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.
Tuesday, May
21, 2024
Greg Lobas will lead a virtual writer’s workshop titled: “Writing Your Life into Poetry.”
“Write what you know” is one of the first and best maxims for the aspiring writer. But what if “what you know” is ordinary, even mundane? This workshop will look at ways to mine the gold that is in everyone’s life and turn it into poetry. It may take some digging. It may take a little change in perspective. But it is there, and it is material only you can use. We will focus on the narrative poem as a means of story-telling but will consider the lyric poem as well.
This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will Zoom for the virtual connection. Sign up to attend the workshop at workshop here:
Greg Lobas has been published extensively as both an outdoor writer and a poet. His debut book, Left of Center, won the 2022 Dogfish Head Poetry Prize, and placed second in the Delaware State Press Association awards. The book deals with his real life experiences as a fire captain and paramedic. His poems have been published in many journals. He is an experienced poetry workshop facilitator at Isothermal Community College.
Greg lives with his wife Meg and his dog Sophie in Polk County North Carolina.
Wednesday, May
22, 2024
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SAVE 15% on your Memorial Weekend Adventures at our Nantahala Campus with
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Code valid through May 19th for adventures on Friday May 24 through Monday May 27th.
Rafting – Ziplining – Mountain Biking – Lake SUP
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Save big and experience a full day of thrills with our adventure packages! Combine whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, or hiking into one incredible package. Take advantage of our river and special trip time discounts if you are looking to get outside on a budget!
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Stay on our 500-acre campus in Bryson City, nestled between the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re a family on vacation, a solo adventurer, or part of a larger group, our 500-acre campus offers the perfect accommodations for your needs from full cabins to camping.
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Start your day with breakfast or refuel after a day of adventure at our riverside dining establishments. Savor gastropub cuisine at River’s End Restaurant, enjoy casual riverside dining at Big Wesser, or treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and donut at Slow Joe’s. Don’t forget to grab a craft beer at Switchback Taps!
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Riverside Live Music & More
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Unwind by the river with games on our back porch and stay for the live music every night. Enjoy performances by Regatta 69, Laura Thurston, Magenta Sunshine, and Michael Harding this Memorial Day weekend– the perfect way to cap off your adventure-filled days!
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Visit Cherokee or Bryson City
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Visit Cherokee for a cultural experience at the Museum of the Cherokee People, or opt for a step back in time, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village reenactment.
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Bryson City is centrally located in Western North Carolina’s outdoor playground and is a great spot to start your next adventure. In fact, the Smithsonian named Bryson City one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit” and we would have to agree!
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Find a quick day trip near you!
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We’ve got a trip near you! Check out our other Southeastern Outposts for a quick adventure and escape with your loved ones. Ditch the screens, trade in the everyday for extraordinary, and find a river trip and adventure closer to home. Click on a river to find your trip →
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Thursday, May
23, 2024
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SAVE 15% on your Memorial Weekend Adventures at our Nantahala Campus with
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Code valid through May 19th for adventures on Friday May 24 through Monday May 27th.
Rafting – Ziplining – Mountain Biking – Lake SUP
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|
|
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Save big and experience a full day of thrills with our adventure packages! Combine whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, or hiking into one incredible package. Take advantage of our river and special trip time discounts if you are looking to get outside on a budget!
|
|
|
Stay on our 500-acre campus in Bryson City, nestled between the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re a family on vacation, a solo adventurer, or part of a larger group, our 500-acre campus offers the perfect accommodations for your needs from full cabins to camping.
