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, August 28, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Aug 28 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, August 29, 2025
Garden and Adventure Photography
Aug 29 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Garden and Adventure Photography Basics

with Cami Calnan

Friday, August 29  |  10 am – 1 pm

Elevate your photography from the level you are currently working from. In this immersive workshop, we will explore the technical aspects of the camera you photograph with. Bring your phone, your slr or point and shoot digital or film camera, and we will explore the concepts behind taking the kinds of photos you are hoping to capture.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 29 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Cyrano de Bergerac tells the poignant story of the witty and courageous Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a big heart. In love with Roxane, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian win her affection, all while hiding his own feelings and sacrificing his love for her. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Saturday, August 30, 2025
The Return Of The King: An Unrivaled Tribute To Elvis
Aug 30 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center For The Arts

The Return Of The King is an internationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Show, starring multi award-winning Elvis Tribute artist Tyler Christopher and The Roustabout Showband.

Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Cyrano de Bergerac tells the poignant story of the witty and courageous Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a big heart. In love with Roxane, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian win her affection, all while hiding his own feelings and sacrificing his love for her. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, August 31, 2025
Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Aug 31 @ 12:00 am – 2:30 pm
YMI Cultural Center

Written and Performed by Award-Winning Playwright and Actor, Mike Wiley
Co-presented by NC Stage and the YMI Cultural Center
*Please note: All performances of Tired Souls will take place at the YMI Cultural Institute at 39 S. Market St. Downtown Asheville*

Tired Souls opens in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But there were others who came before Mrs. Parks and laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and others so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever.

Join us for a Q&A with playwright and performer Mike Wiley following each performance.

From Mike Wiley Productions: Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Aug 31 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

August 20–31, 2025 | Presented in partnership with North Carolina Stage Company and Mike Wiley Productions

The YMI Cultural Center is proud to host Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a powerful stage production that brings to life the early days of the Civil Rights Movement and the pivotal leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Running Wednesdays through Sundays, the play offers both evening and matinee showings to accommodate diverse audiences.
Special programming includes:

  • HBCU/NPHC Nights on Fridays

  • Sliding Scale Admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays

  • Sunday Matinees designed with Black faith communities in mind

Stay tuned for special BIPOC ticket promotions, offered exclusively by the YMI.

Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience that honors the spirit of resistance and the power of community.

Monday, September 1, 2025
NC Apple Festival
Sep 1 all-day
Downtown Hendersonville

Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!

We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.

 

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
MJ the Musical
Sep 2 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
MJ the Musical
Sep 3 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
Arbor Evenings
Sep 3 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, September 4, 2025
MJ the Musical
Sep 4 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
Arbor Evenings
Sep 4 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, September 5, 2025
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sep 5 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

September 5 – 28

Whodunit? Detective Poirot is determined to find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling murder mystery. Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst and who just may strike again.  All aboard for a suspenseful evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Screenshot 2024-12-09 at 2.42.59 PM.png
MJ the Musical
Sep 5 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 5 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

King Lear
Sep 5 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

King Lear is a tragic tale of a king who divides his kingdom between his daughters, sparking betrayal, madness, and ruin. As Lear grapples with his decisions, he is betrayed by two of his daughters, while the loyalty of his youngest, Cordelia, leads to heartbreak and tragedy. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Saturday, September 6, 2025
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sep 6 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

September 5 – 28

Whodunit? Detective Poirot is determined to find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling murder mystery. Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst and who just may strike again.  All aboard for a suspenseful evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Screenshot 2024-12-09 at 2.42.59 PM.png
MJ the Musical
Sep 6 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 6 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

All Together Now!
Sep 6 @ 6:00 pm
Hendersonville Theater

Hendersonville Theatre was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, sustaining approximately $100,000 in damages. We invite you to join us for All Together Now!, an international musical revue created by Music Theatre International (MTI), to help our beloved theatre recover and continue serving the community. Featuring songs from beloved Broadway shows performed by local talent, your attendance will directly support disaster recovery efforts.

Tickets include reserved seating, access to the open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and the post-show meet and greet. All proceeds from this special night will go directly to Hendersonville Theatre’s recovery efforts, helping us repair damages and continue providing quality theatre experiences to the community.

By attending this special performance, you will enjoy an evening of exceptional theatre and help Hendersonville Theatre recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Your support makes a difference.

If you cannot attend but would still like to support our recovery, please consider making a donation. Your contribution will directly support rebuilding efforts.

Ticket Pricing: $80
Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres cocktail reception, open bar, show, and more!

6:00 PM: Doors open

6:30 PM: Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction

6:30 PM: Auditorium Opens

7:30 PM: Showtime!

9:45 PM: Cast Meet & Greet

King Lear
Sep 6 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

King Lear is a tragic tale of a king who divides his kingdom between his daughters, sparking betrayal, madness, and ruin. As Lear grapples with his decisions, he is betrayed by two of his daughters, while the loyalty of his youngest, Cordelia, leads to heartbreak and tragedy. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, September 7, 2025
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sep 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

September 5 – 28

Whodunit? Detective Poirot is determined to find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling murder mystery. Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst and who just may strike again.  All aboard for a suspenseful evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Screenshot 2024-12-09 at 2.42.59 PM.png
MJ the Musical
Sep 7 all-day
Peace Center

Following a sold-out Greenville premiere, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical MJ is making a victorious return to the Peace Center. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond Michael Jackson’s singular moves and signature sound, offering a rare glimpse at the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that’s electrifying crowds on Broadway; in cities across North America; London’s West End; Hamburg, Germany; and Sydney, Australia once again at the Peace Center.

Tues, Sept 2,3, 4, 7:30 pm
Fri, Sept 5, 6, 8:00 pm
Sat, Sept 6, 2:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 1:00 pm
Sun, Sept 7, 6:30 pm
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 7 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

King Lear
Sep 7 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

King Lear is a tragic tale of a king who divides his kingdom between his daughters, sparking betrayal, madness, and ruin. As Lear grapples with his decisions, he is betrayed by two of his daughters, while the loyalty of his youngest, Cordelia, leads to heartbreak and tragedy. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Monday, September 8, 2025
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sep 8 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

September 5 – 28

Whodunit? Detective Poirot is determined to find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling murder mystery. Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst and who just may strike again.  All aboard for a suspenseful evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Screenshot 2024-12-09 at 2.42.59 PM.png
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 8 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Sep 9 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

September 5 – 28

Whodunit? Detective Poirot is determined to find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling murder mystery. Passengers aboard the opulent Orient Express awake to frightful news: Overnight, the American business mogul among them was stabbed to death behind locked doors. Thankfully, debonair detective Hercule Poirot is on the train and on the case and suddenly every passenger becomes a suspect. Tensions rise as Poirot searches for the killer lurking in their midst and who just may strike again.  All aboard for a suspenseful evening that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70

Child Pricing Available (17 & under)

Screenshot 2024-12-09 at 2.42.59 PM.png
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 9 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.