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.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
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.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
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.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
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.
Welcome to our Special Needs Adult Camp, where laughter, creativity, and friendship are always on the agenda!
Get ready to dive into a world of fun as we embark on a journey filled with cooking delights, dance parties, bingo showdowns, and arts and crafts galore. Whether you’re a culinary wizard, a dancing sensation, a bingo aficionado, or an aspiring artist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our camp.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! In the afternoons, we’ll set out on exciting field trips to explore the wonders of our community. From strolls through Charles Owen Park to discovering the beauty of the Arboretum, creating magnificent sculptures in an artist’s studio, and spreading kindness during our random act of kindness outing, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and discovery.
But the true magic of our camp lies in the bonds we form and the memories we create. With our caring staff by your side, you’ll laugh, learn, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s discovering new talents, forming new friendships, or simply enjoying the sweetness of life, our camp is a place where everyone belongs and every moment is cherished.
Join us for a mini-camp of laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures. Your special journey awaits at our camp in East Asheville!
John McClung Roofing takes pride in giving back to our community and one of the ways we do that is through our annual Backpack Giveaway! This year, our goal is to provide hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies for kids in WNC for the upcoming school year! To get involved, visit our website at www.johnmcclungroofing.com/community
Special shout-out to our partners and sponsors: Best Buy Metals, ABC Supply, Shared Vision International, Walmart & Sam’s Club, New York Life Agent Joshua Brown, Self-Help Credit Union, Board & Brush Asheville, Hope City Fellowship, Born to Bend Mental Health and Wellness, and Family Support Network of WNC!
Bounce Houses! Crafts! Resources! And MORE!!
The Woodstock Costume Contest + Live Music by Weirdly Woodstock!
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
FREE YOUR INNER FLOWER-POWERED HIPPIE!
EVERYONE WELCOME — ALL AGES & FRIENDLY PETS!
NO COVER CHARGE!
Featuring the delightfully unpredictable Weirdly Woodstock! with “SparkPlug Sal,” joined by the insanely talented Mark Tumo on sax, keys, and vocals, and percussionist extraordinaire Dave Halstead on drums and percussion!
Located at the edge of Biltmore Village, French Broad River Brewery is your go-to spot for Asheville live music, delicious pizza, craft beer, wines, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Live Music, costume contest, beer, dance party, and Silly Willie’s Hot Dogs will keep the fun rolling all night long!
Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt
The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.
Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!
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.
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.
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
Get Ready for the United for Youth Community Engagement Block Party
Friday, August 22nd, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, Pack Square Park

We’re taking the block party to the next level — with live youth performances, mouthwatering food trucks. a DJ keeping the beat, 50+ community info. booths, interactive STEAM and Resiliency zones, kids’ activities, and surprises around every corner.
It’s a celebration of resilience, connection, and community power! Join us for this FREE event where families, friends, neighbors, and partners come together to celebrate what makes our community strong and the unstoppable spirit of United for Youth.
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, creativity, and inspiration at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market — where young minds turn big ideas into real-life businesses!
We are partnering with Olivette Farm for their 4th Annual Harvest Fest. Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand. All while supporting ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program at this special benefit event at Olivette Farm celebrating local farmers, community and music.
📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.
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.
Join the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Olivette’s Riverside Park for the Harvest Fest, a fun filled day of music, activities and nature in celebration of local farmers, community and music. if you have a kid aged 5-17, they can come and run a booth at our kids-only market! Register today! at https://kidsmarkets.com/event/asheville-3/Included: 1 free adult ticket to Harvest Fest per booth. $25 per ticket for each additional adult to attend Harvest Fest, all children receive free entry.
Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday August 23rd for a very special benefit show in support of ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. HarvestFest is a celebration of local farmers, community and music. Doors open at 3pm with family games and activities and live music.
In honor of our local farmers and all they do to sustain our community, all farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. All ticket proceeds will go towards the ASAP Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.
Get ready, Asheville! The United for Youth Block Party is back and bigger than ever — and you’re invited. This high-energy, family-friendly event is all about celebrating our community’s resilience, creativity, and connection.
Join us Friday, August 22, from 5–8 PM at Pack Square Park for an unforgettable afternoon featuring live performances by local youth, a DJ spinning the hits, mouthwatering food trucks, 50+ community info booths, and hands-on STEAM and Resilience zones. There’s something for everyone, from fun kids’ activities to powerful moments of inspiration.
Whether you’re a parent, teen, or community supporter, this event is all about uniting to celebrate what makes Asheville strong: our people, our partnerships, and our unstoppable spirit. And the best part? It’s completely FREE.
Bring your friends, your family, and your love for this city — we’ll see you at the block party!
RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar Concept are hosting, RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival, taking place on August 24 in Asheville, NC. A portion of proceeds from the one-day event will benefit two local conservation nonprofits: RiverLink & MountainTrue. Both have been vital to recovery efforts in WNC. Borne from Blue Lines, which supports fly fishing guides in Western North Carolina and Tennessee, will host a guide expo during the event in an effort to help them rebuild their customer base after Hurricane Helene.
The riverfront Wrong Way (9 Midnight Drive, on Amboy Road) will host RISE which will be free and open to the public and include activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, clinics, kid-friendly programming, raffles, and shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands. Festival goers will enjoy an eclectic mix of live music in the Wrong Way Meadow and food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery, and featured local breweries.
