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 23, 2025
Asheville Community Plant Market
Aug 23 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Hydroponics & Organics

Join us for our monthly market, where you’ll discover local vendors offering a variety of houseplants, garden plants, and planty-related items, including crafts and jewelry. Show your support by visiting our social table, where we will have branded merchandise for sale to help fund the event, as well as tags for social media pages to follow your favorite vendors. Enjoy live music and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🅿️Free parking is available! Please park at the front of the building and enter through the hydroponics shop. Vendors will be set up inside the shop as well as outside the back of the shop.

Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 23 @ 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.

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind 
Aug 23 @ 8:00 pm
Asheville Community Theater

35Below:

35below is a 40-seat black box theatre located at 35 East Walnut, Asheville, NC. The entrance is located on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance – right next to the Thomas Wolfe House & Museum.

Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind

August 15 – 24, 2025

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM

Title & Authors:
Created by Greg Allen
Performed by The Neo-Futurists


Prepare for a whirlwind of theatrical creativity in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind! This fast-paced and unpredictable show presents 30 plays in 60 minutes, each ranging from hilarious to deeply poignant. Known for its unique blend of performance art, satire, and audience interaction, Too Much Light guarantees a different experience every night. Audience participation and improvisation are at the core of this ever-evolving production.

Expect the unexpected as The Neo-Futurists deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, commentary, and absurdity. No two performances are alike—so roll the dice and get ready for a theatrical experiment like no other!

Run Time: 60 minutes

Content Awareness: This show contains strong language, mature themes, and occasional moments of audience participation. Some scenes may include references to violence, sexuality, religion, and other adult topics.

Sunday, August 24, 2025
Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 24 @ 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.

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind 
Aug 24 @ 8:00 pm
Asheville Community Theater

35Below:

35below is a 40-seat black box theatre located at 35 East Walnut, Asheville, NC. The entrance is located on the opposite side of the building as the main entrance – right next to the Thomas Wolfe House & Museum.

Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind

August 15 – 24, 2025

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 8:00 PM & 10:00 PM

Title & Authors:
Created by Greg Allen
Performed by The Neo-Futurists


Prepare for a whirlwind of theatrical creativity in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind! This fast-paced and unpredictable show presents 30 plays in 60 minutes, each ranging from hilarious to deeply poignant. Known for its unique blend of performance art, satire, and audience interaction, Too Much Light guarantees a different experience every night. Audience participation and improvisation are at the core of this ever-evolving production.

Expect the unexpected as The Neo-Futurists deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, commentary, and absurdity. No two performances are alike—so roll the dice and get ready for a theatrical experiment like no other!

Run Time: 60 minutes

Content Awareness: This show contains strong language, mature themes, and occasional moments of audience participation. Some scenes may include references to violence, sexuality, religion, and other adult topics.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Docent Led Tours at The Learning Garden
Aug 27 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Buncombe County Extension Office — Learning Garden

Tours on the last Wednesday of the month, May through October: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, October 29
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden. Visit and Learn!

Visit informally Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no docents or tours)

Docents and Presenters: Extension Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden.
Program Description: On the last Wednesday of the month from May to October you can join a more formal tour and be led through the gardens by a master gardener docent as you watch the other gardeners caring for the plants. See beautiful and interesting plants, delicious vegetables, native plants for beauty and pollinator interest.
The tours start at 10:00 a.m. and should last approximately an hour. The tours will begin outside the front door of the Buncombe County Extension Office.

Wear appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses and sturdy shoes and bring some water) as this event will be held outside. In the event of steady rain in West Asheville, the workday and the tour will be canceled.

The tour is free and registration is not necessary.
If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

NOTE: The Learning Garden is open for informal visits Monday through Friday throughout the year, but if you visit on a Wednesday, during the growing season, you can meet the Master Gardeners working in the gardens and ask questions about the plants and their care. We invite you to visit often, observe the gardens, and ask questions as the Master Gardeners tend the gardens through the growing season. If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.

Arbor Evenings
Aug 27 @ 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, August 28, 2025
WomanUP
Aug 28 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am
A-B Tech Conference Center
The Switch: Activate Your Authentic Influence and Unlock Your Next Chapter

We all know how to “turn on” our confidence for a big meeting. But what if that power wasn’t just a temporary performance? In this inspiring keynote, TV Host and Fundraising Auctioneer Erin Kienzle shares her powerful framework for “The Switch.”
Learn how to:

-Instantly command any room with a simple 3-step tool.

-Find the courage to stop performing and pivot toward your true purpose.

-Redefine success on your own terms by giving yourself three essential permissions.

Stop just playing a part. It’s time to unlock your authentic influence and realign your life.

 

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.

Our Global Table
Sep 4 @ 7:25 pm – 8:25 pm
Cooperative Coffee
 Want to enjoy tasty foods with international flair and support a great cause at the same time?
On Saturday, September 13th, “Our Global Table” will showcase a variety of food and drink as a fundraiser for nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services’ Justice For All Program, which provides free legal aid to improve the lives of immigrants in 18 Western North Carolina (WNC) counties.
The event takes place at Cooperative Coffee, 210 Haywood Road in West Asheville from 3-6:00 p.m. Guests will sample a passport’s worth of international flavor, provided by talented community neighbors including: Gypsy Queen, J Chong Eats, Luis Martinez, Master BBQ, Olga Jimenez of Short Street Cakes, and more.
Tickets are $35/person in advance on Cooperative Coffee’s website; $40 at the door on the day of the event. Kids ages 8 and under are free.
Nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) provides a broad array of free, civil legal aid, anti-poverty advocacy and access to health care assistance in the 18-county WNC region. Last year, Pisgah Legal served more than 25,000 people, many of whom were recovering from Hurricane Helene.
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
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
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