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.

Friday, August 11, 2023
Lake Lure 10K DAM RUN
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm
Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure

Slam the Dam at this early evening run providing a spectacular tour of some of the most beautiful spots in Lake Lure ending with an ice cream sundae social and a refreshing dip in the lake.

Beginning at Ingles Supermarket on Route 9, this demanding 10K race heads east on Route 64 and then left onto Buffalo Shoals Rd. Cross the iconic Lake Lure Dam, and follow the winding road up and down along the scenic shore road with a finish on the beach at Rumbling Bald Resort. This early evening run gives you a spectacular and challenging tour of some of the most beautiful spots.


EVENT SITE RULES
Runners are strongly encouraged to finish the race no later than 8:15 PM due to darkness. Light traffic at major intersections will be monitored but roads are not closed. Buffalo Shoals Road is a winding, steep, narrow road that is sometimes slanted on the shoulders. Residents have been advised of the time and approximate duration of the race, but you should be on alert for cars in both directions as you run. Remember there are no pets or strollers allowed.

SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION

FREE transportation from the portico of Legends on the Lake Restaurant at Rumbling Bald Resort to Ingles Supermarket. The schedule of shuttle service by van or bus is at 6:00pm. Please be aware that seating space on the shuttles are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. The trip to Ingles can take anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes.

For those whose cars have been left at Ingles, vans will make one trip from Legends on the Lake Restaurant to return to Ingles following the recognition ceremony between 9:00-9:30 pm. The best alternative is to come with a friend or family member who can drop you off at Ingles before the race and take your car to the Resort where the race will finish on the beach.

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Avoid the line, Register online! 

Online Registration is available until Fri., Aug. 11th at 5:00 pm.


$40.00 Early-bird Registration NOW – July 27th, 2023 

$50.00 Registration After July 28th, 2023, including day-of walk-ups

Male Age Group
Female Age Group

This race is sanctioned by USATF

Policies & Refunds
There are no refunds for this race. This event occurs rain or shine. In the case of lightning, we will delay the start.

*** Year after year the Olympiad provides a venue for athletes to come and test their abilities. We put a lot of effort into making this a special event for all participants. In addition, the Olympiad supports many area charities and service organizations. And like most races, we have a “No Refund” policy.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

SWAG AND EXTRAS

At the finish line for Athletes:

  • 2023 10K Dam Run commemorative shirt

    • Given at packet pickup

  • FREE beer at the finish line

  • Iced neck towel

  • Post-race snacks

  • Recognition ceremony

  • Ice cream sundae


PACKET PICKUP & Registration
Packet Pickup will be held at the Ingles Grocery Store (where race begins)

on the day of the event from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.

  • T-Shirts will be issued at packet pickup


Address: 276 NC-9 – Lake Lure, NC 28746

  • Only checks or cash can be accepted at packet pickup.

10K Dam Run Shirt
Register for the race by Friday, July 28th to be guaranteed your commemorative shirt!

Dam-run-shirt-images.jpg

Music on Main
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.

Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18

Acoustic Evening with JORDAN SCHEFFER Featuring Daniel Seriff and Chinobay
Aug 11 @ 7:30 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

Born blind and weighing only one pound, Jordan Scheffer defied the odds from the moment she entered the world. Growing up in Asheville, NC, her deep love for music became evident at an early age. By the age of six, she was already captivating audiences with her musical talents, performing with the YMI Jazz Band in Asheville.

In 2017, Jordan achieved a significant milestone by winning the Blind American Idol Competition, impressing judges with her rendition of “Jailer” by Asa. Her success continued when she was invited to perform at the iconic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, a remarkable feat for a young singer from the mountains of North Carolina. Jordan’s journey led her to enroll at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, where she pursued her passion for African culture and music through her self-created interdisciplinary major in Afro-musicology.

Throughout her academic journey, Jordan showcased her musical prowess as a member of the UNCA Afro Music Ensemble, playing the djembe and other percussion instruments. She further honed her skills with memorable performances at the Diana Wortham Theater and the LEAF Music & Arts Festival, where she shared the stage with renowned musicians such as John “Papa” Gros and the Naughty Professor Horns.

Jordan’s dedication culminated in the recording of her debut album, “Until We Try,” a collection of covers that resonated deeply with her. To celebrate this milestone, she headlined her first show at the esteemed Isis Music Hall, captivating a sold-out audience and solidifying her newfound confidence on stage. Her musical journey continued to flourish in 2022, with performances at renowned venues like the Grey Eagle Music Hall, LEAF Downtown, and the main stage of the 50th anniversary LEAF Festival.

Jordan Scheffer’s poignant story is a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

Tickets are $25 online advance and $30 day of show.

