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.

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Back to School Blessing
Jul 27 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
New Covenant Church

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Back to School Blessing on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Last year we gave away over 700 backpacks filled with school supplies and had over 1,000 people in attendance. This year we have a goal to give away 1,000 backpacks filled of school supplies and expect 2,000 people in attendance. The 2nd Annual Back to School Blessing will also include food, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, inflatable attractions, raffle prizes and more, all for FREE! For more information and to register for FREE backpacks, visit newcovenantchurch.com.

Thursday, August 1, 2019
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Aug 1 all-day
Pulp Lounge

https://www.facebook.com/events/387484835228031/

Thursday night 8/1
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Featuing Jess Cooley
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$5 members/$2 for year membership
Comics get in free
(+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Kick It Tickets LEAF Downtown
Aug 3 all-day
Various locations Downtown Asheville

Kick It Ticket grants access to the Get Down Lounge
& the Capella on 9 Cocktail Hour.

Plus, get these sweet perks:

BITES & BEVS

  • Private Bar featuring Sierra Nevada, Pisgah, HI-Wire, and Wicked Weed brews. Titos, wine and more! Non-alc options also available.
  • Complimentary food refreshed throughout the weekend
  • 6 Drink Tickets per guest

SPACE TO RELAX

  • Private viewing area next to Pack Stage
  • Private Restrooms
  • Reserved Parking

SWAG FOR DAYS

  • Automatic raffle entry for a chance to win a pair of Fall LEAF Festival day tickets
  • Swag Bags full of goodness

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Lace up! Register Now for LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 3 all-day
Pack Square

RUN YOUR ASH OFF for Cultural Arts Education!
Your run (or walk) 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets
Saturday, August 3rd @ 9am

Lace up your shoes for the LEAF ART DASH,
for an art filled family-friendly 5K in downtown Asheville.
Costumes Encouraged | Pets Welcome
Art Dash kicks off Saturday LEAF Downtown AVL festivities!

This 3.1 mi COURSE will travel through the city,
complete with live roaming Artists & interactive arts.
It feels like a LEAF Parade! 
#RunYourAshOff

Sunday, August 4, 2019
60th Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 4 all-day
The Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center

For the last 60 years, Spruce Pine has welcomed rockhounds and gem and mineral enthusiasts to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Welcome to the North Carolina Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Festival website! Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Celebrating our Diamond Year!
August 1-4, 2019

One of the oldest & most popular mineral and gem shows in the country!

Admission $5 adults, $3 Seniors, Kids 10 & under free

Festival Times:
Thursday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Comedy Festival Launch Party/Famous Showcase #1
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Highland Brewing

We kick off the 13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival with a stellar lineup of comics from all over the country!

We are so glad to be returning, and what better way to kick off the 13th year of an amazing festival than by celebrating at Asheville’s best brewery?!

Performer Lineup

Andrew Orolfo

Max Fine

Natalie McGill

Ben Bryant

Lace Larrabee

Dro Knows

Hobert Thompson

Dan Carney

Spencer Dobson

Lindsay Glazer

Jeremy Alder

Thursday, August 8, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Famous Showcase #2
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 2 2019.jpg

Kyle Mara – Grisel Cabrera – Carter Deems – Zack Chapaloni – Scott Eason – Becca Steinhoff – Piers Moreton – Dan Drees – Nariko Ott – Ian Aber – Maddie Wiener – Rafe Williams –

Friday, August 9, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #3
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 3 2019.jpg

Maya May – David Sitrick – Janet McNamara – Jimmy HVD – Olivia Cathcart – Mike Feeney – Chey Bell – Nat Baimel – Caitlin Checkeroski – Dylan Vattelana – Aviva Siegel – Jeff Zenisek –

