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.

Saturday, May 17, 2025
CATS
May 17 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

April 25 – May 17

Cancelled last fall due to Hurricane Helene, CATS is back! An extravaganza of fantasy and theatre magic, CATS has enchanted audiences for decades with its fiercely energetic dancing, showbiz razzle-dazzle, and unforgettable lyrics drawn from T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. As one of the most popular Broadway blockbusters of all time and winner of seven Tony Awards, this certified classic has brought cheer to millions of theatre lovers of all ages! Don’t miss this all-new production! You and your family are sure to leave the theatre tapping your toes and ‘feline’ groovy!

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

Kids’ Fishing Tournament
May 17 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Julian Park

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.

Juked
May 17 @ 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. 

King James
May 17 @ 7:30 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

The Book of Will
May 17 @ 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 18, 2025
Back to the Future
May 18 all-day
Peace Center

Great Scott! BACK TO THE FUTURE, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Greenville in 2025.

Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”

When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When BACK TO THE FUTURE hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.

BACK TO THE FUTURE is recommended for ages 6+ and contains the use of flashing lights, strobe effects, smoke, haze, and pyrotechnics.

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

Hadestown Teen Edition
May 18 @ 12:00 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theater

Hadestown Teen Edition

May 16-18, 2025

Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

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.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Up In the Air: Monitoring our Mountain Air Quality
May 21 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Join us at the Black Mountain Library where local air quality staff will provide updates on post-Helene conditions, tips for protecting against pollution and wildfire smoke, and information on finding reliable air quality information.

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
May Birding
May 24 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
  • Explore the Farm and surrounding forest with birder Clifton Avery of Ventures Birding Tours(@bigbaldbirder on IG) to spot the various species of birds that can be found in WNC!

  • Edge habitat birding, learn how planned grazing benefits the local avian population.

  • We will be hiking in uneven and sometimes steep terrain, so please wear sturdy shoes and be dressed for the weather.

  • Learn about our Holistic Land Management from Farm Director Virginia, and how this practice works in tandem with the local flora and fauna.

  • Spotted on the farm by our farm crew, staff & neighbors: bluebirds, a rainbow of finches, downy & hairy woodpeckers, vultures, cardinals, mourning doves, robins, red-shouldered hawks, swifts, egrets, blue herons, hermit thrush, golden-winged warblers and this last year we’ve had a resident Bald Eagle!

  • The end of May marks the tail end of spring migration and is when breeding is in full swing. We hope to find a few late season passage migrants as well as many nesting birds. A few of the many species we can expect to observe include indigo bunting, blue grosbeak, black-throated green warbler, scarlet tanager, and northern parula.

  • Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch* from butcher Brian’s kitchen, as birding is hungry work. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery, just ask for the Savory Student Discount!

  • Birding courses are part of our Savory Naturalist Series! A portion of the proceeds for these events and classes support our activities as a Savory Hub, and further the reach of regenerative agriculture.

Cost: $30/person, biscuit brunch is included.

 

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.

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
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 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.

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.

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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 28 @ 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.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 29 @ 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.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Rhododendron Ramble
May 30 @ 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.