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.

Thursday, April 25, 2024
Building Bridges Community Talkback
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Franklin School of Innovation

Building Bridges of Asheville invites you to a screening and talkback session of the film, “13th”.

In this thought-provoking documentary scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African Americans.

The film will be followed by a guided conversation facilitated by Building Bridges board members and Niconda Garcia & Nex Millen.

Building Bridges fosters antiracism by educating people on how to intentionally engage in dialogues on racism. BBAVL.org

You have a part to play in this work, and this event is a great point of entry.

Friday, April 26, 2024
Blind Date Live
Apr 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 6:30 PM

– AGES 18+
– SEATED SHOW
– 7PM MIXER, 8PM SHOW

Blind Date Live is back just in time for Mother’s Day… and how are we celebrating?

By hosting a special edition of our notorious live dating show just for MILFs, of course!

For those of you who don’t know, a MILF is a “Mother I’d Like to F***.” But listen up, pervs, before you f*** these eligible mamas, you have FIRST to date them in front of a live audience! And then maybe take them to dinner a few times. What happens after the show is really up to them. But we know they aren’t virgins… if you catch our drift.

Kick off the night with a social mixer from 7-8 pm, where you can rub elbows with the city’s hottest parents. These mommies and daddies aren’t just experts in the fine art of packing lunchboxes; they’re single, sizzling, and ready to mingle their hearts out until their 9 pm bedtime.

But wait — the show isn’t just for eligible single parents. Everyone is invited to come watch the hilarity unfold! All ages, all relationship statuses; everyone gets a steaming slice of mama’s famous apple pie.

As the blind dating show begins, prepare to be entertained by the unpredictable twists and turns of love at first sight…or at least, love at first awkward introduction-through-a-partition. Will there be instant chemistry, or will our hot moms put their dates in time-out? A good spanking isn’t always a bad thing.

And just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, DJ Savvy G takes over, turning the Grey Eagle into the hottest dance club in town. Let loose, show off your best moves, and maybe even bump and grind with one of the evening’s stars. Blind Date Live: MILF Edition promises to be an unforgettable night of fun and fabulous Asheville moms and pops. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Asheville’s most talked-about dating show!

Thursday, May 2, 2024
Citron Gallery Exhibition Opening
May 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Citron Gallery

Citron Gallery presents an art exhibition that harmoniously weaves together the distinctive styles of two artists, each navigating the delicate balance between spontaneity and control in their unique mediums. In this captivating showcase, the ethereal paintings of fabric and mixed media artist, Lauren Betty, and the textured wonders of oil, cold wax, and mixed media by Rand Kramer converge to create an immersive experience.

Lauren transforms delicate fabrics into ethereal paintings that seem to defy gravity. Using spontaneous gestures, she allows the fabric to take on a life of its own, capturing the fluidity of emotions in each piece. The work emerges as she delicately arranges and manipulates the fabric, creating an otherworldly tapestry that invites viewers to explore the boundaries between reality and the sublime.

Rand’s controlled technique involves layering and scraping, building up a rich textures that exude both depth and mystery. This deliberate process reflects an artful balance between spontaneity and control, inviting viewers to witness the evolution of his creations.

This will also be Mosaic Realty’s 2nd annual Art Walk & Benefit night! We are one of the 14 participating galleries on the Art Walk. This free community fundraiser, open to the public, will be hosted by Mosaic Realty, and each gallery highlights a different local nonprofit. Our gallery will be supporting the work of Blue Ridge Orchestra. There will be the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win exciting prizes, with all raffle basket proceeds going to the highlighted organization.

Friday, May 3, 2024
The Controlled Chaos Film Festival
May 3 @ 7:30 pm
WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center

Rounding out the 2023/2024 Stage and Screen Main Stage Season is the most exciting single night of the academic year, the Controlled Chaos Film Festival, a celebration of numerous narrative and documentary films created by the students in the Film and Television Production program. For more information on the festival explore: controlledchaos.wcu.edu

Please Note:

  • NO photography, videography, or recording of any kind.
  • This event includes language which may not be suitable for all audiences.
  • The content of each film in the Controlled Chaos Film Festival will vary.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
May 4 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Experience the magic of a galaxy far, far away at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. The Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert.” Enjoy the iconic film with a live performance by GSO of John Williams’ Oscar®-winning score. Feel the force as the orchestra delivers an unforgettable family-friendly event.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10:00 am and can be purchased online at BSWArena.com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of Star Wars like never before. May the force be with you!

