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.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
VIRTUAL: Aaron Price’s Sessions from the Cocoon
May 12 @ 9:30 pm
facebook

Aaron price is a longtime fixture of the Asheville music community. Known as an indispensable sideman and record producer, Aaron is known for working in the studio and onstage with many iconic Asheville bands. He is opening his personal studio to the public eye for NIGHTLY 9:30 performances (you can even make requests!) on his Facebook page. Aaron plays originals and covers at the guitar and piano and features the occasional special guest.

Tuesday Night Funk Jam
May 12 @ 10:00 pm – May 13 @ 6:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

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EVERY Tuesday at Asheville Music Hall! Tuesday Night Funk Jam has been a huge part of Asheville’s vibrant music scene since 2008 and is #Asheville’s hottest weekly concert. Tuesday Night Funk Jam is programmed and orchestrated by an evolved Legendary House Band with trombonist Derrick Lee Johnson at the helm. At 10PM sharp, the Legendary House Band kicks off the night

Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Virtual LEAF Festival on the weekend of: May 15-17, 2020
May 13 all-day
LEAF Online
V-LEAF Brings Joy! Save the Date!
LEAF is in the process of creating a virtual LEAF Festival on the weekend of:

May 15-17, 2020

We didn’t know if we had the capacity to create a virtual festival with our core staff on reduced time, but then we really started missing our LEAF friends and said “Let’s give it a go!”. We’ve embraced that “V-LEAF” will be old school creative, authentic, and fun. The CONNECTION and #LEAFLove is the essential ingredient.

The creation phase is happening and YOU are welcome to be apart of this new journey. Have time? We want to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer website or social media support, lead a workshop, zoom w/ LEAF friends or if you have LEAF stories and ideas. Dance, connect, pull out costumes, decorate, camp in the yard – let’s get LEAFy.

CONTEST ALERT! Looking for ways to share your art with the world? V-LEAF may be your moment! Show us how you express your #LEAFLove. Any age, any experience – we are looking for artwork to add to the digital experience. The artwork must embody the spirit of LEAF and feature the LEAF logo. Any “artists” whose graphic is used will win an awesome Vintage LEAF Style packet!

Reach out & share ASAP with [email protected]

Blue Ridge Humane Society announces Digital and Contactless Adoption Procedures
May 13 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society online

Digital and Contactless Adoption Procedure:

  1. Check out the available animals online and find that special one!
  2. Fill out the online application.
  3. Our staff will reach out soon during our current regular business hours of 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday to provide adoption counseling and information about the animal, as well more details about our current adoption procedure.
  4. A Meet and Greet may be scheduled for you virtually or contact-free at our Adoption Center (these are only by appointment and following application and adoption counseling). Cats, kittens and puppies in foster will only be available for a virtual Meet and Greets. Adult dogs will have a contactless Meet and Greet on site by appointment.
    Note: Potential adopters will be asked not to come to the Adoption Center if they have experienced any coronavirus symptoms and will be asked to adhere to best hygiene practices. We are not accepting walk-up adoptions or visits at this time due to the safety precautions we are taking in response to COVID-19. All staff at the adoption center will practice social distancing, hand hygiene and will wear a mask. Potential adopters are encouraged to do the same.
  5. Pickup will be arranged and all details shared for a contactless encounter.
  6. Adoption Delivery may be available for Henderson County Residents only if an adoption is confirmed and the animal is currently housed as the Adoption Center (not in foster care).
  7. All adoptions will be processed with credit or debit only.
  8. Have questions? Send us a message or email [email protected]!
Buncombe County River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen
May 13 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen

Alexander River Park view of the French Broad River

“We know that parks provide a connection to our natural world, opportunities for physical activity that can reduce stress and improve mental health, and places to seek peace and restoration,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As COVID-19 remains a threat, everyone does not live somewhere with a yard to play in or safe access to walking or jogging opportunities. We believe these eight parks can be used safely and responsibly by the residents of Buncombe County. As long as visitors practice ‘COV-etiquette,’ these parks will remain open for everyone to enjoy fresh air. We owe it to essential workers on the frontlines to continue extra precautions each time we walk out the door. Let’s continue the progress we’ve made together.”

When possible, exercise at home, walk in your neighborhood, enjoy your yard and residential outdoor spaces, and visit less crowded parks or during off-peak hours. You should only visit parks with members of your own household and not use these spaces to meet up with others for social opportunities. O’Conner said Recreation Services staff are monitoring parks regularly to ensure they do not become too crowded.

Guidance for park visitors:

  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. There are no restrooms or water fountains at the eight parks that are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Refrain from touching surfaces including trees and rocks. Picnic tables, grills, and fitness equipment remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.

