Calendar of Events
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.
Arboretum visitors will witness some of the most surprising animal behavior in the new National Geographic exhibition, “The Greatest Wildlife Photographs.” The very best wildlife pictures from the pages of National Geographic magazine have been chosen to be displayed in this exhibition. Curated by renowned nature picture editor, Kathy Moran, this exhibition is a celebratory look at wildlife with images taken by National Geographic’s most iconic photographers such as, Michael “Nick” Nichols, Steve Winter, Paul Nicklen, Beverly Joubert, David Doubilet and more. Showcasing the evolution of photography, the images convey how innovations such as camera traps, remote imaging, and underwater technology have granted photographers access to wildlife in their natural habitat.
For 115 years, National Geographic has pioneered and championed the art of wildlife photography, and captivated generations of engaged audiences with a steady stream of extraordinary images of animals in nature. From the very first such image to appear – a reindeer in 1903 – National Geographic Society’s publications have broken new ground and push the bar higher again and again, establishing an unmatched legacy of artistic, scientific, and technical achievement. These are the Greatest Wildlife Photographs. This is included with admission to NC Arboretum.
A Rose by Another Name: Paper Flower Workshop with Charlie Zimmerman.
Have you ever wished for flowers that would last forever? You can make your very own everlasting blooms out of paper! In this guided floral artistry workshop, you’ll learn basic techniques for crafting paper flowers with realistic petals, stamens, sepals, and more, while creating your own paper rose to admire and share. Throughout class we’ll talk about the botany of flowers and consider the role of each structure for plant reproduction and pollination. All tools and materials for constructing two paper roses are included.
Peace Concert Hall
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 pm
PROGRAM
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
João Guilherme Ripper: Cinco Poemas de Vinicius de Moraes
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, “Pastoral”
Join us for the grand finale of our season with a captivating concert that celebrates the enduring legacy of Beethoven alongside the vibrant rhythms of Brazil. From the cosmic brilliance of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst to the lyrical beauty of João Guilherme Ripper’s Cinco Poemas de Vinicius de Moraes, this is a journey of musical exploration and cultural fusion. Our season finale culminates with the timeless majesty of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, transporting you to the serene landscapes of the countryside.
GUEST
Tess Altiveros, soprano
Of Mice & Men and Until I Wake in concert
Sunday, May 11
Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
Exodus with special guests Havok and Misfire
This event is a collaboration between the Asheville Chamber Music Series and the Asheville Art Museum featuring North Carolina musicians embarking on a major concert career.
Conclude the Parker Concert Hall 2024-25 Series with a triumphant performance by Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet from the famed Curtis Institute of Music. The concert embodies our aspiration for excellence and collaboration featuring world-class artists working alongside outstanding students. Curtis on Tour showcases the finest talents in the country, providing an unforgettable season finale.
Season Finale with Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet • Curtis on Tour
The Bones of JR Jones with Henry (of Ruen Brothers)
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Kids, join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about the many different Herptiles that call Western North Carolina their home! What’s a Herptile you ask? Herptiles are reptiles and amphibians! We’ll answer all of our biggest questions about Herptiles, like “Why are some amphibians slimy?” and “Where do Herptiles go in the winter?” Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, find out what distinguishes Herptiles from other animals, where they live, what they eat, how they breathe, plus much more! Located at the Black Mountain Library.
Tedeschi Trucks Band(TTB) is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse that holds the well-deserved reputation as one of the best live acts touring today. Led by husband & wife, guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi – hailed as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation” (NPR), the 12-piece Tedeschi Trucks Band is known globally for their unmistakable sound and world-class musicianship that seamlessly blends distinctive genres of American music.