Link: https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/events/detail/starwars-greenvilesymphonyorchestra-greenville

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Davy Knowles / Jeffrey Gaines
May 7 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

DAVY KNOWLES
Whether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.

Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike – but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their respective missions orbiting Earth.

Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70’s classic rock influenced album ‘Three Miles From Avalon’, to the haunting acoustic delta blues of ‘1932’, and the sweet, soul-searching folk of 2023’s ‘If I Should Wander’.

Whether spending an evening onstage armed with just an acoustic guitar, or wielding his well worn and trusty Telecaster while fronting his blues/rock trio – and at any point in between the two – Davy Knowles is one of the most versatile and formidable songwriters, vocalists and musicians in the world today. A true artist in every sense of the word.

JEFFREY GAINES

Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.

Throughout his three-decade recording career, Gaines has maintained an impressive standard for soul-searching, introspective lyrics and catchy, uplifting melodies. Since bursting on the scene with his self-titled 1992 debut album, the charismatic singer-songwriter-guitarist has built a beloved body of recordings that’s won him a large and deeply devoted international fan base.

Gaines has been pursuing musical transcendence for much of his life. Raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by soul-music-loving parents, he began his musical life playing guitar in local cover combos, before his songwriting muse became too insistent to ignore. He soon landed his first record deal shortly after graduating from high school, and in 1992 released his widely acclaimed debut album Jeffrey Gaines. The eponymous disc won massive amounts of critical and audience acclaim, spawning the hit “Hero in Me.” Somewhat Slightly Dazed (1994) and Galore (1998) further expanded his audience. Interview magazine described Gaines’ work as “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.”

With more than a quarter-century of recording and performing under his belt, Jeffrey Gaines is enjoying life and music more than ever. “Nowadays, I know what the job is about so there’s nothing to stress about, he says. “I know that there’s people out there who want it, so I have the opportunity to extend their experience. I guess I could lay my albums all out and see that they tell a story, but personally I prefer to keep looking forward.”

Thursday, May 9, 2024
Nerd Nite May: Bees, Satellites, and the Culture of Moana
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
The River Arts District Brewing Company

When someone asks if you want to hear a fun fact, is your response “Heck yeah”? Congratulations, nerd! There’s an event just for you! Join us at The River Arts District Brewing Company for a night of outrageously fun facts and tasty beverages.

Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities around the world featuring fun-yet-informative presentations across a variety of subjects.

May Lineup:

– A Seasonal Tale of Honey Bee Foragers (Knox Petrucci)

– Help wanted! Seeing Plant Stress from the Sky (Douglas Yuhan Rao)

– Cultural References in Disney’s Moana (Tavi–featuring a live fire performance, weather permitting!)

Plus your host Von’s mini feature: SAVE LOWER DECKS!

Pre-sale tickets available now! https://events.humanitix.com/nerd-nite-asheville-may

Read full descriptions of this month’s presentations on our website, asheville.nerdnite.com

Doors 6pm, show 7pm sharp. Early arrival strongly recommended. Pre-sale tickets $10, door $15. 21+. RAD Brewing Co. 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801

Food truck, freshly brewed drinks, and free popcorn! Be there and be square!

(lineup subject to change)

Friday, May 10, 2024
Movies in the Park: Free Family Films
May 10 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.

.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.

🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
The End of the Affair
May 14 @ 2:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Showings: 2 pm Matinee & 7 pm “The End of the Affair” is based on Graham Greene’s classic novel by the same name.

The 1999 romantic drama film written and directed by Neil Jordan and starring the all-star cast of Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore and Stephen Rea, was based on the 1951 novel by British author Graham Greene. The End of the Affair depicts an extramarital affair which lasts from 1939 to 1946 and is set during World War II and its aftermath.

Set in London, the novel examines the obsessions, jealousy and discernments within the relationships between three central characters: writer Maurice Bendrix; Sarah Miles; and her husband, civil servant Henry Miles.

Julianne Moore was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and cinematographer Roger Pratt was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Neil Jordan and Moore were nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama in the Golden Globe Awards.

The End of the Affair
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Showings: 2 pm Matinee & 7 pm “The End of the Affair” is based on Graham Greene’s classic novel by the same name.

