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, May 20, 2023
WNC Bigfoot Festival
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Marion

You may come a skeptic, but you’ll leave a believer after attending the WNC Bigfoot Festival. Educational panels, a Bigfoot Calling Contest and other family-friendly activities make this the southeast’s premier Bigfoot event.

Whether you’re a foodie interested in trying Bigfoot-themed dishes or you have a desire to see art inspired by Sasquatch and created by regional artist, there’s something for everyone at the 2023 WNC Bigfoot Festival.

Click Here to See Saturday’s Bigfoot Festival Satellite Parking Locations

KID HOP HOORAY
May 20 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL PRESENTS: SPRING DANCE PERFORMANCE
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents an evening of mixed repertoire showcasing refreshingly versatile and passionate dance students performing a wide range of works that celebrate both the Classical Ballet traditions as well as the moving trends of the 21st century.

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Asheville Performing Arts Academy Summer Theatre Workshops Registration Open
May 21 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square)) (560 × 373 px)

We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:

  • Younger Ages (Rising First – Third Grade) and
  • Older Ages (Rising Fourth – Tenth Grade)

Pricing

First Student: $350 per week
Sibling & Multiple Week Camp Discounts are available

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square)) (1)

Madagascar Workshop

June 12-16 & July 17-21

 

Get read to MOVE IT, MOVE IT!

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins in this crack-a-lackin’ adventure from New York City to Madagascar.

Matilda Workshop

June 19-23 & July 24-28

 

It’s time to act like REVOLTIN’ CHILDREN!

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

4
5-1

Shrek Workshop

June 26-30 & July 31-August 4

 

Come and let your FREAK FLAG FLY!

It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

The Little Mermaid Workshop

July 10-14 & August 7-11

 

Discover what it means to be PART OF YOUR WORLD!

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square))
Cacao Ceremony
May 21 all-day
Samasati Sanctuary

Please join Bird Woman for a heart-stimulating Cacao Ceremony, 3-5:30pm, Sunday, May 21st. Cacao is a wonderful facilitator of spiritual awakening and reflection, facilitating our transformation on a physical and mental level. In this ceremony we will invite the spirit of the cacao to help us in opening our hearts and bringing us to a state of harmony with our souls, in order to create the best reality possible for ourselves and our future world.

The event will be held outdoors so that we are best able to connect with nature and the elements to support us in this sacred journey. If rain is predicted we will hold the event indoors, it will not be cancelled. Spaces are $25 per guest. Spaces are limited. To reserve your spot please visit https://www.visionsandreflections.com/events/

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL PRESENTS: SPRING DANCE PERFORMANCE
May 21 @ 2:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

The SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Dance Department presents an evening of mixed repertoire showcasing refreshingly versatile and passionate dance students performing a wide range of works that celebrate both the Classical Ballet traditions as well as the moving trends of the 21st century.

Family Folk Dance
May 21 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Harvest House Community Center
Family Folk Dance

 

Free admission.

3rd Sundays of each month Sept-May

3:00-5:00pm

 

Bring the whole family for some good old-fashioned fun with traditional dance and live music! All ages are welcome, no experience necessary. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This venue is mask-encouraged.

For more information, please visit the website.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Being a Ballerina Author Visit and Mini-Performance with professional dancer Gavin Larsen
May 23 @ 6:30 pm
Fairview Library

 

Inspiring, revealing, and deeply relatable, Being a Ballerina is a first-hand look at the realities of life as a professional ballet dancer. Through episodes of her own career, Gavin Larsen describes the forces that drive a person to study dance; the daily balance that dancers navigate between hardship and joy; and the dancer’s continual quest to discover who they are as a person and as an artist.

Join us for this very special event as we welcome author and dancer Gavin Larsen for readings from her book Being a Ballerina: The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life. In addition to the reading, the audience will also be treated to a performance of excerpts from the ballet Giselle.

This program is for an audience of all ages, and Malaprops will be on hand to sell copies of Gavin’s book after the event is over.

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Shamanic Global Healing Meditation
May 24 @ 9:45 pm – 10:30 pm
online

Hosted by The Heart of the Healer Foundation (THOTH)
Join us on the THOTH Facebook Page and contribute to a concentrated global intention for the healing of Pachamama as well as the collective psyche. This is a wonderful opportunity to energetically connect in soul presence with the circle of Pachakuti Mesa Practitioners worldwide, strengthening the Great Work of our shamanic planetary tribe. The power that is being harnessed and transmitted is deep and sentient nourishment for the Earth.
Learn more about the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Link-Up HERE.
NOTE: If you cannot attend this ceremony live, the video recording will be posted on THOTH’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

FB Livestream link to join: www.facebook.com/theheartofthehealer
Ceremonialist: PMT Sanctioned Teachers

Thursday, May 25, 2023
City Dance
May 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.

Friday, May 26, 2023
White Squirrel Weekend
May 26 all-day
Downtown Brevard

White Squirrel 2023 will kick off downtown Friday evening and run through Sunday afternoon in the heart of downtown.

