The 17th Annual Music Video Asheville showcases creative collaborations between musicians and filmmakers. Bands from Asheville and beyond submit their full-length music videos for a chance to win cash, a 100-album record pressing by American Vinyl Co and Donaldson Record Pressing Co, a day in the studio at Citizen Vinyl and recognition.

The annual event usually receives around 100 submissions, and approximately 30 of the best entries will be selected as finalists for viewing at the red-carpet runway awards ceremony on September 10, 2025, at Wortham Center’s Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. The winners will be chosen by a judging panel of over 25 local and national judges. Attendees will have the chance to vote for People’s Choice.

“The film festival uses judging as an opportunity to share work with film and music industries in other parts of the country,” says MVA founder Jenny Greer Fares. “We’ve worked hard over the years to focus on the art form of putting visuals to music, storytelling, cinematography, etc… as opposed to hosting a popularity contest. We work as a team to get diverse judges from all over, who are experts in the music and film industries. The People’s Choice is a crowd favorite award and is the exception. Audience members text their favorite video selection at the event, and this usually is a locally loved act who deserves recognition, like Andrew Scotchie’s video “Love is Enough” in 2024.”

“This event was invented by musicians, and the filmmakers are the ones submitting the films and helping bring the artistic visions to life,” says Fares. “Filmmaking is very collaborative and so is music making. We want to celebrate those collaborations and Asheville’s culture.”

Presented by Fred Andersen Subaru, Produced by Sound Mind Design and I AM AVL

As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing in a Las Vegas coffee house. Jo’s uniquely relatable comedy pulls inspiration from his colorful family that has reached all kinds of people and has translated into sold-out arenas around the world

MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC, on September 12 & 13, 2025 — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer, there’s something here to spark your spirit.
Each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure! ALL attendees will be entered in a FREE drawing to win amazing door prizes!
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure🔥
All proceeds support the work of MountainTrue.

MountainTrue is BEYOND thrilled to bring the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, NC, on September 12 & 13, 2025 — and you’re invited for not one, but TWO unforgettable nights of high-altitude excitement! Join us for a celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe 🌍 Whether you’re a climber, paddler, trail fanatic, or armchair adventurer, there’s something here to spark your spirit.
Each night features a completely different lineup of films, so go ahead — double-dip the adventure! ALL attendees will be entered in a FREE drawing to win amazing door prizes!
This event is going to be hotter than a campfire on a chilly night! Don’t get left at basecamp — snag your tickets now and secure your spot for the adventure🔥
All proceeds support the work of MountainTrue.

Doors open at 6pm. Come on down for a hilarious night.

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.

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, A SECOND PERFORMANCE TIME FOR THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR 9:30PM ON OCT. 10!

Come on out for a night of fun and laughter.

With special guest Derrick Stroup

John Crist is one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians, earning more than one billion video views, more than 7.5 million fans on social media, and sold-out shows from coast to coast — continuously charting as one of Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. John has sold out the majority of his 2025 U.S. ‘Jokes For Humans’ dates and continues to add multiple shows in select cities.

His latest comedy special John Crist: Emotional Support, released February 18, showcases his skills in delivering witty, pop culture commentary through clean humor. Filmed just six miles from his childhood home in Lilburn, GA, John Crist: Emotional Support sees the viral comedian diving into the ever-changing dynamics of growing up Christian in the 90s, navigating family group texts, mediating fights on the neighborhood Facebook page and more. In its first three weeks, the special earned more than 2.1 million stand-alone views, with social media clips surpassing 20 million views, as it continues to grow in viewership.

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.

Vote for your favorite comic of the night!!
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest – round 2
Thursday October 16, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
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)!
How it Works:
Audience votes thru ballot. Comics on the show will do 4 minutes of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with winners from round one to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.
Want to compete? These limited spots go fast. Free to signup if room is still available. Contact Michele at [email protected]!

Growing up with a bipolar father and a schizophrenic brother left Aaron Foster with a combination of survivor’s guilt, depression and anxiety that has invalidated his every accomplishment, destroyed his every relationship and invaded his every waking thought. A comedy!
“Mostly Jokes” was named ”Best Solo Show” at the Tucson Fringe Festival in January and has received reviews such as: “A laugh every twenty seconds.” “I’ve never laughed so hard about mental health.” “Subversively hilarious, laugh out loud gallows humor.”
Foster is the former host of HGTV’s FreeStyle who turned to stand up to manage his depression and anxiety. He has performed at clubs all over the West Coast and has been touring this show for the past year. Some of his main influences are Mike Birbiglia, Maria Bamford, Gary Gulman, Marc Maron, Taylor Tomlinson and Neal Brennan. Do with that information what you will.

Candice Guardino: Italian Bred

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.

Thur, Oct 23 • 7 pm

After winning Last Comic Standing, Josh Blue skyrocketed to fame, delivering knockout sets on The Tonight Show and earning 3rd place on America’s Got Talent. Headlining 200+ shows annually, he shatters stereotypes about disabilities through his hilarious, unforgettable performances worldwide.

“I think it’s the year of Josh Blue”—Howie Mandel, America’s Got Talent

Spotlight on Josh Blue:

First comedian to perform stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Represented Team USA in 8 countries as a Paralympic soccer player
His hit specials can be seen on Netflix, Showtime, Hulu, and Amazon
Featured in People Magazine, The New York Times, and on NPR’s Talk of the Nation
Asheville gets just one shot at this tour stop!

Fri & Sat, Oct 24 & 25 • 8 pm

Orlando Leyba is a stand-up comedian known for his animated storytelling and relatable humor. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, AGT18, MAX, TruTV, NBC, and his own special Adorable on Max. A finalist in NBC’s Stand Up Showcase, he’s also a regular at comedy festivals and clubs.

The Comedy Zone: Back with a fresh lineup of powerhouse talent, this hit comedy series features comics seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, The Tonight Show, and more. Smart, fast, and fiercely funny—get ready to laugh out loud and leave smiling.

VIP table upgrades available.