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.
Celebrate Easter brunch with the whole family at Kanuga! Enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal favorites, including fresh pastries, savory entrees, and delicious desserts. Gather with loved ones in a warm and welcoming setting as we celebrate this special day together.
Join us on Tuesday, April 22nd, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the A-B Tech Conference Center for the spring WomanUP Workshop: Landing Your Message with Confidence. Led by Angie Flynn-McIver and Neela Muñoz of Ignite CSP, you’ll gain practical tools to help you communicate with clarity and purpose – whether you’re pitching a new idea, leading a team meeting, or delivering a keynote speech.
Through real-life examples, stories, and interactive moments, Angie and Neela will walk participants through a three-part process to improve presentation skills and build confidence. Attendees will learn how to craft an effective message tailored to their audience and goals, leverage nonverbal communication, and practice for meaningful results. This workshop is designed for professionals at any career stage across all industries.
Doors open at 8 a.m. for networking and a light breakfast provided by Everyday Gourmet!
Join us for a family-friendly First Friday at Resurrection Studios Collective, featuring Asheville Artworks Mother’s Day mug painting as well as tons of other shapes to choose from. First Friday celebrations include a fashion show by All Around Artsy, live music, a mocktail bar, visit artists in their studios, and new art debuting in the gallery. Mugs and pottery will be available for pickup the following week before Mother’s Day. RSVP recommended, but walk-ins welcome.
Get ready to lace up and represent your business at the 2025 Chamber Challenge 5K! This fun, community-focused event encourages wellness and friendly competition among Asheville-area businesses. Whether you’re walking every step or racing to the finish, we know you’re up for the challenge!
Join us in person on May 2nd or participate virtually.
Important Deadlines & Details:
- Register by April 13th at midnight to receive a short-sleeve shirt with your registration!
- After April 13th, shirts will be available in limited quantities and sizes.
- Registering a large group (25+ participants)? Contact Judi Willard at [email protected] for assistance.
To stay updated—text cc5k to 828-827-5332 to receive event notifications (you can opt out anytime).
This Mother’s Day, Tanger Outlets Asheville invites the women at the heart of its community to come and be celebrated with its Spring in Bloom experiential event, celebrating mothers, women and the vibrant spirit of the season. On Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event will include make-your-own flower bouquets, photo opportunities, giveaways and more. From exclusive activities and interactive pop-ups to curated shopping experiences, this event embodies Tanger’s commitment to creating meaningful moments that connect people, foster community and celebrate women. The family-friendly event, open to the community and free to attend, will be held in the center circle near the Vera Bradley Outlet Store.
As part of Tanger’s continued programming designed to offer engaging and innovative shopper experiences, Spring in Boom blends the latest in beauty and accessories retail trends with culture and community-driven celebrations. Guests are also invited to shop the latest spring fashions with Tanger Deal Days from May 1 – 21! Participating brands including Columbia, Crocs, J. Crew and Under Armour will offer 15% – 25% off, on top of everyday savings.
Advance your marketing mind.
This is a group where marketers and entrepreneurs can share marketing insight without feeling like you’re in a work meeting.
Marketing is fun, so why do your friends’ eyes glaze over every time you start ranting about a marketing tactic? That doesn’t happen here. If you have any concerns, just ask the guy in this Meetup cover photo. We have 3.5 stars on Walmart.com – wow!
Share and gain perspectives, and resources to help your marketing.
Advance your career or business with a network of marketers.
Enjoy the fun parts of marketing, like creativity and new tools, and pretend you outsource all the boring tasks.
Located at Focus Coworking, 11 Richland St, Asheville
Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special brunch event! Join us for a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. Treat your mom to a day she won’t forget with a variety of dishes to choose from. Show your appreciation for all that she does with a lovely meal in a charming setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make her day extra special!
