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, March 16, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 16 @ 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
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

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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)

Rainy Night Theatre presents “The Irish Inquisition”
Mar 16 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Adult comedy night, featuring 10 comics from the Southeast all in one night! $10 suggested donation. 6:30 – 9pm.

Sunday, March 17, 2024
St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets

St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Poetry Night
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
UNC Asheville Spring 2024 Visiting Writers Series: Natalie Baszile presents “Queen Sugar” and “We Are Each Other’s Harvest”
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

 

Natalie Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room (202/203)

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UNCA--Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

Free

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.


Accessibility

UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.

Visitor Parking

Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Mar 20 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall

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

Friday, March 22, 2024
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Mar 22 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off

The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Mar 22 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off

Saturday, March 23, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 23 @ 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
March Madness: Jock Jams with DJ Lil Meow Meow
Mar 23 @ 10:00 pm
Little Jumbo

🏀March Madness: Jock Jams🏀

📣Y’all ready for this?📣

Jock jams, 90s dance bops, and forgotten pep rally bangers with DJ Lil Meow Meow

🏅Saturday 3.23🏅

🏆10pm-1am🏆

⛹️‍♀️Costumes encouraged⛹️‍♀️

See you at Little Jumbo 🍸

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024
barbie angell uncensored: an unfiltered, uninhibited, + unapologetic event
Mar 27 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

The 90-minute show will be filled with Barbie’s poetry, ranging from pieces from her children’s book, Roasting Questions, to adult material she seldom performs. Also included, excerpts from her autobiographical play, Death By Sparkle: Or, What Happens When You Drink Window Cleaner, and monologues from her inappropriately hilarious alter ego, Princess Kratilda.

Friday, March 29, 2024
DJ Lil Meow Meow’s Dance Floor Rapture
Mar 29 @ 11:00 pm
Eulogy

Come get lifted and lost in dance with DJ Lil Meow Meow’s monthly dance party at Asheville’s newest venue, Eulogy, in the South Slope area downtown. Come ready to sweat.

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 30 @ 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
Dropping Into Delight: Yoga (optional) + Immersive Poetry Workshop
Mar 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Story Parlor

Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea (RYT-200 ), this workshop will explore how spring is showing up in our lives—specifically deliberating on *delight.* Think ripe strawberries. Purple phlox spreading across a moss-rich garden wall. Your favorite sneakers, worn in and warm, piled by the front door, waiting for a neighborhood stroll. The spring season offers each of us a chance to step into our artistic practice with verve, sweetness, and a shaking off of winter hibernation. This workshop is designed to do just that.

We will deep-dive into understanding various poetic techniques, personal themes and voice, as well as have guided group and individual support. This is a “YES, I’LL TAKE TEN BOUQUETS OF TULIPS TO GO WITH MY WRITING” class. We will move gently while playing with creative ways to buoy confidence and craft.

This is a beginner friendly class for writers and yogis alike. Students taking the yoga portion are asked to bring their own mats and props.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Dark City Poets Society
Apr 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library
Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.FREE. Meets in the Community Room.
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Children’s Poetry Workshop: Isn’t It a Wonder?
Apr 4 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

In celebration of National Poetry Month and the wonders of the natural world, join local poet Brit Washburn to explore and craft nature poems! Bring your five senses and an open heart! Ages 6-12.

Standup Comedy Contest
Apr 4 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest at The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Thursday April 4, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website https://tinyurl.com/2abjkft4)
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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring professional comics.
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
The show’s Headliner will be selected by audience in an anonymous ballet after 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 10-15m set!
.
Contact Michele at [email protected] for details
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! 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,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o

Friday, April 5, 2024
Intro to Memoir Writing: a 3-session series with Cornelia Dolian
Apr 5 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
East Asheville Library

Free. Space limited. Registration required. Call 828-250-4738 or stop by the library to register.

April 5: Session 1 – Memoir Basics & Beginnings
What’s a memoir, how does it work, and where do I begin mine?
Learn the key elements of the genre, understand what a memoir is (and isn’t). Get suggestions & tips for writing a rich, compelling, standout memoir, and where to begin collecting, compiling, and nurturing what will become the foundations of your memoir.

April 12: Session 2 – Memoir Structure and Outline
How do you structure and outline a memoir that will hook, connect with, and impact your readers?
Understand how to use narrative/story structure to help your memoir “read almost like a novel”.

April 19: Session 3 –  Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Turning your memoir outline into a full manuscript first draft (and what even is that?) – one milestone, chapter, and day at a time.
Know what to aim for with your memoir’s first draft, what to ignore, and how to keep your inner critic from disrupting you. Consider and commit to a consistent writing schedule for your memoir.

Saturday, April 6, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 6 @ 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
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Weaverville WORDPLAY Poetry Workshop
Apr 11 @ 1:17 pm – 2:17 pm
Weaverville Library

Calling all Poets!  The Weaverville Library is collaborating with Weaverville WORDPLAY to host poetry workshops at the Weaverville Library. We will be working on crafting our poetry and offering feedback to writers.

Bring a poem or two that you are working on and join us!

POETRY WORKSHOP WITH GLENIS REDMOND
Apr 11 @ 6:00 pm
Ramsaur Studio

This National Poetry Month, turn your sparks of inspiration into beautiful poetry in an all-new poetry workshop led by Greenville Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of poetry or you’ve been penning verses for a while, this workshop is tailor-made for you. From brainstorming ideas to crafting captivating lines, Glenis will guide you every step of the way. Unleash your inner wordsmith and explore the magic of poetry with a true master.

The $125 registration fee is for admission to the three-part workshop taking place at 6:00 PM on April 11, 18 and 25. Please bring paper and your preferred writing tool with you. The workshop culminates in a reading during the final session where participants can invite a guest to enjoy their poetry progress.

Saturday, April 13, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 13 @ 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, April 14, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy
Apr 14 all-day
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday April 14 Standup Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company hosted by Hilliary Begley with Derek Boskovich, James Rocco & Jordan Smith featuring and a professional comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets

Monday, April 15, 2024
Letters to the Editor + Opinion Editorials Creative Workshop
Apr 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party HQ

Democrats need to be more actively messaging and to overcome the makers of fake news with the truth! Join this ongoing group of writers working together on Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials. We’ll discuss the issues we care about most deeply and craft a plan to respond to events as they occur in real time.

The group meets the first and third Monday of each month for writing, responding to one another’s work, scheduling submissions, and exploring media outlets across the state.

“Rant with purpose. Support with facts. Propel action.” – Myra Schoen