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, August 22, 2020
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Aug 22 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase.

 

GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made.

Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant serving GSMR’s freshly cooked pulled pork barbeque rubbed with Cajun spices then slow-roasted to perfection served with southern sweet cornbread muffin with honey butter, coleslaw, and cinnamon apples then finish with a delicious piece of Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake. Riders will also receive their very own Carolina Shine mason drinking jar, refillable with soda beverages and tea throughout the day, and a souvenir GSMR tote bag (1 per couple/party).

Storytimes Online with Buncombe Librarians
Aug 22 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online

Join us a for a fun, socially distanced story time!

A brand new story time video will be posted every day. Keep checking back!

Free Virtual Senior Group Exercise Class
Aug 22 @ 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Online

Carey Leigh Phillips, owner of Silvermane Senior Fitness, offers a total body workout for seniors from the comfort of your own home.
*If you are not a senior and you’d like to attend, you are more than welcome to participate. This class is for adults only.

Let’s get moving! This 30 min class will focus on building strength, improving balance, and strengthening the mind-muscle connection by guiding you safely through various seated and standing exercises. No exercise equipment is required, just be sure to have a chair and a bottle of water.

To sign up for the program, please visit the link, select the dates you’d like to attend, and click register.
zoom.us…

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you have any problems signing up, please call the Ask A Librarian line at 250-4700 and we can help.

Moogseum Store Reopnes
Aug 22 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Moogseum Store 

The Bob Moog Foundation is also excited to welcome shoppers back into the Moogseum Store in downtown Asheville, NC. While the exhibit space will remain closed until North Carolina enters phase 3, the store offers a wide variety of synth-inspired merchandise from magnets, t-shirts and pint glasses, to books, hats and vinyl records. The Moogseum Store will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

To ensure the safety of guests, extensive cleaning measures and CDC guidelines will be followed by staff, and both staff and visitors will be required to wear cloth or disposable face coverings.

                    

6th Annual Get In Gear Fest! Rescheduled
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Salvage Station

 

Join the Outdoor Gear Builders – a local alliance of over 50 gear builders and makers – for our 6th Annual Get In Gear (GIG) Fest!

Marking the beginning of Spring, GIG Fest is a day of demos, music, incredible sale prices on tried and trusted gear, and – of course – libations (this is Asheville, after all).

– Family Friendly
– COMPLETELY FREE
– Amazing deals and savings on NEW 2020 Outdoor Gear and seconds from past seasons
– Climbing Wall courtesy of Camp Cedar Cliff
– Product Demos (like Fly Casting from Rent This Rod)
– Raffle in support of The Pisgah Conservancy

Some of the brands participating this year are: ENO, SylvanSport, Rightline Gear, The Tarpestry Co., LightHeart Gear, Tsuga, Rockgeist – Bikepack USA, Diamond Brand Gear, ASTRAL, Industry Nine, Recover Brands, Blyss Running, Fifth Element Camping, Blue Ridge Chair Works, Bellyak, Shira Forge, Alpine Towers, Big Weekend, Rent This Rod, Offroad Gear and Recreation Equipment (OGRE), Blue Ridge Hiking Company, Sport Hansa and more being added every day

Disaster Response Virtual Volunteer Fair
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Online

Volunteers needed for the 2020 hurricane season!

Microsoft Teams Session
RSVP required by 8/28. tinyurl.com/VirtualVolunteerFairRSVP

Join us to learn how to help your neighbors and community in times of need!
Due to predictions for an active hurricane and wildfire season and the complexities of COVID-19, the Red
Cross will need thousands of volunteers to care for people when disasters strike. Learn how you can be a
Ready Red Cross Shelter or Health Services Volunteer so you can answer the call when your community
needs it most.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

The Salvage Station is Now Open!
Aug 22 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Salvage Station

We are open with new rules and safety measures!

Founded in 2016, Salvage Station is Asheville, NC’s favorite riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue located in the historic River Arts District along the French Broad River. From music shows and festivals, to community and private events, Salvage Station is an excellent place to hang out and have a truly great Asheville experience.

Less than one half mile from downtown, you can find the most spacious and safe place to social distance outside while enjoying refreshing adult beverages and delicious Creole and Southern soul food from Root Down Kitchen.

In an effort to keep our beloved patrons safe (and our doors open), our staff will have their temperatures checked before each shift, they will wear face masks at all times while at work, and will sanitize their hands and work areas often. You can also feel safe knowing that all employees have completed their Count On Me certification.

We also have new rules in place that we require our patrons to adhere to.

*Face masks required at all times unless seated at your table.

*Parties of 6 or fewer only.

*Ages 21+ only (this is temporary and we hope to allow all ages in again very soon).

*Social Distance! Stay 6 feet apart while standing in line and use our hand sanitizing stations often.

*Do not move any furniture under any circumstances. We have strategically placed our tables in a way that we can safely social distance our guests.

Let’s have fun and stay safe!