Saturday, August 10, 2019
25th Annual Twin Rivers Multimedia Festival & Film Screenings
Aug 10 all-day
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Film screenings of award-winning international/national/local films, premieres & official selections. Feature Film “Beautiful Jinn” by Bayram Fazli screens on Friday, 8-10pm. Screenings of Short Drama Animation, Short Dramas, Experimental Films, and Documentaries will run Saturday 11am – 6pm. Vote for Audience Award!
TRMF has become the festival of choice for filmmakers and film lovers who are seeking a unique Western North Carolina high quality cinema experience and a place to indulge their passion for film. The Festival connects audiences to compelling documentaries, award-winning international releases with tantalizing discussions with visiting filmmakers. This year the festival will be screening 46 films from 26 countries which also includes two selected films from Western North Carolina.

Sourwood Festival downtown Black Mountain
Aug 10 all-day
Downtown Black Mountain

The Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children in August each year.

Over 30,000 people from all over America will be in attendance at the festival which grows in popularity each year.

Music, dancing, arts & crafts, super food, kid’s rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment make it the perfect event for you and your entire family.

With about 200 vendors you will discover lots of local and unique arts and crafts and there will be something to please every palate with BBQ and vegetarian faire, custom-crafted ice cream and funnel cakes and jellies.  Summertime favorites include the sausages and corn on the cob.

Add to that the honey and bee demos as well as the gourmet sourwood honey – you don’t want to miss this event!

13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #4
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 4 2019.jpg

Pedro Gonzalez – Lucia Whalen – Ken Garr – Curtis Cook – Linda Belt – Gianmarco Soresi – Pauline Yasuda – Wellington Ojukwu – Gracie Canaan – Chris Flanagan – Winston Hodges – Courtney Gilmour –

Sunday, August 11, 2019
Sourwood Festival downtown Black Mountain
Aug 11 all-day
Downtown Black Mountain

The Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children in August each year.

Over 30,000 people from all over America will be in attendance at the festival which grows in popularity each year.

Music, dancing, arts & crafts, super food, kid’s rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment make it the perfect event for you and your entire family.

With about 200 vendors you will discover lots of local and unique arts and crafts and there will be something to please every palate with BBQ and vegetarian faire, custom-crafted ice cream and funnel cakes and jellies.  Summertime favorites include the sausages and corn on the cob.

Add to that the honey and bee demos as well as the gourmet sourwood honey – you don’t want to miss this event!

Monday, August 12, 2019
Moog Filtered Ale Returns for Moogmentum Grand Opening Celebration
Aug 12 all-day
Moogseum

 

Moog Filtered Ale Returns for Moogmentum Grand Opening Celebration

The Bob Moog Foundation and Asheville Brewing Company are proud to announce a very limited release of Moog Filtered Ale, a specially brewed ale named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. This unique pale ale will be available beginning Monday, August 12, 2019, in celebration of Moogmentum, the series of events marking the grand opening of the Foundation’s Moogseum, taking place August 13th-15th in downtown Asheville, NC. All profits from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit the Moogseum.

Moog Filtered Ale will be available on draft exclusively at Moogmentum events at the Asheville Masonic Temple and the Asheville Music Hall, as well as at Bottle Shop 604 in west Asheville and the Asheville Brewing Company in downtown Asheville.

“Moog Filtered Ale is a dry hopped pale ale with big citrus and tropical flavor and aroma,” stated Pete Langheinrich, Asheville Brewing Company’s head brewer. “Moog has always been a huge part of our brewery’s soundtrack and we’re very excited to work with such a true music pioneer. This brew showcases classic and modern American brewing techniques and reflects the passion and ingenuity of both Bob Moog and Asheville Brewing Company.”

Thursday, August 15, 2019
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Aug 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Aug 21 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, August 22, 2019
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Aug 22 @ 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday night 8/1 Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Both Professionals and Newbies!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$5 members/$2 for year membership
Comics get in free
(+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Friday, August 23, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Aug 23 all-day
various locations see details

August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville

Saturday, August 24, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Aug 24 all-day
various locations see details

August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville

Hi-Wire Oktoberfest at the Big Top
Aug 24 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing - Big Top

Join us as we kick-off the Oktoberfest season at Hi-Wire.