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest Series: ROUND 2
Thursday May 14, 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 3-1/2 minutes of comedy. Audience votes for their favorites of the night thru ballot voting. Comics are separated in 3 groups of 7 contestants. This show’s 3 top comics from each category will be paid and be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.
Comics on the show:
Aiden Lamb, Andy Frampton,
Art Sturtevant, Austin Elfers,
Becca Steinhoff, Ben Jennings,
Clay Jones, Cloud Hudson,
Evelyn Pekarek,
Foster, Issac Truman, James Burks,
Jason Reel, Jordan Ballard, Julia Macias,
Justin Blackburn, Makenzie Manent,
Roman Fraden, Sam Arrowood, Sully
Calling all young storytellers ages 8-13!
Gallery Tales is a 6-week program where kids explore various art pieces in the gallery to spark their imaginations and create incredible stories. Each week, participants will engage in interactive writing lessons, write unique tales, and gain the skills and confidence to become published authors. At the end of the program, every young writer will leave with their very own professionally published book and the opportunity to share their work and accomplishments with an audience of family and friends at a special Kids Open Mic Showcase!
Pricing Tiers:
Standard Tier: $397 (Includes all program materials, publishing, and showcase support)
Supporter Tier: $500 (Covers program materials, publishing, showcase support, and helps provide scholarships for other young writers)
Scholarship Option: Available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
Limited spots are available for this unique program that celebrates art, and creativity, and inspires young writers to shine. Sign up today!
About the Gallery Tales Instructor:
Kate Wargo is a passionate educator with a decade of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she brings her expertise in child development and creative learning to every program she designs. Kate is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, blending art, writing, and community to create meaningful and transformative experiences. As an advocate for bringing the soul and love back into writing and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, she strives to create safe and inspiring spaces where they can discover their voices and shine as confident, creative storytellers.
Join us for an evening of celebration at the Chamber’s crowning event of the year! Mix and mingle with business and community leaders followed by a delicious Grove Park dinner. We’ll reflect on the past year, look to the future and honor outstanding business leaders.
Awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting:
- Excellence in Public Service Award – presented by Mission Health
- Small Business Leader of the Year – presented by HomeTrust Bank
- Family Business Award – presented by UNC Asheville
- President’s Award – presented by First Bank
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Doors open at 5:00 pm. Dinner and program begins at 5:45 pm.
Make plans to join us for Business After Hours on Thursday, June 5th, from 5:30- 7 p.m. at The Reserve at Gashes Creek (1120 Gashes Ridge Lane off of Charlotte Highway). This evening of networking is the perfect chance to build new connections, catch up with fellow professionals, and explore one of Asheville’s scenic residential communities.
Registration is required due to limited seating.
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 Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs |
| Take part in “The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs: From Impact to Action” on Tuesday, June 17th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mojo Coworking’s Social Hall.
Hosted in partnership with Go Local Asheville, this session features experts from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the SBTDC who will share insights and practical strategies to help local businesses understand and mitigate the impact of tariffs. From essential tariff basics to actionable steps for your business, this is a chance to ask questions and get prepared. |
Join us for a lunchtime networking boost at Midday Mingle on Wednesday, June 18th, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. at Twisted Laurel in downtown Asheville. Enjoy a delicious $16 lunch (plus tax and gratuity), connect with fellow professionals, and support a local restaurant!
Choose from a variety of tasty menu options, including a Smash Burger, Curry Cauliflower, Greek Salad, and more. Water and iced tea are included, and every guest is entered to win a member spotlight on our social media!
Bring a friend or colleague and enjoy the good food, great company, and community spirit.
✍️ For young writers ages 8–13
Join us in celebration of the Summer Solstice with an evening of bold, imaginative storytelling!
We’ll begin with a short introduction to tall tales—a playful style of story where characters are bigger than life, the details are wildly exaggerated, and nothing is too impossible to imagine. Think tornado-taming, moon-jumping, pancake-stacking kind of adventures.