The reopened parks are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Collier Cove Nature Preserve on 194 Rhododendron Drive in Arden
  • Alexander River Park on 2589 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Bent Creek River Park on 1610 Brevard Road in Asheville
  • Corcoran Paige River Park on 9 Pinners Road in Arden
  • Glen Bridge River Park on 77 Pinners Road in Asheville
  • Hominy Creek River Park on 220 Hominy Creek Road in Asheville
  • Ledges Whitewater Park on 1080 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Walnut Island River Park on 3042 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander

Buncombe County Recreation Services has been the trusted steward of the county’s parkland for decades and continues to serve the public by providing, protecting, and preserving a unique collection of outdoor and indoor recreational facilities – which we see as a core service to the people of Buncombe County. We believe our community is a better place when everyone from infants to retirees have the opportunity to be strong, healthy, and successful. Our projects and programming represent a primary goal of low-cost, equitable, inclusive wellness and therapeutic opportunities that are accessible to all residents regardless of cultural, physical, cognitive, or socioeconomic background to create a livable, healthy, and vibrant community.

Wednesday Morning Yoga
May 13 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
online

VIRTUAL:

Come and enjoy morning Yoga

 

Pardee Hospital taking Donations + PPE Supplies
May 13 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Pardee Hospital
Biltmore Open to Annual Passholders advanced reservations-only basis
May 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Biltmore

Health and Safety Updates

Opening our 8,000-Acre Estate on a Limited Basis Starting May 9

In accordance with state and local government reopening guidelines, Biltmore will open the estate’s park spaces—our glorious gardens and grounds with more than 20 miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails—beginning Saturday, May 9.

With consideration for county mandates regarding social distancing and mass gatherings, we are opening exclusively for Biltmore Annual Passholders who reside in Western North Carolina on an advanced reservations-only basis.

We will expand the opening of additional guest experiences in alignment with state and local guidelines. We look forward to welcoming more guests to the estate at that time.

Free Online West African Drumming & Dance for Kids Hosted by LEAF
May 13 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
LEAF Global Arts Online

Image may contain: 3 people, people sitting, people standing and outdoor

We invite young LEAFers to join LEAF Resident Teaching Artist Adama Dembele for a virtual drumming and dance class for elementary age kids. Adama is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and has been a part of LEAF since 2005. He currently teaches year round after school classes with LEAF Schools & Streets, and he is excited to offer video classes in which students can take a journey to explore the sounds, rhythms and movements of West African culture right from their own home!

https://www.facebook.com/events/199994081418039/

Asheville Salt Cave FREE ONLINE : Live Mediation Webinar with Bernie Kozlowski
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
webinar

Learn how to reverse the very real and devastating impact of stress through the SIMPLE practice of instinctive meditation that will profoundly shift your life.

Instinctive meditation means it’s natural and our bodies are wired to do it easily and efficiently. All we need to do is to set up the right conditions and our bodies will eagerly cooperate. Learn the skill set needed to meditate on your own even if you have a racing mind and little spare time.

Dropping into deep relaxation on a regular basis helps you to be calm in the face of overwhelm and urgency, can improve your health, and help you be more responsive and less reactive to challenges.

This will be a live webinar on Zoom. You can attend from anywhere that is comfortable to you. Once you register, you will get instructions on how to log in to the event. You will have the option of having your video on or off. You can also call in using a phone number. Link to zoom class:
https://mailchi.mp/9e1057b0227e/meditation-asheville-salt-cave

We’ll start with the basic principles of this approach. Then you will learn and practice some basic skills. This will be followed by a longer guided meditation where you can incorporate the basic skills. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the class.

A weekly Zoom drop-in class in instinctive meditation will run on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am EST starting April 29 and running for 12 weeks.
Drop in as you can. Each class will cover a different technique.

Ask a Librarian
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries Online

Need Book Recommendations? Ask a Librarian.

 

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask A Librarian with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available. Just call Ask a Librarian at (828) 250-4700.

Janet’s Planet Online Astronaut Academy
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
online

Every week day, Janet’s Planet gives children a daily dose of science and space topics from around the world.

This is for ages 7-16!

Come and join us! See the Event Brite link below to register. Parents must register for their children.

Once I get your confirmation of your invite, I will personally send you the link to the class.
This is a measure to keep you safe. You can also email me at [email protected] for any questions.
Am hopefully going to get you all a calendar soon of all the talks. More astronauts to come!
Miss Malaprop’s Storytime LIVE STREAM
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Malaprop's LIVE STREAM

Due to Covid-19, we are live streaming Storytime in lieu of an in-store event. Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/malapropsbookstore/ to tune into Miss Malaprop’s Storytime from your home.

