Calendar of Events

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.

The highly anticipated Community Concert is returning to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver another unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and community spirit. The event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music, along with the incredible opening act, Sam Burchfield and the Scoundrels. The Community Concert is presented by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale’s, and Fred Anderson Subaru.

This celebration of community is FREE to attend, with General Admission available to all. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Preferred Access Tickets powered by Skyla Credit Union are on sale now, providing attendees with a premium concert experience in the heart of Asheville’s iconic Downtown.

In addition to the music, the Community Concert will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace with unique handmade goods, and a gear swap presented by Second Gear, giving attendees the chance to exchange gently used outdoor gear. The event is designed to bring together people of all ages for an evening of celebration, while supporting local businesses and artists.

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Admission: General Admission is FREE; Preferred Access Tickets available for purchase.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us for a special Father’s Day Mug Painting event! Create a unique gift for Dad while having fun. All ages welcome. Supplies provided. Don’t miss out!

Merging art, nature and wellness! 🌺🌸🪻🌸🌺

Come join us for a creative, healing, and inspiring morning in the beautiful gardens of Asheville Salt Cave. Learn the art of flower pounding and pressed flower design from Alicia, of Passiflora Creative. Each participant will create their own set of botanical notecards. Enjoy a guided meditation and session in the healing salt cave and herbal tea sampling. Leave feeling restored and more connected to yourself and the beauty of nature.

Space is almost full register now
https://ashevillesaltcave.com/…/flower-pounding…/

School’s In for Somm-er: WSET Classes Start in June + Exclusive Discount for AVLToday readers!

Summer school just got a whole lot tastier. Whether you’re running a top-tier restaurant, managing a hospitality team, curating the perfect wine bar experience, or just interested in all things wine — knowledge matters.

MWWine School is excited to offer you the opportunity to achieve globally-recognized wine certifications in Asheville this summer. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, curious beginner, just looking for a fun way to level up your wine knowledge with friends, or interested in taking your seasoned staff to the next level these classes are for you! Sip, learn, and enjoy — and save up to 10% when you register today. Courses are hosted at Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village, in partnership with Metro Wines.

You will learn the principles of wine tasting, as well as food and wine pairing and service protocols, the key grape varieties and wine regions of the world, and more. Each class includes a diverse selection of wines of the world (12 wines for Level 1 and 40 wines for Level 2). Successful candidates receive the WSET credential, including a certificate and pin.

MWWS Asheville Course Schedule and Details:

[REGISTER BY MAY 19th FOR LEVEL 2 and MAY 23rd FOR LEVEL 1]

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines – Monday, June 9

One day class with exam

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings, as well as wine service and etiquette.

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is a suggested prerequisite for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course. The WSET L1 Award is a 6-hour, one day course and includes an exam with 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes, printed study guide, tasting of over 10 wines, food pairing exercises, and exam fee. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 1 Award in Wines.

Registration closes May 23rd. Register here: https://www.melaniewebberwine.com/product-page/wset-level-1-award-in-wines-in-asheville-june-9

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – Sun/Mon/Sun, June 1, 2, & 8

Three day class with exam

For individuals seeking a core understanding of a wide range of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties of the world and the regions in which they are grown. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence. The course includes tastings of over 30 wines.

It is intended as vocational training in product knowledge for those employed in the drinks industry. The qualification is suitable wherever a good level of product knowledge is required to underpin job skills and competencies. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course is also appropriate for those not employed in the drinks industry but who want a serious education in wine and wish to broaden their knowledge in a structured way. Successful candidates receive a certificate and lapel pin for the internationally-recognized WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. L2 is a pre-requisite for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Registration closes May 19th.

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.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

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.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Join us as we partner with the Martin Luther King Jr. Association and Black Wall Street to celebrate Juneteenth! Featuring headliner Southern Avenue and opener DJ Phantom Pantone.

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series—it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site alongside a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers. Join us at Pack Square Park for these unforgettable evenings of music, community, and celebration.

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Asheville is invited to RAD Brewing on Saturday, June 21st, for RAD Solstice! This is a celebration of the Summer Solstice and the ongoing renewal of Asheville’s River Arts District.

Here’s how you can be involved in RAD Solstice:

• Be there! Come in costume, don your finest hat, or…just come as you are!

• Join the RAD Solstice Drum Krewe! Drummers should plan to attend 2-4 practice sessions to perform with the group on RAD Solstice afternoon. We will have 4 drumming meetups on Thursday evenings – May 29, June 5, 12, & 19 – at RAD Brewing. Participation is free and everyone is welcome (ages 14-adult)! Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251356455371054

• Support Local Artists – We will have a selection of art vendors on site with an amazing array of art available! (See below for artist details.) Additionally, Odyssey Clayworks just down the street will be running live demos and lessons in their studios at 236 Clingman Ave. Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts will have their doors open for business, and RADA will be hosting their Saturday art market for displaced artists just down the block at Pinegate Renewables. The galleries and studios of the upper RAD will be open and ready for your visit. It will be a perfect day to browse and support Asheville’s art community!

