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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This popular shutterbug weekend includes presentations from top nature photographers, hands-on field courses, a friendly contest and the rare opportunity to photograph the mountain’s spectacular scenery before and after regular business hours.
This revamped version of the popular weekend will include changes to better welcome all levels of photographers, making it more fun and engaging for all – while better connecting participants with the wonders and unique ecology of Grandfather Mountain. This year, more than ever, we hope to not only help participants learn about photography, but to also inspire them to preserve the natural world. Activities begin Friday evening and conclude Sunday midday.
June 6, 2025 @8:00 am – June 8, 2025 @3:00 pm
Join us to celebrate the birthdays of our resident animals with games, contests, crafts and surprises. The park’s wildlife habitat staff hosts a fun-filled afternoon for guests, as well as programs to celebrate the park’s furry and feathered inhabitants. Millie the Bear, the mountain’s mascot, will make special appearances throughout the day. Events begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. Join for one activity or all. Included with admission.
Dad Jokes Standup Comedy Picture Show
Everyone loves dads doing jokes! Lucky for you these are professional comedians giving you more laughs than groans. Comics on the show do standup with pictures to illustrate their sets!!
Wednesday June 11, 7:30-9p in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$17 tickets available at door or The Orange Peel’s website
Host is Hilliary Begley 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,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The Asheville Magic Experience takes guests on a magical journey of wonder and astonishment . See the worlds best magicians performing live, inches away. Shows are have extremely limited seating with only 25 available for each performance. See the magic close up and experience the wonder in our unique one of a kind pop up magic theater. You can visit AshevilleMagicShow.com for more information and tickets.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Blind Date Live
Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Asheville, are you ready to heat things up? Blind Date Live is back on June 20th! Get ready for a night where love is unscripted, unfiltered, and more than a little unpredictable. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or just there to see sparks fly, this is your chance to witness true love unfold in real time. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and we’re kicking things off with a sultry mixer from 6:30pm – 7:30pm to set the mood. Slip into the crowd, grab a drink, and who knows—you might just lock eyes with someone special. Or… maybe they’re just looking for the bathroom. How about that one? Oh, nope, they’re waving to their friend behind you. Awkward.
Then, at 8:00pm, the real fun begins. Hosted by Donnie Rex Bishop and Cayla Clark, watch as real Asheville singles dive headfirst into live first dates onstage. Meanwhile, the fabulous Toni Brown will be our maître d’, making sure everything runs smoothly, and DJ Lil Meow Meow will be spinning tunes to keep the energy going all night long.
Wednesday June 25, 2025.
7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel’s website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
Winners from 3/27 & 5/14 Contestants: Cayla Clark, Darren Harper, Sarah Love, Mackenzie Manent, Foster & Jordan Ballard
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.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Beach Babes Standup Comedy Show
The Orange Peel
July 11, 8p-9:30pm
$18
Beach vibes in the mountain! Standup Comedy of Roman Fraden, featuring Cayla Clark, Zandra Johnson & Makenzie Manent. Guest spot by the Leah Garth. Hosted by Hilliary Begley
Beach Babes Standup Comedy Show brings the vibes to the mountains in the heart of downtown Asheville! Roman Fraden his not for the faint of heart. 18+
Roman is a Los Angeles-based comedian and a regular performer at classic Hollywood venues including The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Hollywood Improv. He has trained with Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre, performed in various ensemble casts in film and on stage, and has opened for Mark Normand, Margaret Cho, and Patton Oswald. His one man show ‘Back In The Closet’ made it’s world premiere at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018. He currently is living in Asheville while still performing everywhere.
Host Hilliary Begley from NETFLIX & AMAZON PRIME, this beach babe will keep you laughing.
Featuring Cayla Clark from BLIND DATELIVE, who is very pregnant on this show but still one of the funniest people around (check out her famous instagram).
Also featuring comedy favorites Zandra Johnson & Makenzie Manent, with a guest spot by the always zany Leah Garth.
WNC Songwriter Sessions at The Brandy Bar
Hey Neighbors! Another solid trio of wonder-filled songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our July session at the coolest bar in Hendo. Beth Lee, Jefferson Ross, and Annie Wenz will lift your spirits and warm your hearts. Delicious cocktails + handcrafted songs + friendly folks = time very well spent. Come join us!
Beth Lee is an award-winning songwriter who migrated from Austin, TX to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Her writing is heavily influenced by bluegrass and classic country music. She is passionate about writing lyrically diverse songs – songs that invite the listener to go on a journey and to be taken away by the story.
Hosted by Todd Hoke and Annie Wenz. For more info: [email protected]
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.
On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. Visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission.
THURSDAY JULY 31, 7:30Pm at The Orange Peel PULP
ENJOY standup comedy in a whole new way with picture and videos to go along with the fun in a bourbon bar comedy club! Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Prime Video. Headliner Jordan Julius, winner of Slice Standup Comedy Contest. Featuring hot regional comics Sarah Love, Jason Reel & Lois Adjevi
FREE SNACKS, outside food ok!
Get you tix now, these shows sell out!
SPLASH ZONE | 10:00am– 1:00pm
FREE MINI GOLF | 10:00am– 9:00pm
FREE REFRESHMENTS FOR KIDS
WHAT TO BRING
PARKING
Learn more HERE: https://www.hvlnc.gov/SplashDay
: 904 N. Main Street in Hendersonville.The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Ranger Program is now the Junior Naturalist Program — a new program for our new Conservation Campus! Activities throughout the day will be provided specifically for children ages 5-12 to explore their environment and experience all that Grandfather has to offer.
We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
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The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.
Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]
ART PARTY ON THE ROOF AT THE RADICAL HOTEL
Thursday, August 28, 2025
7-9pm
The Roof
The Radical Hotel
95 Roberts Street
Asheville, NC 28801
You are invited to an unforgettable evening of creativity and community with Miranda Wildman and friends on The Roof at The Radical Hotel!
This August evening we will play with a plethora of colors and shapes to create your very own tabletop lantern to set the mood for your summer soirees.
No experience? No problem! This is all about fun, self-expression, and connecting with others through art. Let the local DJ’s inspired beats set the mood as you create alongside new and old friends.
Come as you are—bring your curiosity. Art is for everyone, and this art party is too!
$25
all materials included
N.O.T.A.F.L.O.F.
(no one turned away for lack of funds)
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.
Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.