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Start your day with breakfast or refuel after a day of adventure at our riverside dining establishments. Savor gastropub cuisine at River’s End Restaurant, enjoy casual riverside dining at Big Wesser, or treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and donut at Slow Joe’s. Don’t forget to grab a craft beer at Switchback Taps!
|
|
|
|
Riverside Live Music & More
|
Unwind by the river with games on our back porch and stay for the live music every night. Enjoy performances by Regatta 69, Laura Thurston, Magenta Sunshine, and Michael Harding this Memorial Day weekend– the perfect way to cap off your adventure-filled days!
|
|
|
|
Visit Cherokee or Bryson City
|
|
|
|
Visit Cherokee for a cultural experience at the Museum of the Cherokee People, or opt for a step back in time, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village reenactment.
|
|
Bryson City is centrally located in Western North Carolina’s outdoor playground and is a great spot to start your next adventure. In fact, the Smithsonian named Bryson City one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit” and we would have to agree!
|
|
|
Find a quick day trip near you!
|
|
|
We’ve got a trip near you! Check out our other Southeastern Outposts for a quick adventure and escape with your loved ones. Ditch the screens, trade in the everyday for extraordinary, and find a river trip and adventure closer to home. Click on a river to find your trip →
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Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this 6-week series workshop gives space for young folks’ imaginations to run wild, turning anything and everything into an opportunity for storytelling! Students ages 11-14 will dive into their own worlds, build their own imaginations, and creating their own stories through a smorgasbord of storytelling forms. In this class, we’re putting creative power back in the hands of the budding creative both individually and as a group. What kind of wildernesses can we construct and discover?
At the end of the day, we’re exploring various forms of writing, infusing imagination into our stories, and we’re building trust and confidence in young creatives. No homework necessary!
Friday, May
24, 2024
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SAVE 15% on your Memorial Weekend Adventures at our Nantahala Campus with
|
Code valid through May 19th for adventures on Friday May 24 through Monday May 27th.
Rafting – Ziplining – Mountain Biking – Lake SUP
|
|
|
|
|
Save big and experience a full day of thrills with our adventure packages! Combine whitewater rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, or hiking into one incredible package. Take advantage of our river and special trip time discounts if you are looking to get outside on a budget!
|
|
|
Stay on our 500-acre campus in Bryson City, nestled between the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re a family on vacation, a solo adventurer, or part of a larger group, our 500-acre campus offers the perfect accommodations for your needs from full cabins to camping.
|
|
|
|
Start your day with breakfast or refuel after a day of adventure at our riverside dining establishments. Savor gastropub cuisine at River’s End Restaurant, enjoy casual riverside dining at Big Wesser, or treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and donut at Slow Joe’s. Don’t forget to grab a craft beer at Switchback Taps!
|
|
|
|
Riverside Live Music & More
|
Unwind by the river with games on our back porch and stay for the live music every night. Enjoy performances by Regatta 69, Laura Thurston, Magenta Sunshine, and Michael Harding this Memorial Day weekend– the perfect way to cap off your adventure-filled days!
|
|
|
|
Visit Cherokee or Bryson City
|
|
|
|
Visit Cherokee for a cultural experience at the Museum of the Cherokee People, or opt for a step back in time, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village reenactment.
|
|
Bryson City is centrally located in Western North Carolina’s outdoor playground and is a great spot to start your next adventure. In fact, the Smithsonian named Bryson City one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit” and we would have to agree!
|
|
|
Find a quick day trip near you!
|
|
|
We’ve got a trip near you! Check out our other Southeastern Outposts for a quick adventure and escape with your loved ones. Ditch the screens, trade in the everyday for extraordinary, and find a river trip and adventure closer to home. Click on a river to find your trip →
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Saturday, May
25, 2024
Now in our 15th year, we are proud to offer affordable, all-levels workshops!
Class topics include Intro to Whip Tricks, Badass Shimmies, and Song-writing. We are also offering a FREE LECTURE on the history of Sideshow with America’s top historian, the legendary James Taylor. Study with the best!
Friday, May
31, 2024
Slice of Life Presents: Canna Comic Cuisine?
Two Infused Dinner & Comedy Shows
Friday May 31, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
& 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Rezonance Lounge via The Green Room 51 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Featuring a 3-course meal from Infuso including an infused Smashburger, infused salad, infused gourmet banana pudding, and a selection of infused cannabis drinks and surprise samples from local hemp brands.
