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.

Thursday, July 4, 2024
july 4th celebration with concert & fireworks display
Jul 4 @ 10:30 am – 9:00 pm
Main Street, Hendersonville, NC
Independence Day Block Party
Jul 4 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
South Slope Brewing District
Join us for the Ingles Independence Day Block Party, presented by Ingles, in Asheville’s South Slope area on July 4th. Enjoy free entry, local food vendors, crafts, kids’ activities, and live music!
This Fourth of July, the Asheville Downtown Association and the City of Asheville are excited to invite you to the Ingles Independence Day Block Party, presented by Ingles. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s event will be free to attend and is moving to the vibrant South Slope area, specifically on Coxe Avenue and Buxton Avenue in Downtown Asheville. The festivities kick off at noon with a thrilling performance by the Ultimate Airdogs, alongside a variety of local food and beverage vendors where delicious treats will be available for purchase throughout the day. Additionally, a number of local marketplace vendors will be present, offering unique goods and crafts that showcase the best of Asheville’s vibrant community. The entire South Slope neighborhood is participating, ensuring an exciting day filled with kids’ activities, live music, and engaging activations for all ages. The Rock Academy will provide musical entertainment during the early part of the day, setting the perfect mood for a celebration of independence and community spirit. At 4:30 PM, the main stage opens with Asheville’s very own Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as the emcee, followed by performances from DJ Badonkey Kong and The Legendary Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band. The night will feature a headline performance by The Pink Stones. Don’t miss the grand finale – a dazzling fireworks display set to light up the night sky at 9:30 PM. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s independence in the heart of Asheville. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a day filled with music, fun, and community spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you! These events are not possible without our amazing community sponsors. A big thank you to Ingles Markets, Tribute Companies, Burial Brewing, Wicked Weed Brewing, Empire Distributors, Renewal by Andersen, Go Mini’s Mobile Storage, Bears Smokehouse BBQ, The Element Hotel, A Look at Asheville, PieZaa, and more!
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 4 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

The Fourth of July at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Jul 4 @ 1:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Celebrate Independence Day with us at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where grandeur meets festivity. Witness the night sky come alive with two breathtaking fireworks displays, enjoy live music in our iconic Great Hall and by the outdoor pool, and dive into family-friendly activities like movie screenings, bingo, and glitter tattoos. Our beloved mascot, Major Bear, will make a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating magical moments. From morning till night, there’s always something happening, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Experience double the thrill this Independence Day with our Stars & Stripes Package. Relish in viewing two mesmerizing firework shows, with exclusive viewing, and indulge in an Evening Picnic on July 4th with live music and activities for all ages. Join us for a patriotic weekend filled with fun, music, and memories. We look forward to celebrating with you!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Family Movie Screening │Laurel │1 PM – 3 PM
Live Music │Great Hall │3 PM -6 PM
Balloon Twister │Great Hall │4 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Family Bingo │Skyline │1 PM -3 PM
Live Music with Alex Taub │ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Glitter Tattoos │ Great Hall │3 PM -5 PM
Stars & Stripes Evening Picnic │TBD │7 PM – 10 PM
City of Asheville Fireworks │9:30 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Craft │Outdoor Pool│2 PM – 3 PM
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │3 PM -5 PM
Live Music with Jamar Woods│ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Live Music with Jeff Thompson │Outdoor Pool │1 PM -3 PM
Family Bingo │Skyline │3 PM -4 PM

Independence Day Celebration
Jul 4 @ 4:00 pm
Coxe Avenue and Buxton Avenue

This Fourth of July, the Asheville Downtown Association and the City of Asheville are excited to invite you to the Independence Day Block Party, presented by Ingles. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s free event is moving to the vibrant South Slope area, specifically on Coxe Avenue and Buxton Avenue in Downtown Asheville.