The 1999 romantic drama film written and directed by Neil Jordan and starring the all-star cast of Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore and Stephen Rea, was based on the 1951 novel by British author Graham Greene. The End of the Affair depicts an extramarital affair which lasts from 1939 to 1946 and is set during World War II and its aftermath.

Set in London, the novel examines the obsessions, jealousy and discernments within the relationships between three central characters: writer Maurice Bendrix; Sarah Miles; and her husband, civil servant Henry Miles.

Julianne Moore was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and cinematographer Roger Pratt was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Neil Jordan and Moore were nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama in the Golden Globe Awards.

 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
May 15 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest
When: Wensday May 15, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website
https://theorangepeel.net/…/slice-of-life-comedy…/pulp/
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!
Hosted by Jason Webb, featuring professional comics competing to win your love!
Comedy open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks! Spots for comics are set aside for pre signup and at door. You may contact Slice to see how to get on show!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
They will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10-12m set! The will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title!
Host Jason Webb was Winner for last month’s contest and is automatically entered to battle the top 3 contestants in a future show! His standup is a viral sensation on TikTok!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQo21rN/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQomXME/
A southern Preacher’s son with a dark twist, Jason has been entertaining audiences all over the country with his unique brand of adorably hateful insights. Jason expertly mixes high and low energy to bring the audience to a comfortable place to talk about uncomfortable subjects. Jason was the Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset Blvd..

Amelia Day at Eulogy with Blue Cactus
May 15 @ 8:00 pm
Eulogy

Amelia Day and Blue Cactus take Eulogy’s stage on May 15th (tickets are $12 plus fees)! Amelia Day is a folk rock powerhouse entering the conversation with mainstays like Brandi Carlile, the Indigo Girls, and Tracy Chapman. Underscoring her carefree melodies with gritty, confessional lyricism and raw, heartfelt delivery, she performs with an intimacy that makes even new listeners feel familiar. Amelia mixes elements of her adolescent Seattle mixtapes of folk, rock, and jazz in music that plays freely with genre, while still being undeniably “Amelia Day”. Without a label, manager, or agent, Amelia has headlined Nashville classics like Exit/In, sold out venues like Seattle’s iconic The Triple Door, been featured on popular stations like KEXP and 107.7 The End, opened for pop crooner Stephen Sanchez, and independently amassed over 1M streams and 70K monthly listeners on Spotify. Amelia Day just released her sophomore EP “Little One” in early November, which has already been met with rave reviews from publications like The UW Daily and Outwrite.

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Third Thursday: live music w/ DJ Phantompantone, a screening of Who is Bozo Texino? by Bill Daniel
May 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

very Third Thursday the Museum comes alive with an evening filled with music, tours, art making and more! Join us for an eclectic evening featuring live music with DJ Phantompantone, a screening of Who is Bozo Texino? by Bill Daniel, special cocktails at the Museum’s Perspective Café, and our public tour of Discovering Art in Asheville.

THIRD THURSDAY FEATURES

Live Music: DJ Phantom Pantone—Enjoy an evening of live music at the museum’s rooftop featuring DJ Phantom Pantone.

Film: Who is Bozo Texino?Shot on freight trips across the western US over a period of 16 years, Who is Bozo Texino? chronicles the search for the source of a ubiquitous rail graffiti—a simple sketch of a character with an infinity-shaped hat and the scrawled moniker, “Bozo Texino”—a drawing seen on railcars for over 80 years.

THIRD THURSDAY SCHEDULE

5–9pm

Special Cocktail: Signature Sangria • Perspective Café, level 4

6–7pm

In Conversation: Katherine Ware • Multipurpose Space, level 1

6–7pm

Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville • Windgate Foundation Atrium, level 1

6–8pm

Live Music: DJ Phantompantone • Sculpture Terrace, level 4

7–9pm

Film: Who is Bozo Texino? by Bill Daniel (runtime 57 minutes) • Multipurpose Space, level 1

THIRD THURSDAYS

Each third Thursday, the Museum and community partners offer fun events for adults to socialize through interactive art-related activities, delicious drinks, and tasty treats. For more information or to add your name to our Third Thursday mailing list, click here to email us or call 828.253.3227 x121.

