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.
Join Blue Ridge Roller Derby for a double header featuring a Blue Ridge Junior Roller Derby match up followed by an adult competitive bout against the Soul City Sirens of Augusta, Georgia.
When: Saturday, April 26, at 3 p.m.
Where: Smoky Mountain Event Center (758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785)
Event Schedule:
2:00 p.m. Doors Open
3:00 p.m. Juniors Exhibition Bout
5:00 p.m. BRRD vs. the Soul City Sirens
All ages welcome. Admission to this special double header is free but donations will be gladly accepted.
BRRD is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of our community to provide action-packed, family-friendly fun on four wheels.
Already play bridge? Want to up your game? Come learn Duplicate Bridge – the smarter, more social way to play! Join us for a two-week introduction designed for bridge players who want to level up their game by learning Duplicate Bridge.
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.
Wortham Center Student Series Gaspard&Dancers
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Grades 6–12 • Show Length: 60 min.
How far can your imagination take you? This renowned dance company, known for its works of haunting beauty and emotional force, dares to find out — and to inspire your students to wonder the same.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.
Don your best Derby attire and help us reach the finish line as we raise funds for our school’s Hurricane Helene recovery costs. Join us for a festive evening at our North Campus on the banks of the French Broad River. Dinner provided by Los Gauchos Heroes with libations from Riverside Rhapsody Brewing and Troy and Sons Distillery. We’ll have some Derby themed fun, live music, a silent and live auction, and a raffle for a trip for 2 to Costa Rica.
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.
Already play bridge? Want to up your game? Come learn Duplicate Bridge – the smarter, more social way to play! Join us for a two-week introduction designed for players who want to level up their game by learning Duplicate Bridge, it’s great for your mind and a fun way to meet new people!
Insect Pollinators of the Blue Ridge
with Shane Myers
Friday, May 9 | 1 – 3 pm
BRN – Elective | BREG – Core
Our plants in the Blue Ridge are pollinated by more insects than just Honey Bees. In this course, we will look at common and some less obvious pollinators of the region and discuss their life cycles, the benefits they provide the world, and how to attract them. We will also go outside to look for pollinators doing their work around the Arboretum grounds.
This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
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!
Kids, join us for an educational program with the North Carolina Arboretum to learn all about the many different Herptiles that call Western North Carolina their home! What’s a Herptile you ask? Herptiles are reptiles and amphibians! We’ll answer all of our biggest questions about Herptiles, like “Why are some amphibians slimy?” and “Where do Herptiles go in the winter?” Come ready to hear about the ecoEXPLORE program, find out what distinguishes Herptiles from other animals, where they live, what they eat, how they breathe, plus much more! Located at the Black Mountain Library.
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
Learn how to make altered books and make a page for one of the volumes of Turning the Page on Helene. All supplies are provided free of charge. No previous art experience is necessary.
Turning the Page on Helene is a community-based art project that is using the transformative power of altered books to tell our communities’ stories of Hurricane Helene through the visual arts. The goal is to create a safe space for community members to share experiences of the hurricane as well as their hopes for rebuilding a better and brighter future.
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.
Spring Bloom Gala: Gather & Grow
A Benefit for Asheville Waldorf School
May 29, 2025 | 5–9 PM
Treska’s on Highland Lake, Flat Rock, NC
Join us for Asheville Waldorf School’s Annual Spring Bloom Gala—an evening devoted to connection, nourishment, and collective flourishing.
In collaboration with Mother Earth Food and Heidi Zellie of Appalachian Watershed Alliance, this year’s gala celebrates the sacred work of raising children, feeding communities, and healing the land. Together, we honor the sanctity of childhood and cultivate a future rooted in food sovereignty, resilience, and hope.
Offerings:
Farm-to-table dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients
Musical performances
Curated silent auction with local art, experiences, and handmade goods
Inspiring keynote speakers: Andrea DuVall, CEO & Founder of Mother Earth Food, Ines Kinchen, Founder, Emerald Ark School & Sanctuary, Grandmaster Tony Morris, Founder, Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts
All proceeds support Asheville Waldorf School, furthering our mission to nurture head, heart, and hands through holistic education.
Nancy, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation, currently resides in the Wolftown community of the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, NC. Nancy is passionate about promoting the rich culture and heritage of Cherokee women in today’s society.
Inspired by her father, Nancy has become a renowned storyteller, dedicated to preserving and sharing the traditions and history of the Anikituwah/Eastern Band of the Cherokee people.
As a valued member of the Cherokee storyteller group, she is regularly featured at the Oconaluftee Island Park summer bonfire events.
