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, 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.

Reasonably Priced Babies: The Hasta La Vista Show!
May 22 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Reasonably Priced Babies: The Hasta La Vista Show!

Doors: 6pm // Show: 7pm
$18.45 to $30.25

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tom is moving. We’re not kidding. We’ve tried to stop him, but he got out of the trunk. This is the last show with Tom for… who knows how long! Let’s give him a full all out “See ya later” send off! We will miss him – don’t YOU miss out on TIX!
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.
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

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

AN AFTERNOON OF STORYTELLING WITH DONALD DAVIS
May 25 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wells Event Center

AN AFTERNOON OF STORYTELLING WITH DONALD DAVIS Sunday, May 25, 2025 | 4:00-6:00 PM

Join us On Sunday, May 25, as we welcome Donald Davis to Wells Events Center for an afternoon of storytelling. Donald Davis grew up in Waynesville and will bring much joy and laughter to your heart as you hear him tell of happenings back-in-the-day. You will recognize familiar family names and area locations as he brings his stories to life and adds warm-hearted feelings of days-gone-by in this small mountain town.

Doors open at 4:00 with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and storytelling begins at 5:00.

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

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Presents

EXTC – XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends

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

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
EXTC – XTC’S TERRY CHAMBERS & FRIENDS
North American Cushty Tour 2025
TERRY CHAMBERS – drums 
STEVE HAMPTON – lead vocals, guitar
TERRY LINES – bass guitar, vocals
For almost four decades XTC fans could only dream of witnessing the sensational XTC classic songbook played live. That dream has now become a reality. XTC’s legendary drummer Terry Chambers is back on the road with his band EXTC (named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge).
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour
May 28 @ 6:45 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

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

Andrew Duhon
May 28 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Andrew Duhon.

All Ages
Wednesday, May 28
Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$25.10 to $35.90

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
There’s a mystical allure to the road. Innately literal and figurative, it is both the blacktop and the connective tissue between people, places, and cultures. The opportunity to venture beyond what’s known and comfortable into what’s possible.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Asheville Waldorf School Spring Bloom Gala
May 29 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Treska's on Highland Lake

Spring Bloom Gala: Gather & Grow
A Benefit for Asheville Waldorf School
May 29, 2025 | 5–9 PM
Treska’s on Highland Lake, Flat Rock, NC

Join us for Asheville Waldorf School’s Annual Spring Bloom Gala—an evening devoted to connection, nourishment, and collective flourishing.

In collaboration with Mother Earth Food and Heidi Zellie of Appalachian Watershed Alliance, this year’s gala celebrates the sacred work of raising children, feeding communities, and healing the land. Together, we honor the sanctity of childhood and cultivate a future rooted in food sovereignty, resilience, and hope.

Offerings:
Farm-to-table dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients
Musical performances
Curated silent auction with local art, experiences, and handmade goods
Inspiring keynote speakers: Andrea DuVall, CEO & Founder of Mother Earth Food, Ines Kinchen, Founder, Emerald Ark School & Sanctuary, Grandmaster Tony Morris, Founder, Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts

All proceeds support Asheville Waldorf School, furthering our mission to nurture head, heart, and hands through holistic education.

Community Concert ft. the Steep Canyon Rangers
May 29 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park

The highly anticipated Community Concert is returning to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver another unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and community spirit. The event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music, along with the incredible opening act, Sam Burchfield and the Scoundrels. The Community Concert is presented by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale’s, and Fred Anderson Subaru.

This celebration of community is FREE to attend, with General Admission available to all. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Preferred Access Tickets powered by Skyla Credit Union are on sale now, providing attendees with a premium concert experience in the heart of Asheville’s iconic Downtown.

In addition to the music, the Community Concert will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace with unique handmade goods, and a gear swap presented by Second Gear, giving attendees the chance to exchange gently used outdoor gear. The event is designed to bring together people of all ages for an evening of celebration, while supporting local businesses and artists.

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Admission: General Admission is FREE; Preferred Access Tickets available for purchase.

Red Baraat
May 29 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Red Baraat

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

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Red Baraat is a pioneering band from Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by dhol player Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound, a merging of hard driving Punjabi rhythms with elements of hip-hop, jazz and raw punk energy. Created with no less a purposeful agenda than manifesting joy and unity in all people, Red Baraat’s spirit is worn brightly on its sweaty and hard-worked sleeve. 
Friday, May 30, 2025
David Lowery
May 30 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present David Lowery

Doors: 6pm // Show: 7pm
$27.06 to $37.96

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
FULLY SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
David Lowery is a highly accomplished songwriter, performer, producer, and advocate for artists’ rights based in Athens, GA.
Moon Taxi
May 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Moon Taxi and Strung Like A Horse

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

Ages 18+

This show was originally scheduled on November 16, 2024. Previously purchased tickets will be honored at this show.

