Calendar of Events
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.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Asheville (East)
1st Tuesday monthly. 11:30am – 1pm, Suwana Asian Cuisine (https://www.suwanaasiancuisine.com), 45 Tunnel Rd., Asheville 28805
Meeting Leaders:
Steve Jencks, Incredible Towns of WNC https://incredibletowns.com
Charlotte Fitzpatrick, PrimeLending https://lo.primelending.com/cfitzpatrick
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More https://www.bigfrog.com/asheville
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration https://pisgahroofingandrestoration.com
The Super Signguy https://thesupersignguy.com
Michael Freas Photography https://michaelfreas.com
Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair – https://www.getliftedavl.com
The Sky High Growth Awards recognize Asheville-area businesses for their resilience, innovation, and contributions to the local economy. This reception-style event, hosted at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company on Tuesday, April 1, from 4 to 6 p.m., offers a great opportunity to connect with business leaders, celebrate the honorees, and enjoy an evening of engaging conversation.
New this year, businesses can feature their brand with a reserved table for 10 guests for $400, which includes table signage with their logo. Tickets are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members, with each guest receiving two beer tickets. A cash bar will also be available.
Join us in honoring the outstanding businesses that are shaping Asheville’s future.
A playful night of storytelling, surprises, and art-inspired mischief!
When the gallery closes for the night, the stories come out to play! Join Gallery Tales founder, Kate Wargo, for a special April Fools edition of Pranks, Plots, & Playful Tales—where artwork takes on a life of its own and every story has a surprise twist.
Young writers (ages 8-13) and their family will explore the gallery, find inspiration in the artwork, and craft their own Trickster Tale—full of pranks, unexpected turns, and clever characters! Will your story pull off the ultimate trick, flip the script, or leave the audience guessing?
🎨 Art Speaks: Pick a piece of artwork—what if it’s hiding a secret, playing a joke, or telling a different story than it seems?
✍️ The Trickster’s Challenge: Start writing, but beware! A surprise storytelling twist might shake things up!
🎤 The Night Owl Mic: Share your tricky tale (if you want) in a cozy, welcoming space.
Join us for 90 minutes of creativity, fun, and storytelling shenanigans! Just remember… in a Trickster Tale, anything can happen!
✨ For young writers ages 8-13 who love a good story and a little bit of fun!
**Bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and your imagination!
www.gallerytales.com to learn more about Gallery Tales Kids Spring and Summer creative writing and visual arts series
Venture Asheville’s Business Buying and Selling Summit on Thursday, April 3rd, brings together top experts in valuations, deal structuring, negotiations, and exit strategies – so you can make informed decisions instead of costly mistakes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Keynotes from national M&A leaders, including Baird and Deb Hatley, CEO and Co-Founders of Hatley Pointe.
- Expert panels covering market trends, financing options, and deal red flags.
- Networking with buyers, sellers, brokers, and business advisors.
Hands-on workshops to help you value a business, prepare for a sale, and navigate transitions.
✔ Current business owners considering an exit or succession plan
✔ Investors & lenders interested in acquisition opportunities
✔ Franchisees & executives exploring business ownership
🎟 Limited Tickets – Secure Yours Today!
Join us as we raise a glass to one incredible year at Soprana Rooftop Cucina! 🍹✨ We’re celebrating our first trip around the sun with a sunset toast, featuring Aperol Spritz and a night full of fun.
What to Expect:
🍹 Food & Drink Specials
🍊 Aperol Spritz Towers – because one Spritz is never enough!
🎶 Live DJ Set until 9 PM with Hotbread Selectors
🎟️ Raffle Prizes & More Surprises!
Plus, we’re giving back! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Asheville Poverty Initiative ❤️
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of great drinks, stunning views, and good company. This event is free to the public. RSVP to let us know you’re coming.
Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.
April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!
Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.
April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!
Incredible Business Networking: IBN Biz Lunch – Candler
2nd Tuesday monthly. 11:30am – 1pm, Elena’s Mexican Grill (https://www.elenasmexicangrill.com), 101 Westridge Market Pl.
