Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
Kanopy Available Free
Apr 30 all-day
online

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free with a Buncombe County Library card.  Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, or Roku.

With the motto of “thoughtful entertainment,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie films, classics, and world cinema. Explore a world of movies with no wait, no fines, and no borrowing limits.

“Streaming video—and the Kanopy service in particular—is something our patrons have been asking for,” adds Library Director Jason Hyatt. “We’re excited to provide this service as part of our ever-growing digital library.”

To access Kanopy, visit the library website, or download the app to your phone, TV, or digital device. If you have any questions, contact your local library.

Friday, May 5, 2023
CINCO DE SSOLVR
May 5 @ 3:00 pm
DSSOLVR

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!

Monday, May 8, 2023
Music Movie Mondays Series: QUADROPHENIA
May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Special screening and moderated discussion hosted by Bill Kopp

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mission Hospital’s Hall Auditorium

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

Capers + Heists Costume Party + Film: Oceans 11
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The StingDoors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Burton Street Community Center’s Mother’s Day Lunch
May 10 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville High School

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

FILM SCREENING: Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV
May 10 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Members Only Film Screening at BMCM+AC

“The George Washington of Video Art” … “Cultural Terrorist” … “Citizen Zero of the Electronic Superhighway”… But who really was Nam June Paik, pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century and arguably the most famous Korean artist in modern history? Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Thanks to social media, Paik’s future is now our present, and NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV shows us how we got here.

NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV (Amanda Kim, 2023, 109 minutes, English, Color, Not Rated). A Dogwoof production. Presented by Greenwich Entertainment, in association with American Masters Pictures/PBS. Produced by Jennifer Stockman, David Koh, Amanda Kim, Amy Hobby, and Jesse Wann.

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzhEUxmqGWs&t=1s

“A tantalizing portrait of a revolutionary Korean-born artist.” — Variety

“Essential viewing for anyone interested in the origins of video art, mass media and the internet.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2023
LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Banquet Hall at Harrah’s Cherokee Center

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

Friday, May 12, 2023
Breakfast in Bed Mothers Day Brunch
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

No need to shake off your jammies! Take the morning off and join friends for games, prizes, and breakfast at this pajama party.

Mothers Day Lunch
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

Celebrate all mothers and mother figures a little early with a delicious meal.

Grove Street Community Center’s Breakfast in Bed Mother’s Day Brunch
May 12 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

Movies in the Park: DC League of Super-Pets
May 12 @ 8:00 pm
Pack Square Park

A summer tradition returns to Pack Square Park, the popular FREE Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation.

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️ May 12 – DC League of Super-Pets, begins around 8:10pm
📽️ June 9 – Cruella, begins around 8:30pm
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Sip + Shop Mother’s Day Pop-Up
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for mom or somewhere to celebrate the occasion, shop Cloth’s Mother’s Day Sale at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “Sip & Shop” Pop-Up. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and up to 50% off multi-season men’s and women’s apparel and merchandise. The sale is from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in the Presidents Lounge of the Sammons Wing. Featured cocktails and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

Blazing Star Flowers Workshops at SAHC Community Farm: Designing Flower Arrangements
May 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Blazing Star Flowers SAHC Community Farm

Enjoy a visit to Blazing Star Flowers with an on-farm workshop.

We’ll begin with a tour of our small farm’s specialty cut flower fields, where we grow over 200 varieties of blooms using organic methods.  All materials and tools are provided. You are welcome to take photos. All levels, including beginners, are welcome! Please read all product details before registering.

Mother’s Day Wine Pairing with Plēb Urban Winery
May 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Plēb Urban Winery

NC Wine Academy will partner with Plēb Urban Winery to offer appetizers plus five food courses paired with six wines, including wines from Plēb as well as vintages from vintners in other regions.

Sunday, May 14, 2023
Mother’s Day at The Restoration Hotel Asheville
May 14 all-day
The Restoration Asheville

Impress your mom this Mother’s Day with an all-day brunch at The Exchange. Savor one of our signature brunch dishes or try our porkchop or flatbread special! Then leave a lasting impression with a trip to The Observatory where you can sip on our new ‘A Mother’s Love’ cocktail while taking pictures against the backdrop of the city and mountains.

Sip + Shop Mother’s Day Pop-Up
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for mom or somewhere to celebrate the occasion, shop Cloth’s Mother’s Day Sale at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “Sip & Shop” Pop-Up. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and up to 50% off multi-season men’s and women’s apparel and merchandise. The sale is from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in the Presidents Lounge of the Sammons Wing. Featured cocktails and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

Ladies Who Brunch Mother’s Day Popup
May 14 @ 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Botanist and Barrel

Moms make the world go round so we are hosting a special Mother’s Day Pop Up with the Ladies Who Brunch!

We are taking reservations for the 11:30am seating only and then we are open for walk-ins from 12-3:00pm or until the food sells out.