Join us with your wee ones every week on Wednesdays at 10 am for classic and contemporary stories sure to enchant and entertain. Together, we’ll introduce children to the wonderful world of books! Recommended for ages 3-9.

https://www.instagram.com/malapropsbookstore/

Event date:
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 – 10:00am
North Carolina in the Great War Exhibit
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Smith-McDowell House

The exhibit is on loan from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and has been supplemented with artifacts from the Smith-McDowell House collection. Entrance to the exhibit is included with Smith-McDowell House admission – and is always free for members – and runs through May 16, 2020.

The exhibit seeks to put the local men and women who served in context with the larger events happening in North Carolina, the United States, and the world. In the exhibit, visitors will find displays and interactive elements telling the stories of just a few of our hometown heroes.

Greenville Zoo: Facebook Live: Educational Encounter
May 13 @ 10:30 am – 10:45 am
Facebook

Image may contain: outdoor, possible text that says 'A greenvillezoo SOUTHCAROLINA faceboo live TUES-THURS AT 10:30 AM (EST): LIVE EDUCATIONAL ENCOUNTERS MON-FRI AT 2:30 PM (EST): LIVE KEEPER CHECK IN'

Join us Tuesday-Thursday, at 10:30am, for our an educational encounter. Tuesday: Tell Me About it Tuesdays Wednesday: Wild for Reading Wednesdays Thursday: Learning Safari Thursdays
Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
May 13 @ 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Buncombe Librarians Online

Image may contain: 5 people, people sitting, child and indoor

Every day we’ll be featuring a video recording or a live Zoom storytime or song by your favorite Buncombe County librarians!

Information to access the storytime on Zoom will be posted in the discussion section of this page. To get notifications for Zoom codes and to know when new videos are posted, follow this event page!

If you’d like to stream multiple videos in a row, visit the Buncombe County Government YouTube page and find “At Home with the Library.” All of our recorded videos are available at:
https://www.youtube.com/user/bcgovtv/search?query=at+home+with+the+library

We miss you at the libraries! We hope you’re well.

Offering meal pick-ups to those in need in our community: H&F Burger Asheville
May 13 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
H&F Burger Asheville

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 11am-2pm, we are offering meal pick-ups to those in need in our community. 200 meals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Image may contain: one or more people and food, possible text that says 'FOOD connection. CHEF MEA MEAL DONATIONS for Disaster Relief'

Pack Memorial Library: ‎Daily Activities Log for the whole family
May 13 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library Online

Image may contain: possible text that says '#YourStoryMatters Remember to Read, Write, or Create Something Every Day Log of AM & PM activities to do daily! Created and tested by *yours truly *Buncombe County librarians, some of ftheir family, and maybe even some of their friends'

If you’re looking for a fun project to do with materials you already have at home, check out what we have planned!

Every day, Monday through Friday, we’ll post an AM and a PM activity to our Facebook page, followed with examples of what we’ve made for the activity. All of the activities are kid, adult, and family friendly.

We know how creative and talented all of you are, we want to see what you made as well, so send images of your creations back to us in the comments. When the libraries are open again, we’ll make a chapter book with all of the images we’ve gathered throughout this pandemic. The book will be on display at each of our Buncombe County Public Libraries. Creativity and community will get us through this and we’ll have a book to prove it!

Be a part of it! Remember to read, write, and create something every day! #yourstorymatters

Hopefully, social distancing and self quarantine just got a little easier. We’re in this together friends. Be safe.

 NC Center for Nonprofits: Resilience and Resumption: What You Need to Know and Do to Get Ready for a New Normal
May 13 @ 11:15 am

In the middle of a crisis, returning to “normal” feels far off. And after a mega-disruption such as COVID-19 or a devastating hurricane, many organizations need to envision a ‘new normal,’ as things will not be the way they once were. This webinar offers practical tips for getting ready for your nonprofit’s new normal. Learn what you can do today to create a path to your organization’s future.

Beacham’s Curve Aid Supply and Food Drive
May 13 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ambrose West

Every Wednesday from 12-6pm, Carolina Hemp Company and Ambrose West, alongside their neighbors on West Asheville’s Beachm’s Curve, will host a community aid drive to gather and donate supplies and food to support local emergency relief efforts. Recipients include Homeward Bound, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, 12 Bones, the YMCA, and more! As Asheville’s Hometown Hemp Company, Carolina Hemp Company values their local community, and believes in supporting each other when in need. In times such as these, we are reminded of the unfortunate imbalance in society’s ability to afford and have access to basic necessities. The Carolina Hemp Company mission is and always has been Bringing Balance Through Hemp and they now have the opportunity to practice this through service to the Asheville community. While being encouraged to separate, it is important we still band together to pool resources, communicate, and take care of each other. Carolina Hemp Company will be collecting non-perishable food items, cooking essentials, health and wellness products, cleaning and sanitation supplies, and general toiletries, and camping gear to load into the Hemp Xpress Trolley and distribute to local organizations who are dedicated to providing shelter, food and health services to those who need it most. Updates and detailed information will be posted to the Beacham’s Curve Aid Supply and Food Drive event page on the Carolina Hemp Company facebook page.

