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, February 21, 2024
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Feb 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
First Baptist Church

Did you know that just one blood donation can help save up to three lives? The American Red Cross is currently experiencing an emergency blood shortage and reports the nation is facing the lowest number of blood donations in 20 years. If you would like to help, you can donate blood at the upcoming 14th Annual Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition between Buncombe County and Asheville first responders.

Last year, Battle of the Badges was able to collect a total of 160 units of blood that helped change the lives of patients in need. Help us match or exceed that goal during this year’s blood drive.

  • Battle of the Badges Blood Drive 2024
  • Wednesday, Feb. 21
  • 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St., in Asheville

You can schedule an appointment at   RedCrossBlood.org and enter “avlbattleofbadges” or call 800-RED-CROSS

Thursday, February 22, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 22 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

AVL Food Series: Pop-Up with Chef Michelle Bailey
Feb 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage

Join Friends and Family as we welcome Chef Michelle Bailey to do her first Pop Up Dinner with us here at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage on Thursday, February 22, 2024, with cocktails for purchase & snacks by Chef Bailey, starting at 5:30 pm and Dinner at 6:00 pm.

That is right folks we will have Chef Bailey and Jolene present to kick off the AVL Food Series here at The Mule, so get your tickets today before they sell out only 75 tickets are available.

The Evening will start at 5:30 pm with Cocktails for purchase at The Mule and Snacks by Chef Bailey for the guests to enjoy, mingle, and visit. Then at 6:00 pm you will be invited to a plated and served 4 course Dinner by Chef Bailey, with the option to purchase a drink ticket pairing or an NA Pairing if you so select.

Chef Bailey has selected Our Voice to be the Non-Profit for the event and a portion of your ticket sales will go to this non-profit whose mission is : Guiding Principles for Buncombe County’s Anti-Sexual Violence and Anti-Human Trafficking Agency. We are very fortunate to have this non-profit as part of our community here in Asheville with Values we can all believe in.

Chef Michelle Bailey crafts refined wood-fired fare using traditional southern techniques, fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers, makers, and foragers, and live fire.

Bailey has over 20 years of culinary industry experience leading both kitchens and catering companies. She has served as Executive Chef of Smoky Park Supper Club, Highland Lake Inn, The Venue, and The Marketplace. She also cooks at events including the annual Le Pied Du Mont Boucherie Festival at Comfort Farms, Pig Island NYC, and Salt Fire Smoke.

Now leading her own culinary venture, Bailey focuses on tailoring menus for special occasions, from intimate dinners to company retreats, weddings, and other celebrations. She also offers in-home cooking classes for small groups.

Her pride and joy, and often the star of Bailey’s pop-ups and events, is Jolene, her custom-built Santa Maria fire table handbuilt by John Haney of Alveron Barbecue.

Our VOICE takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence. We hold ourselves accountable to these core values:

Believe All Survivors

We advocate for the health, safety, and happiness of everyone impacted by sexual violence. Our programs are open to people of all genders, sexual orientations, racial identities, socioeconomic statuses, and abilities. All reports are taken seriously.

Promote Dignity

We honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people and believe that everyone has a right to healing, wholeness, and a life free of sexual violence.

Support Individual Agency

Survivors choose their own path to healing. We provide them with information in a compassionate way without reservation or judgment.

Shift Paradigms

Sexual violence is a societal problem linked to many forms of oppression. Working alongside community partners who align with our values, we will remain at the forefront of advocating for societal change.

Create a Culture of Care and Honesty

Compassion and respect guide our relationships with each other and with community members. We foster a culture of open, direct, and caring communication.

Please come and support Chef Bailey and Our Voice at this lovely dinner on February 22, 2024, at The Mule.

Produced by Shay & Company in Partnership with Devil’s Foot Beverage Company

Stay Tuned for Menu Details

Friday, February 23, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 23 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Saturday, February 24, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 24 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Blood Drive at the WNC Nature Center
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

The Blood Connection will set up a mobile unit at the WNC Nature Center parking lot on Saturday, February 24, from 10am – 3pm. Blood donors will get $40 in e-gift cards, plus a free guest pass to the Nature Center. As a bonus, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center will receive a $10 donation for each person who gives blood. We recommend signing up in advance.

North Buncombe Middle School Chilly Challenge 8K + 1-Mile Chili Chase
Feb 24 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
North Buncombe Middle School

Lace up your running shoes, grab your winter hat, and join us for the 9th Annual Chilly Challenge 8K & 1-Mile Chili Chase on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Run or walk with us to benefit North Buncombe Middle School!