Then, kids will explore the gallery to find a piece of art that sparks their own tall tale. With notebooks in hand, they’ll write their stories and return for a joyful story-sharing circle to close the night.
📓 Please bring a notebook or journal to write in!
🎟️ Free event, space is limited NO NEED TO RSVP— just arrive!
Nourish your body, mind, and soul by experiencing a variety of offerings to bring balance and peace to your life during these times. Ample free time allows participants to nap, hike around the lake, journal, or explore Kanuga. Led by Chantal McKinney, a life-long seeker of the Divine. She is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, coach, consultant, practitioner of community development, and former church planter who walks among the two worlds of faith and spirituality.
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
Learn how to decorate four patriotic cookies to kick off your Independence Day celebrations. Kids of all ages are welcome; those under 10 must have an adult with them.
The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is hiring!
Please join us for our Job Fair on June 30 at the Draftsman in the Restoration Hotel in Asheville from 10:30am-3pm!
Our team is collectively working to deliver on an ambitious and world-changing mission, providing a world-class culture through a purpose-driven lens and we are hiring 30-40 new team members in advance of our launch in Fall 2025.
Roles we are recruiting for include: Administrative staff, Cooks, Drivers, Gardeners, Maintenance Workers, Porters, Security Guards, Servers, Spa Attendants.
Join us on June 30 to learn more, meet the team, and enjoy some light bites, a few games and the chance to win a tee shirt!
The LightEn Center of Consciousness & Action (LCCA) is a new 489-acre retreat center in Marshall, NC (~30 minutes north of Asheville) set to open in September 2025. LCCA will serve as a soul-focused sanctuary and learning center for individual and collective growth. The Center will host current and emerging leaders to cultivate and deepen the inner work needed to be more effective change agents in the world. The center will feature five teaching spaces, an 8,000+ sq ft spa, fitness center, auditorium, event hall, dining hall, reception building, administrative building, horticultural complex, and 76 guest cabins. Find more at https://www.light-en.org
Use this link to pre-register or share your info with us if you are interested but unable to attend so we can stay in touch: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=i7eBBV-TQEGnpzWJJD_6CE4EqLhX-t5OgUlv-VfffpdURVRSRzhROEVHMTZXOVFCS0VSNlRXNkNNRC4u&route
Feel free to email us with any questions!
Calling all spiritual practitioners! Join Marian for an insightful and empowering session where you’ll learn essential best practices for running your spiritual business with confidence and clarity.
In the Business Mastermind for Spiritual Practitioners workshop, Marian will guide you through key tips and strategies to elevate your operations and marketing.
This is a safe and welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and learn alongside like-minded peers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this event offers valuable insights tailored to spiritual entrepreneurs.
🤝 Networking Opportunity: Connect with fellow practitioners and expand your professional circle. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!
📍 Details:
Cost: Free (Donations accepted to support the venue)
What to Bring: Your questions, a notebook or laptop, and your business cards.
Take this opportunity to grow your skills and your network in a supportive and inspiring environment. We can’t wait to see you there!
Should you be interested in one-on-one coaching from Marian, feel free to book a Business Best Practices for Spiritual Practitioners session with her here: https://energeticexperiences.as.me/?appointmentType=74750284
The North Carolina Writers Network-West and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails presents H.R. (RANDY) SPENCER &
RICHARD ALLEN TAYLOR
as next in their series
“In the Company of Writers.”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. Sign-ups for the open mic will be located at the entrance to the reading.
For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrandyBar/events
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803
Come join us for Business After Hours at Hilton Asheville – Biltmore Park!
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.
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!
The North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails present
JENNIFER McGAHA as next in their series “In the Company of Writers”
The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets, followed by an open-mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will both enlighten and entertain those in attendance. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. The original music of John Longbottom welcomes you, continues during intermission, and closes the evening. Sign-up for the open mic sheet is posted at the entry.
