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.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Side Stories Live!Hosted by Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson
FULLY SEATED SHOW
It’s scary, it’s silly, it’s slimy. It’s SIDE STORIES. Dig into the latest true crime news and paranormal happenings, breaking down ooky-spooky stories. ONE night only.
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
The 7th Annual Light Up the Night 5K is set for Friday, August 8 th , 2025, and there’s still time
to register for this fun and meaningful event supporting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM).
This glow-in-the-dark evening fundraiser brings the community together to walk or run to support life transformation for
the homeless, poor, and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. WCRM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
meeting people in crisis, helping them at their point of need, investing in their future, and walking alongside them until
they can move forward.
The Light Up the Night 5K will take place at Asheville’s Carrier Park, starting at 7:00 p.m., with packet pickup
beginning at 5:30 p.m. Timed by Finish Well Timing, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, regardless
of race, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All proceeds will directly benefit WCRM’s programs and services, which provide
shelter, recovery programs, meals, and long-term support to those in need.
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Tanger Outlets Asheville invites shoppers to kick-off the start of the school season in style with its Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 9 from noon – 3 p.m. Families can celebrate their scholars with an array of fun-filled activities, including appearances by Ted. E Tourist and Rocky the UNC Asheville Bulldog, free drink samples provided by Pepsi Cola and free photos by TapSnap Phototainment.
As part of the celebration, Tanger Asheville is teaming up with Mountain Hope for the Kicks for Class New Shoe Collection Drive, benefiting students at Owen Middle School who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. A school bus will be parked near Sportsman’s Warehouse during the event to collect 450 pairs of new shoes. Guests are encouraged to donate new shoes in the following sizes: 3.5-7 youth for girls; 6-9 for women; 4-7 youth for boys; and 6-8 for men.
Tanger Asheville delivers even more value with its Summer of Savings program. Through August, the center will offer the community weekly deals on back-to-school essentials and wardrobe refreshes. Shoppers can expect to find some of the deepest discounts of the year at top brands like Nike, Coach, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour and more.
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Join us at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) for our annual Field Day. Since 1949, our station has been a hub of agricultural innovation, with the added addition of Field Day being a long-standing tradition. This year’s event promises an engaging, informative, and hands-on look at the latest in horticultural research and extension activities.
Field Day 2025 will feature a comprehensive showcase of ongoing research programs across a variety of crops such as apples, tomatoes, nursery plants, and other specialty crops. In addition to the featured research, the event will highlight various other projects and initiatives that reflect the breadth of work being done here at MHCREC.
Come for the whole day or drop in for part of it — your choice! Admission is free.
Enjoy a complimentary lunch on us! And of course, don’t miss the chance to make your own fresh tomato sandwich right in the field!
We look forward to welcoming growers, researchers, students, and community members alike for a day of learning, networking, and celebration of agricultural innovation.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Eric Eaton
An Adults-Only Comedy Magic Show
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Eric has performed all over the United States with his sold out tour Magic for Adults. Eric can be seen on the hit TV Show Masters of Illusion that has had over 100 million viewers in 126 countries. He is a 2x Merlin Award (Oscar’s of Magic) for Comedy Magician of the Year. Eric has had many viral clips on social media some include celebrities such as; George Lopez, Gary Owen, Lou Ferrigno, Russell Peters, Desiigner, and many more in which you can find on his social media platforms; @themagicofericeaton. Eric is known for his unique blend of magic and comedic wit that makes his show not like any you have seen before.
Join us for an enchanting evening at the
Flat Rock Playhouse Annual Gala,
“Vagabonds In The Vineyard!”
This year, we’re bringing the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean to the beautiful
Monday, August 18th
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Marked Tree Vineyards,
623 Deep Gap Road, Flat Rock, NC
Call the DEVO office at 828-693-0403 ext. 205
Premier Table Seating
$250 per person
– Guaranteed seat at one of our limited reserved tables
– perfect for sitting with friends.
– Two complimentary drink tickets.
– Prime location close to the evening’s entertainment
– featuring various artists and performers from the Flat Rock Playhouse.
General Admission
$125 per person
– Seating on the scenic terrace of Marked Tree Vineyards
– One complimentary drink ticket.
– Enjoy the entertainment and ambiance of the evening.
Reserved seating is limited for the Premier Table option, so book early!
Dinner:
Indulge in a delectable array of dishes from
the curated food stations provided by
Evening Schedule:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Check-in and Happy Hour
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner served from food stations
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Silent Auction open for bidding
7:30 PM: Entertainment featuring Flat Rock Playhouse artists and performers
8:30 PM: Final Encore
Dress Code:
Embrace the spirit of the Mediterranean!
We encourage you to wear light, flowing attire suitable for strolling
the charming streets of Mykonos or Santorini. Think chic and comfortable.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic is rolling our a brand new comedy showcase every Weds 8pm at the Asheville Music Hall. The best of local and not-so-local comedians that come through out comedy open mic. We hand pick them and they do their stuff. Free show like always
Presenters: Drake Fowler, Executive Director, North Carolina Arboretum
Program Description: We often see Asheville, North Carolina, as a “climate haven,” and we were all shaken by the impacts of Hurricane Helene last September.
In this thought-provoking talk, Drake Fowler, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Arboretum, discusses our first-hand experience living through this major geological event and what it reveals about the vulnerability—and potential—of our landscapes.
Learn how local professionals and other specialists are charting a path toward long-term recovery, and explore strategies for building more resilient gardens and communities in a changing climate.
The presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.