Teach-In Session Relational Voter Turnout w/ Down Home NC!
Aug 22 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
zoom

 

Interested in getting involved with Down Home NC? Attend our crash course which will give you the tools to have deep conversations with friends and families about the issues that matter most to you. We will discuss how Down Home NC will be using these tools to win in 2020.

Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

Check out Archetype on the Cover of Beer Connoisseur “Best in Beer”
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Archetype Brewing Downtown

The Sage,  Belgian Style Dark Strong Ale was on the recent cover of the annual “Best in Beer” issue in The Beer Connoisseur magazine! Not only was The Sage featured on the cover of this Winter Edition, but it was also named the 8th best beer in the world and the 2nd Best Belgian Strong Ale in the World! Swing by Archetype and enjoy their Covid-safe indoor and outdoor seating options rain or shine while sipping on some award-winning brews.
Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circle
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Online

In this series of Virtual Goddess Channeling and Alignment Circles, we will work with shamanic technologies to connect with multidimensional Beings of Light to receive support throughout our current global paradigm shift. We will tap into energy streams of Quantum Light frequencies to raise our vibrations and receive messages from Kuan Yin, Mother Mary, Pele, Kali and other Transformative Goddesses who are lovingly here to assist us as we move through any energetic obstructions to fulfill our greatest potential. Learn how to access and divinely nourish yourself with the Quantum Light during this special Virtual Goddess event.

This week we will journey to the sacred Peru, receiving Pachamama’s blessings and a Light Language transmission from Machu Picchu.

For more information or to schedule a private session visit:
http://www.quantumlightpractice.com

Asheville Wine Market Saturday Afternoon Tastings
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Wine Market

Taste 3 for Free when you join us in the shop for weekly Saturday Afternoon Tastings.

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AVLH3 #608-B – 12th Annual Blue Dress Run!
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Martin Luther King Jr Park

WHAT: To keep our annual event safe for our members during covid times, we’ll be trying something a little bit different this year. Let’s call it “Two Packs, One Trail” :) We’ll have two separate packs of 15 wankers each running trail simultaneously, but on opposite ends of trail. The two packs will remain completely separate for the duration of the event to help us socially distance more easily.

Whhaaaa?? But how is that going to work?? Don’t you worry about a thing, the hares have it all figured out. All you need to do is pick one of these two Meetups, RSVP, and show up at your designated start location on Saturday with a shiny $5 bill (or more!) to donate to charity.

HASH CASH: Minimum $5 donation to the benefiting charity — A Therapist Like Me, an Asheville nonprofit dedicated to connecting minority-identifying clients to minority-identifying therapists, advancing therapists of color, providing financial gifts to minority-identifying clients for psychotherapy, reducing societal stigma surrounding mental health, and supporting our community.

OTHER: Some important things to note:

– There will be NO bar stops on trail. The pack will remain OUTDOORS for the entire duration of the event. Trail will be laid in areas where it will be easy for us all to stay distant from unsuspecting muggles.
– Trail will have runner and walker options. Eagles can expect to run 4.75 miles (or more if you’re doing a lot of searching). Runners can shorten that by about 1/2 mile if you take turkey. Walkers can expect about 3.4 miles. (Ask the hare if you need more shortcuts.)
– 2 beer checks and 1 shot stop.
– Dog friendly. If you’re bringing a stroller, ask the hare for work-arounds, as the trail itself will not be stroller friendly.
– Bring a MASK and remain AT LEAST 6 ft apart from other wankers outside your household.
– There will be no official event on-after, but wankers are welcome to meet up afterwards as they please.
– Because there is an attendee limit, please only RSVP if you will be there. If your plans change, please adjust your RSVP accordingly.
– Anyone is still welcome to run the trail dead after the event, until the marks wash away! The hares will include a few photo checks.
– Most importantly, wear a blue dress!! :)

Jumping Jack Flash Rolling Stones CANCELLED
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Shindig on the Green Flashbacks
Aug 22 @ 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

The weather is warm and the cicadas are sounding off which makes us dream of kicking back in a lawn chair in Pack Square, listening to some serious pickin’. Don’t fret, Shindig lovers. The Folk Heritage Committee has gotten creative about ways to safely connect. They’ll be posting 15 videos online of some of our favorite past performances from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. every Saturday through September 5! On the final Saturday you can expect to see some newly created videos to get you up dancin’ wherever you might be.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Aug 22 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Kim Ware / the Good Graces Live Stream
Aug 22 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: 1 person, text that says 'KIM WARE (the Good Graces) Pretty New Songs from a Pretty New Apartment FB Live @theGoodGraces Saturdays at 4PM ET Starting Aug'

I’ve written enough songs (and then some) for a new album and I want you to help me fine-tune them! I’ll be playing songs, telling stories, and maybe even host a surprise guest or two. All live from my new apartment in lovely Shelby, NC. Tune in every Saturday at 4PM ET.

https://www.facebook.com/events/298093431395361/?event_time_id=298093438062027

Learn to Cook Moroccan Tagine
Aug 22 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Mountain Kitchen

From the other side of the Mediterranean Sea, right near the bottle neck of Gibraltar lays Morocco. A small country w many influences. The flavors, spices and ingredients all reflect those influences which are expressed through the unique food, dishes and culture. We will learn to work with a tagine, this traditional cooking utensil and learn about its form and function. In this class we will make: Lamb tagine w dried fruit and preserved lemons, couscous to serve it over, vegetable sides and for dessert mint tea in beautiful Moroccan glasses and Moroccan doughnuts.

