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.

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:
FALL SEMESTER DATES
- Start: Monday, September 12th
- End: Wednesday, December 14th
- No Classes: December 5th & 7th
- Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
- Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
- Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
- Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
- Please contact the studio for more information

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:
FALL SEMESTER DATES
- Start: Monday, September 12th
- End: Wednesday, December 14th
- No Classes: December 5th & 7th
- Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
- Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
- Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
- Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
- Please contact the studio for more information
“Fall Into Dance: An Artistic Harvest” is a gift to our community – a professional production of all original choreography by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company and North Carolina’s oldest ballet company, The Asheville Ballet, directed by Ann Dunn. Resident choreographers, including Ann Dunn, Fleming Lomax, Tricia Renshaw, Stephanie Wolfe, and Jaimon Caceres, present their exciting new work in a variety of styles, from classical to contemporary, on September 9 at 7:30pm at the Roger McGuire Green stage, Pack Square Park. Tickets are $15 and are available through Eventbrite. Bring a lawn chair and join us for an evening of dance in our beautiful city, under the stars! Image by Rose Pillmore.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-asheville-ballet-presents-fall-into-dance-friday-september-9-tickets-400873903637
Join and share our Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/25fOz6Rzm
For more information, please visit www.ashevilleballet.com
Ann Dunn’s “Seen/Unseen” is a four movement contemporary duet based on sculptures by Black Mountain College artist, Leo Amino. The work is set to music by Washington D.C. composer, Erin Snedecor (cello, voice, and electronic), and is a collaboration with textile artist, Kristin Pondy.
Dunn’s “Betty” is a solo based on the movement images of Elizabeth Schmitt Jennerjahn taken at Black Mountain College, and on two pieces of her textile art. Again, the music and costume collaborations are with Snedecor and Pondy.
“Jet Lag” explores the rushed and quick paced nature of air travel. Destination – Paris, France. Stephanie Wolfe, in collaboration with dancers, plays with the quirky side of a stressful endeavor by using props and music from Frank Sinatra and Louie Armstrong. A happy ending awaits with a series of love stories set under the romantic lights of the Eiffel Tower.
“The Hats We Wear” is a new work by Fleming Lomax set to music of the ragtime era. This upbeat ballet is a four-part depiction of the many proverbial hats we wear in life and culminates with a rousing ensemble celebration of how we navigate and integrate these roles.
Tricia Renshaw’s “In Other Ways” is a non-narrative piece that explores how energy and relationships shift and change, but don’t necessarily end or dissolve.
Renshaw’s “Stay Young, Go Dancing” is an upbeat depiction of youthful joy and exuberance expressed in movement.
Jaimon Caceres has created a contemporary pointe work, titled “The Nature of Change”, set to Maurice Ravel’s beautiful “Une Barque sur L’Ocean”, that tells a story of three different people learning to surrender to the inevitable necessity of changes in life.

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:
FALL SEMESTER DATES
- Start: Monday, September 12th
- End: Wednesday, December 14th
- No Classes: December 5th & 7th
- Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
- Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
- Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
- Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
- Please contact the studio for more information

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience the the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”
This year’s one-day festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.
It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really shake it down
where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!
Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure entry!
More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!
Our committee is still in the planning stages, so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience the the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”
This year’s one-day festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.
It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really shake it down
where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!
The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is happy to announce the return of the Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure!
This year’s festival will be a ONE-DAY event certain to be “the time of your life!”
Start making your plans to attend the Festival AND participate in the various pre and post-festival activities
being offered at local establishments.
Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure entry!
More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!
Our committee is still in the planning stages, so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:
FALL SEMESTER DATES
- Start: Monday, September 12th
- End: Wednesday, December 14th
- No Classes: December 5th & 7th
- Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
- Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
- Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
- Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
- Please contact the studio for more information

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.
We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:
FALL SEMESTER DATES
- Start: Monday, September 12th
- End: Wednesday, December 14th
- No Classes: December 5th & 7th
- Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
- Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
- Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
- Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
- Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
- Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
- Please contact the studio for more information

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!
Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.
No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Join us every Tuesday night for Trivia!
Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for a good time and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!