Nancy will kick off our speaker series with a talk on land stewardship, highlighting cultural knowledge, tradition, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Mountain Valleys RC&D is a conservation non-profit that has served 8 counties in Western NC for over 50 years. We connect farmers, landowners, and small business owners with conservation programs including Shade Your Stream, a grant funded initiative to stabilize eroding streambanks with native plants. In this program, you will learn where to purchase erosion control materials (biodegradable coir matting and stakes), the ideal slope for grading banks, how to apply coir matting, and the best varieties of seeds, live stakes, and native plants to use to establish root systems. We will discuss the benefits of vegetating the riparian zone (the area adjacent to fresh, running water) and the impact riparian zones have on flooding.
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.
Looking for a buzz-worthy event? Look no further than Asheville’s 4th Annual Honey Festival! Join the Center for Honeybee Research and Shanti Elixirs on Sunday, June 8th, from 12-6pm at Highland Brewing for a day of celebration, education, and community-building.
At the festival, you’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors showcasing the unique flavors of honey and other artisanal goods. But that’s not all: you’ll also be supporting a great cause, as proceeds from the festival will go towards saving pollinators and our planet.
The Center for Honeybee Research will be offering local and international honey for guests to sample and purchase, and you can even participate in the People’s Choice award for local honey vendors. Plus, we will be featuring the live finals of the 15th Annual International Black Jar Honey competition. Festival goers can watch as local celebrities determine the world’s best-tasting honey.
And don’t forget to come dressed in your best pollinator-themed costume! It’s all part of the fun at Asheville’s 4th Annual Honey Festival.
Personal water bottles are recommended, and families are encouraged to attend. So mark your calendars for June 8th, and come out to celebrate the wonderful world of beekeeping, honey, and all things pollinators. Together, we can help save the bees!
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.
Literacy Together has a determined group of students waiting for volunteer tutors so they can move forward on their goals for a better future. We offer both in-person and remote volunteer opportunities. We offer programs that teach English to immigrants, provide adult literacy support for individuals working on their GED, and offer youth literacy services for children struggling to learn to read. In addition, we welcome everyone, even those who are not ready to volunteer, to attend and learn about the literacy challenges we face in Buncombe County.
The Brevard Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is sponsoring its 55th Annual Book Sale, the largest and best book sale in North Carolina. Net proceeds support local STEM and educational scholarships for girls (5th-12th grades) and women at Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College.
Book donations are collected in Yellow Boxes at numerous community locations from early February to late May 2025. Walk-in donations are accepted each Thursday until May 22 from 10am-2pm at The Book Book, 170 S. Broad St., Brevard, NC.
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 at Overmountain Vineyards with DJ Aaron Greene for an evening of fun, food, and dancing! Ticketholders will be treated to Overmountain Vineyard wines, NC craft beers, and heavy hors d’oeurves while breaking down on the dance floor! More info to come…
Literacy Together has a determined group of students waiting for volunteer tutors so they can move forward on their goals for a better future. We offer both in-person and remote volunteer opportunities. We offer programs that teach English to immigrants, provide adult literacy support for individuals working on their GED, and offer youth literacy services for children struggling to learn to read. In addition, we welcome everyone, even those who are not ready to volunteer, to attend and learn about the literacy challenges we face in Buncombe County.
Join us for After Hours, our 21+ night at the Museum.
This month’s theme is Our Changing World.
Explore how scientists and communities work together for climate resilient futures in our new exhibit Our Changing World. Hear stories from scientists and community members who used a wide variety of skills and problem solving during and after Helene. Make a climate indicator quilt, or explore real-time environment data on our 360 interactive globe.
Trivia with Discount Tobacco Tattoo
8pm-9pm
It’s time for Climate trivia with Meg! How well do you know the changing world around us? Winner gets a free tattoo from Discount Tobacco at Slouch Tattoo.
Soil Sleuths
Get dirty with AMOS Educators in Soil Sleuths- a soil experiment game with tips for your own backyard!
Geologic Timeline Scavenger Hunt
Play games and do art activities that have you moving through Earth’s Eons, Epochs, and Ages! Compete in a Geologic Time Scavenger Hunt to take home a piece of the “Anthropocene.”
Get Active!
Meet groups who are actively working to create sustainable futures through direct action and community science. Learn about firefly conservation with THEM in STEM, explore the flora and fauna hiding in plain sight with Save the UNCA Woods, and get up to speed on the i-26 connector projector with the Citizen’s Coalition.
Touch a Meteorite
Meet the astronomers at PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) and get up close to the formation of the universe itself! Touch a meteorite, take a guided tour of our gem collection, and find out about the perfect conditions for forming Earth (and you)!
This is a 21+ event; ID is required. Price of admission ticket includes one free drink.
Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch
Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch
Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch
Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT