.

Admission

  • Individual – $3 per session
  • Individual Season Pass – $100
  • Family Season Pass – $150 (up to four individuals)

Locations

Events

  • Asheville Parks & Recreation hosts hundreds of free and low-cost activities, programs, and events each month. Check out the latest program guide.
  • Pools will open Saturday, May 25!

    Dates of Operation:
    Grant Center Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Sunday, August 11th
    Recreation Park Pool: Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd, weekends only from
    August 12th through September 2nd

    Pools open weekends only until June 10th, with the exception of Monday, May 27!

    Hours of Operation June 10 through August 11:
    Monday through Friday – 12:00pm-6:00pm
    Saturday – 11:00am-6:00pm
    Sunday – 1:00pm-6:00pm

    Cost is $3 per person per day

Apple Festival Races Individual 5K and 8K, & Mini Moo Mile
Aug 31 @ 8:00 am
Pardee Cancer Center

The 2024 event will offer an Individual 8k run, an Individual 5k and the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo One Mile fun run. Come join us for this classic, family friendly Hendersonville event!

 

Free Event Shirt until deadline

All participants in the 8k and 5k will receive a free shirt with their registration until August 18th at midnight! Beginning August 19th, shirts will be available for $10 in limited quantities and sizes.

All Mini Moo participants will receive a Mini Moo shirt free with their registrations until Sunday, August 18th at midnight! Shirts will no longer be offered after that date.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Aug 31 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Asheville Tourists vs. Hickory
Aug 31 @ 6:05 pm
McCormick Field

Asheville Blues Jersey Giveaway

Asheville Blues Jersey giveaway to the first 1,000 fans through the gates – Presented By Mission Health.
Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused Comedy Dinner Show
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Green Room

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
Another cannabis-infused comedy night with Slice of Life Comedy and Infuso, the married chef team who’s catered the past few events like these!
At 5’2″, Jenn Snyder is our headliner and a hilariously DOPE comedian who packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town to dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.
Host Petey Smith McDowell is an Asheville native who has been traveling all around the country telling jokes since 2009.
He has opened for Rory Scovel, Hannibal Buress, Beth Stelling, and Trevor Noah. Petey has a very popular instagram account that gives funny memes about Asheville and WNC on the daily. Instagram: @Peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Patrick Fowler
Menu priced From $35.00 to $140

Sunday, September 1, 2024
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Asheville Tourists vs. Hickory
Sep 1 @ 6:05 pm
McCormick Field

 

Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

Post-game Labor Day weekend fireworks show – Presented by Hedrick Industries.
Monday, September 2, 2024
Apple Festival Race – 8K, 5K and Mini Moo Mile
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am
Hendersonville NC

The 2023 event will consist of an Individual 8k run, an individual 5k and the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo One Mile fun run. Come join us for this classic, family friendly Hendersonville event!

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Play Youth Inline Hockey @ Carrier Park
Sep 3 @ 12:00 am
Carrier Park

Registration is OPEN for Youth Inline Hockey. Coed – Non Contact. Ages 6 – 16. First year player may rent most gear free. Scholarships available for registration fee ($120 plus fees), and equipment.
9/3 – Evals
9/9 – First week of practice starts.
10 weeks long
1 practice, 1 game per week
$120 registration plus fees

Thursday, September 5, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest
Sep 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest. 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!

How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets. They 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 10-12m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title! 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 3-5m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. Winner will be invited back to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize, on Sept 26!

Saturday, September 7, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 7 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Friday, September 13, 2024
Friday the 13th Camping and Outdoor Standup Comedy Horrors
Sep 13 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Spooky camping stories and other outdoor thrills told by standup comedians with slides and audience interactions/games for prizes
Hosted by Clay Jones aka Jason Voorhees & Miranda Allison

With comedy by
HILLIAY BEGLEY
LARRY GRIFFIN
HELEN JENNY
ALEX PARSONS
& more!
Step into fall with a Friday September the 13th show! Join us for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy at plēb urban winery – guaranteed laughs and good vibes all around EXCEPT FOR THE KILLER ONEZ!

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this dangerously hilarious event taking place at our cozy winery in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. Join us for a night of non-stop laughter as talented comedians take the stage to entertain youSit back, relax (if you can!) and enjoy some delicious wine while you enjoy this evening of fun and laughter with friends. Dinner available during show! Grab your tickets now for online discount!

Saturday, September 14, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 14 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
“Short Bus to Freedom” Comedy Night
Sep 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Come out for an evening of special adult comedy with your host Kim H Falls and DJ/Comedian Paul Ain’t Right! Featuring a lineup of comics with disabilities breaking down barriers and bringing you laughter and thought-provoking performances! Food and drinks available, $10 suggested donation. Doors open at 6:30. At Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, in Black Mountain. Produced by Brendan C. Ahern of “Rainy Night Theatre”.
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and educates, encourages, challenges and inspires the community through music, performance, film, literary, and contemporary art.