$1 off draft beers every Thursday!
3rd Annual Barkyard Parties
September 16-18, 2022, Anytime, Anywhere!
Barkyard Parties are individualized celebrations of animal rescue, adoption, and animal welfare programs, that raise awareness and funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society. The events and parties can take place anytime and anywhere over the weekend of September 16-18, 2022!
2022 Barkyard Parties:
Check back for event listings!
How it Works
Sign up to host your own remote Barkyard Party. Your event can be in the format you desire: a sit-down formal event, potluck, block party, bar, brunch, raffle, pint night, themed event, pet-friendly, kid-free, kid-friendly, etc. Team up with a friend to co-host or use a central location such as your favorite restaurant or community clubhouse. Then invite your friends to join you in honor of Blue Ridge Humane and raising funds that allow us to continue our critical work. Area businesses are encouraged to participate by donating a percentage of sales during the weekend, hosting a pet supply donation drive, or creating a party with activities, contests, or raffles to benefit Blue Ridge Humane Society.
FAQ
Can businesses participate? YES, PLEASE! If you own a business and want to throw a Barkyard Party in honor of BRHS, please do! Once again, you can host it however you want! Host a raffle, donate a percentage of sales, have a theme night or ticketed show, or just help raise awareness among your patrons that evening and collect donations!
Who can host? Anyone can host or plan an event to benefit BRHS! If you would like to make a donation “in lieu of” your gift is appreciated as well!
What are my expectations as a host?
- Sign up to “register” your remote Barkyard Party as part of our 2022 events and to receive your official host media kit
- Create your guest list and invite them to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane and consider a donation to support our life-saving work.
- Host your party September 16-18 with your chosen theme, menu, location, or attendance that you are comfortable with!
- Share the Blue Ridge Humane information we will provide and ask your guests to consider making a donation to Blue Ridge Humane.
- Hosts and co-hosts will be eligible for surprise giveaways and prizes the weekend of the parties.
- Have fun and be as creative with your event as you like!
How is this a fundraiser? We ask that hosts share the work that Blue Ridge Humane is doing in the community with their guests, and that guests make a donation in lieu of purchasing a traditional event ticket.
Who can I invite? Anyone you like! Invite your pet loving friends, family, or neighbors to learn about Blue Ridge Humane and support us this year.
Can I team up with someone to host? Of course! You can co-host, use an alternative location, and make your event exactly what you are comfortable with!
What is provided for hosts?
- Talking points and facts about Blue Ridge Humane
- Invitation wording templates for use if you choose
- Donation collection materials
- BRHS staff to answer your questions and offer advice and support
Are hosts responsible for the full cost? You can be or you can make it a potluck, have only dessert and wine or coffee, etc. All options are open, depending on your personal preferences.
I’m not comfortable hosting or attending an event, how else can I support Blue Ridge Humane? Pledge to support Blue Ridge Humane at $250 or above! If you want to encourage your friends to support BRHS as well we will provide you with those materials to mail or distribute in other ways.
Interested in Barkyard Party sponsorship? Your tax-deductible contribution will not only identify you as a community-minded business but will benefit animals in need. Contact Laresa Griffin to find out how you can get involved.
3rd Annual Barkyard Parties
September 16-18, 2022, Anytime, Anywhere!
Barkyard Parties are individualized celebrations of animal rescue, adoption, and animal welfare programs, that raise awareness and funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society. The events and parties can take place anytime and anywhere over the weekend of September 16-18, 2022!
2022 Barkyard Parties:
Check back for event listings!
How it Works
Sign up to host your own remote Barkyard Party. Your event can be in the format you desire: a sit-down formal event, potluck, block party, bar, brunch, raffle, pint night, themed event, pet-friendly, kid-free, kid-friendly, etc. Team up with a friend to co-host or use a central location such as your favorite restaurant or community clubhouse. Then invite your friends to join you in honor of Blue Ridge Humane and raising funds that allow us to continue our critical work. Area businesses are encouraged to participate by donating a percentage of sales during the weekend, hosting a pet supply donation drive, or creating a party with activities, contests, or raffles to benefit Blue Ridge Humane Society.
FAQ
Can businesses participate? YES, PLEASE! If you own a business and want to throw a Barkyard Party in honor of BRHS, please do! Once again, you can host it however you want! Host a raffle, donate a percentage of sales, have a theme night or ticketed show, or just help raise awareness among your patrons that evening and collect donations!
Who can host? Anyone can host or plan an event to benefit BRHS! If you would like to make a donation “in lieu of” your gift is appreciated as well!
What are my expectations as a host?
- Sign up to “register” your remote Barkyard Party as part of our 2022 events and to receive your official host media kit