 

The staff is committed to practicing conscious handling and delivery of all supplies through hand washing, wiping down items, and limited contact between donors, themselves, and the receiving organizations’ representatives

 

Million Dollar Quartet CANCELLED
May 13 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Greenville Zoo Keeper Check-In
May 13 @ 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
via Facebook

Image may contain: outdoor, possible text that says 'A greenvillezoo SOUTHCAROLINA faceboo live TUES-THURS AT 10:30 AM (EST): LIVE EDUCATIONAL ENCOUNTERS MON-FRI AT 2:30 PM (EST): LIVE KEEPER CHECK IN'

Join us daily, at 2:30pm, for a Keeper Check-In. We’ll visit with a different keeper every day for an exciting encounter with one of our amazing animals!

Live Online Marbling
May 13 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
live on Facebook

Join Pam every Wednesday at 3 pm on Facebook Live to experience marbling, the 17th Century process of floating paint on a thick water surface. Watch the paints expand, get pushed by subsequent colors until the final print on paper. Watch the #majikalmarblingreveal create the frozen piece of art!!

 

This family friendly weekly event is always live and unexpected happenings. Come virtually and prepare to be amazed!! Interact as each piece happens.

New Adult Studio Class: Asheville Art Museum  Cultivating Digital Photography Skills: Light
May 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online with Asheville Art Museum 

This four-part class led by Learning & Engagement Assistant Paige Taylor explores natural and artificial lighting approaches using digital photography. Through a series of weekly assignments, hone your observation skills, and capture landscapes, portraits, and more in a variety of lighting situations. Use images from the Museum’s Collection and other sources for inspiration. Class time includes instruction, group shares, and discussions; individual preparation between classes includes responding to weekly photo prompts, short readings, and journaling. This virtual class is designed with beginners, hobbyists, and those with some photography experience in mind.

MAY 6, 13, 20, & 27—Wednesdays, 6–8pm
Registration deadline: May 5

Weekly Wednesday Group Meditations Online
May 13 @ 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
online

Image may contain: one or more people and sky, possible text that says 'Weekly Live Group Meditations: Wednesdays at 6pm prama Institute & Wellness Center'

We hope you are keeping calm and well during these challenging times.

To help keep us calm and in touch, the Prama staff is inviting you to a free live group meditation every Wednesday at 6pm.  The session will last about 30 minutes, including a guided meditation and a short talk on aspects of meditation practice.

We hope you will find these meditations helpful and something that you can continue to practice throughout the week.

The event is free though any contribution is appreciated.

If you are planning to attend just one week or multiple weeks, please sign up and we will email you the Zoom Link!

Online Healing Oasis Gathering
May 13 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Healing Oasis

We are going online! Mark your calendars for every second Wednesday at 6:30PM.

The Healing Oasis Practitioner’s have special healing practices and long distance healing for you every month! We hope you can join us on Zoom (just like Skype).

Feel free to message us with any questions about this next event.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2865393340212695/?event_time_id=2865393350212694

Million Dollar Quartet CANCELLED
May 13 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Lifespan of a FACT
May 13 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

A determined young fact checker is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author. Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin—with undeniably delicious consequences.

“stinging relevance to so much of what’s been happening for years now in American social, cultural and political discourse” – The Hollywood Reporter

Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language

Avl and WNC Go Outside and Howl at 8 Support essential front-line workers
May 13 @ 8:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Online

“Go Outside and Howl at 8” is a national call for communities to recognize all essential front-line workers! Let’s join this call, Asheville! Show people in this community who are putting their lives at risk that we see them, and we love them! Let’s hear y’all howl at 8pm every night!!

Feel free to add pictures and/or videos to the Discussion in this event!

Much love, y’all!

Image may contain: text

VIRTUAL: Aaron Price’s Sessions from the Cocoon
May 13 @ 9:30 pm
facebook

Aaron price is a longtime fixture of the Asheville music community. Known as an indispensable sideman and record producer, Aaron is known for working in the studio and onstage with many iconic Asheville bands. He is opening his personal studio to the public eye for NIGHTLY 9:30 performances (you can even make requests!) on his Facebook page. Aaron plays originals and covers at the guitar and piano and features the occasional special guest.