• Have a Beer or Two – RAD Brewing is a cozy, community brewery that makes fantastic beers onsite – featuring 16 unique brews on tap. They are generously opening their space to host RAD Solstice. Three cheers for RAD Brewing!!!

• Volunteer – Help us run bubble machines, do face-painting, create good vibes for the day, etc…Email [email protected] with your interest.

• Dance Party! Les Amis will bring the dance party to Solstice, with hot Ivory Coast rhythms and songs, featuring special guests – The Screamin’ Stevens! Music from 5:00-7:00pm, inside. Bring your dancing shoes and your dancing moves!

• Support RAD Solstice – Buy a Cool T-Shirt or Hat! All proceeds will go towards paying our bands:
RAD Solstice

Join us as we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the ongoing rebirth of the RAD! Let’s infuse some positive energy into our beloved River Arts District that has been through so much in the past year.

Join us for our spring festival at Pack Square Park on June 22.

Join us to shop and eat and support the local community.

Come out and come to Asheville for the day or for the weekend. The community needs you so let’s do this!

You don’t want to miss this fun event. Mark your calendars and get your tickets, swag bags, VIP, and/or merch ahead of the festival.

$10 Suggested donation ahead of the event or at the festival is requested.

$15 Swag Bag option will be available! Compostable bag filled with $50+ worth of samples and coupons.

$25 – VIP tickets – enter the event 30 minutes early. Get a cool upgraded goody bag that is reusable with items different from the swag bags. Limited to 50. $100+ worth of samples and coupons.

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 Evolutionary Astrology: A 2-Hour Workshop

Unlock the deeper meaning of your soul’s journey through Evolutionary Astrology! This immersive 2-hour workshop will guide you through the foundations of this transformative approach, helping you understand past-life influences, karmic lessons, and your soul’s evolutionary path.

What You’ll Learn:

The philosophy behind Evolutionary Astrology
The significance of Pluto and the Lunar Nodes in your birth chart
How to interpret your soul’s purpose and karmic patterns
Practical techniques for self-discovery and personal growth
Perfect for astrology enthusiasts and beginners alike, this workshop will provide insightful tools to deepen your self-awareness and align with your higher path.

Join us and explore the wisdom of the cosmos!

Energy Exchange for this event: $33

Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s talented instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring.

These also make great wedding bands!

You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio.

$120 person *All Materials Included

*Class times and avialbalility are subject to change. SIgn up in advance online to ensure your time and space.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from May 23, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT
Saturdays: 1:15pm – 3:30pm Timezone: EDT

Are you ready to build power, change systems, and lead your community with purpose?

We’re calling YOU — neighbors, organizers, artists, students, educators, Tribal Leaders, tourists, healers, and dreamers — to join us for a transformative one-day training that will ignite your leadership journey. The Campaign School at Yale University will travel to Asheville for a one day training on how to run for public office, how to lead a successful campaign, and or ways to connect to voters.

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.

Experience reggae revolutionaries Steel Pulse, LIVE on their 50th Anniversary Tour! July 2nd @ French Broad River Brewery – OUTDOOR stage! Presented by Asheville Music Hall. ALL AGES welcome! Get Your Tickets NOW: https://buff.ly/YFzDUo6

Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The bands twelfth studio production, titled Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanities unification. A manipulation of our minds has been influenced by a New World Order currently dominating humankind. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment, armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.

This free festival promises fun for the whole family, featuring the incredible Amazing Air Dogs and a host of other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

As the sun sets, get ready for an evening of free live music featuring headliner The Pink Stones, accompanied by delicious food and beverage vendors serving up tasty treats. And of course, no Independence Day would be complete without a spectacular fireworks extravaganza lighting up the night sky, bringing our festivities to a memorable close. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of freedom and community!

A rare celestial alchemy unfolds On July 7th, 2025, Uranus—planet of awakening, disruption, and liberation—enters the air sign of Gemini, initiating a seven-year cycle of radical change in how we think, communicate, learn, and connect. This workshop is an invitation to explore the deeper meaning of this transit: a collective rewiring of the mental field, a shake-up of outdated narratives, and a call to innovate the ways we exchange information and truth. When Uranus makes its move, hold on to your hats and glasses, this will be a fast ride into the future. Lets talk about it, and prepare for success.

Together, we’ll delve into how this transit may stir revolution in education, technology, media, and consciousness—and how to align personally with the frequency of curious rebellion and conscious speech. Expect insights, chart examples, and space to vision your role in the coming wave of mental and social evolution.

Backdrop
Why is Uranus ingress into Gemini a big deal?
Pluto set the tone, Neptune and Saturn set the stage, now Uranus speeds it up
Uranus is the last outer planet to make its move into the New Age of Aquarius

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

During our time we will explore vocal exercises and sounds to activate your light language. The vocal exercises are great for clearing and moving energy throughout your body, while easing your nervous system. This creates space to allow more energetic flow through your whole being.

Following this interactive session, you then will lay down and receive sound and energy healing to integrate your process. We all have the ability to access light language and if you have been called or intrigued, please reach out!

This is a non-judgement, safe container for free expression and play.

When: Friday, July 11th
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
Sliding Scale: $25-40

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.