- Create your guest list and invite them to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane and consider a donation to support our life-saving work.
- Host your party September 16-18 with your chosen theme, menu, location, or attendance that you are comfortable with!
- Share the Blue Ridge Humane information we will provide and ask your guests to consider making a donation to Blue Ridge Humane.
- Hosts and co-hosts will be eligible for surprise giveaways and prizes the weekend of the parties.
- Have fun and be as creative with your event as you like!
How is this a fundraiser? We ask that hosts share the work that Blue Ridge Humane is doing in the community with their guests, and that guests make a donation in lieu of purchasing a traditional event ticket.
Who can I invite? Anyone you like! Invite your pet loving friends, family, or neighbors to learn about Blue Ridge Humane and support us this year.
Can I team up with someone to host? Of course! You can co-host, use an alternative location, and make your event exactly what you are comfortable with!
What is provided for hosts?
- Talking points and facts about Blue Ridge Humane
- Invitation wording templates for use if you choose
- Donation collection materials
- BRHS staff to answer your questions and offer advice and support
Are hosts responsible for the full cost? You can be or you can make it a potluck, have only dessert and wine or coffee, etc. All options are open, depending on your personal preferences.
I’m not comfortable hosting or attending an event, how else can I support Blue Ridge Humane? Pledge to support Blue Ridge Humane at $250 or above! If you want to encourage your friends to support BRHS as well we will provide you with those materials to mail or distribute in other ways.
Interested in Barkyard Party sponsorship? Your tax-deductible contribution will not only identify you as a community-minded business but will benefit animals in need. Contact Laresa Griffin to find out how you can get involved.
3rd Annual Barkyard Parties
September 16-18, 2022, Anytime, Anywhere!
Barkyard Parties are individualized celebrations of animal rescue, adoption, and animal welfare programs, that raise awareness and funds for Blue Ridge Humane Society. The events and parties can take place anytime and anywhere over the weekend of September 16-18, 2022!
2022 Barkyard Parties:
Check back for event listings!
How it Works
Sign up to host your own remote Barkyard Party. Your event can be in the format you desire: a sit-down formal event, potluck, block party, bar, brunch, raffle, pint night, themed event, pet-friendly, kid-free, kid-friendly, etc. Team up with a friend to co-host or use a central location such as your favorite restaurant or community clubhouse. Then invite your friends to join you in honor of Blue Ridge Humane and raising funds that allow us to continue our critical work. Area businesses are encouraged to participate by donating a percentage of sales during the weekend, hosting a pet supply donation drive, or creating a party with activities, contests, or raffles to benefit Blue Ridge Humane Society.
FAQ
Can businesses participate? YES, PLEASE! If you own a business and want to throw a Barkyard Party in honor of BRHS, please do! Once again, you can host it however you want! Host a raffle, donate a percentage of sales, have a theme night or ticketed show, or just help raise awareness among your patrons that evening and collect donations!
Who can host? Anyone can host or plan an event to benefit BRHS! If you would like to make a donation “in lieu of” your gift is appreciated as well!
What are my expectations as a host?
- Sign up to “register” your remote Barkyard Party as part of our 2022 events and to receive your official host media kit
- Create your guest list and invite them to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane and consider a donation to support our life-saving work.
- Host your party September 16-18 with your chosen theme, menu, location, or attendance that you are comfortable with!
- Share the Blue Ridge Humane information we will provide and ask your guests to consider making a donation to Blue Ridge Humane.
- Hosts and co-hosts will be eligible for surprise giveaways and prizes the weekend of the parties.
- Have fun and be as creative with your event as you like!
How is this a fundraiser? We ask that hosts share the work that Blue Ridge Humane is doing in the community with their guests, and that guests make a donation in lieu of purchasing a traditional event ticket.
Who can I invite? Anyone you like! Invite your pet loving friends, family, or neighbors to learn about Blue Ridge Humane and support us this year.
Can I team up with someone to host? Of course! You can co-host, use an alternative location, and make your event exactly what you are comfortable with!
What is provided for hosts?
- Talking points and facts about Blue Ridge Humane
- Invitation wording templates for use if you choose
- Donation collection materials
- BRHS staff to answer your questions and offer advice and support
Are hosts responsible for the full cost? You can be or you can make it a potluck, have only dessert and wine or coffee, etc. All options are open, depending on your personal preferences.
I’m not comfortable hosting or attending an event, how else can I support Blue Ridge Humane? Pledge to support Blue Ridge Humane at $250 or above! If you want to encourage your friends to support BRHS as well we will provide you with those materials to mail or distribute in other ways.
Interested in Barkyard Party sponsorship? Your tax-deductible contribution will not only identify you as a community-minded business but will benefit animals in need. Contact Laresa Griffin to find out how you can get involved.

