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, May 17, 2025
Breaking Benjamin + Staind – Awaken The Fallen Tour
May 17 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Breaking Benjamin + Staind – Awaken The Fallen Tour With special guests Wage War, Lakeview. 

Songs from the Road Band
May 17 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theater

Hendersonville Theatre is excited to present Songs From The Road Band as part of May’s Hometown Sound Music Series. This award-winning Asheville-based bluegrass ensemble is redefining the genre with their exceptional musicianship and heartfelt performances. Featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo), the band has an impressive six-album catalog, including their latest release, Pay Your Dues. Known for their energetic live shows, they seamlessly blend tight three-part harmonies, improvisational jams, and a mix of original tracks with fan-favorite covers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

Mat Kearney
May 17 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Headlights Home Tour presents: Mat Kearney

Augustana (solo)

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
The Orange Peel
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
Sunday, May 18, 2025
PAN HARMONIA: Siempre Amigos
May 18 all-day
First Presbyterian Church

PAN HARMONIA’s Season 25 continues with a joyful reunion of friends and founding musicians Liz Austin, Dewitt Tipton and Kate Steinbeck.

Join us for a fun and beautiful afternoon of chamber music for flute, cello and piano featuring Trios by Bohuslav Martinu, Ondine Smith-Moore and GP Telemann.

Kate Steinbeck flute
Elizabeth Austin cello
Dewitt Tipton piano

Sunday, May 18, 3 pm · First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, 40 Church Street, Asheville 28801

Pay-as-You-Can

Livestream Option

Reserve in advance and receive parking info too.

“Empty Bowls” Benefiting Flat Rock Backpack Program
May 18 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
St. John in the Wilderness.  

Local ceramic artists will once again fire up their kilns for the 8th year to help hungry children in the greater Flat Rock area. On Sunday, May 18, Empty Bowls, a community meal benefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will take place inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.

Advanced tickets are strongly recommended for the two seatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm. Attendees of the event may come any time during their seating window. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemade cookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away is an available option.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of two adults and children under 12. Limited tickets may be available at the door on the day of the event.

The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church building, at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, write to [email protected]. Click the button below to get your Empty Bowls tickets today!

Brevard Philharmonic presents All-American Finale
May 18 @ 3:00 pm
Porter Center

The Season of Wow concludes with Brevard Philharmonic’s All-American Finale, featuring violinist William Shaub, on Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Porter Center, Brevard College.
The Season of Wow comes to a triumphant close with All-American Finale, a concert celebrating the brilliance of American orchestral music. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the Brevard Philharmonic will take the stage at the Porter Center at Brevard College for a stirring program featuring music that captures the heart and soul of America. Joining us for this unforgettable performance is the extraordinary William Shaub, a world-class violinist known for his dazzling technique and expressive artistry. Shaub will bring to life Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved American violin concertos, filled with lyrical beauty and breathtaking virtuosity.

Liz Longley with special guest Jesse Ruben
May 18 @ 4:00 pm
Olivette Farm

Join us in the beautiful Asheville neighborhood of Olivette for an outdoor concert by critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Liz Longley and special guest Jesse Ruben.

$25•KIDS ARE FREE•BYOB•BYOC (chair)

Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. With her deeply emotional songs, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country and cultivated a following that enthusiastically supports the creation of her music.In 2020, Longley’s “Funeral For My Past” received widespread acclaim, with Forbes hailing it as a “stunning new album.” Billboard described it as spanning genres from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems.

Jesse Ruben is a singer/songwriter living in Brooklyn, NY. Best known for his lyrical storytelling and engaging live shows, his songs have been heard on more than a dozen TV shows in the US and abroad . His most recent single “This Is Why I Need You” reached the top 10 in 12 different countries, and has been streamed more than 60 million times across all platforms. He has recorded live sessions for NPR and MTV Asia, and has been featured on CNN and in Esquire Magazine.

Brett Dennen & River Whyless
May 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Brett Dennen & River Whyless

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel
Ages 18+
Kishi Bashi
May 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Kishi Bashi with Oshima Brothers

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$32.81

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
KISHI BASHI

The latest full-length from Kishi Bashi, Kantos is a work of exquisite duality: a party album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeply unsettling and sublimely joyful.

Monday, May 19, 2025
Between The Buried And Me
May 19 @ 7:30 pm
The Orange Peel

Between The Buried And Me

Protest The Hero

Show: 7:30pm | Doors: 6:30pm

The Orange Peel

Joywave
May 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present

Joywave

with Little Image

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$34.87

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Joywave are at an exciting point in their career. Not only have the act survived the pressures of their major-label debut and the dreaded sophomore slump, they’ve established themselves as the kind of band that you’re as likely to hear at a hip record store as you are at the grocery store.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
OBITUARY “35 YEARS OF CAUSE OF DEATH”
May 20 @ 6:00 pm
The Orange Peel

OBITUARY “35 YEARS OF CAUSE OF DEATH”

Nails
Terror
Spiritworld
Pest Control

Show: 6pm | Doors: 5pm

The Orange Peel
Ages 18+
Golden Folk Sessions
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Golden Folk Sessions

Doors: 6pm // Show: 7pm
$12.30 to $30.75

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW
FULLY SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE 
Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music.
One Eternal Day: American Folk Song, Spirituals, and More
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
St George's Episcopal Church

On Tuesday, May 20, the chamber ensemble of the Asheville Symphony Chorus will present an intimate program of pieces from composers such as James Erb, Moses Hogan, and Bryan Kelly.