Friday, May 17, 2024
Cinema on the Square Presents – “Dungeons + Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”
May 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

Come and enjoy an evening under the stars while you watch the award winning 2023 adventure film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic, but their charming adventure goes dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

Learn more about the movie here: tinyurl.com….

Refreshments will be available for sale.

Please bring a blanket or camp chair.

Monday, May 20, 2024
Brandon RAinwater Standup
May 20 @ 8:00 pm
The Bier Garden

Brandon Rainwater at The Bier Garden
Come join us for a night of laughter with the hilarious Brandon Rainwater! Get ready for a comedy show that will have you rolling in your seats. This in person event will be held at The Bier Garden, so grab your friends and get ready for a night of fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see Brandon Rainwater perform live! Featuring Dante’ Quitman, guest Zlata Cass. Hosted by Ryan Cox! Full menu options! Largest beer selections in Asheville.

Thursday, May 30, 2024
CARNIVALE MACABRE: Thunderdome
May 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– AGES 18+
– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Take an epic journey to the desolate sands of the future where a band of villainous warboys and their pet cannibal put on a dystopian variety show featuring Drag, Comedy, Burlesque, Magic, games and prizes, and specialty freak show acts paired with live music all night by the Carnivale Macabre house band Renounced Heroes!

Come dressed in your best dystopian wasteland attire for a chance to win prizes for your costume and immerse yourself in this futuristic hell scape.
Friday, May 31, 2024
Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused 3-course Dinner Shows
May 31 @ 6:30 pm
Rezonanance

Slice of Life Presents: Canna Comic Cuisine?
Two Infused Dinner & Comedy Shows
Friday May 31, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
& 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Rezonance Lounge via The Green Room 51 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Featuring a 3-course meal from Infuso including an infused Smashburger, infused salad, infused gourmet banana pudding, and a selection of infused cannabis drinks and surprise samples from local hemp brands.
Comedians curated by Slice of Life Comedy! Vaping (of The Green Room’s products only) is permitted.

Featuring Petey Smith McDowell

Space is limited, go to Smokesome.green to reserve your spots today!

Saturday, June 1, 2024
Pollination Celebration: Pollination Film Festival Film Screening of “Wings of Life”
Jun 1 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Pack Library’s Pollination Film Festival features films, talks, and activities about pollination during the month of June.

Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible–and increasingly threatened–creatures. Our Pollination Celebration! keynote speaker on June 22, Dr. Stephen Buchmann, served as Chief Scientist for the film.

Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Pollination Celebration: Pollination Film Festival Film Screening of “Wings of Life”
Jun 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Pack Library’s Pollination Film Festival features films, talks, and activities about pollination during the month of June.

A story of surprise and revelation. A wildlife filmmaker spends his time during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown filming the bees in his urban garden and discovers the many diverse species and personalities that exist in this insect family.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS: This is Spinal Tap
Jun 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Asheville Guitar Bar

 

With special co-host Stephen Goldman, MTYE goes to 11 for a celebration of one of the loudest bands of all time. Discussion, live music, listening, and sing-along. Dress code: none more black!

 

ABOUT THE DISCUSSION SERIES
Music to Your Ears is Bill Kopp’s monthly discussion series hosted by Asheville Guitar Bar and sponsored by AshevilleFM. On the first Wednesday of each month, music enthusiasts gather to discuss an important album, artist or musical movement. An interactive evening, Music to Your Ears isn’t a lecture; it’s a discussion led by experts and designed to enrich the listening experience. The character of each session is defined by the participants (that’s you). The conversation goes where the attendees take it: the person seated next to you might have attended Woodstock or seen The Beatles in concert. The insights of everyone in the room are what make each and every Music to Your Ears a unique experience.

ABOUT BILL KOPP
With over 500 bylines in Western North Carolina publications (Mountain Xpress, Bold Life, WNC Magazine and more), Asheville-based author and music journalist is an acknowledged expert on popular music. Author of two books – Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon and Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave – Bill Kopp writes for publications across the country and abroad. A contributing editor at Goldmine Magazine and contributing writer at GRAMMY.com, he has authored more than 30 album liner note essays and conducted more than 1100 interviews. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance, and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts.