Your reservation is held by a purchase of a carafe or a half carafe of cidermosa/mimosa mocktail.

Just select your party size during checkout to reserve your table or seats at the bar!

You will order food a la carte once you arrive.

About Ladies Who Brunch:

Chefs Terri, Beth, Michele are the three who brunch. For y’all that is.

Mother’s Day High Tea
May 14 @ 3:00 pm
Blue Spiral 1

Come join us for a delightful afternoon at Blue Spiral 1. Enjoy a glass (or two) of bubbly while gallery experts guide us through a teapot invitational exhibit that will feature forty functional and sculptural teapots in a variety of mediums. Next, a high tea featuring Asheville’s High Climate Tea Company will be served with a variety of delightful light bites and desserts. 

‘Fire In Her Soul: A Mother’s Day Concert
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

The Asheville Symphony Chorus is delighted to present a program of music composed by American women, honoring the talent and creativity of female composers in the United States. Featured composers will include Florence Price, Amy Beach, Sarah Quartel, as well as local composer, Jane Roman Pitt. The chorus will be accompanied on organ and piano by Tate Addis. We invite you to join us in celebrating Mother’s Day with the Asheville Symphony Chorus; don’t miss out on this special opportunity to experience the power of choral music and the strength of female creativity!


Monday, May 15, 2023
Beyond Walls
May 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Beyond Walls – 5 films for prison industrial complex abolition

Join the YWCA community on May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the multi-purpose room for a free screening of Beyond Walls, a series of five short documentary films about prison industrial complex abolition. The screening will be followed by a discussion period. This event wraps up the Advancing Racial Justice Challenge.

Friday, May 19, 2023
Outdoor movie ‘Big Hero 6’
May 19 @ 7:30 pm
Grovemont Square

(adjacent to Swannanoa Library). Movie at dark. Arrive about 7:30 p.m. to secure your spot and enjoy pre-movie festivities. Popcorn and light refreshments available for purchase. Rated PG. Free.

Swannanoa Library Cinema on the Square Presents: “Big Hero Six”
May 19 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

Come and enjoy an evening under the stars while you watch one of the highest earning and rated animated films in 2014. “Big Hero Six” is an adventure story for the whole family. Refreshments will be available for sale. Please bring a blanket or camp chair if you like.

Thursday, May 25, 2023
Memorial Day Concert
May 25 @ 6:30 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

On Thursday, May 25 we will present our annual Memorial Day concert along with the ACRHS Chorus and ROTC.

Saturday, May 27, 2023
Asheville Beer Week: Black is Beautiful Documentary Screening
May 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company

When social unrest gripped the United States in the summer of 2020, co-owner and head-brewer of Weathered Souls Brewing Company, Marcus Baskerville, decided to shed light on the related problems of racial inequality and police brutality.
The Black is Beautiful collaborative brewing project was born with the mission to raise money, provide education, and drive change to a system that has fractured families and perpetuated injustice. More than 1,200 breweries in all 50 states and 22 countries participated in the collaborative brewing project, donating proceeds from their versions of the Black is Beautiful collaboration beer to local foundations that support police brutality reform and organizations that support equality and inclusion.
Join us for a screening of the Black is Beautiful Documentary Film, produced by Flagship Video Works. The short film captures the inception and motivation behind the initiative and the impact and success that followed. A Q&A discussion featuring the director and Baskerville will immediately follow the screening.

Q&A to follow with:
Marcus Baskerville – Co-owner, Weathered Souls Brewing
Marco Ortega – Producer and Director
There will also be a raffle with the prize – a signed poster. 100% of raffle donations will go back to the Black is Beautiful Initiative

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Music Movie Mondays Series: MONTEREY POP
Jun 7 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Grail Moviehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District continues its popular event series: Music Movie Mondays. Showcasing the best in new, classic and cult films about music, these special screenings feature an introduction by music journalist Bill Kopp (that’s me), followed by a screening of the film and then a moderated discussion about what we’ve just seen and heard.

The latest in the series is MONTEREY POP, the documentary film by D.A. Pennebaker showcasing the first great pop music festival. The film features legendary perfomrances by Otis Redding, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, The Grateful Dead and more than two dozen other acts. A rousing success, the festival created a template for the festival movement.Details are in the attached press release; more info at http://musoscribe.com/movies

 

Thursday, June 8, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Jun 8 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

6.8.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULPWhat: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday June 18, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected] Host: Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge. Featuring Alexis Ramirez About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram

Friday, June 9, 2023
Movies in the Park: Cruella
Jun 9 @ 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️
📽️
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Sunday, June 11, 2023
Juneteenth Freedom Fest
Jun 11 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home

 

The park will host a community “Juneteenth Freedom Fest” on Sunday, June 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in cooperation with the Black History Collective of Henderson County. The event will feature music and art demonstrations, with a special presentation by Christopher D. Sims, a poet, activist, and spoken work performer.