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 20, 2019
Friends of the Smokies Stomp
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HIckory Nut Gap Farm

Put on your dancing boots and join Friends of the Smokies for the 2nd annual “Smokies Stomp” Barn Party just outside of Asheville, NC. The Smokies Stomp supports projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park like Parks As Classrooms, which brings thousands of schoolchildren into the Smokies every year. Folks will be treated to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, live music, drinks, square dancing, and the opportunity to visit with rangers from the National Park Service. So come on out for fun and fundraising at the Smokies Stomp Barn Party!

Sunday, July 21, 2019
Auditions! Wizard of Oz ACT Theatre
Jul 21 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ACT Theartre

July 20-21, 2019

Skip down the yellow brick road to auditions for next season’s opener, The Wizard of Oz! Mark your calendar for these dates (and make sure you note the ages for each time slot).

Director Jerry Crouch is seeking a large cast of children, teens, and adults! All roles are open to actors of all races and ethnicities:

Saturday, July 20: 12:00-3:00 pm – Auditions for children (ages 6-11)
Saturday, July 20: 3:00-6:00 pm – Auditions for teens (ages 12-18)
Sunday, July 21: 1:00-5:00 pm – Auditions for adults (ages 19+)

MUSICAL

By L. Frank Baum with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Directed by Jerry Crouch; Music Direction by Sarah Fowler; Choreography by Alexa Edelman

PRODUCTION DATES: October 4-27, 2019; Performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm, plus 2 Thursday night performances 10/17 and 10/24 at 7:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: August 11-October 3, 2019; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

AUDITION INFO: Please bring your own sheet music (prepare 32 bars; not a song from Wizard of Oz) in the key in which you will sing it

Thursday, July 25, 2019
City Dance
Jul 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Jul 27 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Cool Summer Nights
Jul 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Guided Walking Tour (High Impact)
Jul 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

This tour goes exploring through our 80 acres of working farmland. Head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. You will get an overview of our farm history but a more in-depth look at our farming practices. We will be traversing over rough terrain, so suitable hiking attire is suggested.

Sunday, July 28, 2019
K-9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 28 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows and on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 1, 2019
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 1 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
UNCA Lipinsky Hall

Folk music and dance of the southern appalachians

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.

Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:

Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.

At the Door:

Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Friday, August 2, 2019
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 2 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
UNCA Lipinsky Hall

Folk music and dance of the southern appalachians

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.

Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:

Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.

At the Door:

Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Model Airplane Show
Aug 3 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Image may contain: grass, outdoor and nature

The Asheville-Buncombe Aeromodelers R/C Flying Club in cooperation with Buncombe County Recreation Services present the annual Flying Model Demo & Exhibit.

Weather permitting, there will be:
– Flying demonstrations, possibly including:
– Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) Jets
– Helicopters
– Quad Racers
– Ultra Aerobatic (3D) Planes
– Warbirds
– Vintage Aircraft
– Try your hand at flying with an instructor
– First Person View (FPV) video monitor

If the weather is bad, we will still have:
– Static displays with opportunities for questions and answers
– Information about the flying club
– A raffle for your chance to win a ready to fly (RTF) XK X520 VTOL provided by Motion RC. There is no cost for the tickets, but you must be present to win.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 3 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
UNCA Lipinsky Hall

Folk music and dance of the southern appalachians

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.

Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:

Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.

At the Door:

Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Auditions: ARMS AND THE MAN
Aug 13 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
ACT

ARMS AND THE MAN

By George Bernard Shaw

Directed by Jim Reid

AUDITIONS: August 13, 2019, 10:30 am-2:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: August 30-September 1, 2019

REHEARSALS: August 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29, 2019 from 10:30-2:30

DIRECTOR SEEKS: 3 women, 5 men

Director Jim Reid seeks a cast of 8 (3 women, 5 men) for this comedy that’s often viewed as Shaw’s wittiest play! This is a borderline farce that will stimulate serious thinking about the nature of both romance and war. What is Raina to do when she finds that an enemy soldier has taken refuge in her room? What will her fiancee say? The plot, of course, thickens! Performed as Readers Theatre as a part of The Autumn Players’ Readers Theatre Showcase Series.

Auditions are open to all in the community; no previous experience required. All audition material provided at the auditions!

