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.
Support your local pollinators in The Learning Garden and participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Join us and learn how to identify and count common pollinators and what plants they favor. After a brief presentation we will go out into the garden and count pollinators.
Two (15 minute) counting sessions will be held back to back. Come for the first one or stay for both. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide instruction and assist. Your count matters!
Please bring a hat, water bottle and a chair if needed.
The program is free, but participation is limited and registration is required. Details of the program, along with registration instructions are found on the Buncombe County Extension website.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Photo by Donna Sapp, Extension Master Gardener volunteer
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.
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.
July 24 – August 23
Find your way to ‘the Rock’ as this award-winning comedy takes center stage. Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where the hapless Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society’s attempt to stage this 1920’s murder mystery devolves into madcap mayhem. From an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), the accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to survive until their final curtain call. Ready to laugh till it hurts? Book your tickets NOW for the show that has been hailed as “a gut-busting hit” by critics and fans alike!
“…an unexpected, gut-busting hit…one of those breakneck exercises in idiocy that make you laugh till you cry…It starts off punch-drunk and just keeps getting drunker.” —The New York Times.
Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $50 / $60 / $70
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 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.
Beth Stelling
Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Beth Stelling is a comedian, writer and actress based in Los Angeles. Her new Netflix special “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” topped every ‘Best of 2023’ list. Her half-hour special is also on Netflix in the first season of The Standups. Conan O’Brien produced Beth’s previous hour special for HBO Max called “Girl Daddy.” Beth has been a writer for the following television series: Rick and Morty, Strange Planet, The Last O.G., I Love You America with Sarah Silverman, Another Period and Crashing on HBO. She’s a sought-after punch-up writer for feature films following her success as an on-set writer for the Universal hit, Good Boys. She has guest starred on Amazon’s Red Oaks, Corporate on Comedy Central, and she played Ms. Fish on the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Join us for our bimonthly general meeting from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Enka-Candler Library. This meeting will include updates from our busy Action Teams, with opportunities to get involved, plus a peek at our upcoming voter outreach campaign launching this fall.
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3216976-0?pid=10412
Date and Time: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:00 – Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:30
Venue details: Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, North Carolina, 28715, United States
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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HBCU/NPHC Nights on Fridays
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Sliding Scale Admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays
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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.
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.
Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt as Joe Zimmerman and his hilarious friends take the stage for a night of fun. In Downtown Asheville
Joe grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina shortly after graduating Davidson College (where obviously, he was an English major). While starting out in the South, he launched a tour with three friends, called “The Beards of Comedy” and landed a record deal with Comedy Central Records.
In 2012, he moved to New York City, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, as well as Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival. His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour, and the Comedy Cellar’s topical show, “This Week at the Comedy Cellar”.
Joe’s first solo album Smiling at Wolves (2014) reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts, and shortly after Paste Magazine named him one of 10 best comedians from the south. His second album, Innocence, came out on Comedy Central Records (2018) and is played regularly on Sirius XM radio, and in 2019 he recorded a dry bar special with upwards of million views on YouTube. His first, fully produced one-hour comedy special “Cult Classic”, came out in 2023, directed by Nate Bargatze and produced by 800 Pound Gorilla.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
