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
King James at North Carolina Stage Company
May 18 all-day
North Carolina Stage Company

“One of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years”–TheaterMania

Set in a bar in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and spanning LeBron’s rookie season with the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA Championship, two unlikely friends navigate their turbulent relationship through a shared love of the game. From the first quarter to the final buzzer, King James comes in clutch as a riveting love letter to the passion that is sports fandom.

Discretionary content: strong language

King James
May 18 @ 2:00 pm
NC Stage Company

“King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise to a city in desperate need. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. Over twelve years the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball—and the endless amiable arguments that erupt from that love.

Performances of King James will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.

April 24 – May 18, 2025

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30

Sundays at 2pm

Friday 4/25 and 5/2 at 7:30pm

Friday 5/9 and 5/16 at 2pm

Juked
May 18 @ 7:30 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Juked – RESCHEDULED

PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 have been rescheduled to May 1-18, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.

Thursday – Saturday, May 1 – 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis

Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023. 

The Book of Will
May 18 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Healthy Trees, Thriving Landscapes
May 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

In this series of classes learn about tree health care and maintenance.

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!

May 22, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Friday, May 23, 2025
The Book of Will
May 23 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 23 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Guys and Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night
May 24 @ 5:30 pm
Asheville Junior Theater

Guys & Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night
Experience a fabulous night out with Guys and Dolls, the iconic Broadway musical that brings the glitz, glam, and charm of 1950s New York City to life! Enjoy a full evening of entertainment with a professionally catered dinner, welcome reception with hors d’oeuvres, and a decadent dessert grazing table.

After the show, try your luck at our lively Casino Night fundraiser—with blackjack, roulette, and more fun (just for play—no real gambling). It’s the perfect mix of theater, fine dining, and Vegas-style flair—all in support of Asheville Junior Theater!

Ideal for adults and mature kids who can enjoy a show with themes of love and chance. Nothing scary—just great songs, great food, and great fun.

🍽️ Dinner included: Two-course plated meal + hors d’oeuvres + dessert
🎰 Casino Night fundraiser after the show
📍 174 Bradley Branch Rd, Arden, NC 28704
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 PM | Show at 6:30 PM

Tickets must be purchased online – sales close 24 hours before each show. No door sales.

The Book of Will
May 24 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 24 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
Garden Jubilee
May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

Garden Jubilee, one of the largest gardening shows in Western North Carolina, will be held on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Memorial Day weekend. With nearly 200 plant and craft vendors lining Main Street, the Historic downtown will be transformed into a garden wonderland. 

Local and regional nurseries, orchards and crafters will offer a wide variety of plants and handmade delights and gardening experts will be on hand to share the latest gardening tips and techniques. 

The Book of Will
May 25 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 25 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Purple Party! Using Lavender
May 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Let’s dive deep into lavender!  Participants will learn about the history of this plant, discover how it’s used to promote relaxation and wellness, and make their own DIY lavender products to take home.  We will make bath salts, pillow sprays, and tea blends to bring relaxation home!

Tuesday May 27, 2025, 2:00-4:00. $25.00/$21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Wildwoods Walk
May 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

As spring transitions to summer, we see changes in the plants around us.  Naturalist and botanist Alexandra Holland leads this walk at the Arboretum, pointing out the array of late spring wildflowers in bloom and discussing seasonal differences in the landscape. Learn some basics of wildflower and tree ecology and identification while taking in the beauty of the season.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Spring Plant Sale and Market
May 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum
Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, May 30 – 31 for our annual Spring Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music. On Saturday, May 31st, children can participate in crafts at the Kids Corner. Rain or shine.
On Friday and Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., you can join the free Adult Education class Introduction to Native Pollinators to learn about pollination and pollinators overall, as well as the most common pollinators in Western North Carolina.
The Arboretum’s standard $20 parking fee applies for all non-members.
Participating vendors include:
​​Appalachian DiviniTEA
Atlas Beauty
B.B. Barns Inc
Bear Necessities Farm
Bellyfull Plants Nursery
Blazing Star Flowers
Blue Ridge Exotics
Botanical Tortoise Co.
Bountiful Cities**
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Buncombe Master Gardeners
Butterfly Flight
Connections Gallery Gift Shop
Finally Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Full Moon Tea Company
High Country Nursery
Homegrown Tropicals
Imladris Farm
Inspira Homestead
Milkweed Meadows Farm
Resin8light
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Saturnia Farm
Shiny Hand Soap Co
Sloth and Crow Wood Craft
Sustainabillies
Tanager Plants
The Artful Plant
The Farm Connection
The Turquoise Tortuga
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
* Friday only
** Saturday only
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

The Book of Will
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

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.

The Sleeping Beauty – Ballet Conservatory of Asheville
May 31 all-day
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, A beautiful full length production of this classic ballet. Choreography after Marius Petipa with music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky.

Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse at her christening, however, the Lilac Fairy intervenes, ensuring Aurora will only sleep until a prince’s kiss awakens her, leading to a grand celebration when the prince finds and kisses her after a hundred years of slumber.

Featuring Ballet Tucson dancers, Hunter Solomon as Prince Desire, and Jessica Lynn as Aurora, alongside the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre professional company.

Spring Plant Sale and Market
May 31 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
North Carolina Arboretum
Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, May 30 – 31 for our annual Spring Plant Sale and Market. The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music. On Saturday, May 31st, children can participate in crafts at the Kids Corner. Rain or shine.
On Friday and Saturday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., you can join the free Adult Education class Introduction to Native Pollinators to learn about pollination and pollinators overall, as well as the most common pollinators in Western North Carolina.
The Arboretum’s standard $20 parking fee applies for all non-members.
Participating vendors include:
​​Appalachian DiviniTEA
Atlas Beauty
B.B. Barns Inc
Bear Necessities Farm
Bellyfull Plants Nursery
Blazing Star Flowers
Blue Ridge Exotics
Botanical Tortoise Co.
Bountiful Cities**
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co.
Buncombe Master Gardeners
Butterfly Flight
Connections Gallery Gift Shop
Finally Farm
Flower Moon Nursery
Full Moon Tea Company
High Country Nursery
Homegrown Tropicals
Imladris Farm
Inspira Homestead
Milkweed Meadows Farm
Resin8light
Sandy Mush Herb Nursery
Saturnia Farm
Shiny Hand Soap Co
Sloth and Crow Wood Craft
Sustainabillies
Tanager Plants
The Artful Plant
The Farm Connection
The Turquoise Tortuga
Wehrloom Honey
Well Seasoned Table
* Friday only
** Saturday only
Dot (The Narrative)
May 31 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theater

Dot (The Narrative)

Written by Coleman Domingo

Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman

The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.

Located at ACT’s Mainstage.

Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
May 31 @ 3:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

The Natural History and Ecology of Fungi: From Parasitism to Symbiosis
May 31 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Come learn about the biology and natural history of fungi in the Southeast and beyond. This talk will highlight the interconnections between fungi, animals, and plants. Todd will also discuss some of the region’s best edible species along with where and how to find and identify them.

The Book of Will
May 31 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 31 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
Jun 1 @ 3:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Birding for Beginners
Jun 3 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
North Carolina Arboretum

Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents. We will go over best practices for using binoculars, recommendations for purchasing your own binoculars, and popular field guides to use. Bring your own binoculars but if you do not have a pair we have some loaner binoculars available to use during the program.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Friday, June 6, 2025
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Jun 6 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

June 6 – July 5

Step into the captivating world of “Beautiful,” a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the inspiring true story of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. Journey through the life of this remarkable artist as she rises from a teenage girl with a passion for music to a groundbreaking icon whose songs have touched millions. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Carole King or new to her music, Beautiful is a celebration of love, friendship, and the universal language of song that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

Screenshot 2024-12-11 at 2.23.44 PM.png