Friday, August 16, 2019
Dance Party Old School 80’s & 90’s
Aug 16 all-day
Alley Cat Social Club

DJ Drew is having his birthday bash and throwing down 80’s and 90’s hits.
Dance party starts around 9pm and goes all night.

80s vs 90s Dance Party
Aug 16 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

This Friday, August 16th, we are excited to bring back what is becoming a cult favorite this summer! Fave local DJs Molly Parti and DJ Oso Rey will take turns spinning songs from the hits of the 80s vs. 90s, all for your dancing and reminiscing enjoyment. Make plans to get your crew together for a night filled with fun, friends, nostalgia and great tunes and craft beer at the Peel for just $5 in advance! The only decision is whether to wear leg-warmers and jelly bracelets, or bust out your favorite flannel shirt and your Docs.

Sunday, August 18, 2019
Riders In The Sky
Aug 18 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Come hear America’s favorite Cowboys, as this Grammy Award-winning quartet sing and entertain audiences “the Cowboy Way”. Performances at Noon and 3:00 p.m.

-Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.
-Reservations are not required for the shows.
-Shows included with regular park admission.

Thursday, August 22, 2019
City Dance
Aug 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, August 24, 2019
Native Tree Nursery Weed Eater Workday
Aug 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville GreenWorks Nursery/ Buncombe County Sports Park

Image

The Asheville GreenWorks nursery is in need of some TLC. After multiple break-ins, vandalism, and theft of tools like weedeaters and chainsaws, we need your help more than ever.

For this workday, we are asking you to bring your weed eaters, if you can, and help clear out the brush in the nursery and hoop house. Don’t have a weed eater? That’s okay! In addition, we will do some hand weeding and other maintenance.

If getting in a good sweat and some hard work isn’t enough incentive, we’ll be sending you home with a native tree of your choosing. At the end of the workday, harvest some apples from the orchard and leave with a tree as well.

Wear work clothes to get dirty and close-toed shoes. Sunscreen, water, and hat are always a good idea. We will also provide some beverages.

All other tools and gear will be provided by GreenWorks.

Terpsicorps Open House FREE Classes – From Ballet to B-Boy
Aug 24 @ 10:15 am – 2:00 pm
The Academy at Terpsicorps

Curious about dance classes for your child, but want to be sure? Join us at any of our free classes at our Open House on August 24. Reserve your spot today, or go ahead and register for Fall classes at our website, terpsicorpsacademy.org.

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
(ages 3-5) Creative Movement

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
(ages 5-6) PreBallet / Tap 2

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
(ages 3-5) Boy’s Creative Movement

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
(ages 7-9) Ballet 1

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
(ages 3-4) PreBallet/PreTap 1

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
(ages 8.5-10) Ballet 2

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
(ages 6-9) B-Boy Break Dancing

Sunday, August 25, 2019
Railroad Heritage Weekend
Aug 25 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

A Once-a-Year Event for Railroad Enthusiasts of All Ages!

Celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives behind Tweetsie’s historic coal-fired, steam locomotives. Special attractions for rail fans, plus enjoy all of the Wild West adventure Tweetsie has to offer!

Saturday, August 31, 2019
Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Aug 31 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Saturday, September 7, 2019
Renaissance Faire at the Farm
Sep 7 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Attention all knights, pages, jesters, jousters, kings, queens, princesses and princes! Get your costumes ready, and come out and have some fun on September 7th! Boys, girls, moms, dads, come one, come all to the First Annual Renaissance Fair at the Farm. We have all sorts of fun demonstrations planned, such as fencing, sword fighting, and juggling. Other activities to be announced, including a costume contest!

Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Auditions Readers Theatre Einstein and the Polar Bear
Sep 10 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Director Ellen Pappas seeks a cast of 7 (4M, 3W) for this sharp and witty comedy! Auditions are open to all and all audition material is provided at the audition!

By Tom Griffin

Directed by Ellen Pappas

AUDITIONS: September 10, 2019, 10:30 am-2:30 pm

PRODUCTION DATES: September 27-29, 2019

REHEARSALS: September 12, 17, 19, 24, and 26, 2019 from 10:30-2:30

DIRECTOR SEEKS: 4 M, 3 W

About the show: A renowned writer has it all, fortune, fame, women and adoration, when one excruciating miscalculation causes him to lose everything. As penance he hides away in a small New England town where he runs a bookstore in a shambling farmhouse. Then comes a knock on his door. Can the lost be found? Can the sinner gain redemption?

