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.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Featuring CAYLA CLARK
Aug 14 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Cayla Clark On Wednesday August 15, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic 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).
$15 tickets available at door at The Orange Peel’s websiteFeature 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 @blinddateliveavlHost 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.[Comedy Open Mic is 3-5m depending how many signup. Signup at door. See Hilliary at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]

Thursday, August 15, 2024
Trivia Thursdays
Aug 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Noble Cider
Trivia Every Thursday w/ Not Rocket Science
Friday, August 16, 2024
Pack Square Artisan Market
Aug 16 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Downtown on Fridays, discover a delightful assortment of quality handmade goods from skilled makers at Asheville’s weekly street party. The Pack Square Artisan Market is produced by Places For Makers, an Asheville, NC based non-profit organization.

Saturday, August 17, 2024
Antique and Collectible Book Sale
Aug 17 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monte Vista Hotel

The Friends of the Black Mountain Library are pleased to again participate in the Antiques and Collectibles Sale sponsored by the Swannanoa Valley Museum. The antique sale will be held at the Monte Vista Hotel on Saturday August 17, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. FOL will be selling antique books, ephemera, and other related items. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for one of a kind holiday gifts or to add to your personal library! Join us for a day of treasure hunting and fun!

Sunday, August 18, 2024
Live Music Saturdays
Aug 18 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade
Enjoy live music from local singer-songwriters in the Atrium of the Grove Arcade each Saturday from 12-3pm!
Stop by to kick your weekend off with shopping from local merchants and tunes from local musicians.
Show & Tell Sunday Market
Aug 18 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Show & Tell returns to Rabbit Rabbit for a monthly Sunday Market celebrating and supporting local + indie craft, design, and vintage. Gather with friends and family in the open air at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in Downtown Asheville and shop 50+ vendors rotating monthly.

Featuring housewares, decor, art, jewelry, ceramics, apparel, vintage clothes, candles, plants, and more! Meet makers and collectors and shop directly or at the curated pop up shop.

Enjoy bites and bevs from AVL Tacos and Asheville Pizza & Brewing.

Sundays, August 18, September 29, October 20

12-5pm

Rabbit Rabbit

75 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Free and open to the public. The outdoor market runs rain or shine. No dogs allowed. Street parking is free all day Sunday along with paid parking options in nearby lots and garages.

For more info, visit showandtellpopupshop.com

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday August 18 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & and comedian Jason Webb, Art Sturtevant, Jordan Julius and other Professional featured performers in a fun environment.. Hosted by Zandra Johnson!

Monday, August 19, 2024
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Aug 19 @ 7:00 pm
DSSOLVR

TRIVIA-post-super-rob-banner

DSSOLVR PRESENTS:

ROBERT’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA

Every Monday, at 7:00 PM, come on down

Trivia w/ Billy
Aug 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

Trivia with Billy is Asheville’s best eclectic trivia night. This blend of factoids, music knowledge, and critical thinking is guaranteed to have a little bit for everyone. A diverse team of thinkers is a must if you want to win. There are bonuses prizes on nights with 10+ teams, if your team beats the ever-present brewery team, and for best team name. This trivia takes a lot more than just being good at Jeopardy! This is the perfect way to extend your weekend, or start your week. As a wise man once said, “I drink and I know things,” and this is your chance to prove it!

Trivia with Billy
Aug 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

Trivia with Billy

prizes and more

QUIZZO PUB TRIVIA Hosted by Jason Mencer
Aug 19 @ 7:30 pm
Jack of the Wood


Hosted by the witty & sagacious Jason Mencer, our epic pub trivia night runs every Monday from 7:30-9:30pm! Plus $5.00 well drinks all night!

Come test your brain power with tasty pub fare, an adult beverage or two — and a team of your smartest friends! Win prizes each round and crow a little about what a smarty-pants you are!

Thursday, August 22, 2024
Mobile Food Market at Woodfin YMCA
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Woodfin YMCA

We’re excited to announce that beginning in August, we will be hosting a new mobile food market at the Woodfin YMCA every month!

Our mobile food markets distribute healthy produce, simple recipes, and valuable nutrition information that’s easy to understand. This service is free and open to the public, no questions asked.