Meeting Leaders:
Cindy Pike – Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair https://www.getliftedtireandalignment.com
Cheryl Hyde – Black Mountain and Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce https://www.exploreblackmountain.com
Why Attend IBN Biz Lunches?
Free To Attend, No Dues Or Fees
No Membership Required
No Attendance Requirements
No Category Restrictions
No Exclusions – All Inclusive!
Buy Food/Drink If You Wish (Optional)
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards / flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
Have a Door Prize? (optional) Bring one if you like.
Incredible Business Networking – Western North Carolina is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC – https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care – https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management – https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More – https://www.bigfrog.com/asheville
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration – https://pisgahroofingandrestoration.com
The Super Signguy https://thesupersignguy.com
Michael Freas Photography https://michaelfreas.com
Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair – https://www.getliftedavl.com
36 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Work-related stress knows no difference between titles, pay grades, or how long you’ve worked in your field. By building resilience and enhancing your resources, you can overcome your stress and continue to succeed!
During this interactive and insightful workshop, you’ll gain awareness of your work stressors, learn how to build your stress threshold, and how to bounce back after stressful situations occur.
* Participants will walk away from this workshop with knowledge of their work stressors plus actionable tips for enhancing their stress resiliency and building their resources so that work stress won’t take over their career.
Join us in the beautiful neighborhood of Olivette for an outdoor concert featuring two fantastic folk groups: A Different Thread and The Wilder Flower. $25 – Kids are free!
British-American troubadours A Different Thread create richly emotive tapestry of transatlantic folk. Lead singers Robert Jackson (Midlands, UK) and Alicia Best (North Carolina) first met busking in Ireland. Their chance encounter sparked a musical journey that has spanned over nine years, a dozen countries, and two studio albums— capturing the love of two folk singers chasing their dreams on the road.
The Wilder Flower, featuring Danielle Yother on guitar, Molly Johnson on banjo, and Madeline Dierauf on fiddle, encompasses a fresh take on rural Appalachian music. Together they blend modern influences with their deep roots of old time & bluegrass. Their songs are filled with three-part harmonies, tight instrumental blends, and storytelling.
IBN Evening Social – A Networking Event You Won’t Want to Miss!
Date: Monday, April 14
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden (https://12bones.com/location/taproom/)
Why Should You Attend?
Free to Attend: No fees, no dues—just show up and enjoy!
No Membership or Requirements: No obligations, no restrictions—open to everyone!
Inclusive Environment: All industries and businesses are welcome.
Optional Purchases: Grab some food or a drink if you’d like!
What to Expect:
This is your opportunity to connect with local professionals, promote your business, and expand your referral network in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or part of a larger company, this event is perfect for making meaningful connections.
Pro Tip: Bring plenty of business cards, flyers, or promotional materials to share with other attendees. Have a door prize to contribute? Feel free to bring one—it’s optional but always appreciated!
Don’t miss this chance to grow your business and build new relationships in the community. Invite your colleagues, friends, and business contacts to join in on the fun!
We’ll see you there!
Incredible Business Networking is Sponsored by the following fine companies that make it possible for everyone else to attend for free!:
Mr. Rooter Plumbing WNC
https://www.mrrooter.com/asheville
One Health Direct Primary Care
https://www.onehealthdpc.com
PMI Mountain & Main Property Management
https://www.ashevillepropertymanagementinc.net
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Pisgah Roofing and Restoration
The Super Signguy
Michael Freas Photography
https://michaelfreas.com
Get Lifted Auto Sales and Repair
https://www.getliftedavl.com
Get ready to move, get inspired, and get your game on!
Discover your inner athlete and ignite your path to wellness at the Asheville Sports + Fitness Fair presented by Asheville Parks & Recreation! Step into the recently renovated Memorial Stadium as it transforms into a vibrant hub of energy showcasing the world of local sports leagues, fitness opportunities, and healthy living.
Explore youth and adult sports leagues, learn about organizations focused on wellness and active living, and discover a wealth of resources dedicated to improving well-being. Uncover hidden gems in the local fitness scene and learn about exciting new ways to stay active and engaged.