The festivities kick off at noon with a thrilling performance by the Ultimate Airdogs, alongside a variety of local food and beverage vendors where delicious treats will be available for purchase throughout the day. Additionally, a number of local marketplace vendors will be present, offering unique goods and crafts that showcase the best of Asheville’s vibrant community.

The entire South Slope neighborhood is participating, ensuring an exciting day filled with kids’ activities, live music, and engaging activations for all ages. The Rock Academy will provide musical entertainment during the early part of the day, setting the perfect mood for a celebration of independence and community spirit.

At 4:00 PM, the main stage opens with Asheville’s very own Secret Agent 23 Skidoo as the emcee, followed by performances from DJ Badonkey Kong and The Legendary Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band. The night will feature a headline performance by The Pink Stones.

Don’t miss the grand finale – a dazzling fireworks display set to light up the night sky at 9:30 PM. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s independence in the heart of Asheville.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a day filled with music, fun, and community spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you!

For more information, please visit www.ashevilledowntown.org or contact [email protected].

4th of July at The Horse Shoe Farm | The Silo Cookhouse x Root & Bone
Jul 4 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
The Horse Shoe Farm

Join us for our annual 4th of July Celebration! A Low Country Boil with The Silo Cookhouse & Root & Bone + Live Music + FIREWORKS!

Friday, July 5, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 5 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

The Fourth of July at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Jul 5 @ 1:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Celebrate Independence Day with us at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where grandeur meets festivity. Witness the night sky come alive with two breathtaking fireworks displays, enjoy live music in our iconic Great Hall and by the outdoor pool, and dive into family-friendly activities like movie screenings, bingo, and glitter tattoos. Our beloved mascot, Major Bear, will make a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating magical moments. From morning till night, there’s always something happening, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Experience double the thrill this Independence Day with our Stars & Stripes Package. Relish in viewing two mesmerizing firework shows, with exclusive viewing, and indulge in an Evening Picnic on July 4th with live music and activities for all ages. Join us for a patriotic weekend filled with fun, music, and memories. We look forward to celebrating with you!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Family Movie Screening │Laurel │1 PM – 3 PM
Live Music │Great Hall │3 PM -6 PM
Balloon Twister │Great Hall │4 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Family Bingo │Skyline │1 PM -3 PM
Live Music with Alex Taub │ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Glitter Tattoos │ Great Hall │3 PM -5 PM
Stars & Stripes Evening Picnic │TBD │7 PM – 10 PM
City of Asheville Fireworks │9:30 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Craft │Outdoor Pool│2 PM – 3 PM
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │3 PM -5 PM
Live Music with Jamar Woods│ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Live Music with Jeff Thompson │Outdoor Pool │1 PM -3 PM
Family Bingo │Skyline │3 PM -4 PM

Saturday, July 6, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jul 6 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 6 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

The Fourth of July at The Omni Grove Park Inn
Jul 6 @ 1:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Celebrate Independence Day with us at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where grandeur meets festivity. Witness the night sky come alive with two breathtaking fireworks displays, enjoy live music in our iconic Great Hall and by the outdoor pool, and dive into family-friendly activities like movie screenings, bingo, and glitter tattoos. Our beloved mascot, Major Bear, will make a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating magical moments. From morning till night, there’s always something happening, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.

Experience double the thrill this Independence Day with our Stars & Stripes Package. Relish in viewing two mesmerizing firework shows, with exclusive viewing, and indulge in an Evening Picnic on July 4th with live music and activities for all ages. Join us for a patriotic weekend filled with fun, music, and memories. We look forward to celebrating with you!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Family Movie Screening │Laurel │1 PM – 3 PM
Live Music │Great Hall │3 PM -6 PM
Balloon Twister │Great Hall │4 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Family Bingo │Skyline │1 PM -3 PM
Live Music with Alex Taub │ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Glitter Tattoos │ Great Hall │3 PM -5 PM
Stars & Stripes Evening Picnic │TBD │7 PM – 10 PM
City of Asheville Fireworks │9:30 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Craft │Outdoor Pool│2 PM – 3 PM
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │3 PM -5 PM
Live Music with Jamar Woods│ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Live Music with Jeff Thompson │Outdoor Pool │1 PM -3 PM
Family Bingo │Skyline │3 PM -4 PM

