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.
What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.
Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!
DATES: May 9-12, 2024
TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.
Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.
As the hustle and bustle of tourist season approaches, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the heartbeat of our community—the hardworking locals who make our city vibrant year-round. To celebrate our community, we’re excited to extend an exclusive offer: a complimentary ride along the Pubcycle of fun for all our AMAZING locals!
While many may perceive the pubcycle as a drinking sport, those in the know understand that it embodies much more—it’s a social wagon of fun. Join us on a journey where you’ll find yourself making new friends and discovering intriguing tidbits about our city, all while gracefully exploring the charming streets of downtown Asheville.
Picture this: the excitement of people dancing in the streets, capturing the magic on their phones as the wonder wheels roll by. Experience the awe in the eyes of the youngest members of our community as they encounter the biggest bike ever seen. It’s not just a ride; it’s an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Asheville.
It would mean so much to us if you would share join us for a complimentary pubcycle ride now through March 7 2024 and be a part of the joy that defines our city. Use code ‘localavl24’ at time of booking.
Cheers to our incredible community!
AMAZING PUBCYCLE TEAM
We’re thrilled to present the “Blue Ridge Jamboree: ON THE RISE”, a showcase of our region’s top artists ages 25 and younger.
Hosted by acclaimed musician and storyteller Josh Goforth, ON THE RISE features:
• Addie Levy
• Appalachian Roots
• Bayla Davis
• Eric + Addie
• Newfound Gap
• Hightop Mountain Harmony
All proceeds of The Blue Ridge Jamboree will support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge’s Lynn Davis Scholarship program, which funds students who are pursuing college degrees with a commitment to enhance the natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge region.
Standup Comedy featuring Allison Shelnut
The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Tuesday March 12, 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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Allison Shelnut open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Allison Shelnut-
Allison once stole a hamster from the mall in Greensboro, North Carolina. It bit her. She deserved it. Allison is now a stand-up comedian based out of Asheville. Allison is known to engage the crowd on a wide range of topics from contraceptives to 90s toys. Outside of comedy you’ll find Allison in the woods with her darling dog, Jacob.
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info!
Show rating: Ages 21 and up
See all of our upcoming events at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/beardedladyproductions
Join us on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing for an evening of non-stop fun and laughter! Bearded Lady Productions is proud to bring back “Divine Intervention,” the sell-out smash hit game show fundraiser. This event is a fundraiser with all profits being donated to Our VOICE. Ages 21 and up. The $15 tickets are available now at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.
Step into the fabulous world of “Divine Intervention,” a 90-minute game show that channels the spirit of the classic Family Feud but with a fabulous twist! Hosted by the charismatic Divinity Holeburn, this show guarantees real audience engagement with saucy side-commentary, cheeky prizes, and dazzling drag performances that will leave you in awe. But that’s not all! If you’re feeling lucky, you could even be chosen to participate as a contestant in the game show and win some fabulously tacky prizes. And while the contestants take a break, the audience will be treated to silly commercial breaks and even more dazzling drag performances.
New Belgium has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities for over 20 years. They employed the first Diversity + Inclusion specialist in the craft beer industry, and now have a DEI Director leading this work across our fast-growing business. They are a member of the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act and advocate against discriminatory public policy. They are proud to support organizations working for LGBTQ+ health, education, and equity year-round (https://www.newbelgium.com).
OurVOICE is Buncombe County’s anti-sexual violence and anti-human trafficking agency that takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence. Their core values are as follows: to believe all survivors, promote dignity, support individual agency, shift paradigms, and create a culture of care and honesty. Learn more at https://www.ourvoicenc.org.
See this and a variety of other fundraiser shows planned for the year at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Tickets are non-refundable. Bags and backpacks are subject to search. Seating at this event is theatre style. Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501c3.
Can’t make it but still want to help? Donate at https://www.ashevilledragbrunch.com/donate.
Asheville Catholic School presents the 17th Annual Shamrock Run on Saturday, March 16. The event will benefit the O’Brien and William Edward Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Fund. There are two races: a 5K and a 10K, both of which start and finish at ACS and run through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Asheville. A fun run will precede the start of the 5K and 10K. The 5K and 10K will start 15 minutes apart. The 10K will start at 8:30 AM and the 5K at 8:45 AM. The Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM. This year’s race will be on the day before St. Patrick’s Day giving everyone a perfect way to celebrate this fun holiday. There will be great food, beer, and a DJ before and after the race.
Celebrate the start of Spring with Firefly Gathering! Join us in the daytime for Earthskills demos, live music, and local flavors, then dance the night away with our after-hour DJ sets. Learn more and get your tickets today at www.fireflygathering.org
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Full Description:
Tickets are going fast for this community celebration! This experience shares a taste of everything that Firefly is known for: earthskills, expert instructors, live music, local flavors…and ample time to dance! With day and night-time offerings, this Mini-Fly has something for everyone.
Bring the whole family during the day for Earthskill demos with our expert instructors, and enjoy live music, a traditional Cherokee Indian dinner, and all the craft beverages that One World Brewing has to offer while you’re there (dinner and drinks available for purchase from vendors)! As the sun goes down, bust out those dancing shoes and join us for our DJ Dance Party with DJ Lakesolace from 8pm – 10pm and DJ Meticulus from 10pm – 12pm (21+ ONLY).
Our ticket options give you the flexibility to join for all or part of the event, with full event tickets starting at just $29. Join us on March 16th at One World Brewing West through the ticket link below. We can’t wait to dance in the Equinox with you!
Additional Info:
Here’s our schedule for the day:
4PM – 7PM: Earthskills Demos with Grant Adkisson, Josh Barnwell, Jessica Kaufman, Tyler Lavenburg and Luke McLaughlin.