At 6pm, join the City of Asheville for a special ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony celebrating the renovation of Memorial Stadium and revitalization of Mountainside Park. It’s a chance to be part of Asheville’s commitment to health and recreation.
If your organization is interested in participating in the fair, please email [email protected]. Space is limited.
Standup Comedy Picture Show with headliner Cayla Clark
Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!
Wednesday April 16, 7:30-9p 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).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host 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.
Headliner 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 @blinddateliveavl
Also on the show is Ryan Gordon, Roman Fraden, Sarah Love & other great comics showing it all!
tix: https://theorangepeel.net/…/pulp/asheville-north-carolina/
The Radical invites guests to The Roof, Thursday through Sunday (7-9pm) for live DJ sets, craft cocktails, nostalgic bites (see menu here) and unbeatable views as the sun sets over Asheville. Whether guests are celebrating a bday or just catching a breather, there’s no better place to unwind and groove. Guests can also enjoy a live DJ late night at after/glow on Fridays and Saturdays from 8-10pm.
The purpose of the Hendo Earth Fest is to promote community education for all ages on environmental and sustainable practices, inspire action, and renew and expand commitments to protect our planet. Local and regional environmental allies focus on participation/hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to educate, renew and expand action to protect our Western North Carolina environment and natural resources. In our first inaugural 2023 festival, we saw approximately 2,000+ participants!
Grand Opening of Asheville’s ONLY professional Obstacle Course Race Training Center! Stop by and try out the new obstacles, enjoy food, fun, games, and giveaways. Great for the whole family!
Celebrate with the whole family at The Horse Shoe Farm’s Silo Cookhouse this Easter with a delicious brunch buffet crafted from farm-fresh ingredients. Gather with your loved ones around the table and indulge in delightful Southern favorites, from honey roasted ham to house biscuits with savory jam and butter. Guests can build their own omelets at a bespoke station, select from an assortment of fresh salads, and enjoy tasty desserts like carrot cake cupcakes to get into the easter spirit. Most excitingly for the little ones, guests to the Silo Cookhouse Easter Brunch can participate in a fun-filled easter egg hunt on the property starting at 2pm!
Sunday April 20 from 11am to 3pm, reservations required. $85/adults, $50/kids age 3-12.
Celebrate Easter brunch with the whole family at Kanuga! Enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal favorites, including fresh pastries, savory entrees, and delicious desserts. Gather with loved ones in a warm and welcoming setting as we celebrate this special day together.
Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the A-B Tech Conference Center for the spring WomanUP Workshop: Landing Your Message with Confidence. Led by Angie Flynn-McIver and Neela Muñoz of Ignite CSP, you’ll gain practical tools to help you communicate with clarity and purpose – whether you’re pitching a new idea, leading a team meeting, or delivering a keynote speech.
Through real-life examples, stories, and interactive moments, Angie and Neela will walk participants through a three-part process to improve presentation skills and build confidence. Attendees will learn how to craft an effective message tailored to their audience and goals, leverage nonverbal communication, and practice for meaningful results. This workshop is designed for professionals at any career stage across all industries.
Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking and a light breakfast provided by Everyday Gourmet!
Post Helene, nurturing and repairing our relationship with and to Nature is vital for our children and our community. Gather with us at Kanuga to celebrate the wonders of Mother Earth! The fun begins at 3:30 p.m. Come meet our local animal ambassadors, catch critters in the stream, sow native seeds, and learn in our mini-ecology classes.
Support our organic garden by purchasing native plants.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to Kanuga!
We’re delighted to join Mike Guggino and Barrett Smith (members of the famed Steep Canyon Rangers) in a celebration of all things Italian. These talented musicians will share their deep love of traditional Italian folk music. We’ll add our own talents for good food and joyous gatherings. It’s the perfect partnership.
Each ticket includes admission to enjoy live Italian music by Mike + Barrett along with a delicious Italian dinner prepared by our Farm Kitchen. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.
