Calendar of Events
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.
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
In the past 50 years in the United States and beyond, artists have sought to break down social and political hierarchies that include issues of identity, gender, power, race, authority, and authenticity. Unsurprisingly, these decades generated a reconsideration of the idea of pattern and decoration as a third option to figuration and abstraction in art. From 1972 to 1985, artists in the Pattern and Decoration movement worked to expand the visual vocabulary of contemporary art to include ethnically and culturally diverse options that eradicated the barriers between fine art and craft and questioned the dominant minimalist aesthetic. These artists did so by incorporating opulence and bold intricacies garnered from such wide-ranging inspirations as United States quilt-making and Islamic architecture.
Too Much Is Just Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration features more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. The artworks in this exhibition demonstrate the vibrant and varied approaches to pattern and decoration in art. Artworks from the 21st century elucidate contemporary perspectives on the employment of pattern to inform visual vocabularies and investigations of diverse themes in the present day.
Artworks drawn from the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection join select major loans and feature Pattern and Decoration artists Valerie Jaudon, Joyce Kozloff, Robert Kushner, and Miriam Schapiro, as well as Anni Albers, Elizabeth Alexander, Sanford Biggers, Tawny Chatmon, Margaret Curtis, Mary Engel, Cathy Fussell, Samantha Hennekke, John Himmelfarb, Anne Lemanski, Rashaad Newsome, Peter Olson, Don Reitz, Sarah Sense, Billie Ruth Sudduth, Mickalene Thomas, Shoku Teruyama, Anna Valdez, Kehinde Wiley, and more.
This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and guest curated by Marilyn Laufer & Tom Butler.
ADAM CHASE & friends ft. CHRIS BULLOCK of SNARKY PUPPY
MAY 5 – ASHEVILLE NC – ONE WORLD WEST – CINCO DE MAYO PARTY! – 3-6PM
(String Cheese Incident Pre Party)
Adam Chase (Chase Brothers, Jazz Is Phsh), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy, Boomtown) and John Daniel Ray (The Allman Brothers, Mr. Haircut, Vintage Astronaut) and Danny Darress (Chess Club) come together for this very special, one time performance at One World West in Asheville NC on May 5, 2023 (3-6pm).
ADAM CHASE
Drummer, Adam Chase, is an acclaimed music director and drummer that has built a name for himself by putting together a variety of Funky and Jazzy All-Star projects. Adam’s unique approach to drum reflects his unique personality and his visionary approach to performance.
Chase has worked with an uncanny amount of acclaimed musicians including Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, John Medeski, MonoNeon, George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Adam Deitch (Lettuce), Aron Magner (Disco Biscuits), Scott Metzger (JRad), Craig Robinson, Antwaun Stanley, Shaun Martin (Snarky Puppy), Domi Degalle, Dennis Chambers, Marcus King, Isaiah Sharkey (John Mayer), Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars), Jeff Sipe, Claude Coleman Jr. (Ween) and many others.
CHRIS BULLOCK
Chris Bullock is a Brooklyn, NY-based saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He has enjoyed an expansive career performing with a variety of artists across all sorts of musical styles. Most notably, he is known for his longtime role as a saxophonist and composer in the genre-bending ensemble, Snarky Puppy. With this band, he has received four Grammy awards and is often on tour around the world performing at concert halls to music festivals to small rock rooms.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris has performed and recorded with a variety of artists including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Eric Harland, Metropole Orkest, Phish, and Soulive. In addition to his work as a live musician, he recently wrote and recorded his first commissioned film score.
In 2018, Chris released his debut solo album, Boomtown. This music is a hybrid of sorts. On the album, Chris explored ways to combine his interests in improvisation, jazz, chamber music, electronic music, and hip hop production elements. With his Boomtown band, Chris has brought a synth-heavy, grooving sound environment on live tours across the US and Canada.
JOHN DANIEL RAY
John Daniel Ray is a progressive jazz bassist and composer, and operates a production company called Mr. Haircut. He has produced dozens of projects and has played with hundreds of bands and ensembles in his 20 year career, from the Allman Brothers to the Roots.
John plays with his original band Vintage Astronaut, a progressive jazz/electronic project that pushes the boundaries of what live music can accomplish by utilizing computers as improvisational tools and incorporating electronic sounds into live performance. He also performs regularly with Noobious, a video game music cover band, RKIII, an experimental electronic band, Lucky Pocket, a dance/party band, and he produces and hosts a podcast called Mr. Haircut with renowned drummer Jonathan Greene.
John has performed and toured with bands from all over the country including The Allman Brothers, The Embers, Solos Unit, and shared the stage with The Roots, Gap Band, Common, Wu Tang Clan, The New Deal, George Clinton, Oteil Burbridge, The Platters, The Temptations, The Funky Knuckles, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Jazz is Phish, and more.