Saturday, September 14, 2019
Kids Fishing Tournament at Lake Julian
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

The semi-annual event is open to all children ages 15 and under and is sponsored by Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Register online now through September 12 at midnight. On-site registration will also be available at 8:00 a.m. the day of the tournament. Your registration fee covers fishing bait, snacks, and a hot dog lunch at the conclusion of the tournament. No fishing license is required for children under 16 years of age.

This is a catch and release event. Lake Julian Park will supply a bucket for each competitor’s catch. After the fish has been weighed and measured, it will be released back into the lake. Participants bring their own pole.

Fishing is allowed anyplace inside the Lake Julian Park boundaries. No boat fishing is allowed. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Children will be grouped into one of five age categories and prizes awarded in each category. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. In addition, all competitors in every age group will have an opportunity to show off their casting skills. Casting poles and targets are provided and children can demonstrate their ability anytime during the tournament. There are prizes for the winners of the casting competition, too!

Concert in the Park
Sep 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cecil Park, Biltmore Park Town Square

Join us for family fun and dancing as we host Queen Bee and the Honeylovers at Biltmore Park Town Square! Queen Bee and the Honeylovers hail from Asheville, NC and bring us upbeat jazz and swing music. Please join us on the green at Cecil Park in Biltmore Park Town Square, located in front of Hickory Tavern and Brixx Pizza. Music will begin at 7pm and last until 9pm. Beer, wine and Dippin’ Dots for sale on the yard.

Sunday, September 15, 2019
River Clean-Up Sierra Club Asheville Greenworks
Sep 15 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
TBD

North
                                                          Carolina
                                                          Chapter Sierra
                                                          Club

For years, the Sierra Club has worked with Asheville Greenworks (which provides all the equipment) to be on the French Broad River in Asheville (or perhaps the Swannanoa River) picking up trash by canoe. Kayakers can bring their own craft.

Friday, September 20, 2019
Summer Concert Series: Deep River
Sep 20 all-day
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Live music, food, and family fun! Deep River will be performing. The name ‘Deep River’ conjures up thoughts about the natural circle of life, and that’s exactly how one might describe their music—stories of love and loss told in the context of family-style harmonies and danceable rhythms. The Deep River just keeps rolling…

Auditions: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Sep 20 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Studio 52 Education Building

Fri. Sept. 20 – 4pm – 6pm • Sat. Sept. 21 – 10am -2pm
1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock, NC • Studio 52 Education Building
Rehearsals are Mon.-Thurs. 6 – 9pm Oct. 1 – Nov. 7 (Not everyone will be called every day.  (Some Saturday TBD) Show runs Nov. 8 – 17
All roles open. All ages encouraged to audition. Roles include humans and animals.

80s vs 90s Dance Party feat. Molly Parti & DJ Oso Rey
Sep 20 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 

All Ages

This Friday, September 20th, we are excited to bring back what is becoming a cult favorite this summer! Fave local DJs Molly Parti and DJ Oso Rey will take turns spinning songs from the hits of the 80s vs. 90s, all for your dancing and reminiscing enjoyment. Make plans to get your crew together for a night filled with fun, friends, nostalgia and great tunes and craft beer at the Peel for just $5 in advance! The only decision is whether to wear leg-warmers and jelly bracelets, or bust out your favorite flannel shirt and your Docs.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Auditions: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
Sep 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Studio 52 Education Building

Fri. Sept. 20 – 4pm – 6pm • Sat. Sept. 21 – 10am -2pm
1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock, NC • Studio 52 Education Building
Rehearsals are Mon.-Thurs. 6 – 9pm Oct. 1 – Nov. 7 (Not everyone will be called every day.  (Some Saturday TBD) Show runs Nov. 8 – 17
All roles open. All ages encouraged to audition. Roles include humans and animals.

Late Summer Stargazing at the Farm
Sep 21 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

We’ll gather under the last evening skies of summer to observe the night sky and its wonders. Local astronomer Stephan Martin will give a tour of the stars and constellations of the summer sky while discussing some of their myths and the astronomical phenomena happening at this time. We may even see a few Taurid meteors cross our skies! All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.