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.

Sunday, July 28, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 28 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Jul 28 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday July 28 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & Professional featured performers in a fun environment. Hosted by Zandra Johnson, featuring Hilliary Begley, Jess Cooley & Alana Eisner!

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Jul 28 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday July 28 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & Professional featured performers in a fun environment.
Hosted by Zandra Johnson, featuring Hilliary Begley, Jess Cooley & Alana Eisner!

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Jul 31 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Alex ParsonsOn Wednesday July 31, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic 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).
Featuring Alex Parsons, a Boston transplant. Alex brings New England sass to the southern arena with his onstage antics. This comedian, actor, and singer, is ready to make your sides split with stories from his sordid past by making fun of some of the harder parts of life.
Host Cody Hughes is a comedian from Asheville NC. He’s lived in a few different big cities and a lot of comedians like him and a lot of other comedians have heard good things about him from the comedians who like him. A few comedians don’t like him and he can’t do anything about that.
[Comics Signup at door. 3-5m See host at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Jul 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Alex ParsonsOn Wednesday July 31, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic 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).
Featuring Alex Parsons, a Boston transplant. Alex brings New England sass to the southern arena with his onstage antics. This comedian, actor, and singer, is ready to make your sides split with stories from his sordid past by making fun of some of the harder parts of life.
Host Cody Hughes is a comedian from Asheville NC. He’s lived in a few different big cities and a lot of comedians like him and a lot of other comedians have heard good things about him from the comedians who like him. A few comedians don’t like him and he can’t do anything about that.
[Comics Signup at door. See host at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]

Friday, August 2, 2024
Light Up the Night 5K
Aug 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Carrier Park

The Light Up the Night 5K is a fundraising, glow-in-the-dark, night-time, walk or run and will be timed by Finish Well Timing. This will be Western Carolina Rescue Ministries’ 6th annual Light Up the Night 5k race to raise funds and spread awareness of the ministry’s community impact. This event will take place on Friday August 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Asheville’s Carrier Park, and all proceeds from this event will directly benefit WCRM.

Last year, your support gave a second chance to 26 moms and 46 babies in our Abba’s House Recovery Program. The success of these moms would not be possible without your valuable contribution.

As we embark on another year of service and outreach, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This year, we want to include you in playing an even greater role in our ministry. We will be pursuing funding for the need of life transformation across all our programs.

This event is one of the Ministry’s most significant opportunities to raise funds in support of our community and these funds will be directly used to break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in our region. For the past 43 years, WCRM has been serving the homeless community of Asheville providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to people in crisis. We care for our clients with dignity, providing help, hope, and opportunity for our ministry participants to reengage in society. Whether it’s a hot meal, a warm shelter, or recovery from addiction, our compassion shines on everyone we meet.

Saturday, August 3, 2024
CommuniTEA Amongst the Trees
Aug 3 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Did you know a lack of connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Loneliness is an epidemic according to a recent report by the U.S. Surgeon General. However, we have a wondrous and simple solution: nature connection! If you’re in search of community and/or you really like tea and the great outdoors, join us for this immersive morning retreat focused on fostering kinship with like-minded people and the more-than-human world.

Your guide, Kelly Bruce, will lead you on a relational journey through the bountiful summer forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum. We’ll celebrate the experience in community, enjoying a special wild-foraged tea ceremony and snacks. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome. Presented through Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours.

 

Monday, August 5, 2024
Standup Comedy at The Bier Garden Featuring Cody Hughes
Aug 5 @ 8:00 pm
The Bier Garden

Join us for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy at we The Bier Garden – guaranteed laughs and good times!
Welcome to Standup Comedy at The Bier Garden ! Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this hilarious event happening in person at The Bier Garden . Te largest selection of beers on tap in Asheville! Full deliscious menu available during show. Join us for a night of non-stop laughter as talented comedians take the stage to entertain you. Grab a drink, relax, and enjoy a night of comedy with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have a great time and create lasting memories. Get your tickets now!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley of Netflix & Amazon Prime, voted Asheville’s favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress! Headline Cody Hughes! And featuring Julia Macias!! Don’t want to miss this show, get tix early! Tickets: https://sliceoflifecomedycodyhughes.eventbrite.com
For Limited time use SLICEVIP for $3 off!

