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.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
East Fork Pottery: Raffle for Pisgah Legal Services
Apr 29 all-day
Online Raffle

East Fork Pottery is hosting a raffle this week to raise funds for Pisgah Legal Services. Folks can purchase $5 raffle tickets to win a pot of the winners’ choosing, wheel-thrown by Alex Matisse.

 

Five winners will be chosen on Wednesday, April 29th.  100% of the proceeds go to Pisgah Legal Services.

 

Pisgah Legal is working hard to prevent evictions, stop domestic violence, help people sign up for health insurance, and much more  – – work that is especially critical during the COVID-9 outbreak.

 

This raffle can raise a significant amount of support, and we are grateful for it!

 

https://eastfork.com/products/raffle-ticket-for-pisgah-legal

 

 

Thursday, April 30, 2020
ASAP Launches Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund
Apr 30 all-day
ASAP Online

ASAP has launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund to
strategically address the emergency needs of farms during COVID-19 disruptions. Funds will be used for public health preparedness grants to farmers markets, to subsidize essential farm product packaging, and to purchase unsold food for donation to hunger programs. Donations to the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund can be made online at asapconnections.org or by mail or phone.

Rock the House for Animals livestream concert
Apr 30 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
online

In partnership with Sidewalk Angels Foundation, we invite you to Rock the House for Animals, a livestream concert to help support critical work for all animals, including help for pets and their people who are impacted by COVID-19.

Rob Thomas, along with Chris Daughtry and Gavin DeGraw, will perform live from their homes for a special evening benefiting animals across the country. Before the show begins, please join us for an exclusive look at how heroes are helping animals nationwide.

This exciting event will be streaming live on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitch. We hope you’ll join us!

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Friday, May 1, 2020
ASAP Launches Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund
May 1 all-day
ASAP Online

ASAP has launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund to
strategically address the emergency needs of farms during COVID-19 disruptions. Funds will be used for public health preparedness grants to farmers markets, to subsidize essential farm product packaging, and to purchase unsold food for donation to hunger programs. Donations to the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund can be made online at asapconnections.org or by mail or phone.

Saturday, May 2, 2020
ASAP Launches Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund
May 2 all-day
ASAP Online

ASAP has launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund to
strategically address the emergency needs of farms during COVID-19 disruptions. Funds will be used for public health preparedness grants to farmers markets, to subsidize essential farm product packaging, and to purchase unsold food for donation to hunger programs. Donations to the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund can be made online at asapconnections.org or by mail or phone.

Sunday, May 3, 2020
ASAP Launches Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund
May 3 all-day
ASAP Online

ASAP has launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund to
strategically address the emergency needs of farms during COVID-19 disruptions. Funds will be used for public health preparedness grants to farmers markets, to subsidize essential farm product packaging, and to purchase unsold food for donation to hunger programs. Donations to the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund can be made online at asapconnections.org or by mail or phone.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Women’s Paddlefest Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 5 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Time: See Schedule for Details https://noc.com/events/womens-paddlefest

Age: All Ages

Women’s Paddlefest at NOC!!

The Ladies Southeast Paddling Series has moved to Nantahala Outdoor Center for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about creating community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on the Tuckaseegee River (Class I-II), the Nantahala River (Class II-III), and the Ocoee River (Class II-IV) representing a range of skill levels, and is open to all women in all water craft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment.

Registration: Registration is $45 and Includes an event t-shirt, dinner, and one raffle ticket. Registration is available from January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Our sponsors have donated a Dagger Kayak of choice, a Werner Paddle, and NRS gear among other awesome prizes for a raffle on Saturday! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased on site.

Empower Hour CANCELLED
May 5 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Friday, May 8, 2020
Golf Tournament Fundraiser
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mount Mitchell Golf Club

Join Irene Wortham Center’s 20th annual golf tournament fundraiser! As a non-profit, this annual event helps us continue serving the Buncombe County community. For 57 years and counting, we have been helping children and adults with developmental and/or socioeconomic challenges live more independent, happy, healthy, and full lives. Funds raised at this event will kick-start the building project for a new Early Learning Center. The current center, which is one of two organizations in Buncombe County helping pre-K children with developmental disabilities, enrolls 100 children and has a wait list of more than 400! We need YOUR support to expand our program and offer services to more children and families in need.
Please consider registering as a player, a sponsor, or making a donation toward the cause. The day will be full of golf, great food, cold beer, and lots of prizes and giveaways! Visit the event website to learn more and register!

Saturday, May 9, 2020
Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon
May 9 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Waynesville, North Carolina

Gateway To The Smokies Half Marathon

Welcome to the return of the Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon in beautiful Waynesville, North Carolina.  We are excited to bring this race back with the original course and start/finish lines.  This race will be run in conjunction with the inaugural Mighty 4 Miler to Benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund.