Sunday, July 7, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jul 7 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 7 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Monday, July 8, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 8 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 9 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

TBR Tuesdays! Book Club at Black Mountain Public Library
Jul 9 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Tuesday, 7/9 at 6:30 pm – Book Club will be discussing All the Broken Places by John Boyne
Light refreshments will be served. Participants who consume food or beverage do so at their own risk.

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Pack Library Book Club
Jul 10 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Pack Memorial Library

The Pack Library Book Club is a book discussion group that meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30AM  at the library. We read and discuss a variety of book genres. The book for January 2024 is “Solito” by Javier Zamora.

Newcomers are always welcome! If you have any questions about book club, you can email [email protected] .

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 10 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Books to Action – The Book Discussion
Jul 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual event, via Zoom

We will be discussing Dopesick by Beth Macy. Journalist Beth Macy’s definitive account of America’s opioid epidemic “masterfully interlaces stories of communities in crisis with dark histories of corporate greed and regulatory indifference” (New York Times) – from the boardroom to the courtroom and into the living rooms of Americans.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Please call (828) 250-4700 if you would like help putting a hold on a library copy of this book. We also plan to send some supplemental suggested resources (news articles, podcasts, etc.) to our registrants to help round out the reading.

Books to Action is a book club coordinated by Buncombe County Public Libraries that explores nonfiction books centered on key issues facing our community. The book discussions take place in conjunction with a community service project, educational field trip, or presentations from local experts.

Thursday, July 11, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 11 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Friday, July 12, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 12 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Saturday, July 13, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jul 13 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 13 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Sunday, July 14, 2024
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Jul 14 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 14 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Monday, July 15, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 15 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 16 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jul 17 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show at The Pulp
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Chicago’s Funniest Interactive Standup show is back in Asheville Wednesday July 17, 7-9pm. Hosted by Alex Joyce in The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP. Get tix early! These shows sellout.
The Blackout Diaries is a comedy show where standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell hilarious drinking or other buzzed stories. Then you, the audience, can dive even deeper by asking questions to the performers about their stories.
The show has been a critics’ pick by all major Chicago periodicals and has been featured on NPR, Comedy Central and more. Its host and creator, Sean Flannery, was even named the best drunk in Chicago by The Chicago Reader, though we are still trying to figure out what that award means and if it should be considered an accolade.
Come for some of the funniest drinking stories you’ve heard
Featuring comedians Ryan Gordon, Cayla Clark, Larry Griffin & Miranda Allison!!
*if you have a funny buzzed story, whether it involves drinking or other, and would like to be on this show, contact Michele at [email protected]

The Blackout Diaries Comedy Show at The Pulp
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Chicago’s Funniest Interactive Standup show is back in Asheville Wednesday July 17, 7-9pm. Hosted by Alex Joyce in The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP. Get tix early! These shows sellout.
The Blackout Diaries is a comedy show where standup comedians, plus ‘regular’ people (cops, firefighters, teachers, etc) tell hilarious drinking or other buzzed stories. Then you, the audience, can dive even deeper by asking questions to the performers about their stories.
The show has been a critics’ pick by all major Chicago periodicals and has been featured on NPR, Comedy Central and more. Its host and creator, Sean Flannery, was even named the best drunk in Chicago by The Chicago Reader, though we are still trying to figure out what that award means and if it should be considered an accolade.
Come for some of the funniest drinking stories you’ve heard
Featuring comedians Ryan Gordon, Cayla Clark, Larry Griffin & Miranda Allison!!
*if you have a funny buzzed story, whether it involves drinking or other, and would like to be on this show, contact Michele at [email protected] See less