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.

Sunday, June 30, 2019
2019 Asheville Percussion Festival
Jun 30 all-day
Multiple Venues in Downtown Asheville

THE ASHEVILLE PERCUSSION FESTIVAL ENCOMPASSES A WHOLE WEEK OF EVENTS -MONDAY, JUNE 24th THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 1st- INCLUDING: immersive workshops in frame drum, doumbek, handpan, djembe, samba, marimba, gamelan, and more, as well as concerts and demos for those who enjoy listening more than playing. Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
.
This year’s theme, Rhythms of Diversity, brings percussionists from around the globe to Asheville to share their musical expertise, including four-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez; rhythm vocalist, Loire Cotler; and Balinese Gamelan Ensemble from New York, Yowana Sari. We also welcome back Persian daf and tonbak player, Naghmeh Farahmand, and versatile musical prodigy, Adam Maalouf, as well as djembe player, Adama Dembele, from Ivory Coast and members of the Asheville-based Samba group, Zabumba.

Check out the Residency Artists page on our website (http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/artists) to learn more about the stellar lineup of talent for the 2019 festival. These inspiring musicians will create original compositions during the week to perform in a Masters Concert on Saturday evening, June 29th. Some of the featured artists will also offer workshops during the week-long intensive program and facilitate a sound meditation together on Sunday, June 30th, while several local musicians will facilitate the free community workshops on Saturday, June 29th.

This year’s Festival events, including the intensive program, are offered à la carte; create your own experience! This flexibility allows you to select the festival events you would like to attend, customized to fit your work and travel schedule.

Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info

ALL TICKETS ARE DISCOUNTED 15% UNTIL MAY 1.
Please note: separate tickets are required for EACH event, including concerts and free workshops, even for intensive participants.

Monday, July 1, 2019
2019 Asheville Percussion Festival
Jul 1 all-day
Multiple Venues in Downtown Asheville

THE ASHEVILLE PERCUSSION FESTIVAL ENCOMPASSES A WHOLE WEEK OF EVENTS -MONDAY, JUNE 24th THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 1st- INCLUDING: immersive workshops in frame drum, doumbek, handpan, djembe, samba, marimba, gamelan, and more, as well as concerts and demos for those who enjoy listening more than playing. Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
.
This year’s theme, Rhythms of Diversity, brings percussionists from around the globe to Asheville to share their musical expertise, including four-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez; rhythm vocalist, Loire Cotler; and Balinese Gamelan Ensemble from New York, Yowana Sari. We also welcome back Persian daf and tonbak player, Naghmeh Farahmand, and versatile musical prodigy, Adam Maalouf, as well as djembe player, Adama Dembele, from Ivory Coast and members of the Asheville-based Samba group, Zabumba.

Check out the Residency Artists page on our website (http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/artists) to learn more about the stellar lineup of talent for the 2019 festival. These inspiring musicians will create original compositions during the week to perform in a Masters Concert on Saturday evening, June 29th. Some of the featured artists will also offer workshops during the week-long intensive program and facilitate a sound meditation together on Sunday, June 30th, while several local musicians will facilitate the free community workshops on Saturday, June 29th.

This year’s Festival events, including the intensive program, are offered à la carte; create your own experience! This flexibility allows you to select the festival events you would like to attend, customized to fit your work and travel schedule.

Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info

ALL TICKETS ARE DISCOUNTED 15% UNTIL MAY 1.
Please note: separate tickets are required for EACH event, including concerts and free workshops, even for intensive participants.

Saturday, July 13, 2019
Concert in the Park
Jul 13 @ 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Cecil Park

We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy our first of many musical evenings in Biltmore Park Town Square. This Saturday, grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. BoogiTherapi, the All Star Funk Band, will be bringing all the energy and tunes! Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!

Rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside Hickory Tavern.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Shag by the River ft. The Catalinas
Jul 17 all-day
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

We’re bringing the beach vibes up to the High Country Wednesday, July 17th!! Come join us down by the river for an evening of music (provided by NC’s premier beach music band The Catalinas), Shag Dancing, fresh seafood and ice cold Sierraveza! Kim from Asheville Fairy Hair-Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hairr will be joining us as well! Grab your dancing partner and make your way to Lower Park!

When: Wednesday, July 17
Where: Lower Park (river front property) at Sierra Nevada
ALL AGES
Doors 6:00pm | Music 6:30-8:30pm
Tickets: $7 in advance | $10 Day of (food not included in ticket price)
Link: https://shagbytheriver.eventbrite.com

Friday, July 19, 2019
Summer Concert Series: Jesse Barry and The Jam
Jul 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Jesse Barry, known for her soulful blues pipes and contagious enthusiasm on stage, began her music career at the tender age of eight years old. Influenced by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Etta James, and Susan Tedeschi, Jesse has created her own, unique blues sound. She is often described as an “old soul” and audiences are stunned by the huge voice that comes out of her small body. Popularly known as “Skinny Legs” from Skinny Legs and All, a band she created as a teenager, Jesse has placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best Of” blues band category three years in a row, and has performed at B.B. King’s Club for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and at the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jesse competed on the popular TV show “American Idol” in season 9 and has made a lasting impact on her hometown, Asheville, North Carolina. She has recorded 3 albums with Skinny Legs and All and is currently working with her blues, funk, and soul group Jesse Barry and The Jam, special events band A Social Function, and her new Steely Dan tribute band Dirty Logic.