In addition to the live music, the weekend event features a smattering of delicious local food vendors and a beer garden featuring all of Brevard’s local craft breweries and wine.  Craft, artisan and nonprofit vendors add to the weekend’s street offerings.

GrindFest 2023
May 26 @ 10:00 am
 Grindfest

GrindFest is a free, 3-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship

 About this event

 Grindfest is BACK! It is a free, 3-day event that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville.  A block-party style event will take place on 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

See you there!

Let’s make HISTORY together! 

Saturday, May 27, 2023
Asheville Performing Arts Academy Summer Theatre Workshops Registration Open
May 27 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square)) (560 × 373 px)

We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:

  • Younger Ages (Rising First – Third Grade) and
  • Older Ages (Rising Fourth – Tenth Grade)

Pricing

First Student: $350 per week
Sibling & Multiple Week Camp Discounts are available

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square)) (1)

Madagascar Workshop

June 12-16 & July 17-21

 

Get read to MOVE IT, MOVE IT!

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins in this crack-a-lackin’ adventure from New York City to Madagascar.

Matilda Workshop

June 19-23 & July 24-28

 

It’s time to act like REVOLTIN’ CHILDREN!

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

4
5-1

Shrek Workshop

June 26-30 & July 31-August 4

 

Come and let your FREAK FLAG FLY!

It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

The Little Mermaid Workshop

July 10-14 & August 7-11

 

Discover what it means to be PART OF YOUR WORLD!

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

APAA Summer Camp Banner (Facebook Post (Square))
White Squirrel Weekend
May 27 all-day
Downtown Brevard

White Squirrel 2023 will kick off downtown Friday evening and run through Sunday afternoon in the heart of downtown.

In addition to the live music, the weekend event features a smattering of delicious local food vendors and a beer garden featuring all of Brevard’s local craft breweries and wine.  Craft, artisan and nonprofit vendors add to the weekend’s street offerings.

GrindFest 2023
May 27 @ 10:00 am
 Grindfest

GrindFest is a free, 3-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship

 About this event

 Grindfest is BACK! It is a free, 3-day event that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville.  A block-party style event will take place on 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

See you there!

Let’s make HISTORY together! 

Activation in the Park
May 27 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
French Broad River Park
Activation in the Park

Activation in the Park

French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!

We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).

We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.

All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.

NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.

We look forward to meeting you!

Sunday, May 28, 2023
White Squirrel Weekend
May 28 all-day
Downtown Brevard

White Squirrel 2023 will kick off downtown Friday evening and run through Sunday afternoon in the heart of downtown.

In addition to the live music, the weekend event features a smattering of delicious local food vendors and a beer garden featuring all of Brevard’s local craft breweries and wine.  Craft, artisan and nonprofit vendors add to the weekend’s street offerings.

GrindFest 2023
May 28 @ 10:00 am
 Grindfest

GrindFest is a free, 3-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship

 About this event

 Grindfest is BACK! It is a free, 3-day event that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville.  A block-party style event will take place on 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

See you there!

Let’s make HISTORY together! 

Monday, May 29, 2023
LovEolution
May 29 all-day
Sacred Mountain Waters

After five years of hosting our Gatherings at Camp Hope, which we dressed up and transformed into Camp LovEvolution for three powerful days and nights every year, the dream of finding and creating our own sanctuary for the LovEvolution year round has been realized.

So time to reunite and celebrate this evolution of the LovEvolution in pioneering and anchoring the new paradigm. Time to dance, sing, pray and celebrate on the beautiful 200 plus acres of wilderness that is cradled in a mountain valley bounded by rivers two miles of rivers, just north of Asheville.

During the gathering we’ll also be holding the first Sunday service for the recently created LovEvolution Fellowship Church in its new LovEvolution Lodge – Event Center and Chapel. These Sunday fellowship services will then continue on the first Sunday of every month.

We are powerful co-creators of the world we experience. To cultivate the world of our dreams we will share dozens of heart and mind opening workshops and events – including Ecstatic Dance, Song and Fire Circle, Drumming, Musical Performances, Ceremony, Celebrations, Compassionate Communication, Sacred Relationship, Qi Gong, Sound Healing, Yoga, Shamanic Breath Work and more.

There will also be opportunities to immerse yourself in nature by hiking the land, soaking in the hot tubs, cleansing in the sauna and swimming in the natural swimming pond and rivers.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Shamanic Global Healing Meditation
May 31 @ 9:45 pm – 10:30 pm
online

Hosted by The Heart of the Healer Foundation (THOTH)
Join us on the THOTH Facebook Page and contribute to a concentrated global intention for the healing of Pachamama as well as the collective psyche. This is a wonderful opportunity to energetically connect in soul presence with the circle of Pachakuti Mesa Practitioners worldwide, strengthening the Great Work of our shamanic planetary tribe. The power that is being harnessed and transmitted is deep and sentient nourishment for the Earth.
Learn more about the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Link-Up HERE.
NOTE: If you cannot attend this ceremony live, the video recording will be posted on THOTH’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

FB Livestream link to join: www.facebook.com/theheartofthehealer
Ceremonialist: PMT Sanctioned Teachers

Thursday, June 1, 2023
Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jun 1 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Friday, June 2, 2023
Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jun 2 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents Giselle
Jun 2 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A beautiful full-length production of the classic romantic ballet ‘Giselle’ performed by the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre-professional company.