Trivia Thursdays
Aug 22 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Noble Cider
Trivia Every Thursday w/ Not Rocket Science
Friday, August 23, 2024
Pack Square Artisan Market
Aug 23 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Downtown on Fridays, discover a delightful assortment of quality handmade goods from skilled makers at Asheville’s weekly street party. The Pack Square Artisan Market is produced by Places For Makers, an Asheville, NC based non-profit organization.

One Act Play Festival
Aug 23 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.

The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!

Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.

Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.​

Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.

Saturday, August 24, 2024
Battle of the Bands Contest @ Swain County Ag Fair
Aug 24 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Event Park

Swain County Agricultural Fair’s 2nd Annual “Battle of the Bands,” is a four-hour music contest set to take place on Saturday, August 24th beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Battle of the Bands will feature six bands who are finalists competing for prize money.

Does your band have what it takes? We are currently accepting entries for the top 6 finalists to compete. Entry deadline is July 31, 2024. Music genres include: Bluegrass, Gospel, Country, Americana, and Southern Rock.

Top 3 bands will be awarded prize money: First Place – $1,500; Second Place – $1,000; and Third Place – $500

One Act Play Festival
Aug 24 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.

The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!

Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.

Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.​

Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.

Phoenix Festival
Aug 24 @ 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Outpost

For its first big community event, Phoenix Fire Coffee is hosting Phoenix Festival – a fundraising event and small business expo showcasing local artists, food trucks, and live music. The event will be at The Outpost near Carrier Park on August 2liv4th. Food and vendors open from 4pm to 9pm. Music goes until 11pm. We hope to use this event to raise money for our grand opening while simultaneously uplifting small businesses and fostering a sense of community.
Admission is free, but a donation of $5 or more would be greatly appreciated.

One Act Play Festival
Aug 24 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.

The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!

Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.

Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.​

Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.

Sunday, August 25, 2024
One Act Play Festival
Aug 25 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Hendersonville Theatre premiers its first One Act Play Festival of short plays, featuring a variety of different stories from regional and national playwrights, local directors, and incredible performers.

The process began with an open call for plays. A team of readers poured through hundreds of submissions to select a group of outstanding plays. The result? A weekend-long extravaganza to bring a kaleidoscope of new and exciting world premiers to Hendersonville!

Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival presents plays by established and emerging writers. Divided into two shows, Sections A and B are a multiple series of short plays, performed in rotation. One-act plays provide a condensed yet impactful theatrical experience, allowing for concise and focused storytelling that can captivate the audience’s attention from start to finish. This format often demands precision and intensity from the performers, leading to powerful performances that resonate deeply with viewers.

Additionally, Hendersonville Theatre’s One Act Play Festival serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their skills and creativity. A one-act play offers the opportunity to demonstrate versatility in acting, directing, and technical execution within a limited timeframe. This challenge can foster growth and development among participants, pushing them to explore innovative approaches to storytelling and staging.​

Furthermore, the festival environment itself fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and a sense of community among theater enthusiasts. Presenting a one-act play at the festival allows performers and crews to connect with peers, receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals, and immerse themselves in a supportive network of fellow theater aficionados. This experience can prove invaluable for honing skills, gaining exposure, and broadening one’s perspective on the craft of theater.

Monday, August 26, 2024
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Aug 26 @ 7:00 pm
DSSOLVR

TRIVIA-post-super-rob-banner

DSSOLVR PRESENTS:

ROBERT’S TOTALLY RAD TRIVIA

Every Monday, at 7:00 PM, come on down

Trivia w/ Billy
Aug 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

Trivia with Billy is Asheville’s best eclectic trivia night. This blend of factoids, music knowledge, and critical thinking is guaranteed to have a little bit for everyone. A diverse team of thinkers is a must if you want to win. There are bonuses prizes on nights with 10+ teams, if your team beats the ever-present brewery team, and for best team name. This trivia takes a lot more than just being good at Jeopardy! This is the perfect way to extend your weekend, or start your week. As a wise man once said, “I drink and I know things,” and this is your chance to prove it!