Join us at Hickory Nut Gap to see Jesse Barry and The Jam perform, eat farm-to-fork food, and prepare to dance!

Vines, Vino and Vinyasa Yoga Event
Jul 19 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Inspired Change Yoga

Come flow with Carrie for a vinyasa yoga class, followed by a community gathering to enjoy spirits and light snacks.

Bring a hardy, indoor plant for admission to the event.

Thank you Monk’s Flask of Biltmore Park for partnering with us!

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!

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
Yoga on the Mountain
Jul 27 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Bearwallow Mountain Trail - Hendersonville, NC
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Bearwallow Mountain Trail – Hendersonville, NC
Detailed driving directions will be shared in your registration confirmation
Yoga + Hiking + Views. Yes, please. Take time for yourself, breathe deep, relax, and immerse in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! Hike local’s favorite, Bearwallow Mountain, where you’ll enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop with stunning views plus an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure! $49/person. Approx 2hrs.
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
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

Thursday, August 15, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Aug 15 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

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.

Saturday, August 17, 2019
Mixed Level Mat Pilates Class
Aug 17 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Mixed Level Mat Pilates Class with Cisco Pilates of Asheville

Learn the fundamentals of Pilates, or for those who are already experienced, deepen your practice in this mixed level class. Pilates is a whole body workout where we find strength, stretch, and control. Alexis will target the level of class to who is there, so everyone is equally challenged. Pilates is for every BODY…no matter your age, gender, or physical ability.

Bring your own mat (a thick mat is better if you have one), a small towel, and a water bottle. The library has a few mats available to borrow.

Thursday, August 22, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

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
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

Thursday, August 29, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Aug 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

Thursday, September 5, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Sep 5 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

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!

Thursday, September 12, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Sep 12 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 14, 2019
Clawhammer Hike with Highland Brewing Co.
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Highland Brewing

Cost: FREE for all participants (but pre-registration is required)

This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads. We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,500 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.

This year we will be departing as a group from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC and returning there for a Clawhammer pint following the hike!

This hike is offered as part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnerships.

Please Note: There are a couple single log bridges, muddy areas, rocky and steep inclines and a chance of yellow jackets; SAHC wants to provide a fun and safe trip so please be aware of these conditions.

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.

Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)

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
Group Hike at Collier Cove Nature Preserve
Sep 15 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Collier Cove Nature Preserve

Hike

Our final group trek in the Sampler Hike Series takes place on Sunday, September 15. Small treats such as a play meadow and splashing streams highlight this trail with 360-degree views of surrounding summits.

Newer trails with small treats such as a play meadow and splashing streams highlight this trail with a 360-degree view that includes the summits of Bearwallow Mountain, Little Pisgah Mountain, and the upper end of Hickory Nut Gorge. This medium-steep hike is a 2-mile loop and its suburban location offers plenty of lunch options nearby. Meet at the Collier Cove Nature Preserve parking area (175 Rhododendron Drive in Arden).

Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Turkey Pen – Bradley Creek – Poundingmill – 7.2 miles Hike
Sep 17 @ 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Asheville Outlet lot behind Waffle House

Varied hike following S. Mills River with multiple small stream crossings. Some trails overgrown; a little slippery if wet. Long pants and poles suggested. Proceed left of sign to S. Mills River and cross suspension bridge. Follow the river north on the Bradley Creek trail; then left on Squirrel Gap to a snack break on Poundingstone Mtn. Descend on Poundingmill trail to S. Mills River Trail, back to the suspension bridge; then right to the parking lot. Type: loop. Ascent: 1200’. Max elev: 3100’. Avg moving pace: 2.6 mph. Difficulty (1=effortless, 10=hard): 5. Dogs: welcome if well-behaved, subject to area restrictions. Trailhead: Turkey Pen. Directions from Waffle House to Mills River Ingles (12 miles): Right (north) on NC-191 Brevard Rd for 0.2 miles; right onto I-26 East for 7.5 miles; right on NC-280 West, Airport Rd, for 4.3 miles. From Mills River Ingles to the trailhead (8.1 miles): Right (south) on NC-280 Boylston Hwy for 6.9 miles. Right on Turkey Pen Rd to parking at the end. (Note: Turkey Pen Rd is rough; sedans not recommended.) Est. return to Waffle House: 1:30 p.m. PLEASE DON’T SIGNUP IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE DISTANCE, ASCENT, OR PACE. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP TO “NO” IF YOU SIGNUP, BUT CHANGE YOUR MIND.

Thursday, September 19, 2019
Chair Yoga for Seniors
Sep 19 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
North Asheville Library

Chair Yoga for Seniors

Join instructor Darleen Benson as she leads a 6-week series of chair yoga classes geared specifically towards seniors.

A yoga teacher with almost 40 years of experience, Darleen will lead the class in a beginner friendly routine designed to increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants will learn natural body postures that fight pain and promote mobility.

This program is free and open to the public.

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…

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.