Comedians curated by Slice of Life Comedy! Vaping (of The Green Room’s products only) is permitted.
Featuring Petey Smith McDowell
Space is limited, go to Smokesome.green to reserve your spots today!
Saturday, June
1, 2024
Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm
Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.
Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.
As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!
Tuesday, June
4, 2024
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, June
5, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Thursday, June
6, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Friday, June
7, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Saturday, June
8, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY to have an in-person healing session in ASHEVILLE by Chloe Kemp, award-winning best-selling author, seer, medium, and intuitive shamanic energy healer. Sessions available MAY 23 – JUNE 8 at location 2 blocks from Malvern Hills Park. Chloe utilizes her past life memories of ancient healing techniques, working with her Spirit guides to provide energetic emotional, physical, mental and spiritual healing. If Spirit has information about a client’s past life, Chloe receives sensations and visions, allowing her to see people, places and experiences from the past life. Frequently, stuck energy that causes problems in this lifetime involves a person’s trauma in a past life. Chloe will re-experience the trauma for you, clearing and releasing all energy that no longer serves you if her Spirit Guides determine it is necessary to clear a past life. She also balances your chakras and performs extra work on any physical, emotional, or spiritual areas her Spirit Guides deem necessary. Afterward Chloe assists her clients with processing the experience. For more information about Chloe, her spiritual memoir, and her healing work, visit https://www.chloekempwisdomkeeper.com
Sunday, June
9, 2024
Connect Beyond Festival returns to downtown Asheville, N.C. on June 7-9, 2024 for a weekend of performances, panels, film screenings and workshops with award-winning artists and thought leaders, exploring how the intersection of music, art, film and storytelling can inspire positive change. This year’s festival, dubbed by Ashvegas as “Asheville’s version of SXSW,” is themed around Connection To Deepen Resilience and Keep Moving Forward. Connect Beyond will be partnering with Slay The Mic Media to co-curate programs centered around youth empowerment. Tickets for the Connect Beyond Festival are slated to go on sale by May 13th. To optimize community accessibility, options include individual event tickets or a full weekend pass.
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 Cody Hughes! Featuring Zandra Johnson, Johnathan Pruett & Jason Reel
Tuesday, June
11, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Wednesday, June
12, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Thursday, June
13, 2024
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest
When: Wensday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience 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 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!
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 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.
Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup
Thursday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience 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 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!
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 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.
Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup
Friday, June
14, 2024
Train with world renowned Performing Artist, former Alvin Ailey principle Dancer & Teacher Raquelle Chavis- and explore modern dance and the Horton technique. Dancers will have 1 week of daily class training, while learning a series of fortification studies and challenging combinations, designed to perfect their technique, placement and performance. Additionally, dancers will learn new choreography and rehearse that piece daily. a studio performance will be given on the final day of this intensive workshop, showcasing the skills they’ve learned throughout the week. This program is open to dancers age 9-18 who possess a passion and drive to excel.
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for an unforgettable evening of elegance and celebration at the JuneteenthGVL Royal Gala, taking place at the prestigious Greenville Convention Center on June 14, 2024. This glamorous event is a highlight of our Juneteenth celebrations, commemorating the rich history and enduring legacy of African American freedom and culture.
Saturday, June
15, 2024
Join us for Father’s Day at the Market!
Details TBA
All Month Long in June at the Swannanoa Library
Join us at the Swannanoa Library to create a collage mosaic Juneteenth Flag. While communally creating this flag, learn the history and meaning of this flag and all that it represents. This program will continue for entire month of June where the community can add to it over time. All ages are welcome to contribute.
Join us for our Juneteenth Cinema at Swannanoa Library! Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. For teens and adults, run time 126 minutes and snacks will be provided. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up..
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, and a goodie bag of dispensary freebies worth $50+!
Sunday, June
16, 2024
All are welcome, especially dads and kiddos. Kids are free, Dads pay $10
Class is held on the outdoor stage in the backyard of One World Brewing West. Bring a mat and water and prepare for a light hearted, fun class for the whole family!