Welcome to the return of the Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon, Presented by The Swag, in beautiful Waynesville, North Carolina.  We are excited to bring this race back with the original course and start/finish lines.  This race will be run in conjunction with the inaugural Mighty 4 Miler to Benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund.

IMAGINE…REPRISE!
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church

The Haywood Street Fresco Team is thrilled to announce: IMAGINE…REPRISE! — a benefit concert to support the Fresco and core programs of the Haywood Street Congregation.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
May 19 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Saturday, May 23, 2020
Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon
May 23 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Waynesville, North Carolina

Gateway To The Smokies Half Marathon

Welcome to the return of the Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon in beautiful Waynesville, North Carolina.  We are excited to bring this race back with the original course and start/finish lines.  This race will be run in conjunction with the inaugural Mighty 4 Miler to Benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund.

Welcome to the return of the Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon, Presented by The Swag, in beautiful Waynesville, North Carolina.  We are excited to bring this race back with the original course and start/finish lines.  This race will be run in conjunction with the inaugural Mighty 4 Miler to Benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund.

Benefit Manna Food Bank: White Horse Live NPR Theme Composer BJ Leiderman
May 23 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

Join us for the next episode of White Horse Live, featuring NPR Theme Composer BJ Leiderman in his very first live stream performance, to benefit MANNA Food Bank in their efforts to feed many during this extraordinary time.

Join BJ as he performs some of your favorite tunes by Cat Stevens, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, the Beatles (just to mention a few). And, of course, some of his best loved Public Radio Themes.

“A splendid time is guaranteed for all!”

The video should start automatically at show time (8pm Eastern on Saturday), but if it does not, please refresh this page, or click here.

Thursday, May 28, 2020
City Dance
May 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Saturday, June 6, 2020
Women’s Paddlefest Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 6 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Time: See Schedule for Details https://noc.com/events/womens-paddlefest

Age: All Ages

Women’s Paddlefest at NOC!!

The Ladies Southeast Paddling Series has moved to Nantahala Outdoor Center for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about creating community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on the Tuckaseegee River (Class I-II), the Nantahala River (Class II-III), and the Ocoee River (Class II-IV) representing a range of skill levels, and is open to all women in all water craft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment.

Registration: Registration is $45 and Includes an event t-shirt, dinner, and one raffle ticket. Registration is available from January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Our sponsors have donated a Dagger Kayak of choice, a Werner Paddle, and NRS gear among other awesome prizes for a raffle on Saturday! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased on site.

Sunday, June 7, 2020
Women’s Paddlefest Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jun 7 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Time: See Schedule for Details https://noc.com/events/womens-paddlefest

Age: All Ages

Women’s Paddlefest at NOC!!

The Ladies Southeast Paddling Series has moved to Nantahala Outdoor Center for a three-day paddle festival, hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque! This festival is all about creating community by connecting, sharing, paddling, and supporting each other on the river. Trips will be offered on the Tuckaseegee River (Class I-II), the Nantahala River (Class II-III), and the Ocoee River (Class II-IV) representing a range of skill levels, and is open to all women in all water craft!

Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, an organization that supports non-profits focused on women’s empowerment.

Registration: Registration is $45 and Includes an event t-shirt, dinner, and one raffle ticket. Registration is available from January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Our sponsors have donated a Dagger Kayak of choice, a Werner Paddle, and NRS gear among other awesome prizes for a raffle on Saturday! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased on site.

Monday, June 8, 2020
Zero K (0.0) for EDIN and CRC for ED!
Jun 8 all-day
Virtual Campaign

It’s like a walk, but not – it’s a ZERO K!

CRC for ED and EDIN are partnering to raise awareness and funds for eating disorders support. This virtual campaign kicks-off on Monday, May 11th and closes on ‘Zero K Day’ (June 8th).

Friday, June 12, 2020
Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive
Jun 12 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville outlets

The need for blood donations continues! Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm between Famous Footwear and VF Factory Outlet.

Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

For more information visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Thursday, June 25, 2020
City Dance
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Friday, June 26, 2020
Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive – All Blood Donations Tested for COVID-19 Antibody
Jun 26 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Help those in need by donating blood. Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Famous Footwear. The American Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for the COVID-19 antibody. Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Sunday, June 28, 2020
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jun 28 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit open the 36th season of An Appalachian Summer Festival on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The summer stop is part of the highly anticipated national tour behind the group’s newest album, Reunions (to be released May 15). As such, the festival is included in the tour announcement and is opening up sales ahead of the rest of the festival in support of the tour. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit is A Schaefer Popular Series Event.

Tickets:
$60 adults, $50 students. *Limit 4 tickets per transaction*

MONDAY, MARCH 2 at 9AM – LOCAL/WALK-UP PRESALE – Maximum 500 tickets available for purchase in person only at the Schaefer Center Box Office, 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC. No phone/online sales.

Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 3 at 9AM – Online, in person, or by phone at www.appsummer.org, 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.

Friday, July 3, 2020
All-Star Orchestra: “The New World and Its Music”
Jul 3 @ 7:00 pm
Online

● Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
● Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Avanti!
Inspired by American dreams and legends, Dvořák created some of his greatest works while living in the United States, above all the “New World” Symphony. This program illuminates the multiple stories and influences – Native American, African-American and Czech – that Dvořák transformed in his most beloved work. Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Avanti! offers a contemporary interpretation of the American archetype of “moving on.”

To learn more about All-Star Orchestra: https://allstarorchestra.org/

Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Sunday, July 5, 2020
Tesla Quartet
Jul 5 @ 2:00 pm
Online

Praised for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), the Tesla Quartet brings refinement and prowess to both new and established repertoire.
Enjoy this special message and preview scheduled in conjunction with the Tesla Quartet’s planned appearance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Tesla Quartet: http://www.teslaquartet.com/about-us
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Friday, July 10, 2020
Shana Tucker: An Evening of ChamberSoul
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Join us for a memorable evening of jazz-infused ChamberSoul, featuring live interviews with cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker and her band, moderated by Todd Wright, Professor of Jazz Studies in the Hayes School of Music.

With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Shana’s melodies weave strong hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry. Touted by JazzTimes Magazine as a jazz talent “…whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible…” Shana’s style and sound as been described as a blend of Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman, with an efficient complexity that is reminiscent of Bill Withers.

To learn more about Shana Tucker: http://www.shanatucker.com/bio

Available via YouTube Live, appsummer.org

Saturday, July 11, 2020
Parsons Dance: ‘Caught’ at Home
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Enjoy this select program featuring archival gems, glimpses of the dancers at home, and sneak peeks of the world premieres that were scheduled for The Joyce this spring.

Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Parsons Dance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Parsons Dance: https://www.parsonsdance.org/

Available exclusively via YouTube, appsummer.org

Sunday, July 12, 2020
Canadian Brass
Jul 12 @ 2:00 pm
Online

With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” Masters of concert presentations, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Each of their concerts ranges from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them – from formal classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun – but never at the expense of the music. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by the Canadian Brass as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Canadian Brass: http://www.canadianbrass.com/

Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Thursday, July 16, 2020
Donate Masks to the School of Your Choice
Jul 16 all-day
Online

https://masks.com/pages/the-great-american-mask-drive-by-masks-com?fbclid=IwAR0AR-vhz0_JXmFMEKFZS-3sNE1PldWPahS7LK-uPP4QtvyIXAvJzuEvOB8

school_supplies_2.jpg

The Great American Mask Drive by Masks.com

Donate 100% cotton reusable & washable Hanes® masks to any school for just $1.50 per mask. We’ll send the masks directly to the school.

Find a school and donate masks.  Thanks for your support!

Friday, July 17, 2020
Donate Masks to the School of Your Choice
Jul 17 all-day
Online

https://masks.com/pages/the-great-american-mask-drive-by-masks-com?fbclid=IwAR0AR-vhz0_JXmFMEKFZS-3sNE1PldWPahS7LK-uPP4QtvyIXAvJzuEvOB8

school_supplies_2.jpg

The Great American Mask Drive by Masks.com

Donate 100% cotton reusable & washable Hanes® masks to any school for just $1.50 per mask. We’ll send the masks directly to the school.

Find a school and donate masks.  Thanks for your support!

“My Life in the Theatre:” NC Black Repertory Company Artistic Director Jackie Alexander
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Sit down for an informal and compelling chat with Winston-Salem-based NC Black Rep Artistic Director Jackie Alexander as the award-winning playwright-director talks about the history of the acclaimed company and the importance of sharing the black experience on the stage. A native of New Orleans, Jackie Alexander is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York, and current Artistic Director of North Carolina Black Repertory Company, producers of The National Black Theatre Festival. His debut novel, Our Daily Bread, was published by Turner Publishing in the fall of 2012. His debut feature film Joy was awarded Best Feature Film by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and also earned Best Actor and Best Screenplay honors for Jackie on the festival circuit. The OBIE and AUDELCO Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre in New York devoted its entire 2010-2011 season to Jackie’s work; commissioning him to write three new plays and making him the only playwright in the storied history of the theatre to receive that honor. In 2018, the Black Theatre Network (BTN) honored Jackie with the Presidential Pathfinder Award at its yearly conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The award is presented to an artist or an institution that illuminates a path to innovations and new concepts in Black Theatre.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned performance by the NC Black Repertory Company as part of the festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about NC Black Rep: https://ncblackrep.org/

Available via YouTube, appsummer.org