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Aug 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.
FREE. Meets in the garden weather permitting.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Featuring CAYLA CLARK
Aug 14 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Cayla Clark On Wednesday August 15, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic 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).
$15 tickets available at door at The Orange Peel’s websiteFeature 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 @blinddateliveavlHost 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.[Comedy Open Mic is 3-5m depending how many signup. Signup at door. See Hilliary at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]

Thursday, August 15, 2024
The Campfireball: The Nevers
Aug 15 @ 7:30 pm
Story Parlor

Part game show, part talk show, part what’s going to happen next — The Campfireball is one-of-a-kind live experience inspired by the lives and stories of the people in the audience. On August 15th at Story Parlor the theme is The Nevers: an exploration of the things we never thought we’d do, the people we never thought we would become and the stories we fear might never come true. All audiences are welcome, introverts and extroverts alike! Participation is always voluntary and it’s just as much fun to sit back and watch people share as it is to play along. Doors at 7:00, Show at 7:30, tickets are $10 online, $15 day of, available at storyparloravl.com

Sunday, August 18, 2024
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday August 18 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & and comedian Jason Webb, Art Sturtevant, Jordan Julius and other Professional featured performers in a fun environment.. Hosted by Zandra Johnson!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
Aug 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Join Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company for a night of spoken word. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause. The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
Sign-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Poetry Night
Aug 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Monday, August 26, 2024
Standup Comedy Featuring Cody Hughes
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Bier Garden

*** 8.5.24 show has been moved to MONDAY AUGUST 26 ***Join us this Monday for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy at The Bier Garden – guaranteed laughs and good times!For INDUSTRY DISCOUNT NIGHT STAND UP Limited time use SLICEVIP for $12 ticket!Welcome to Standup Comedy at The Bier Garden ! Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this hilarious event happening in person at The Bier Garden . The largest selection of beers on tap in Asheville! Full delicious menu available during the show. Join us for a night of non-stop laughter as talented comedians take the stage to entertain you. Grab a drink, relax, and enjoy a night of comedy with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have a great time and create lasting memories. Get your tickets now!Hosted by Hilliary Begley of Netflix & Amazon Prime, voted Asheville’s favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress! Headliner Cody Hughes! And featuring Julia Macias!! Don’t want to miss this show, get tix early for online discount:. $15 door.
Tickets: https://sliceoflifecomedycodyhughes.eventbrite.com

Saturday, August 31, 2024
Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused Comedy Dinner Show
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Green Room

A night of Live Comedy with in our cozy, vape-friendly Rezonance VIP Lounge, featuring a 3-course cannabis-infused dinner and infused drink, samples from local brands
Another cannabis-infused comedy night with Slice of Life Comedy and Infuso, the married chef team who’s catered the past few events like these!
At 5’2″, Jenn Snyder is our headliner and a hilariously DOPE comedian who packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town to dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.
Host Petey Smith McDowell is an Asheville native who has been traveling all around the country telling jokes since 2009.
He has opened for Rory Scovel, Hannibal Buress, Beth Stelling, and Trevor Noah. Petey has a very popular instagram account that gives funny memes about Asheville and WNC on the daily. Instagram: @Peteysmithmcdowell
Featuring Patrick Fowler
Menu priced From $35.00 to $140

Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Sep 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.
FREE. Meets in the garden weather permitting.

Saturday, September 7, 2024
Clint Bowman’s Full-Length Poetry Collection Release
Sep 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

Join us on Saturday, September 6th, from 6pm – 7:30pm for the official release party of Clint Bowman’s debut full-length collection of poetry ‘If Lost’.

Clint will be reading poems from ‘If Lost’, along with selling and signing copies of the book.

Clint Bowman if the co-founder and facilitator of the Dark City Poets Society. His work has appeared in Poetry South, Louisiana Literature, Roanoke Review, Mud Season Review, One Art, and elsewhere.

This event is free to attend.

Friday, September 13, 2024
Friday the 13th Camping and Outdoor Standup Comedy Horrors
Sep 13 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Spooky camping stories and other outdoor thrills told by standup comedians with slides and audience interactions/games for prizes
Hosted by Clay Jones aka Jason Voorhees & Miranda Allison

With comedy by
HILLIAY BEGLEY
LARRY GRIFFIN
HELEN JENNY
ALEX PARSONS
& more!
Step into fall with a Friday September the 13th show! Join us for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy at plēb urban winery – guaranteed laughs and good vibes all around EXCEPT FOR THE KILLER ONEZ!

Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this dangerously hilarious event taking place at our cozy winery in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. Join us for a night of non-stop laughter as talented comedians take the stage to entertain youSit back, relax (if you can!) and enjoy some delicious wine while you enjoy this evening of fun and laughter with friends. Dinner available during show! Grab your tickets now for online discount!

Saturday, September 14, 2024
West Asheville Garden Stroll
Sep 14 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Lucy S. Herring Elementary

The 15th West Asheville Garden Stroll is Saturday, September 14th from 11 AM to 4 PM, with a family-friendly kickoff program at 10:30. It features 15 diverse gardens in the Horney Heights neighborhood, on both sides of Sulphur Springs Road from Lucy Herring School westward. Stroll Guides with a map and garden descriptions will be available at the school from 11:00 until 3:30. Local organizations will be on hand in the morning with resources for gardeners and possibly some items for sale.

The Garden Stroll is FREE, and all are welcome to join in this community event, rain or shine. However, leave your four-footed friends at home — dogs are not allowed in the gardens.
While there is street parking throughout the neighborhood, we encourage you to park at the school or at Abernethy United Methodist Church (1418 Patton Ave) and walk or bike the 3 mile route. (Regardless of where you park, come by the school first to pick up a Stroll Guide.)

This year’s gardens showcase many alternatives to conventional lawns as well as all kinds of edibles, ornamentals, medicinal plants, permaculture designs, and a wide variety of native plants. Water features, eclectic art, trellises, and quirky garden sheds provide focal points. You’ll see new and mature gardens as well as works-in-progress, all offering the chance to chat with friendly and enthusiastic gardeners.

With the theme “If You Grow It, They Will Come,” we encourage stroll-goers to observe how these gardens provide safety, nourishment, & love for birds, bees, and so many others of nature’s families.

Sunday, September 15, 2024
Standup Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 15 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Sunday September 15 at 6:30p is another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic & Professional featured performers in a fun environment. Featuring Ryan Cox, Justin Blackburn & Chesney Goodson! Hosted by Zandra Johnson

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
Sep 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Join Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company for a night of spoken word. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause. The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.
Sign-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Poetry Night
Sep 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
Sep 19 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest. Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

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!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all 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 10-12m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title!
All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. Winner will be invited back to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize, on Sept 26!

Thursday, September 26, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest Pageant Fall 2024
Sep 26 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!

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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!

Participants are WINNERS of three standup contest 9/05, 12 & 19. Pageant Winner gets title and grand cash prize. Audience votes thru ballot!
Free snacks and outside food allowed.
9/5 winner Zandra Johnson
9/12 winners tied Roman Fraden & Jordan Julius
9/19 winner tba
Plus a wild card. This show is more than just great standup! Contestants must vie for the title through games.
Audience votes thru ballot. More info contact Michele at [email protected]

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Workshop Circle
Oct 1 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Dark City Poets Society is a completely free poetry group that is open to writers of all ages and experience levels.
Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6:00-7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) feedback group.
FREE. Meets in the garden weather permitting.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Share a poem or just listen. $1 from every classic cocktail sold will go the the Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

Poetry Night
Oct 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

 

Come on by for night of spoken word presented by Dark City Poets Society at Oak and Grist Distilling Company. Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and drink for a good cause.

The event is free and $1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to Friends of the Black Mountain Library.

gn-ups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Can’t make it to this one? This event happens the third tuesday of every month!

Saturday, October 19, 2024
Creative Writer’s Workshop: Panning For Gemstones
Oct 19 – Oct 20 all-day
Story Parlor

What do you do when you find you’re facing an insurmountable pile of unfinished creative work? An entire digital archive of ‘maybes?’

To use an Appalachian metaphor, you pan your dirt for gemstones.

This workshop explores what it means to run creative writing through an objective sieve. It provides a framework for tackling the current pile of unfinished work, as well as addressing the indefinite ‘maybes’ of tomorrow.

Learn to sift your mounds of incomplete material, develop self-editing skills, readjust your critical lens, and polish, refine, and complete your precious pieces.

Among peers and in the safety of a validating creative space, writers can anticipate the delight of creative collaboration, the usefulness of constructive feedback, and the thrill of showcasing the rarity and purity of their finest gemstones.

Friday, October 25, 2024
Dasan Ahanu
Oct 25 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Weaving a spell with emotional, inspirational and expressive poetry, this award-winning writer and spoken-word artist mesmerizes audiences with his unabashed heart, raw energy and profound truths.