All Ages Welcome

Montford Park Players: Treasure Island
Aug 11 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Written by Honor Moor
Directed by David Doersch
The second World Premiere of the season, Treasure Island is a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold, from local playwright Honor Moor. Fun for the whole family!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

Too Much Sylvia at Point Lookout Vineyards
Aug 11 @ 7:30 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

TOO MUCH SYLVIA has the ability and desire to please and play something that everyone will enjoy. Their onstage antics and personalities will touch all. Whether it’s a low-key dinner setting, an energetic party, or a festival with all ages attending, the band easily adapts. By NOT working from a “setlist”, 2MS has the ability to pace the song selection and provoke audience interaction to reach a peak at the right moment.
For more information, visit: https://www.toomuchsylvia.com/
NO COOLERS
NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
SEATING IS AVAILABLE, BUT YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. SPACE FOR PERSONAL CHAIRS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
GATES OPEN AT 6:00PM

Andy Buckner Band
Aug 11 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

“Blending honkytonk & gritty cowboy seclusion, Americana/Country artist Andy Buckner’s music embodies a balance of party anthems & instantly relatable heartache healers. Andy’s grainy, soulful voice embraces his North Carolina roots & shares authentic songs inspired by his upbringing.”

Grammy nominated, American Song-Writer featured, NBC’s “The Voice” alum, songs recorded with & by; HARDY, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Charlie Starr of (Blackberry Smoke), Elizabeth Cook, Lillie Mae, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas, Matt Daniel, Casey Kristofferson, & many more, songs featured on FX’s “Justified” & “Sons Of Anarchy”, former lead vocalist & guitarist of award winning bluegrass band “Sideline”, & East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Pride Band alum.

———————————-

If an artist is described as playing Southern music it’s fair to ask what kind. Southern Rock? Outlaw County? Rock and Roll, Blues, Bluegrass? In the case of Andy Buckner, the answer is “all of the above” in one talented musical package.

Buckner absorbed his influences honestly. Born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, he’s from a long line of musicians and started singing in church at age 4. He knew he wanted to be a performing musician after seeing David Holt play with Buckner’s first cousin Josh Goforth, and became obsessed with trying out every instrument he could find. By the age of 16 he was a multi-instrumentalist playing bass, banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and more. During this time he discovered his calling as a songwriter, while maintaining a busy schedule competing at festivals, touring and performing with many established artists and bands. After graduating from high school he attended East Tennessee State University while establishing an identity as a solo artist. While there, he became the first freshman since Kenny Chesney to earn a spot in the prestigious ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.

Grammy winner and Mountain Heart member Jim VanCleve characterizes Andy Buckner as “truly the next generation of country music personified, in my opinion. He’s writing his own material, and he’s playing his own instruments… and excelling at both. He has what it takes to become a household name in country music.”

Movies in the Park: Little Giants
Aug 11 @ 8:30 pm
Pack Square Park

👉 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.

Star Gaze
Aug 11 @ 8:45 pm
Grassland Mountain Observatory

This public star gaze will be held at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County, with a weather backup night of Saturday, 15 July. This event is free and open to everyone — registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided here on the day of the star gaze by 5:00 p.m. Directions to Grassland Mountain Observatory can be found here. These star gazes normally conclude about 3 hours after sunset, and visitors are not permitted to stay past the conclusion time. Sunset occurs at 8:46 p.m.

Saturday, August 12, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Aug 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Blue Ridge Audubon monthly bird walk
Aug 12 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Jackson Park

Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned
birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street,
and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park.8-10:00am.
828-684-0812. Free.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Aug 12 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Sourwood Festival
Aug 12 @ 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Downtown Black Mountain

Voted #1 WNC festival in 1977, Black Mountain transforms four streets into a two day festival filled with handcrafted artisan products, two music stages, a petting zoo, food, demonstrations, and of course – Honey!

Guided History Walk on 7th Ave./Historic Train Depot District with Mary Jo Padgett
Aug 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute stroll along 7th Avenue/Historic Depot District, where the action was when the first steam engine locomotives rolled into town starting in 1879 bringing hundreds of tourists. The district surrounding the historic Railroad Depot was where it was happening in the Gilded Age of Hendersonville from 1879, when the first steam locomotive arrived with hundreds of tourists daily, till the Crash of 1929 … learn about the drays, the hustle, the inns, the summer visitors, the shoot-outs, growth of agriculture, and popular candy stores.  These 90-plus minute walks occur rain or shine.  Please make a reservation, 828-545-3179.

All tours: $10 per person age 10 and over.  Children under 10 yrs. free with paying adult.

Meeting Place:  Hendersonville City Hall, front steps  (at corner of 5th Ave. E. and King St.)

Schedule a private tour anytime for your group.

Reservations/information:  828-545-3179

Ooh La La Curiosity Market
Aug 12 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pritchard Park

Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.

Forest Bathing at the NC Arboretum!
Aug 12 @ 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Join a certified forest therapy guide for a relaxing 2.5-hour stroll through the forest on the peaceful Arboretum grounds. Through a series of invitations, you’ll have the opportunity to be present in the moment, deepening your connection with nature and community, and enjoying the many gifts nature has to offer. Your guide will share mindfulness practices designed to connect you more deeply to your inner landscapes, as well as the world around you. Inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of immersing oneself in a forest environment, a forest bathing walk invites you to spend time in nature in a way that invites healing for ourselves, our fraught ecosystems, and our community. It is true nature therapy!