If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: THE MOTH /Asheville StorySLAM – “CHILDISH”
All Ages
Thursday, August 21
Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm
Grey Eagle Music Hall
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…
CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Ditching second period or calling out “sick” from work. Middle school crushes or puppy love that had you feeling 16 again. Chasing ice cream trucks, building pillow forts, and losing stuffed animals. Whether it’s temper tantrums, tattle tales, or tumultuous inner-toddlers…it’s time to grow up. Tag! (no take backs times infinity)
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets for Asheville StorySLAMs go on sale 3 weeks prior to the show date at 3 PM ET.
Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. As many as 10 tickets may be available at the door for all of our StorySLAMs on a first-come, first-served basis.
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]
Support your local pollinators in The Learning Garden and participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Join us and learn how to identify and count common pollinators and what plants they favor. After a brief presentation we will go out into the garden and count pollinators.
Two (15 minute) counting sessions will be held back to back. Come for the first one or stay for both. Extension Master Gardener volunteers will provide instruction and assist. Your count matters!
Please bring a hat, water bottle and a chair if needed.
The program is free, but participation is limited and registration is required. Details of the program, along with registration instructions are found on the Buncombe County Extension website.
If you encounter problems registering or if you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Photo by Donna Sapp, Extension Master Gardener volunteer
Join us for our monthly market, where you’ll discover local vendors offering a variety of houseplants, garden plants, and planty-related items, including crafts and jewelry. Show your support by visiting our social table, where we will have branded merchandise for sale to help fund the event, as well as tags for social media pages to follow your favorite vendors. Enjoy live music and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
🅿️Free parking is available! Please park at the front of the building and enter through the hydroponics shop. Vendors will be set up inside the shop as well as outside the back of the shop.
Beth Stelling
Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Beth Stelling is a comedian, writer and actress based in Los Angeles. Her new Netflix special “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” topped every ‘Best of 2023’ list. Her half-hour special is also on Netflix in the first season of The Standups. Conan O’Brien produced Beth’s previous hour special for HBO Max called “Girl Daddy.” Beth has been a writer for the following television series: Rick and Morty, Strange Planet, The Last O.G., I Love You America with Sarah Silverman, Another Period and Crashing on HBO. She’s a sought-after punch-up writer for feature films following her success as an on-set writer for the Universal hit, Good Boys. She has guest starred on Amazon’s Red Oaks, Corporate on Comedy Central, and she played Ms. Fish on the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls.
Tours on the last Wednesday of the month, May through October: May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, October 29
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This is an in-person program, held at The Learning Garden. Visit and Learn!
Visit informally Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no docents or tours)
Docents and Presenters: Extension Master Gardener volunteers working in the garden.
Program Description: On the last Wednesday of the month from May to October you can join a more formal tour and be led through the gardens by a master gardener docent as you watch the other gardeners caring for the plants. See beautiful and interesting plants, delicious vegetables, native plants for beauty and pollinator interest.
The tours start at 10:00 a.m. and should last approximately an hour. The tours will begin outside the front door of the Buncombe County Extension Office.
Wear appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses and sturdy shoes and bring some water) as this event will be held outside. In the event of steady rain in West Asheville, the workday and the tour will be canceled.
The tour is free and registration is not necessary.
If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
NOTE: The Learning Garden is open for informal visits Monday through Friday throughout the year, but if you visit on a Wednesday, during the growing season, you can meet the Master Gardeners working in the gardens and ask questions about the plants and their care. We invite you to visit often, observe the gardens, and ask questions as the Master Gardeners tend the gardens through the growing season. If you have questions, call 828-255-5522.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Gather a team and get ready to spend the day playing 18 holes for our annual, end-of-season Golf Tournament Fundraiser! Hosted at Sprindale Resort in Canton, NC on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, and **NEW THIS YEAR** included in your price of registration is a delicious BBQ Lunch to be served during the Awards Ceremony! Want to play, or interested in becoming a sponsor?
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Join us for our bimonthly general meeting from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Enka-Candler Library. This meeting will include updates from our busy Action Teams, with opportunities to get involved, plus a peek at our upcoming voter outreach campaign launching this fall.
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3216976-0?pid=10412
Date and Time: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:00 – Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:30
Venue details: Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, North Carolina, 28715, United States
Garden and Adventure Photography Basics
with Cami Calnan
Friday, August 29 | 10 am – 1 pm
Elevate your photography from the level you are currently working from. In this immersive workshop, we will explore the technical aspects of the camera you photograph with. Bring your phone, your slr or point and shoot digital or film camera, and we will explore the concepts behind taking the kinds of photos you are hoping to capture.
This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.
Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt as Joe Zimmerman and his hilarious friends take the stage for a night of fun. In Downtown Asheville
Joe grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina shortly after graduating Davidson College (where obviously, he was an English major). While starting out in the South, he launched a tour with three friends, called “The Beards of Comedy” and landed a record deal with Comedy Central Records.
In 2012, he moved to New York City, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, as well as Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival. His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour, and the Comedy Cellar’s topical show, “This Week at the Comedy Cellar”.
Joe’s first solo album Smiling at Wolves (2014) reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts, and shortly after Paste Magazine named him one of 10 best comedians from the south. His second album, Innocence, came out on Comedy Central Records (2018) and is played regularly on Sirius XM radio, and in 2019 he recorded a dry bar special with upwards of million views on YouTube. His first, fully produced one-hour comedy special “Cult Classic”, came out in 2023, directed by Nate Bargatze and produced by 800 Pound Gorilla.