Friday, June 7, 2024
Connect Beyond Festival: FILM SCREENING: “Step” and Paula Dofat Q+A
Jun 7 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Join us for a FREE film screening of the Sundance Award-winning documentary, Step, and a Q&A with cast member, HBCU advocate & national speaker Paula Dofat and hosted by Slay The Mic’s Elizabeth Lashay Garland. Even though this event is free, registration is required. Head to our tickets link to save your seats! STEP is the true-life story of a girls’ high-school step team set against the background of the heart of Baltimore. These young women learn to laugh, love and thrive – on and off the stage – even when the world seems to work against them. Empowered by their teachers, teammates, counselors, coaches and families, they chase their ultimate dreams: to win a step championship and to be accepted into college

Saturday, June 8, 2024
Film Screening: “Hometown Habitat, Stories of Bringing Nature Home” (Pollination Celebration)
Jun 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:45 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Environmental documentary featuring Dr. Doug Tallamy focused on why native plants are critical to the survival and vitality of local ecosystems with a goal to inspire people to plant native plants, providing a call to action to change our garden choices to include native plants.

This film screening is part of a community-wide Pollination Celebration! that will be taking place throughout June 2024. For information about other events, go to: beecityasheville.org/pollination-celebration

Sunday, June 9, 2024
Connect Beyond Festival
Jun 9 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Connect Beyond Festival returns to downtown Asheville, N.C. on June 7-9, 2024 for a weekend of performances, panels, film screenings and workshops with award-winning artists and thought leaders, exploring how the intersection of music, art, film and storytelling can inspire positive change. This year’s festival, dubbed by Ashvegas as “Asheville’s version of SXSW,” is themed around Connection To Deepen Resilience and Keep Moving Forward. Connect Beyond will be partnering with Slay The Mic Media to co-curate programs centered around youth empowerment. Tickets for the Connect Beyond Festival are slated to go on sale by May 13th. To optimize community accessibility, options include individual event tickets or a full weekend pass.

Standup Comedy at Avlpizza
Jun 9 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Btewung Co

Another great comedy show at Asheville Pizza in Theatre 2, get your dinner , drinks & laughs with a comedy open mic! Professional featured performers in a fun environment. Hosted by Cody Hughes! Featuring Zandra Johnson, Johnathan Pruett & Jason Reel

Monday, June 10, 2024
Music Movie Mondays: LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING
Jun 10 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Music Movie Monday Special Screening –

Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp will be introducing the film and leading a moderated, interactive discussion following the movie.

All tickets are $15 and include General Admission Ticket plus Introduction and Moderated Discussion with Bill Kopp

Sponsored by Asheville FM

 

 

LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING tells the story of the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll, exploding the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman. Through a wealth of archive and performance that brings us into Richard’s complicated inner world, the film unspools the icon’s life story with all its switchbacks and contradictions. In interviews with family, musicians, and cutting-edge Black and queer scholars, the film reveals how Richard created an art form for ultimate self-expression, yet what he gave to the world he was never able to give to himself. Throughout his life, Richard careened like a shiny cracked pinball between God, sex and rock n’ roll. The world tried to put him in a box, but Richard was an omni being who contained multitudes – he was unabashedly everything.

Conversations in Film: The Post
Jun 10 @ 7:15 pm – 10:15 pm
Story Parlor

Join Story Medicine Worldwide for a screening of Steven Spielberg’s The Post, followed by a post-viewing conversation facilitated by local author, Meta Commerse.

Thursday, June 13, 2024
Standup Comedy Contest
Jun 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pulp

Slice of Life Standup Comedy Contest
When: Wensday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website

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!

How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!

All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.

Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup

Standup Comedy Contest FINAL ROUND
Jun 13 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday June 13, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website
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!
How it Works: The show’s Headliner will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will write down their favorite top comic of the evening who will be paid & brought back to headline the end of the show with a closing 10m set! They will automatically be entered into a Feature headlining show to battle for Asheville title at plēb urban winery on June 21!
All standup comics are invited to be on the show as long as there is still room available. There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-1/2m of material and be prepared for an additional 10m. They will be invited to be a paid feature on the final battle with grand cash prize.
Hosted by around 2 Winner Ryan Gordon
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more details or to signup

Friday, June 14, 2024
Movies in the Park: Free Family Films
Jun 14 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.

.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.

🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.

Saturday, June 15, 2024
Juneteenth Movie Event: Harriet
Jun 15 @ 2:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

Join us for our Juneteenth Cinema at Swannanoa Library! Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. For teens and adults, run time 126 minutes and snacks will be provided. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up..