Sunday, February 25, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 25 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Monday, February 26, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 26 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 27 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Auditions: The Birds
Feb 27 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
  • READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

    For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

  • Performance Dates: March 22-24, 2024
    Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
    Directed By: Elliot Weiner
    Production Assistant: Ruth Planey

    About The Birds: Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, four strangers grapple with birds who have been transformed from creatures of beauty into terrifying, menacing predators.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 28 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Thursday, February 29, 2024
Auditions Womansong
Feb 29 all-day
online

“We sing because we love to… and we sing because we can… and we sing for those who can’t… ​and we sing to honor the beauty of life within and around us!” -Althea Gonzalez, former Artistic Director

We welcome all who may be interested in joining and want to get acquainted!

Auditions for the Spring 2024 concert season are available through the end of February. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact us here or by email at [email protected].

Interested in why our members chose to join Womansong? Hear testimonials from several of our members here.

Saturday, March 2, 2024
Innovating for Ten, Trailblazing for Tomorrow Gala and Silent Auction
Mar 2 all-day
The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage Company

Join the Franklin School of Innovation for a festive night to celebrate ten years of innovation and trailblazing for the future!
Saturday, March 2, 2024
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Held at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company
131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville NC 28803
ADULTS 21+ ONLY
Please see the event page for ticket orders and more details:
https://auctria.events/Franklinschoolofinnovationgala
This fundraising event will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres from 67 Biltmore, light entertainment and fabulous drinks from The Mule.
This event is open to all local and afar, please mark your calendars for the ONLINE AUCTION & 50/50 RAFFLE!
Featuring glamorous hotel stays, art, fine beverages, local dining gift certificates, collectibles, and more!
Bidding opens February 19th and runs until March 2nd. Bidding can be done virtually, but we would hope to see you there!

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Auditions for Henry V
Mar 9 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre
Henry V is looking for a few more people to round out the cast!

Rehearsals will begin TBD. Performances are Friday – Sunday, July 26 – August 25 at 7:30.
Please visit the SignUp Genius to secure a slot. Walk-ins are also welcome but will be seen as time permits. If you are unable to attend auditions but are interested in the show, please email [email protected].
Blue Ridge Jamboree: ON THE RISE
Mar 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

We’re thrilled to present the “Blue Ridge Jamboree: ON THE RISE”, a showcase of our region’s top artists ages 25 and younger.

Hosted by acclaimed musician and storyteller Josh Goforth, ON THE RISE features:

• Addie Levy
• Appalachian Roots
• Bayla Davis
• Eric + Addie
• Newfound Gap
• Hightop Mountain Harmony

All proceeds of The Blue Ridge Jamboree will support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge’s Lynn Davis Scholarship program, which funds students who are pursuing college degrees with a commitment to enhance the natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Auditions: Disney’s Descendants
Mar 14 @ 4:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Disney’s Descendants

Ages: 12-18
Performance Dates: May 17-19, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s Descendants: Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Read more about registering for Disney’s Descendants HERE

Divine Intervention, The Game Show! is Back – a FUNdraiser for Our Voice
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company

Show rating: Ages 21 and up

See all of our upcoming events at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/beardedladyproductions

Join us on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing for an evening of non-stop fun and laughter! Bearded Lady Productions is proud to bring back “Divine Intervention,” the sell-out smash hit game show fundraiser. This event is a fundraiser with all profits being donated to Our VOICE. Ages 21 and up. The $15 tickets are available now at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.

Step into the fabulous world of “Divine Intervention,” a 90-minute game show that channels the spirit of the classic Family Feud but with a fabulous twist! Hosted by the charismatic Divinity Holeburn, this show guarantees real audience engagement with saucy side-commentary, cheeky prizes, and dazzling drag performances that will leave you in awe. But that’s not all! If you’re feeling lucky, you could even be chosen to participate as a contestant in the game show and win some fabulously tacky prizes. And while the contestants take a break, the audience will be treated to silly commercial breaks and even more dazzling drag performances.

New Belgium has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities for over 20 years. They employed the first Diversity + Inclusion specialist in the craft beer industry, and now have a DEI Director leading this work across our fast-growing business. They are a member of the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act and advocate against discriminatory public policy. They are proud to support organizations working for LGBTQ+ health, education, and equity year-round (https://www.newbelgium.com).

OurVOICE is Buncombe County’s anti-sexual violence and anti-human trafficking agency that takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence. Their core values are as follows: to believe all survivors, promote dignity, support individual agency, shift paradigms, and create a culture of care and honesty. Learn more at https://www.ourvoicenc.org.

See this and a variety of other fundraiser shows planned for the year at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Tickets are non-refundable. Bags and backpacks are subject to search. Seating at this event is theatre style. Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501c3.

Can’t make it but still want to help? Donate at https://www.ashevilledragbrunch.com/donate.

Our Voice and Asheville Drag Brunch
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company
Saturday, March 16, 2024
17th Shamrock Run 5K/10K/Fun Run
Mar 16 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Catholic School

Asheville Catholic School presents the 17th Annual Shamrock Run on Saturday, March 16. The event will benefit the O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund. There are two races: a 5K and a 10K, both of which start and finish at ACS and run through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Asheville. A fun run will precede the start of the 5K and 10K. The 5K and 10K will start 15 minutes apart. The 10K will start at 8:30 AM and the 5K at 8:45 AM. The Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM. This year’s race will be on the day before St. Patrick’s Day giving everyone a perfect way to celebrate this fun holiday. There will be great food, beer, and a DJ before and after the race.

Firefly Gathering’s Spring Equinox Mini-Fly
Mar 16 @ 4:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Celebrate the start of Spring with Firefly Gathering! Join us in the daytime for Earthskills demos, live music, and local flavors, then dance the night away with our after-hour DJ sets. Learn more and get your tickets today at www.fireflygathering.org

~
Full Description:

Tickets are going fast for this community celebration! This experience shares a taste of everything that Firefly is known for: earthskills, expert instructors, live music, local flavors…and ample time to dance! With day and night-time offerings, this Mini-Fly has something for everyone.

Bring the whole family during the day for Earthskill demos with our expert instructors, and enjoy live music, a traditional Cherokee Indian dinner, and all the craft beverages that One World Brewing has to offer while you’re there (dinner and drinks available for purchase from vendors)! As the sun goes down, bust out those dancing shoes and join us for our DJ Dance Party with DJ Lakesolace from 8pm – 10pm and DJ Meticulus from 10pm – 12pm (21+ ONLY).

Our ticket options give you the flexibility to join for all or part of the event, with full event tickets starting at just $29. Join us on March 16th at One World Brewing West through the ticket link below. We can’t wait to dance in the Equinox with you!

Additional Info:

Here’s our schedule for the day:

4PM – 7PM: Earthskills Demos with Grant Adkisson, Josh Barnwell, Jessica Kaufman, Tyler Lavenburg and Luke McLaughlin.
5PM – 8:30PM: Traditional Cherokee Indian Dinner (available for purchase at the event; sliding scale $20-40)
6:30PM – 8PM: Live Music Set with Auram
8PM – 12AM: DJ Dance Party (21+ only)

Monday, March 18, 2024
March for Meals 2024
Mar 18 all-day
Council on Aging for Henderson County office

The annual March for Meals campaign commemorates the historic day in March 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older.

The event will feature staff, volunteers and community leaders speaking about the importance of addressing senior hunger and isolation, followed by a Proclamation from the Mayor of Hendersonville, and ending with packing that day’s meals for drivers to deliver to homebound seniors throughout the County. Participants have the opportunity to take part in a ride-along with a Meals on Wheels driver and get a hands-on look at the impact of this vital program.

This campaign arrives at a pressing time for Henderson County’s Meals on Wheels service. Demand continues to exceed available financial resources. This issue is magnified by the pending loss of COVID-related funds at the end of this fiscal year. In response, COAHC recently had to make the difficult decision to stop accepting clients beyond their current funding capacity, resulting in a waitlist of over 100 homebound seniors, with an average wait time of at least 6 months before receiving service. This means that there are dozens of seniors in our community who are unable to access the vital support they desperately need to age in place

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Carry Your Cross 5K
Mar 30 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Pole Creek Baptist Church

Looking to be challenged physically and spiritually?… join us for the 2024 Carry Your Cross 5K, 1K Kid’s Run, and Little Kid’s (Ages 2-5) Fun Run – Saturday, March 30, 2024.  – 5K participants carry a 4ft length of 2×4 lumber across your back for the final 2/10 of a mile – uphill! Come join us for a run that you won’t soon forget. * 5K AWARDS & AGE GROUPS Special Commemorative Awards to: * Top 3 Male/Female Overall * Top 3 Male/Female Masters [40+] * Top 3 Male/Female in the following Age Groups: * 12+ under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 + KIDS 1K AWARDS to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall  Schedule Saturday – March 30th * 7:00 – 8:45    Packet Pick Up and Onsite Registration in the Family Life Center (gym). * 9:00              5K START * 9:45 +/-         Little Kids Fun Run START * 10:00 +/-       Kids 1K START * 10:30            5K Awards Ceremony

Reproductive Freedom Art Show – AVL
Mar 30 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Haiku AVL

We must protect and restore abortion access.
Since the reversal of Roe v Wade, the future of abortion access has been handed to state legislatures. This catastrophic SCOTUS decision is to the detriment of many states across the South.