Sunday, September 15, 2024
Urban Combat Wrestling and Hi-Wire Brewing Presents: UCW OVER THE TOP!
Sep 15 @ 6:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing

Live Pro Wrestling This Sunday In Asheville

Urban Combat Wrestling and Hi-Wire Brewing Presents: UCW OVER THE TOP!

Let’s Get READY TO RUMBLE! 🤼‍♂️🍻

Sunday, September 15th 6pm at the Hi-Wire Brewing Biltmore Village in Asheville NC!!!

Witness high-flying action, hot beats, and cold brews PLUS an unprecedented 20 Man OVER THE TOP RUMBLE with all your Favorite UCW Stars!!

Tickets ON SALE NOW!
https://www.simpletix.com/e/urban-combat-wrestling-x-hi-wire-brewing-p-tickets-184722?

*DISCLAIMER: this sports entertainment show will contain adult subject matter, crude language, simulated acts of violence, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Attendee discretion is advised.

Standup Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 15 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday September 15 at 6:30p is 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. Featuring Ryan Cox, Justin Blackburn & Chesney Goodson! Hosted by Zandra Johnson

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest. 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!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
They 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 10-12m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title!
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 3-5m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. Winner will be invited back to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize, on Sept 26!

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Creative Facilitator Training
Sep 24 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Story Parlor

Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 18-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.

Guideposts Include:

  • Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others

  • How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats

  • Teaching philosophy and ethics

  • The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation

  • Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally

  • Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty

  • Marketing, business planning, and logistics

  • Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions

Early Bird pricing through March 31 | $1600
Regular price effective April 1 | $1850

Class dates include Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00pm
5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 8/20, 8/27, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final three meetings will go till 9:30pm.

Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest Pageant Fall 2024
Sep 26 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

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)!

Participants are WINNERS of three standup contest 9/05, 12 & 19. Pageant Winner gets title and grand cash prize. Audience votes thru ballot!
Free snacks and outside food allowed.
9/5 winner Zandra Johnson
9/12 winners tied Roman Fraden & Jordan Julius
9/19 winner tba
Plus a wild card. This show is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games.
Audience votes thru ballot. More info contact Michele at [email protected]

Saturday, September 28, 2024
TreeTops 8.5 Mile Trail Race
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am
DuPont State Forest - Guion Farm

Join us Saturday, September 28, 2024 for the 2nd Annual TreeTops Trail Race in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina!

This race offers a unique opportunity to explore the spectacular 10,000 acres of rolling hills and towering trees that make up this beautiful forest. Take on the 8.5 mile challenging trail race – but beware! With nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain it’s no walk in the park!

Celebrate your journey through nature with a super unique succulent plant for all participants. Join us at the Dupont Forest Festival afterwards from 10am – 3pm to visit with vendors, hike, yoga, bike, hunt waterfalls and learn outdoor recreation tips to last you a lifetime. Admission to the festival is FREE!

The TreeTops Trail Race is not just any ordinary event – it’s an exclusive experience only available within Dupont State Forest! So don’t miss out on this tree-mendous event and join us for an unforgettable journey through DuPont State Forest – roots down, branches up!

Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 28 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Nerd Nite Asheville BOSS-STRAVAGANZA
Sep 28 @ 7:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

SPECIAL ALL NERD NITE BOSS SHOW! When someone asks if you want to hear a fun fact, is your response “Heck yeah”? Congratulations, nerd! There’s an event just for you! Join us at The River Arts District Brewing Company for a night of outrageously fun facts and tasty beverages.

Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities around the world featuring fun-yet-informative presentations across a variety of subjects. Asheville was chosen to be the destination of the 2024 Nerd Nite Boss retreat, and so we will be hosting 20 bosses* from other Nerd Nite cities! Our September show will be a Boss-stravaganza on a Saturday night, instead of our usual Thursday show.

Featuring:
– Farming without a Farm (Von Barnes, urban farmer and boss of Nerd Nites in Kentucky)
– The Rabble Rousing Mary Dyer (Cat Aboudara, descendent of Mary Dyer and former boss of Nerd Nite DC)
– Weird and Potentially Breakable World Records (Matt Wasowski, Nerd Nite co-founder and host of Nerd Nite NYC)
– Plus very special guest EXTRA LIVES: a fully narrated, musical choose-your-own-adventure game where you are the main character.