Trivia with Billy
Aug 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

Trivia with Billy

prizes and more

QUIZZO PUB TRIVIA Hosted by Jason Mencer
Aug 26 @ 7:30 pm
Jack of the Wood


Hosted by the witty & sagacious Jason Mencer, our epic pub trivia night runs every Monday from 7:30-9:30pm! Plus $5.00 well drinks all night!

Come test your brain power with tasty pub fare, an adult beverage or two — and a team of your smartest friends! Win prizes each round and crow a little about what a smarty-pants you are!

Thursday, August 29, 2024
Trivia Thursdays
Aug 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Noble Cider
Trivia Every Thursday w/ Not Rocket Science
Friday, August 30, 2024
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Aug 30 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

2024 ESMF https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/ Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2024 (Hours vary by day)

General Admission – $175
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● May bring blankets or chairs for seating – limitations apply, see FAQs

Grandstand – $250
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Access to covered seating and concessions, including bars and washrooms, in the Grandstand

Scruggs Patron VIP – $450
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
 Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor 
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes dinner (deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks), Two hour happy hour each day with access to a private bar, and washrooms on the second floor of the International Arena
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Ridge VIP – $650
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes gourmet food service with tables and waiters on the third floor of International Arena, with balcony seating overlooking the Arena
● Private bars and washrooms in the Ridge VIP area
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Bluegrass Cabana – $5,000
 Access for 8 to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Private cabana on the floor of the International Arena, Includes private bar and food service
● Access to private washrooms
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)


King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Official Preshow Meetup! AVL
Aug 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The Whale

Asheville Swarm 2024 Pre Show Fan Meetup!! Come hang out, get a drink, and have some food before the show and check out artists and creators’ @kinggizzard inspired merch at @thewhale. There will also be two amazing psych bands playing: Heath Monger and Impending Joy! The Whale is located in West Asheville, a short 5-minute drive to the venue. Hope to see you there!!

Pack Square Artisan Market
Aug 30 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Downtown on Fridays, discover a delightful assortment of quality handmade goods from skilled makers at Asheville’s weekly street party. The Pack Square Artisan Market is produced by Places For Makers, an Asheville, NC based non-profit organization.

Saturday, August 31, 2024
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Aug 31 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

2024 ESMF https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/ Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2024 (Hours vary by day)

General Admission – $175
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● May bring blankets or chairs for seating – limitations apply, see FAQs

Grandstand – $250
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Access to covered seating and concessions, including bars and washrooms, in the Grandstand

Scruggs Patron VIP – $450
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
 Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor 
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes dinner (deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks), Two hour happy hour each day with access to a private bar, and washrooms on the second floor of the International Arena
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Ridge VIP – $650
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes gourmet food service with tables and waiters on the third floor of International Arena, with balcony seating overlooking the Arena
● Private bars and washrooms in the Ridge VIP area
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Bluegrass Cabana – $5,000
 Access for 8 to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Private cabana on the floor of the International Arena, Includes private bar and food service
● Access to private washrooms
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)


Sunday, September 1, 2024
Earl Scruggs Music Festival
Sep 1 all-day
Tryon International Equestrian Center

2024 ESMF https://earlscruggsmusicfest.com/ Aug 30 – Sep 1, 2024 (Hours vary by day)

General Admission – $175
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Children under age 12 are free with a paying adult
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● May bring blankets or chairs for seating – limitations apply, see FAQs

Grandstand – $250
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Access to the floor of the International Arena at Flint Hill Stage
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Access to covered seating and concessions, including bars and washrooms, in the Grandstand

Scruggs Patron VIP – $450
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
 Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor 
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes dinner (deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks), Two hour happy hour each day with access to a private bar, and washrooms on the second floor of the International Arena
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Ridge VIP – $650
● Access to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Plus, access to designated VIP area on the International Arena floor
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● Includes gourmet food service with tables and waiters on the third floor of International Arena, with balcony seating overlooking the Arena
● Private bars and washrooms in the Ridge VIP area
● Exclusive ESMF merchandise item
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)

Bluegrass Cabana – $5,000
 Access for 8 to festival grounds, workshops, onsite activities, and secondary stage
● Private cabana on the floor of the International Arena, Includes private bar and food service
● Access to private washrooms
● Children 3 and under are free with a paying adult
● VIP Benefits apply only to the Flint Hill Stage (main)