Since forming in 2010, Tedeschi Trucks Band’s caravan has traveled countless miles to bring their music to audiences around the world. With a large catalog that spans rock, blues, jazz and even country, no setlist is ever the same, leaving their ever-growing fan base of all-ages returning again and again for electrifying performances. In the fall of 2023, Tedeschi Trucks Band played a pair of career-defining arena shows at TD Garden in Boston and a sold out Madison Square Garden in New York City. Dubbed “The Garden Parties” the pair of gigs saw praise from Relix who raved of the group’s “seasoned grace and artistry.” From sold-out multi-night residencies across America to tours through Europe and Japan, to their flagship annual summer amphitheater tours, the band’s shows are an eagerly anticipated highlight of the live music calendar and “nothing short of exhilarating” (Salon).
Sunami / Pain Of Truth
PeelingFlesh
Ends Of Sanity
Ages 18+
An evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar, 504 Seventh Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Featuring MARE CARMODY, CHARLIE WILKINSON & NIKKI TALLEY
Hey Neighbors! We have a delightfully talented group of songwriters for our May session at the coolest bar in Hendo. Founders of this very series – Mare Carmody and Charlie Wilkinson – will be joined by local favorite Nikki Talley for an evening celebrating creativity, humanity, community, and delicious brandy and/or cocktails. Come join us!
Mare Carmody is a voice of Southern storytelling, in both songs and prose. She believes life indeed is a song. Or a series of songs.
Charlie Wilkinson has been writing and performing since a time before junior high schools, from the Washington, D. C., area to Florida and other foreign lands, and has always seemed to get dropped into the middle of special places and special folks.
Powerhouse vocals deliver Nikki Talley’s award-winning songwriting about life’s simple pleasures: travel, motherhood, fishing, rhododendron & moonshine.
With hosts Annie Wenz and Todd Hoke
The Brandy Bar 504 Seventh Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792. 828-845-0546
For more information: [email protected]
Candlelight Spring concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Rings and Dragons at Asheville Masonic Temple bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring.
General Info
Venue: Asheville Masonic Temple
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: Balcony seating is not ADA compliant
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Real Friends with New Aesthetic, The Indoor Kids
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Beyond Beyond Beyond Tour presents:
The Crane Wives
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen and more at The Asheville Masonic Temple under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info
Venue: Asheville Masonic Temple
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: please contact us for more information on accessibility
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Asheville
This event is open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups (0-5, 6-10, and 11-15) with prizes in each for Biggest Fish (GRAND PRIZE), Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught.
This is a catch and release tournament. Each fish that is caught must be brought one at a time to the measuring station. After each fish has been measured, they will be released back into the lake. Your $10 registration fee includes a bucket, bait, plus snacks and drinks. You must be in the measuring station line before the horn goes off at 11:00 am to have your fish measured. Competitors must bring their own fishing poles and tackle.
The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art media is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metal work, woodwork, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more. Live music, Children’s Tent, Family Fun. Event is held on Historic Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, May 17, 2025, 10am to 4pm.
Hendersonville Theatre is excited to present Songs From The Road Band as part of May’s Hometown Sound Music Series. This award-winning Asheville-based bluegrass ensemble is redefining the genre with their exceptional musicianship and heartfelt performances. Featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo), the band has an impressive six-album catalog, including their latest release, Pay Your Dues. Known for their energetic live shows, they seamlessly blend tight three-part harmonies, improvisational jams, and a mix of original tracks with fan-favorite covers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
Headlights Home Tour presents: Mat Kearney
Augustana (solo)
PAN HARMONIA’s Season 25 continues with a joyful reunion of friends and founding musicians Liz Austin, Dewitt Tipton and Kate Steinbeck.
Join us for a fun and beautiful afternoon of chamber music for flute, cello and piano featuring Trios by Bohuslav Martinu, Ondine Smith-Moore and GP Telemann.
Kate Steinbeck flute
Elizabeth Austin cello
Dewitt Tipton piano
Sunday, May 18, 3 pm · First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, 40 Church Street, Asheville 28801
Pay-as-You-Can
Livestream Option
Reserve in advance and receive parking info too.
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.
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
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Kishi Bashi with Oshima Brothers
STANDING ROOM ONLY
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.
Between The Buried And Me
Protest The Hero
The Orange Peel
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present
Joywave
with Little Image
STANDING ROOM ONLY