Read full descriptions of this month’s presentations on our website, asheville.nerdnite.com

Doors 6pm, show 7pm sharp. Early arrival strongly recommended. Pre-sale tickets $10, door $15. 18+. RAD Brewing Co. 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801

Food truck, freshly brewed drinks, and free popcorn! Be there and be square!

* “Boss” is the term for the nerd who runs a Nerd Nite show. A group of Nerd Nite Bosses is called a “Well, Actually” of bosses.

Sunday, September 29, 2024
Women to the Front Music Festival
Sep 29 @ 12:30 pm
Salvage Station

The third annual Women to the Front (WTF) music festival will take place September 29th at Salvage Station with a full day of music featuring a lineup of over 50 local women musicians, as well as vendors featuring women-owned businesses, nonprofits that support women, and women-owned food trucks.

Organizers have planned an unforgettable experience with a diverse lineup of styles including jazz, blues, neo-soul, punk, funk, world, and more.

Artists include local favorites Queen Bee and the Honey Lovers, Ménage, The Hope Griffin Trio, Ovadya, The Maggie Valley Band, Kathryn O’Shea and many more. The WTF Funk Project will be headlining the event. Formed during the 1st annual event in 2022, this project features a rotating cast of women. This year the band features Whitney Mongé, Emily Musolino, Rebekah Todd, Rachel Waterhouse, McKinney, Polly Panic and more. The lineup was curated by festival co-founder, Melissa McKinney.  The Festival officially begins Sunday at 12:30 p.m. with two stages and will end around Midnight.

Tickets and information can be found at https://salvagestation.com/events/wtf-music-festival/

Tickets are $20 Presale and $15 for students ($25 at the door on the day of show, still $15 for students).

Saturday, October 5, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 5 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Friday, October 11, 2024
WWE Smackdown
Oct 11 @ 7:45 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

See WWE Smackdown on October 11th in Greenville, SC! See your favorite Smackdown Superstars in action Live including:
“The American Nightmare” CODY RHODES, RANDY ORTON, LA KNIGHT, BAYLEY, BIANCA BELAIR, JADE CARGILL, SOLO SIKOA & BLOODLINE, NIA JAX, AND MANY MORE!

Saturday, October 12, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 12 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k
Oct 13 @ 8:00 am
Jackson Park

Join us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, for the 5th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8k presented by Hunter Subaru!

The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k is an exhilarating fall event that beckons both seasoned athletes and recreational runners alike. Nestled within the charm and beauty of Hendersonville, North Carolina, this race offers participants a unique opportunity to challenge their limits while immersing themselves in the splendor of the autumn season. Whether conquering the half marathon’s 13.1-mile stretch or embracing the spirited atmosphere of the 8k, participants love supportive community vibe, scenic course, and post-race festivities.

Both courses are USATF Sanctioned and Certified.

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Creative Writer’s Workshop: Panning For Gemstones
Oct 19 – Oct 20 all-day
Story Parlor

What do you do when you find you’re facing an insurmountable pile of unfinished creative work? An entire digital archive of ‘maybes?’

To use an Appalachian metaphor, you pan your dirt for gemstones.

This workshop explores what it means to run creative writing through an objective sieve. It provides a framework for tackling the current pile of unfinished work, as well as addressing the indefinite ‘maybes’ of tomorrow.

Learn to sift your mounds of incomplete material, develop self-editing skills, readjust your critical lens, and polish, refine, and complete your precious pieces.

Among peers and in the safety of a validating creative space, writers can anticipate the delight of creative collaboration, the usefulness of constructive feedback, and the thrill of showcasing the rarity and purity of their finest gemstones.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 19 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Trick or Trail 5k & Spooky Sprint 1 Mile
Oct 26 @ 10:00 am
Nelon's Feed

The 10th Annual Trick or Trail 5k & Spooky Sprint 1 Mile presented by Hunter Subaru returns to the heart of Hendersonville for 2024!

Get ready to have some fun at the 10th Annual Trick or Trail 5k & Spooky Sprint 1 Mile, presented by Hunter Subaru! This Halloween-themed race will bring runners back to the heart of Hendersonville, NC, where they’ll start and finish in the Historic 7th Avenue District.

But that’s not all! The vibrant Fall Festival will be taking place at the Farmers’ Market, so you can expect a spooktacular atmosphere with costumes, decorations, and lots of great candy, snacks, and food!

This family favorite event promises a festive fusion of fitness and fall fun that you won’t want to miss. And, after the race, you can stroll over to the bustling Fall Festival for even more food, drinks, and vendors at the Farmers’ Market. So, come prepared to spook, sprint, and snack your way through this ghoulishly good time! (Don’t forget your cash for all the goodies!)