URLs:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/3046446-2?pid=10412
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3046446-3?pid=10412

Date and Time: On Tue, 20 May 2025 19:00 – 20:00

Venue details: St George’s Episcopal Church, 1 School Road, Asheville, North Carolina, 28806, United States

Category: Live Music | Choral

Prices:
Adult General Admission: USD 26.00,
Youth General Admission: USD 16.00

Artist: The Asheville Symphony Chamber Chorus

Insane Clown Posse
May 20 @ 8:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

General Admission Only

Insane Clown Posse is perhaps the most notorious and controversial rap duo in the history of music. Over the last 30 years, ICP rose from being scrubs on the streets of Detroit to becoming bonafide pop culture icons and Gold and Platinum selling recording artists.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Midweek Serenity Sound Bath
May 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

Eager to reset your inner being to peace and tranquility? It’s time for Humpday Harmony with a soothing Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 6:15 PM, doors close promptly at 6:30 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences. (Retail Value $25)

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Richard Shindell
May 21 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Richard Shindell with Many a Ship.

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$30.75 to $41.05

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
Richard Shindell lives as both an immigrant and emigrant, crossing thresholds, that informs his illumination of the human experience through narrative song. Shindell has inhabited a Zen Buddhist monastery and busked in the streets of Paris.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Memorial Day Concert 2025
May 22 @ 6:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, A.C. Reynolds High School our annual Memorial Day concert along with the ACRHS Chorus and ROTC.

Friday, May 23, 2025
AdventHealth Hosts LEGACY MOTOR CLUB To Help Local Veteran Community
May 23 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Quality Inn

AdventHealth, in collaboration with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY MC), is hosting
an event to support the local veteran community at Asheville-Buncombe Community
Christian Ministry (ABCCM). LEGACY MC Co-Owner Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup
Series driver Erik Jones, and the LEGACY MC pit crew will visit ABCCM in Asheville to
pack backpacks and lunches for Veterans of the Armed Forces who are still being
impacted by Hurricane Helene. AdventHealth is proud to be the host of this effort,
demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of veterans and the local community.
LEGACY MC will also have the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE show car at
the appearance.

 Jimmie Johnson, LEGACY MC Co-Owner & Driver of the No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry
XSE
 Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MC

If you are interested in attending and/or participating, contact AdventHealth NC
Communications Director, Victoria Dunkle at [email protected] or 828-209-
8570.

Rock For Relief Presents: The Black Tie-Dye Ball
May 23 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Rock For Relief Presents: The Black Tie-Dye Ball

Featuring SUSTO
with Holler Choir & Watkins

Show: 7pm | Doors: 6pm

All Ages

Rock For Relief WNC is an organization of WNC locals ALL donating our time and efforts to raise money for locals in need by hosting events with a heavy focus on LIVE MUSIC! Our aim is to bring people together to enjoy great music and support great causes.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, we formed our organization in order to organize a day-long fundraising festival in support of those affected by the storm. For our inaugural event on Nov. 2, 2024, we were able to wrangle 60 artists across 18 venues, bars, and restaurants in Haywood County for an incredible day of music. This Event was free to the public, raising more than $34,000, 100% of which was donated locally.

Following the success of that event, we have pledged to continue our efforts in supporting Western North Carolina.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Battle of the Brewery Bands at Hatch Amphitheater
May 24 @ 1:00 pm
Hatch Amphitheater

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Presents:

Battle of the Brewery Bands at Hatch Amphitheater

Doors: 12pm // Show: 1pm
$13.80
THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT HATCH AMPHITHEATER, LOCATED AT 45 SOUTH FRENCH BROAD AVE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
BATTLE OF THE BREWERY BANDS
Asheville breweries are bringing more than beer—they’re bringing the bands! Join us at The Hatch for a night of killer local music, cold brews, and friendly competition as brewery bands battle it out on stage.
FOR THE LOVE OF LEVON & LOWELL
May 24 @ 6:00 pm
Mars Hill Brerwing Co.

