Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, May 18, 2025
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.

City Dance
May 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

ABSFest: Thursday Live Music Speakeasy Opening Party
May 22 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Crow & Quill

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival opens at the Crow & Quill, with our ABSFest Speakeasy. Local live music sweethearts Drayton & the Dreamboats play jazz all night with bellydancers, sword- swallowing and more. Hosted by international Jester, Paolo Garbanzo. Tickets at the Door.

Friday, May 23, 2025
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.

ABSFest: Friday FanDom Nerdlesque Show
May 23 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at the Grey Eagle sees the return of our FanDom Nerdlesque Show, hosted by Atlanta’s Lola LeSoleil. Your favorite fandoms brought to the stage! From sexy Star Wars to sassy Super Mario, this sexy, silly and surprising show has something for everybody. VIPs enjoy early seating, a pre-show, and themed goody bags.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
ABSFest Saturday Workshops: Burlesque, Bellydance, Drag & Resilience for Artists
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
The Orange Peel

FOUR Workshops held at the Orange Peel! $40 in advance, $50 day of unless FREE.
12:30-2pm
Burlesque, with Jo’Rie Tigerlily.
Drag, with Qing Blaze.
2-3:30
Bellydance, with Naimah.
Resilience and Ethics for Artists in Uncertain Times, with Nadira & Mavi, a free facilitated discussion for the variety arts community. Email us at [email protected] to inquire about the Resilience class. Otherwise, visit absfest.com to register and get MORE INFORMATION about workshop offerings and the instructors.

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.
Rhododendron Ramble
May 24 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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

 

ABSFest Saturday Spectacular Burlesque & Sideshow Fest
May 24 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at The Orange Peel offers up the The Saturday Spectacular. Don’t Miss This Show; the most glamorous showgirls, astonishing aerials, and delicious vendors, as well as vibrant acts of rebellion, comedy and dexterity. Hosted by festival founder Madame Onça! VIPs enjoy early expedited seating, shopping and a live music pre-show.

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
ABSFest Sunday Brunch: Church of Decadence – with Burlesque!
May 25 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival Sunday at The Grey Eagle brings the brunch show – the Church of Decadence, hosted by pin-up priestess Phoebe Nyx. Come feel the holy spirit of burlesque moving through you. Dress for church – be that church hats, mumus, or pjs. Tickets at www.thegreyeagle.com 12-2pm

Rhododendron Ramble
May 25 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

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.

Rhododendron Ramble
May 26 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 27 @ 1:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center.