DANNY DARRESS
New York based pianist, Danny Darress is a recent Berklee School of Music graduate that is coming from a special circle of musicians that include DOMi Degalle and Jonathan Huber. The young musician and songwriter has quickly become a rising star in the pop community with his new project Chess Club, which has drawn collaborations with A list musicians and producers.
Having toured the country as a jazz pianist while writing and producing pop music has given Darress a unique voice in music. His approach to playing has the ability to be deep and complex while consistently providing rich and expressive melodies that allows the listener to enjoy a journey of story telling that can both perplex and inspire a sing along simultaneously.
This Cinco de Mayo at DSSOLVR brewery, we’re excited to celebrate with…
CINCO DE SSOLVR a Cinco de Mayo celebration!
Join us for the release of our new, Mexican-style lime lager, Ceni Cero Lime, and delicious tamales from Tortilleria Molina, a local Hispanic-owned company. And if you’re trying to get saucy! We’ll have a hot sauce bar on the patio! If it gets too spicy, we’ve got the cure! ….AND NOW INTRODUCING THE NEXT EVOLUTION of SELZTER INGENUITY… SELTZER COCKTAILS!!!! That’s right! We are adding a special patio popup seltzer bar to the mix, serving some killer Mexican inspired cocktails, and dressing our Lime Lager “Ashtray” style to heat things up!
DSSOLVR believes in celebrating culture and supporting our community. That’s why a portion of our proceeds will benefit Pisgah Legal and be donated directly to the Together We Dream Fundraising Challenge. Providing Pisgah Legal with more resources to respond to the critical needs facing immigrant neighbors.
As we raise our glasses to cheers, let’s take a moment to honor the significance of this day.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, triumphed over French forces on May 5, 1862. This victory was a turning point in Mexico’s history and served as a symbol of Mexican resilience and determination.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture of Mexico while celebrating with our new Mexican lime lager, patio cocktails, and delicious food. We hope you’ll join us in supporting our community and raising awareness for immigrant rights. Salud!

2022 Market Season: Every Friday April – October
Have you ever wished upon a star? Now is your chance! Enjoy camping under the stars or relax in the comfort of our cabins and observing the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally certified Dark Sky Park.
Grab a picnic blanket or bring your own lawn chair and sit back and relax while enjoying the show that space provides as meteors rain down throughout the night from Halley’s Comet! This meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 30 meteors per hour. PARI astronomers will also be on hand with telescopes for you to experience the night sky.
PARI is offering two overnight options for your enjoyment. *** All overnight packages include dinner, a tour, observing the meteors, night sky observing with telescopes, accommodations and breakfast.
Art on 7th will present its May 2023 Exhibition titled “The Mystic River of Dreams.” The show runs May 18 through May 28 and will kick off with a wine and cheese reception on May 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Many of the gallery artists will present work interpreting the exhibition theme, which promises a variety of imagery from the creative minds of contemporary abstract artists. Participating artists include Laurie Adams, Amy Casteel, Stephen Hackley, Courtney Hoelscher, Barbara Jones, Michelle Marra, Robin Pedrero, Christopher Peterson and Julie Wilmot. Paintings, sculptures, and copper are on the list of works planned for the exhibition.
According to gallery owner Julie Wilmot, “These pieces of art won’t be river scenes typically represented in WNC galleries. As a contemporary art gallery, it’s fun to take what might be a classic theme and give it a contemporary twist. Art on 7th has a number of landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain scenes on our walls, but none of it is representational artwork.” Identifying the gallery’s audience Wilmot says, “Art on 7th sells contemporary art that is in harmony with our clients’ mountain lifestyles. And there are plenty of people in the area who love the nature and mountains of WNC but aren’t necessarily intent on carrying a literal design and décor representation, as such, into their homes.”
The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge! Join in virtually or sign up for the in-person event on May 5th.
Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge
Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.
Registration fee:
$35 – Early Registration until April 2nd
$40 – April 3-30
$45 – Late Registration May 1-5
John Brown is the Vice Provost of the Arts at Duke University, where is he also the Dean of Jazz studies. He will be performing standards from the American Jazz songbook at the Hendersonville High School auditorium as part of a residency sponsored by the Arts Council of Henderson County
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
We are delighted to welcome Andrew Wakefield to Bloom WNC Outdoor Summer Concert Series!
Andrew Wakefield is a guitarist, songwriter and singer based in Asheville, NC. He has an extensive and eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, old-time, newgrass, rock, american, and more!
Celebrate Mexican-American culture with authentic food and music followed by an outdoor movie.
Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day — the most important national holiday in Mexico — which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 commemorating the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The victory over the French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans.