Each class has a theme that corresponds w a holiday, a season or a favorite cook book. In each class we learn 3-6 dishes, depending on their complexity and the number of participants. We nibble and taste throughout the class in a very casual atmosphere. At the end of the class we have a meal together. My cooking style is simple, I do not over complicate recipes.

Runaway Home‎On The Lawn Concert Series
Aug 22 @ 6:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

Runaway Home is easy on the ears and gentle on the soul. Mark Elliott and Gary Culley have cultivated a sound over the past 25 years, that speaks from past experiences and life lessons, through the present, and into the great unknown. The Differences in their musical backgrounds have strengthened the sound of Runaway Home into raw rhythm guitar with a hint of bluesy mandolin wrapped in the soulful harmonies that invite listeners to sit back and connect with the music. Mark and Gary have several cuts under their belt as well as winners of the Kerrville New Folk Award, Nappa Valley New Folk award and many others. They are currently on tour with the 4th record “Gotta Get Outside”.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.

Tickets: https://isiasheville.com/event/an-evening-with-runaway-home-lawn/?fbclid=IwAR0mnN7eRRlQ3snlu1afVXvhs4QVM6iU3K5DDE8ZygTqwxI19gYLd6Ni5vs

Fontana Trestle Train ft. BBQ & Brews
Aug 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad

Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating will be available on this experience!

Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.

In the Basket

Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.

And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.

Featured Breweries

                                

 

March 14                     May 2                      May 23(S)

              

    June 19 and 20       July 17&18(S)                                                 August 22
Hawley Magic
Aug 22 @ 7:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Hawley Magic

Internationally renowned illusionists Hawley Magic are back!  Jonathan and Trisha Hawley are excited to bring Tryon some brand new magic and illusion as well as some of their fan favorites.  They were finalists on America’s Got Talent, featured in the UK on the award winning TV show The Cruise, and were nominated Princess Cruise Lines Entertainer’s of the Year.  They offer an action packed, Las Vegas style show featuring expert sleight of hand and one of a kind grand illusions that’s great for the whole family!!  Howie Mandel called them “Tremendous!”

Award-winning illusion duo

PATIO SHOW: Christy Lynn Band
Aug 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
PATIO SHOW:  Christy Lynn Band
Christy Lynn Band play The Grey Eagle patio stage on Saturday August 22! A very limited number of tickets are available now.

  • ALL AGES
  • 7PM SHOW / 6PM DOORS
  • OUTDOOR PATIO SHOW (LIMITED CAPACITY, WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES IN PLACE. ADVANCE TICKETS ARE ENCOURAGED.)

CHRISTY LYNN BAND

It was 3AM one Southern California morning back in 2011 when Ryan Schilling first heard the captivating voice of Christy Lynn singing. The two felt an instantaneous creative spark and joined forces together in a band, and haven’t looked back since. Together, Christy Lynn and Ryan are a powerful musical combination, simply making music under the Christy Lynn Band moniker. They share a deep interest in music all across the spectrum, from classic languid country and folk tunes to driving rock & roll. They’ve taken those influences and distilled them into their own unique sound that seamlessly fuses country music with a dash of rock and soul. The Christy Lynn Band is set to release their first full-length album, Sweetheart of the Radio, on vinyl and CD, along wit

Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Aug 22 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Playwright Neil Simon got his first big break in the early 50’s as a staff writer on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, and this comedy takes a fictionalized look into writer’s room antics.

 

Look Back in Anger
Aug 22 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Set in the mid-twentieth century English projects, witness a young couple struggle through the issues that seem all too familiar today: employment, finances, class, education, love, loss, and all the complications that come with it. Life leads them through its ups and downs, but will they still be able to find each other in the end?

Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
Aug 22 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. The Twilight session start time is 7:30 each Saturday night and runs until 9:30. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 877.247.5539 or adventureavl.com.

  • EVERY SATURDAY EVENING June 13-Aug 29
  • Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 28 at 4:30
  • Holidays in the Treetops Dec 27 at 4:30
ArborEvenings
Aug 22 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Jumping Jack Flash Rolling Stones CANCELLED
Aug 22 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Another Comedy Showcase
Aug 22 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Girl And Goblin

This is a badass comedy showcase featuring the best local and surrounding area comics at a badass tattoo shop venue! This is a FREE show! And it’s also BYOB! It’s a perfect Saturday night good time!