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!
Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.
No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Join us every Tuesday night for Trivia!
Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for a good time and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!



$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Our second annual {free} dog-friendly event, Pups & Pints, will return for a rooftop {paw}ty the top of the Pack Square Parking {find the stairs at 26 Biltmore Avenue} on Thursday, September 22nd from 5-7pm!
Join us for beer tastings with multiple breweries, live music, complimentary pup portraits, pet caricatures, giveaways and more! Plus, this event will be benefiting our friends at the Asheville Humane Society.
Click ‘going or interested’ on the Facebook Event HERE to let us know you’ll be there!
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Recommended for Grades 5-12
Experience how a groundbreaking mix of dance styles, music and cultures create an entirely new and exciting vision of human movement! With a diverse repertoire ranging from ballet in toe shoes to street dance, Complexions explores the intersections of the classical and contemporary. Enjoy a selection of their work and connect with the artists after the performance in an engaging Q&A.
Learn more about Complexions Contemporary Ballet here.
Prepare for your visit, learn about the theatre, and get the most out of each performance with this Guide to the Wortham Center.
Performance Length: 60 minutes

This innovative New York City-based company combines remarkably gifted dancers, powerful choreography and the electrifying riffs of rocker Lenny Kravitz in LOVE ROCKS, part of a larger program that re-envisions ballet through technical precision, athletic prowess and sheer passion. “Companies like Complexions are game-changing: They’re forging a path for what ballet can be instead of what it historically has been” (The Guardian).
Connect with Complexions
- Master Class: For intermediate and advanced dance students ages 16 and up. September 24 at 1 p.m. Henry LaBrun Studio. Learn more and register here.
- Pre-show Discussions: September 23 & 24 at 7 p.m. Tina McGuire Theatre.

It’s time for some Inclusion, Y’all! That’s the theme of this year’s Blue Ridge Pride Festival, taking place at Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is Western North Carolina’s largest Pride event, typically attracting 14,000 to 18,000 people.
Two stages feature some of the most noted musical and DRAG talent in the region. Over 100 organizations that focus on social justice, community service, health care, faith, education, and the LGBTQ community will be on hand. Another 100 local employers, merchants, artists, food concessions, and service providers will round what may Asheville’s largest, most diverse collections of exhibitors to gather for a day of advocacy, service, education, and celebration.