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Ingles!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us at Turgua Brewing! Free live music with Jackson Grimm and Cielto food truck will be here offering a Latin and South American menu. Music is from 6:30-8:30
The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show. And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!

GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
The Wilma Dykeman Legacy organization has chosen to partner with WCCHL to bring to the Community Center their “Mountain Strong” Series that celebrates traditional mountain life. Their inaugural event will feature the White Rock Revival for an evening of Bluegrass music and stories of life on the farm across several generations. For more information, visit www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org.
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.
Join the APAA’s Company Member in the hilarious stage spectacle with everyone’s favorite Ogre.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell
Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!
Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
What is left for Yacht Rock Revue to prove? This top-notch group has already rocked onstage with John Oates, Eddie Money (RIP) and both versions of the band Player. They’ve trademarked the term “yacht rock” metaphorically and literally (U.S. Registration Number 3834195). From humble beginnings in a basement to becoming touring giants, they now headline sold-out shows nationwide.
Yacht Rock Revue started in the least-yachtiest of states…Indiana. Founding members Nick Niespodziani and Pete Olson met in the fourth grade in suburban Indiana, went on to Indiana University in the late ’90s and formed the band Y-O-U. Fast forward a couple years, and YRR (there’s also a Dave, a Greg, and literally three guys named Mark) found themselves playing 120 to 150 shows a year, mastering the genre’s slick chords and mellow grooves.
While rising from bars to amphitheaters, they’ve ticked every box on the “Rock Star Accomplishments” bingo card, except for one: Writing and singing their own songs. Yacht Rock Revue’s first original record is ten songs inspired by the smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. They’ve brazenly titled it Hot Dads in Tight Jeans – forgive them for bragging, but that’s what they are – and it returns Yacht Rock Revue to their roots in original music. The seven-piece band displays tight chops, and songs incorporate YRR’s sense of humor, especially on the funky pro-margarita “Bad Tequila” and the flute-fired “Another Song About California.”
Modelface Comedy presents AVL Underground Comedy
James Hamilton is one of the sharpest up-and-coming comedic voices in the country. He is an Emmy-award winning writer and is preparing to record his debut stand-up album with ASpecialThing Records. James currently writes and regularly appears on VICE TV’s Vice News Tonight. He was a co-writer for the feature-length documentary, The Neutral Ground (Tribeca Film Fest 2021, POV on PBS), which was executive produced by Roy Wood Jr. and nominated for an Emmy and a Critics Choice Award. James won The Moth NYC GrandSlam with his story on the topic of “Over My Head” and, before that, was a featured writer for NBC’s Scene Showcase. James was previously a member of the sketch comedy group Stupid Time Machine, whose work was featured in Funny or Die, Bustle, and Upworthy. He has performed around the country and at some of North America’s top comedy festivals, including San Francisco SketchFest, Austin’s Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival, and Toronto Sketchfest.
ages 18+
doors at 7:30, show at 8pm
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of
We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:
- May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
- June 13th: boygenius
- August 12th: Motionless in White
Pinkish Floyd is an Asheville-based, true-to-the-original Pink Floyd tribute band. Passionate about delivering a completely immersive Pink Floyd experience, the show comes complete with the music, projections, lasers, and best of all, an enthusiastic audience! It’s just like the real thing… ish.
Featuring:
Jason Watson
David Bradley
Travis Corcoran
Rob Grace
David Bruce
Patrick Landis
Jenny Lee
Rebekkah Hilgraves
Kathleen Watson
The last appearance of PINKISH FLOYD at White Horse was a standing room only crowd.
Tickets are likely to sell out in advance this time .
Thus, advance ticket purchases are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!!!!
Have you ever wished upon a star? Now is your chance! Join PARI from 9:30-11:30pm on May 5, 2023 for an evening viewing the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower and the night sky at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally certified Dark Sky Park.
Grab a picnic blanket or bring your own lawn chair and sit back and relax while enjoying the show that space provides as meteors rain down throughout the night from Halley’s Comet! This meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 30 meteors per hour. PARI astronomers will also be on hand with telescopes for you to experience the night sky.
The nation’s largest comedy club network, The Comedy Zone brings top-notch comedians to the stage for the best in late-night laughs! This weekend features headliner Reno Collier in the Tina McGuire Theatre at the Wortham. A former P.E. teacher, Reno has a unique outlook on life that endears him to a wide range of audiences. In addition to selling out comedy clubs nationwide and a half-hour special on Comedy Central Presents, his national tours look more like a comedian’s wish-list than a resume, including theater and arena tours with the legendary Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Ron White and Larry the Cable Guy. Reno’s past TV credits include NBC’s Late Friday, The Martin Short Show, and TBS’s Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation. Contains adult content.