Dead Prez: 25th Anniversary Show
May 30 @ 10:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Dead Prez: 25th Anniversary Show

also performing: Skyzoo, Landon Wordswell.

Doors: 9:30pm // Show: 10pm
$46.20

Grey Eagle Music Hall

ALL AGES // STANDING ROOM ONLY

DEAD PREZ is the pair of politically militant rappers, Stic.Man and M-1. They have become known for their hard-hitting style and socialist lyrics, focusing on anti-racism, anti-capitalism, critical pedagogy, as well as activism against social injustice and corporate control over the media (especially hip-hop record labels.)

Saturday, May 31, 2025
30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
May 31 all-day
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Award-winning, independent films from around the world in documentary, drama, anti-war, experimental and animation categories. Kickoff begins Friday with a full-length feature film and continues Saturday with back-to-back films throughout the day. This is truly an international film fest with 18 films from countries like France, Brazil, Iran, China, Spain, Malaysia, and the US, many of which are premieres!

Tentative Film Screening Schedule:
FRI, MAY 30
6:30 PM: Doors Open
7 PM: Feature Film & Discussions

SAT, MAY 31
10:30 AM: Doors Open
11-11:30 AM: Anti-War and Anti War Tax Films
11:30-12:30 PM: Animation
1-3 PM: Short Dramas
3-5 PM Documentaries + Discussions

Pre-buy tickets at https://filmfreeway.com/trmf/tickets or pay at the door. $10 Fri Feature Film; $15 Sat films all day (come in any time); $25 both days. Doors open half hour before start. Complimentary food & drink available.

At Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, River Ridge Business Center, Suite 1200, 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 (next to Asheville Dance Theater). For more information, call 828-273-3332.

Thee Sacred Souls
May 31 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Thee Sacred Souls

Saturday, May 31
Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
Sunday, June 1, 2025
MAYDAY IV
Jun 1 @ 12:00 am – 12:05 am
Sly Grog Lounge

MAYDAY IV at Sly Grog Lounge. 2 nights (May 30 8p & May 31 5p), 2 stages, 20 bands (listed below), $15 wristband good for both nights. Food truck service by Bigfoot Longs (hotdogs, May 30) & Mehfil (Indian, May 31). Bands schedule is:
MAY 30
8P Yawni
8:30P We Have Ignition
9P My Gal Monday
9:30P Ton Of A Bitch
10P Tiny TV’s
10:30P Basement Healer
11P Fantomex
MAY 31
5P Separate Incidents
5:30P Pinkeye
6P The Discs
6:30P Slow Poison
7P Dark City Kings
7:30P Tiny City (Charlotte)
8P The Big Sky
8:30P Colossal Human Failure
9P Saddle Breaker (Winston-Salem)
9:30P Busy Weather
10P Suburban Detour
10:30P Paprika
11P The Jesus Casino
Hear the bands playing MAYDAY IV at https://sinkholetexas.bandcamp.com/album/mayday-iv

PAN HARMONIA: Dances in Nature
Jun 1 @ 3:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church Asheville

Pan Harmonia, Asheville’s award winning chamber music company presents Dances in Nature for flute and harp with Kate Steinbeck and Jessica Schaeffer Sunday, June 1st at 3 pm at First Presbyterian Church Asheville and Friday, June 6th at 7 pm at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Enjoy mystical dances and haunting melodies by Alan Hovhaness, Joseph Jongen and Carl Nielsen along with tunes inspired by ocean creatures, waltzes, boleros and salsa.

Celebrating its 25th season, Pan Harmonia offers pay-as-you-can, donation-based performances; no one is turned away for lack of funds. “Music is for everyone!,” says Steinbeck. Those that can, help by donating funds for the musicians and Pan Harmonia operations.

Reserve in advance and receive parking information.

For more information visit: https://panharmonia.org/events/

Carrie Morrison Album Release Show
Jun 1 @ 5:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present

Carrie Morrison Album Release Show

Doors: 4:30pm // Show: 5:30pm
$18.45 to $27.06

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
SEATED SHOW
LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Carrie Morrison, a talented singer-songwriter based in Brevard, North Carolina, is celebrated for her heartfelt lyrics and melodic compositions that blend folk, pop, Americana, and Celtic influences. Known for her warm, expressive voice and intricate piano arrangements, Carrie has become a beloved figure in the Western North Carolina music scene.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
One Hand in my Pocket: A Tribute to Alanis Morissette
Jun 3 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present

One Hand in my Pocket: A Tribute to Alanis Morissette

Doors: 6pm // Show: 7pm
$24.60

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Get ready for a night of raw emotion, powerful vocals, and unforgettable anthems as One Hand in my Pocket: A Tribute to Alanis Morissette takes over the Grey Eagle in Asheville’s historic river arts district!
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show 2025
Jun 4 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show 2025 is coming to Bon Secours Wellness Arena on 6/4 with special guest Nikki Lane! Tickets on sale Friday, Jan 17th @ 10AM.

Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open M-F 10AM-2PM.