5PM – 8:30PM: Traditional Cherokee Indian Dinner (available for purchase at the event; sliding scale $20-40)
6:30PM – 8PM: Live Music Set with Auram
8PM – 12AM: DJ Dance Party (21+ only)
Adult comedy night, featuring 10 comics from the Southeast all in one night! $10 suggested donation. 6:30 – 9pm.
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info
Come out to this beautiful Art Moderne building in the heart of Downtown Asheville to get a taste of upcoming shows with little fringey teasers. Meet artists in person. Pick up a Fringe guide.
Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 8:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform can sign up starting at 7pm, and will get four minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
Join us Saturday March 23rd for our next amazing festival…MARCH OF THE BLADES! Hosted by the Warriors Of Ash and Fae Nectar Meadery, our fighting arena will be ringing with the sounds of Sword and Axe fighting all afternoon, accompanied by both blood-pumping battle music and the merry sound of a medieval village upon our festival lawn.
As you wander our festive fantasy wonderland you’ll find working blacksmiths, artisan vendors selling enchanted garb and hand-crafted goods, armorers and jewelers, and even fortune tellers offering their services. And don’t forget to try your hand at Axe Throwing, or to visit our adorable Hobbit horse, Thistle!
And inside our comfortable and cozy Tavern you’ll find our Fae bartenders, happy to serve you our fine Mead, Cider, Wine, and local Craft Beer options, and we’ll be serving hot tasty comfort food to keep your bellies warm and full as you enjoy the festival.
This event is FREE! And open to all friends, families, Fae creatures, and friendly dogs on leash.
Artisan Market – 11am to 5pm
Sword Fighting & Battle Music – 1:00 to 2:30pm and 3:30 to 5pm
Thistle the Hobbit Horse – 12pm to 4pm
🏀March Madness: Jock Jams🏀
📣Y’all ready for this?📣
Jock jams, 90s dance bops, and forgotten pep rally bangers with DJ Lil Meow Meow
🏅Saturday 3.23🏅
🏆10pm-1am🏆
⛹️♀️Costumes encouraged⛹️♀️
See you at Little Jumbo 🍸
Come get lifted and lost in dance with DJ Lil Meow Meow’s monthly dance party at Asheville’s newest venue, Eulogy, in the South Slope area downtown. Come ready to sweat.
Looking to be challenged physically and spiritually?… join us for the 2024 Carry Your Cross 5K, 1K Kid’s Run, and Little Kid’s (Ages 2-5) Fun Run – Saturday, March 30, 2024. – 5K participants carry a 4ft length of 2×4 lumber across your back for the final 2/10 of a mile – uphill! Come join us for a run that you won’t soon forget. * 5K AWARDS & AGE GROUPS Special Commemorative Awards to: * Top 3 Male/Female Overall * Top 3 Male/Female Masters [40+] * Top 3 Male/Female in the following Age Groups: * 12+ under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 + KIDS 1K AWARDS to the Top 3 Male/Female Overall Schedule Saturday – March 30th * 7:00 – 8:45 Packet Pick Up and Onsite Registration in the Family Life Center (gym). * 9:00 5K START * 9:45 +/- Little Kids Fun Run START * 10:00 +/- Kids 1K START * 10:30 5K Awards Ceremony
We must protect and restore abortion access.
Since the reversal of Roe v Wade, the future of abortion access has been handed to state legislatures. This catastrophic SCOTUS decision is to the detriment of many states across the South.
In fact, now 1 in 3 women live in states without access, and the top ten states with the highest rates of maternal mortality have all passed abortion bans. The 2024 election is critical to abortion access in NC.
The Reproductive Freedom Art Show is an artistic act of defiance. All proceeds raised from the art show will support Planned Parenthood Action PAC NC. The Action PAC supports pro-reproductive health candidates by direct voter contact work, reaching low propensity voters and mobilizing the electorate to vote for pro-choice candidates.
Help protect and restore access to safe, legal abortion and reproductive rights by participating in this show by donating artwork, your time, shopping, or just spreading the word.
Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest at The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Thursday April 4, 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 https://tinyurl.com/2abjkft4)
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!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring professional comics.
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
The show’s Headliner will be selected by audience in an anonymous ballet after comics perform their sets.
They 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 10-15m set!
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Contact Michele at [email protected] for details
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Celebrate Spring and The Fairies at Horse Shoe Gap Village with Free Face Painting by The Sea Mither,
Fairy Hair, Scavenger Hunt, Games, music and more!
Join AVL Clothing Swap for our biggest event yet! Now located at the Regeneration Station, the swap works the same as always: purchase your ticket (now a tax-deductible donation!) drop off clothing (clean and in good condition) at Regeneration Station before the event date. On the day of the event, show up to shop the swap!
Join us April 12-13, 2024, for two days of family-friendly fun! We’ll have storytelling, workshops, a quilt display, and more. If you can’t attend the festival in person but don’t want to miss the fun, you can sign up for an “online viewing” ticket. Festival tickets are free for students and teachers, individuals with disabilities, and those with low income and are low-cost for all others. Discounts are available.
On Saturday, April 13, Warren Wilson College will host Fiddles and Folklife, an annual Appalachian festival and old-time music and dance competition, with cash prizes for old-time fiddle, banjo, folksong, flatfooting, and string band. There will be a separate contest for youth in fiddle and banjo. Other activities include old-time music jams, food and craft vendors, folklife demonstrators, and a cake raffle. This event is free and open to the public.
Fiddles and Folklore takes place from 12 noon – 5 p.m., on the Warren Wilson College campus, in the historic Bryson Gym, 102 Upper College Road. Registration for contestants opens at 11:30 a.m. There is no entry fee for the contests. For more info, visit Warren Wilson College Music on Facebook, and click on the “Events” tab.