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.
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
– ALL AGES
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022! This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters: Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee. There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live.
Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show. The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina.
After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate. And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse.
In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated. With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move.
Based on thirty years of research, Pickens County historian Dennis Chastain will present his slideshow, Cherokees of the Carolinas, a deep dive into the history and culture of the Cherokees who occupied this area for a thousand years.

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.
Standup Comedy featuring Allison Shelnut
The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Tuesday March 12, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Allison Shelnut open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Allison Shelnut-
Allison once stole a hamster from the mall in Greensboro, North Carolina. It bit her. She deserved it. Allison is now a stand-up comedian based out of Asheville. Allison is known to engage the crowd on a wide range of topics from contraceptives to 90s toys. Outside of comedy you’ll find Allison in the woods with her darling dog, Jacob.
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info!
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Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other. This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun. Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting. The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only. Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue. You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions. Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System. |
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Come join us as members of the Kudzu Warriors share the knowledge they have gained from their many hours working to remove invasive plants near Tryon, NC. Participants can expect to learn about these plants, especially kudzu and its history, identification, and development, as well as various methods of invasive plant removal. There are many success stories, and native plants are returning to areas where the invasives have been removed.
Celebrate the release of “Where Monsters Prowl”. Meet the author, Fred von Kamecke, as he reads selections and talks about how the story came about – and get your own signed copy. If you like reading a gripping tale, one that you can’t put down, and one that captures your imagination, then this is the book for you! “Where Monsters Prowl” is a supernatural thriller, a page turner, a keep-the-lights-on read, and it delivers a solid, encouraging message. At its heart it is a story of redemption, but the path to it is long, dark, and terrifying.
Celebrate the start of Spring with Firefly Gathering! Join us in the daytime for Earthskills demos, live music, and local flavors, then dance the night away with our after-hour DJ sets. Learn more and get your tickets today at www.fireflygathering.org
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Full Description:
Tickets are going fast for this community celebration! This experience shares a taste of everything that Firefly is known for: earthskills, expert instructors, live music, local flavors…and ample time to dance! With day and night-time offerings, this Mini-Fly has something for everyone.
Bring the whole family during the day for Earthskill demos with our expert instructors, and enjoy live music, a traditional Cherokee Indian dinner, and all the craft beverages that One World Brewing has to offer while you’re there (dinner and drinks available for purchase from vendors)! As the sun goes down, bust out those dancing shoes and join us for our DJ Dance Party with DJ Lakesolace from 8pm – 10pm and DJ Meticulus from 10pm – 12pm (21+ ONLY).
Our ticket options give you the flexibility to join for all or part of the event, with full event tickets starting at just $29. Join us on March 16th at One World Brewing West through the ticket link below. We can’t wait to dance in the Equinox with you!
Additional Info:
Here’s our schedule for the day:
4PM – 7PM: Earthskills Demos with Grant Adkisson, Josh Barnwell, Jessica Kaufman, Tyler Lavenburg and Luke McLaughlin.
5PM – 8:30PM: Traditional Cherokee Indian Dinner (available for purchase at the event; sliding scale $20-40)
6:30PM – 8PM: Live Music Set with Auram
8PM – 12AM: DJ Dance Party (21+ only)
Adult comedy night, featuring 10 comics from the Southeast all in one night! $10 suggested donation. 6:30 – 9pm.
At our March Gem Show, over 25 vendors will have everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals & jewelry in the Southeast! We are only a 15-minute drive from Asheville in Swannanoa, NC. Entering the show is always free and this is a fun family-friendly event. Food and drink are available daily.
The Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association presents:
The M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show
March 15-17, 2024
Gem Show hours:
Friday, March 15: 9 am- 6 pm
Saturday, March 16: 9 am- 6 pm
Sunday, March 17: 10 am- 4 pm
We have something for everyone, from seasoned rockhounds to new collectors and jewelry lovers. Our vendors enjoy sharing their expert knowledge and you’re sure to learn new things and find some great gems, minerals, and fossils.
The M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky Gem Show happens 4 times a year and this is an event that you can keep coming back to!
The March 2024 M.A.G.M.A. Land of the Sky Gem Show will be the 26th gem show presented by the Mountain Area Gem & Mineral Association. Jacquot and Son Mining and crystal potential are sponsors. For show info and vendor spaces, contact Richard Jacquot at 828-779-4501.
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.
Natalie Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.
Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
Free
On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.
Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.
Accessibility
UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.
Visitor Parking
Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here
Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
🏀March Madness: Jock Jams🏀
📣Y’all ready for this?📣
Jock jams, 90s dance bops, and forgotten pep rally bangers with DJ Lil Meow Meow
🏅Saturday 3.23🏅
🏆10pm-1am🏆
⛹️♀️Costumes encouraged⛹️♀️
See you at Little Jumbo 🍸

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.
Come get lifted and lost in dance with DJ Lil Meow Meow’s monthly dance party at Asheville’s newest venue, Eulogy, in the South Slope area downtown. Come ready to sweat.
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea (RYT-200 ), this workshop will explore how spring is showing up in our lives—specifically deliberating on *delight.* Think ripe strawberries. Purple phlox spreading across a moss-rich garden wall. Your favorite sneakers, worn in and warm, piled by the front door, waiting for a neighborhood stroll. The spring season offers each of us a chance to step into our artistic practice with verve, sweetness, and a shaking off of winter hibernation. This workshop is designed to do just that.
We will deep-dive into understanding various poetic techniques, personal themes and voice, as well as have guided group and individual support. This is a “YES, I’LL TAKE TEN BOUQUETS OF TULIPS TO GO WITH MY WRITING” class. We will move gently while playing with creative ways to buoy confidence and craft.
This is a beginner friendly class for writers and yogis alike. Students taking the yoga portion are asked to bring their own mats and props.
Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest at The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Thursday April 4, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website https://tinyurl.com/2abjkft4)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring professional comics.
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
The show’s Headliner will be selected by audience in an anonymous ballet after comics perform their sets.
They will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10-15m set!
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Contact Michele at [email protected] for details
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
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Free. Space limited. Registration required. Call 828-250-4738 or stop by the library to register. April 5: Session 1 – Memoir Basics & Beginnings April 12: Session 2 – Memoir Structure and Outline April 19: Session 3 – Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles |
Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM
This National Poetry Month, turn your sparks of inspiration into beautiful poetry in an all-new poetry workshop led by Greenville Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of poetry or you’ve been penning verses for a while, this workshop is tailor-made for you. From brainstorming ideas to crafting captivating lines, Glenis will guide you every step of the way. Unleash your inner wordsmith and explore the magic of poetry with a true master.
The $125 registration fee is for admission to the three-part workshop taking place at 6:00 PM on April 11, 18 and 25. Please bring paper and your preferred writing tool with you. The workshop culminates in a reading during the final session where participants can invite a guest to enjoy their poetry progress.