Barn Door Ciderworks is partnering with Amber Amara, head honcho and chef of Bistro Betty Food Truck, for a delicious dinner event on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6pm at Barn Door Ciderworks. Guests will enjoy cider paired with a delectable four-course meal inspired by rustic Italian traditions. The menu can be adapted to vegetarians upon request.
The evening’s four-course menu begins with happy hour snacks using local cheeses, stuffed olives and focaccia. The first course will be potato & ricotta gnocchi, sun-dried tomato basil gremolata, and seared wild shrimp, followed by a second course of Chicken or eggplant parmigiana, served with Tuscan arugula salad. No rustic meal would be complete without dessert and Amara has orange & cinnamon tiramisu planned.
The pairing ciders will include exclusive Barn Door offerings not yet available to the public. We’ll share tastes from special bottles that we’ll open just for this event. All ciders are barrel-aged to dryness and only use local apples in the production. We never add sugar, sweeteners, other fruits or flavorings.
Visit our website for more information and to get your tickets.
Mountain Science Expo is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the NC Arboretum. This is a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity. For details, visit ncarboretum.org/event/mountain-science-expo-2025.
Get in Gear Fest is noon – 5 p.m. at the Adventure Center of Asheville. This free festival showcases the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East with demos, sales, discounts and giveaways. Enjoy local food and beverages. ACA will offer family activities. High adventure activities will also be available at regular price: Asheville Ziplines, Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, KidZip, Kolo Bike Park. All proceeds from the ACA activities will benefit Camp Lakey Gap Autism Programs. For more information and to book a high adventure activity, visit ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/get-in-gear-festival.
Grove Arcade In Bloom: A Celebration of Growth
Spring is arriving in full bloom at one of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks! Grove Arcade In Bloom will transform the historic place into an immersive floral wonderland this Spring 2025. Come celebrate with us on Saturday, April 26, from 12 PM to 5 PM!
This event will feature:
🎻 Live Symphony Quartet from Asheville Symphony
🌷 Immersive Floral Installations by Studio Flora Diva, including a flower wall
🛍 Botanical Market by BB Barns and other local vendors with plants and garden treasures.
🎭 Performances & Art Installations
🍹 Aperol Spritz Pop-Up Bar
With support from B.B. Barns, Aperol Spritz, Stewart Owen Dance, Asheville Symphony, Studio Flora Diva, and On the Wing, Grove Arcade In Bloom is set to be a must-visit celebration of springtime, music, and community.
Follow @grovearcade on social media for updates.
For media inquiries, interviews, or questions please contact: [email protected]
Join Blue Ridge Roller Derby for a double header featuring a Blue Ridge Junior Roller Derby match up followed by an adult competitive bout against the Soul City Sirens of Augusta, Georgia.
When: Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m.
Where: Smoky Mountain Event Center (758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785)
Event Schedule:
2:00 p.m. Doors Open
3:00 p.m. Juniors Exhibition Bout
5:00 p.m. BRRD vs. the Soul City Sirens
All ages welcome. Admission to this special double header is free but donations will be gladly accepted.
BRRD is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to provide action-packed, family-friendly fun on four wheels.
The wait is over! The Radical is bringing back the favorite game night to after/glow. Hosted by none other than Miss Blue Ridge Pride, Alexis Black, this event promises rad performances, nonstop music and cocktails that keep the party going. No RSVP necessary.
Step into summer with the Asheville Symphony as we herald the return of the Asheville Amadeus Festival! We’re launching this year’s festival at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s lively Mills River taproom, where we’re unveiling our festival-exclusive brew — Fables & Folklore Hazy IPA. This enchanting creation weaves together bright pineapple and orange notes in a tropical profile that’s as enticing as a tale passed down through generations — perfect easy drinking for an early- summer festival.
We will be joined by Amadeus Festival co-headliners Time for Three, Ranaan Meyer, Nick Kendall and Charles Yang. Don’t miss this chance to meet the artists and toast the start of 11 glorious days of Amadeus festivities with a pour of our specially crafted beer, delicious fare from Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s kitchen, and live music!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with 1756 Society entry beginning at 5:00 p.m.
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWING
46 N Mills River Road, Mills River