Hi-Wire’s annual annual Oktoberfest returns to Asheville Saturday, August 24 at Big Top with a bunch of individual and team games including Bouncy Ball Race, Dizzy Relay, Brat Toss, Grain Sack Toss, Stein Hoisting, and Mechanical Bull Riding.

We’ve got the INCREDIBLE Mountain Top Polka Band throwing down throughout the day. This family friendly event is one of our absolute favorites every year and we hope you’ll join us! $15 includes a custom liter stein and first fill-up. Liter fills of flagship and seasonal beers are $8 after that.

Sunday, August 25, 2019
18th Annual Organic Fest
Aug 25 all-day
Pack Square

ashevilles-organicfest-banner-dateless

Join us for a FUNtastic day of family-friendly fun, organic eats, live music, shopping at the Organicfest Marketplace & Greenstreet, Natural Arts & Crafts and plenty of eco- friendly fun for the little ones!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Summer Jam Festival at West Asheville Tailgate Market
Aug 27 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market

Come be a part of the fun when the West Asheville Tailgate Market hosts a big Haywood Road block party called the ‘Summer Jam Festival! It’s our way of saying farewell to summer and bringing the whole neighborhood out for one last hurrah before fall.

Summer Jam Fest is the market’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s a community-oriented festival with music (a jam band, of course!), food trucks, a bounce house, a giant raffle, lawn games, contests (like best jam, best beard, etc), and so much more!

Win prizes by entering the raffle (they’re just $5 for 1 or $12 for 3, or $20 for 5 available at www.westashevilletailgatemarket.com) or enter a pint of your homemade jam into the Jam Tasting Contest and you could be crowned Jam Royalty of the WATM-world.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Fringe Summer Night at the Crow & Quill The Call For Artists
Aug 28 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Crow & Quill

To highlight the Call for Artists we are hosting our third and final
Fringe Summer Night.

This free event will feature 3 Fringe artist performances:
Amanda Levesque, Jenni Cockrell, and Alli Marshall
who will present performance art, butoh dance, and spoken word. Fringe Festival organizers will be also encouraging proposal submissions and answering questions about the process.

To apply for the 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, go to our all new website: http://www.ashevillefringe.org/apply-2020  Artists should read our Performer Guidelines, then submit an online application and tech form by Monday, September 23 at 9:23pm.

As always, we seek to create a festival line-up that includes dance, puppetry, storytelling, performance art, theatre, and things that blur the lines. Artists are encouraged to bring their most daring work, and will find full support from the Asheville Fringe Family.

Friday, August 30, 2019
LaZoom Comedy: Mia Jackson (Friday Night)
Aug 30 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds. She just filmed her Comedy Central special at the end of January.

Featuring Petey Smith McDowell
Hosted by Morgan Bost

Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of

FRIDAY: Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-friday-night-tickets-64202408131

SATURDAY: Doors at 9pm, show at 9:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-saturday-night-tickets-64203472314

Saturday, August 31, 2019
Labor Day Festival of the Arts
Aug 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Square

2nd Annual Downtown Asheville Labor Day Weekend Festival of the Arts

This Labor Day Weekend art affair will feature a collection of national and regional artists specializing in hand-made works of art. There will be painters, potters, jewelers, glass blowers and much more. Asheville’s historic Pack Square is the picturesque venue for the Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts. The show is set up on N. and S. Pack Square around Vance Memorial.

LaZoom Comedy: Mia Jackson (Saturday Night)
Aug 31 @ 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds. She just filmed her Comedy Central special at the end of January.

Featuring Petey Smith McDowell
Hosted by Morgan Bost

Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of

FRIDAY: Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-friday-night-tickets-64202408131

SATURDAY: Doors at 9pm, show at 9:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-saturday-night-tickets-64203472314