In fact, now 1 in 3 women live in states without access, and the top ten states with the highest rates of maternal mortality have all passed abortion bans. The 2024 election is critical to abortion access in NC.

The Reproductive Freedom Art Show is an artistic act of defiance. All proceeds raised from the art show will support Planned Parenthood Action PAC NC. The Action PAC supports pro-reproductive health candidates by direct voter contact work, reaching low propensity voters and mobilizing the electorate to vote for pro-choice candidates.

Help protect and restore access to safe, legal abortion and reproductive rights by participating in this show by donating artwork, your time, shopping, or just spreading the word.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Auditions: Over the River and Through the Woods
Apr 2 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
  • READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

    For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

  • Performance Dates: April 26-28, 2024
    Auditions: April 2, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
    Directed By: Ellen Pappas
    Production Assistant: Terry Darakjy

    About Over the River and Through the Woods: Faithful grandson Nick visits his grandparents every Sunday. This warm – hearted and touching comedy explores the conflict that arises when the love and expectations between grandparents and grandchildren don’t quite match.

Thursday, April 4, 2024
Blood Drive
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
AdventHealth Hendersonville

We are starting our first full month of Spring which means a few more weeks of spring break. High travel seasons like spring break can lead to increased needs for blood and decreased rates of donations. You can help make sure the blood supply stays at a safe level when you Spring into Life Saving at the AdventHealth Blood Drive. We are excited to partner with The Blood Connection to meet the blood needs for people across our community.

Blood Drive

AdventHealth Hendersonville & The Blood Connection

Thursday, April 4 | 10 am to 3 pm

100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville

Look for The Blood Connection Mobile Donor Unit near the Valet parking lot.

 

All donors will receive a $50 e-gift card!

Saturday, April 13, 2024
AVL Clothing Swap
Apr 13 all-day
The Regeneration Station

Join AVL Clothing Swap for our biggest event yet! Now located at the Regeneration Station, the swap works the same as always: purchase your ticket (now a tax-deductible donation!) drop off clothing (clean and in good condition) at Regeneration Station before the event date. On the day of the event, show up to shop the swap!

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
UNCA’s Day of giving
Apr 17 all-day
online

🐾 On April 17, We’re All Bulldogs 🐾

Whether you are an alumni, family to a current Bulldog, attending a home game in the Sherrill Center, checking out a lecture on campus, supporting a Bulldog-owned business by getting a scoop of ice cream at The Hop or a cup of coffee at Grind AVL, or strolling the booths of local vendors at the North Asheville Tailgate market — you are a Bulldog.

And the best day to support our Bulldog community, Give UNC Asheville, is right around the corner!

On April 17, from midnight to midnight, our community unites as Bulldogs for the University’s biggest day of giving.

This year marks our fourth annual giving day! Join the hundreds, or better yet, thousands who are giving back to support our incredible students, faculty, and staff as they continue to strive for excellence.

Make your early gift today to give us a head start toward our goal of 800 donors on April 17. Become an advocate to help us spread the word! (YOU are 44 percent more likely to bring in extra support for our Bulldogs when you share with your family and friends why you support UNC Asheville.)

Go to our giving page to learn more and make your donation: http://giving.unca.edu/givingday2024

Every gift counts, and we need you to make it happen.

Donate Today!
Friday, April 19, 2024
Spring Clean Coat Drive
Apr 19 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Carolina Furniture Concepts

Thank you to  Carolina Furniture Concepts for hosting our annual coat drive on Friday, April 19 and to WLOS-13 and Two Men and a Truck for sponsoring the event. Our community has always been very generous in donating many great items that keep our neighbors warm this winter.

The coat giveaway will be held on Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24 at 23 Hamilton Street, Asheville, NC  28801.

Spring Plant Sale
Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Eliada Homes

 

Veggie Stars, Herbs, Flowers

ELIDA helping children succeed