A story of innocent love and betrayal, with the much loved score by Adolphe Adam

This year Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s alumni have performed with American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and been award scholarships and placement in every top ballet university program.

This Spring semester we are thrilled to welcome choreographer in residence, Nick Kepley.

Saturday, June 3, 2023
Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jun 3 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Dia del Nino
Jun 3 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center

June 3rd, from 2 to 5 pm, the baseball field at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center will be transformed into festival grounds, complete with music, games, dancing, water activities and Latin street foods.  A Mexican holiday generally celebrated at the end of April, “Día del Niño”, or day of the children, is returning to Cashiers in June. 

 

In Mexico, the holiday is as big as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day; shopping malls host special events, museums and zoos give special children’s discounts, and people hand out small, traditional toys to children they encounter throughout the day. Dia del Nino celebrates the contribution to a community that children bring, and is an opportunity to shower our kiddos with love.

The June 3rd event will feature games and activities for children and families, such as piñatas, traditional Mexican dancing, tug-o-war, foam party, sack races, water balloons, face painting, Zumba lesson, and musical chairs. Each child who attends will receive a free event t-shirt this year. There will also be refreshments, including tamales, popcorn, beverages, elotes, and….CHURROS! El Dia del Niño is completely free for all attendees and with so much fun planned, there’s bound to be endless smiles, laughter, new friends and memories!

 

Just Brew It
Jun 3 @ 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

Just Brew It is a homebrew competition and tasting in Asheville benefiting the work of Just Economics. The festival features 75+ different beers and 30+ amazing homebrewers. The competing homebrewers are some of the finest specialty homebrewers in the region with classic brews from traditional IPAs, lagers, sours, and stouts to unique beers brewed with specialty items like coffee, chocolate, spices, and fruit.

To attend, you must be a current member of Just Economics. This event is not ticketed, so you must purchase a membership prior to the event. Then, all Just Economics members can sample the homebrews and vote for their favorites!

Purchase your membership here: https://www.justeconomicswnc.org/donate/

Memberships are $30, which grants you entry to the event.
Memberships with a VIP package are $50, which grant you entry to the event an hour early (1:00pm) plus a souvenir glass, gourmet pretzel, and more.

This is a local festival you won’t want to miss and your membership supports the work of Just Economics to advance living wages, affordable housing and better transit! Hope to see you there!

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents Giselle
Jun 3 @ 3:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A beautiful full-length production of the classic romantic ballet ‘Giselle’ performed by the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre-professional company.

A story of innocent love and betrayal, with the much loved score by Adolphe Adam

This year Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s alumni have performed with American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and been award scholarships and placement in every top ballet university program.

This Spring semester we are thrilled to welcome choreographer in residence, Nick Kepley.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents Giselle
Jun 3 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A beautiful full-length production of the classic romantic ballet ‘Giselle’ performed by the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre-professional company.

A story of innocent love and betrayal, with the much loved score by Adolphe Adam

This year Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s alumni have performed with American Ballet Theater, Miami City Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and been award scholarships and placement in every top ballet university program.

This Spring semester we are thrilled to welcome choreographer in residence, Nick Kepley.

Sunday, June 4, 2023
2nd Annual Asheville Honey Festival
Jun 4 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Salvage Station

Looking for a buzz-worthy event? Look no further than Asheville’s 2nd Annual Honey Festival! Join the Center for Honeybee Research and Shanti Elixirs on Sunday, June 4th, from 12-6pm for a day of celebration, education, and community-building.
At the festival, you’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, and vendors showcasing the unique flavors of honey and other artisanal goods. But that’s not all: you’ll also be supporting a great cause, as proceeds from the festival will go towards saving pollinators and our planet.
The Center for Honeybee Research will be offering local and international honey for guests to sample and purchase, and you can even participate in the People’s Choice award for local honey vendors. Plus, we will be featuring the live finals of the 12th Annual International Black Jar Honey competition. Festival goers can watch as local celebrities determine the world’s best tasting honey.
And don’t forget to come dressed in your best pollinator-themed costume! It’s all part of the fun at Asheville’s 2nd Annual Honey Festival.
Personal water bottles are recommended, and families are encouraged to attend. So mark your calendars for June 4th, and come out to celebrate the wonderful world of beekeeping, honey, and all things pollinators. Together, we can help save the bees!

WNC DANCE ACADEMY PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE
Jun 4 @ 2:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

WNC Dance Academy presents their annual Spring Showcase, featuring our award winning WNCDA Performance Company and the artistry of our talented academy students and choreographers.