JOE MEDWICK & MONKEY BUTT MUSIC PRESENT!
FOR THE LOVE OF LEVON & LOWELL
music of THE BAND and LITTLE FEAT!
SAT MAY 24 early show 6PM Only $10!
Mars Hill Theatre Brew Co.
70 N. MAIN ST. MARS HILL WNC (828) 680-1284

 

The Greenville Symphony presents Bach Inspired with violist Kathryn Dey
May 24 @ 7:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

Gunter Theatre
Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 pm

PROGRAM

Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major
Henri Casadesus: Concerto in C minor in the Style of J.C. Bach for Viola and Strings
Camargo Guarnieri: Concerto para cordas e percussão
Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite

GUEST

Kathryn Dey, Principal Viola

Nolan Taylor
May 24 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present

Nolan Taylor with Laurie Anne, The Hill Country Devil

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$27.36 to $79.16

Grey Eagle Music Hall
Tickets purchased for the original date (5/8/25) will be honored on the rescheduled date of 5/24/25.  
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE INCLUDING (TAKES PLACE AT 6pm, ONE HOUR BEFORE DOORS OPEN): 
  • one ticket to the show
  • 3-5 acoustic songs
  • A short Q&A with Nolan
  • Early Merch Access 
When Nolan Taylor grabs a guitar and steps up to a microphone, he speaks for the desperate, the deserted, and the downtrodden who deserve a voice and demand a chance to be heard.
Sunday, May 25, 2025
The Greenville Symphony presents Bach Inspired with violist Kathryn Dey
May 25 @ 3:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

Gunter Theatre
Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 25 at 3:00 pm

Program includes: Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major,
Henri Casadesus: Concerto in C minor in the Style of J.C. Bach for Viola and Strings,
Camargo Guarnieri: Concerto para cordas e percussão, Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite.

Guest, Kathryn Dey, Principal Viola

Monday, May 26, 2025
Run for Life Memorial Day 5K and Fun Run
May 26 @ 8:30 am
Bill Moore Community Park (AKA: Fletcher Park)

This annual run/walk timed event raises funds to support Open Arms Pregnancy Center. Open Arms supports women facing unplanned pregnancies by providing free, confidential ultrasounds and maternity supplies. Mothers receive monthly diapers, clothing and other items once their babies are born up to the child’s 18th month.
The 5k and Fun Run will be held at Bill Moore Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Road in Fletcher, NC at 8:30AM.
Runners should register now (by May 9) at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Fletcher/Run4for5k for early bird pricing and to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
Businesses/Individuals interested in being a race sponsor can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 828.676.4510.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
EXTC – XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends
May 27 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Presents

EXTC – XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$31.31

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
EXTC – XTC’S TERRY CHAMBERS & FRIENDS
North American Cushty Tour 2025
TERRY CHAMBERS – drums 
STEVE HAMPTON – lead vocals, guitar
TERRY LINES – bass guitar, vocals
For almost four decades XTC fans could only dream of witnessing the sensational XTC classic songbook played live. That dream has now become a reality. XTC’s legendary drummer Terry Chambers is back on the road with his band EXTC (named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge).
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Gallery Tales – Visual Arts & Creative Writing Series for Kids
May 28 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Trackside Studios

Calling all young storytellers ages 8-13!
Gallery Tales is a 6-week program where kids explore various art pieces in the gallery to spark their imaginations and create incredible stories. Each week, participants will engage in interactive writing lessons, write unique tales, and gain the skills and confidence to become published authors. At the end of the program, every young writer will leave with their very own professionally published book and the opportunity to share their work and accomplishments with an audience of family and friends at a special Kids Open Mic Showcase!

Pricing Tiers:
Standard Tier: $397 (Includes all program materials, publishing, and showcase support)
Supporter Tier: $500 (Covers program materials, publishing, showcase support, and helps provide scholarships for other young writers)
Scholarship Option: Available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.

Limited spots are available for this unique program that celebrates art, and creativity, and inspires young writers to shine. Sign up today!

About the Gallery Tales Instructor:
Kate Wargo is a passionate educator with a decade of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she brings her expertise in child development and creative learning to every program she designs. Kate is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, blending art, writing, and community to create meaningful and transformative experiences. As an advocate for bringing the soul and love back into writing and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, she strives to create safe and inspiring spaces where they can discover their voices and shine as confident, creative storytellers.

Jazz for Justice
May 28 @ 5:30 pm
Highland Brewing
Hundreds of Pisgah Legal Services friends and supporters are expected to attend Jazz for Justice, an event planned for Wednesday, May 28th at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville. The evening will include live jazz music by The Brian Felix Organ Trio, gourmet food and drinks. Tickets are now available for the event which starts at 5:30pm.
The program will feature reflections on the significant challenges experienced by local people and the nonprofit over the past year, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  Ally Wilson, PLS Chief Development Officer, says, “We look forward to gathering together, celebrating how far we’ve come, and recognizing the resilience, strength, and determination of our community.”
Jazz for Justice is open to the public. Tickets are on sale for $60/person. Proceeds will support PLS’ work to help thousands of low-income people meet their most basic needs. Tickets are available online at pisgahlegal.org/jazz or by calling (828) 210-3444. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
 
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour
May 28 @ 6:45 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Catch Styx & Kevin Cronin (former lead singer/songwriter of REO Speedwagon) + Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) at Bon Secours Wellness Arena 5/28! Tickets for The Brotherhood of Rock Tour go on sale this Friday 12/13 @ 10AM
Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.