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
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.

Thursday, August 28, 2025
Resist*Connect*Rebuild Bimonthly Gathering
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Enka-Candler Public Library

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

Tom Segura: Come Together
Aug 28 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center
Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He is currently selling out venues all over the world on his Come Together tour. This follows his highly successful, I’m Coming Everywhere World Tour, where he played over 300 shows. Segura is best known for his Netflix specials Ball Hog (2020), Disgraceful (2018), Mostly Stories (2016), and Completely Normal (2014).
Friday, August 29, 2025
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
Boomtown Arts & Heritage Festival
Aug 31 all-day
Pack Square Park
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL proudly announces its return to downtown Asheville, set for August 29-31, 2025, at Pack Square Park. This year’s festival emphasizes community resilience and celebrates the region’s history of rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters. Drawing inspiration from Asheville’s emergence as a vibrant boomtown following “The Great Flood” of 1916, the 2025 festival seeks to support regional recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
The three-day, family-friendly festival will offer a dynamic lineup of musical performances, heritage trail tours, wellness activities, interactive workshops, and local artisans, all aimed at highlighting and preserving Asheville’s unique cultural tapestry. Boomtown FestAVL will feature rich programming designed to engage residents and visitors alike in celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.
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.

Ali Siddiq: In the Shadows
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

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.

Stand-Up Comedian Joe Zimmerman at Third Room
Aug 31 @ 8:00 pm
Third Room

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.

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
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
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
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 5 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

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
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 6 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.

Time Travelers Vintage Expo
Sep 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Time Travelers Vintage Expo

September 6 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Time Travelers Vintage Expo Banner Ad

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center on September 6th, 2025 for the Time Travelers Vintage Expo. Time Travelers Vintage Expo is the largest traveling retro vintage market in the United States. Attendees can expect to find a retro wonderland with the absolute best in vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade, and more!

DATE: Saturday, September 6th, 2025
TIME: 10AM – 5PM
LOCATION: Greenville Convention Center
ENTRY COST: $10 advance / $12 day of
Kids 12 and under free (no ticket needed)

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
MJ the Musical
Sep 7 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
NC Mountain State Fair
Sep 7 all-day
WNC Ag Center

The NC Mountain State Fair, September 5th-14th, 2025, is a truly memorable family event that offers top-notch entertainment, food, fun, and exhibits, that focuses on the region’s deep agricultural roots.