Jennifer McGaha is the author of three works of creative nonfiction, including The Joy Document, a collection of fifty essays celebrating midlife, Flat Broke with Two Goats, a 2018 OverDrive Big Library Read, and Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost in the Woods and Write Your Way Out, a Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award finalist. Her work has also appeared in many magazines and literary journals including Image, The Huffington Post, The New Pioneer, Lumina, PANK, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Brevity, Bitter Southerner, Crab Creek Review, River Teeth, and others. An Appalachian native, Jennifer lives in a wooded North Carolina hollow with her husband, two cats, four unruly dogs, eight relatively tame dairy goats, and an ever-changing number of chickens
Co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails, the program, “In the Company of Writers” is featured the 2nd Wednesday of each month. https://www.facebook.com/events/581466841671943
The first annual Bodhi Fest, a Buddhist Arts and Film Festival at Asheville Community Theatre on August 16th, 2025 will be a day of illumination as we explore the gladdening qualities of the human spirit ranging from sweet solitude to ecstatic joy. The program will consist of Buddhist films + Q&A, shorts, a dance workshop, a songwriting workshop, musical performances and more. Crafts, art and food from Buddhist sanghas, artists and local vendors will be shared in the front lobby during the festival.
Enjoy an event of immersion in compassionate-wisdom activities that provoke insight and lift the spirit.
🌟 You’re Invited! Experience the Power of BNI Networking 🌟
Looking to grow your business, expand your business referral network, and build long-lasting relationships with local professionals?
Join us at our next BNI Beaucatcher Visitor Event and discover how word-of-mouth marketing can help you take your business to the next level.
🔹 What to Expect:
• A room full of motivated, dynamic business professionals
• Opportunities to share what you do and who you’re looking to connect with
• A proven system for generating quality referrals
• A warm, supportive atmosphere focused on helping each other succeed through business growth
We are currently looking for the following businesses to join us!
Financial Advisor Psychotherapist Property Casualty Insurance
Handyman Estate Attorney Naturopathic Doctor, ND
Real Estate Attorney Marketing Agencies CPA
Whether you’re in finance, marketing, trades, wellness, or any other industry, there’s a seat at the table for you!
🎯 Bring plenty of business cards and be ready to make meaningful connections.
Spaces are limited, so RSVP today!
Rodney Craig, V.P. Beaucatcher Chapter BNI
Call or text: 414-334-9092 Email: [email protected]
Thursday – August 21 – 7-9pm – WNC Songwriter Sessions returns with Karen Cohen, Just Rick, and Todd Hoke. An evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar + Cocktails.
Hidyho Neighbors! Another solid trio of swellegant songwriters will be sharing their lyrical and musical offerings for our August session at the coolest bar in all Hendo. Karen Cohen, Just Rick, and Todd Hoke will entertain you with their tales and tunes. Delicious cocktails + handcrafted songs + friendly folks = time well spent. Join us!
Karen Cohen has honed her own unique finger-style guitar for over 5 decades. Her current passion is writing songs that combine authenticity, emotion, and imagery with beautiful melody. Karen just arrived on the WNC and Upstate SC scene 6 months ago and is generating a lot of excitement at local open mics and songwriter showcases.
Just Rick (aka Rick Reles) is a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. A lifelong musician and singer-songwriter inspired by the roots of American rock music. He draws from country, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, and classic rock to craft his growing catalog of original songs. From early bands like Green Steam and Full House to Identity Crisis and IC3, Rick has been a gigging musician. Today he plays solo as well as in Two Step Too and The Right Fit.
Todd Hoke tried therapy but that didn’t work out so he took up the guitar instead and, as of this printing, has remained mostly unincarcerated (a fact his mother loudly boasts about every time her bowling league gathers at the pool hall to play poker and whittle).
With hosts Annie Wenz and Todd Hoke. For more info visit: [email protected]
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!
___________________________________
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]