  • Special, discounted rate of $45/person (includes parking!)
  • Occurs on select dates each month
  • Max group size is 15 for a more intimate experience
Guided Trail Walk
Aug 12 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Oak and Grist Distilling Co. Summer Music Series
Aug 12 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Oak and Grist Distilling Company

NEW SUMMER MUSIC DATES

We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we’re hosting live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going just a bit longer! View our upcoming schedule below:

AUGUST 2023

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH: Clara New // Mother’s Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH: TBA // Cactus Rainbow Gourmet Grilled Cheese (4-8pm)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH: Spencer Cranfill // Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill (4-8pm)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH: Billy Presnell // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH: Billy Presnell // Mothers Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH: TBA // TBA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH: Color Machine Music // Sweet Cheesus Food Truck (4-8pm)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH: Dave Desmelik // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)

Summer Sounds in the Gorge
Aug 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus

May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties

June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio

June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston

June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton

June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well

June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys

June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls

June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing

June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA

June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio

June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue

July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs

July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel

July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand

July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin

July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo

July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton

July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers

July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue

July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child

August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire

August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson

August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo

August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band

August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band

August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney

August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around

August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin

August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child

September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA

September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Aug 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

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.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Asheville Tourists vs. Hickory Crawdads — White Jersey Giveaway
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm

The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a White Jersey courtesy of Express Employment Professionals!

The Main Event Grand Opening Gala
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Dress Code: Black Tie & Black Formalwear

 

Join us for:

Gourmet Dinner

Drinks

Live Music

Entertainment

Exclusive Booking Opportunity

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 12 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

In This Moment + Motionless In White: The Dark Horizon Tour
Aug 12 @ 6:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

In This Moment & Motionless In White: The Dark Horizon Tour

Shindig on the Green
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm
Pack Square Park

The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.

Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.

The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.

Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.

The Julie McConnell Quartet
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
The DFR Lounge

The 4th installment of the 4-part concert series with The Julie McConnell Quartet returns to The DFR Lounge on Saturday, August 12th, 7-9:30pm! Featuring some fun and interesting new tunes, as well as fan favorites, with the second set featuring jazz harmony duets with Ruth Cooney on 2 songs!

-Julie McConnell, vocals
-Michael Jefry Stevens, piano
-Bryan McConnell, bass
-Bill Berg, drums
*special guest appearance: Ruth Cooney, vocal harmonies

-doors open at 6:00pm
-music starts at 7:00pm
-total of 88 seats

Free Planet Radio + Master Puppeteer/Performance Artist Hobey Ford
Aug 12 @ 7:30 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

What an inspiring merging of worlds this evening will be as the music of Free Planet Radio converges with the work of master puppeteer Hobey Ford. This will be a very special and magical evening, not to miss!

Free Planet Radio, local Asheville favorites, are a dynamic and genre-defying band that blends elements of jazz, world music, and improvisation into a gorgeous and exciting musical experience. With their rich and textured soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and virtuosic instrumentation, the band takes listeners on a captivating journey across cultural boundaries. Comprising renowned musicians River Guerguerian on percussion, and Chris Rosser on piano and multi-instruments, Free Planet Radio’s performances are a fusion of musical exploration and improvisational brilliance that will wow you!

Hobey Ford is a renowned puppeteer known for his exceptional craftsmanship and captivating performances. With a career spanning over four decades, Hobey has delighted audiences worldwide with his unique blend of artistry, storytelling, and puppetry. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in the art of shadow puppetry, creating intricate and expressive puppets that come to life on stage. Through his shows, workshops, and educational programs, Hobey Ford continues to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages with his imaginative puppet creations and the magic they bring to the world of theater.

All ages welcome. Tickets are $30 online advance and $35 day of show.

Montford Park Players: Treasure Island
Aug 12 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Written by Honor Moor
Directed by David Doersch
The second World Premiere of the season, Treasure Island is a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold, from local playwright Honor Moor. Fun for the whole family!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

THE KINGSMEN QUARTET
Aug 12 @ 7:30 pm
FOLKMOOT LIVE THEATRE AND CONCERT

AN EVENING WITH THE KINGSMENS QUARTET, ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP 5 !

The South Carolina New Play Festival:  Essential Alice 
Aug 12 @ 7:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

The South Carolina New Play Festival is proud to present a posthumous staged reading of Essential Alice with music and lyrics by the late Broadway composer Michael Friedman (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson) and book by Annie Weissman (Physical on Hulu), directed by 2-time TONY-winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, Ain’t Too Proud, Tommy, Big River). The musical, which has never had a production, will present its first public showing on August 12 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Essential Alice combines the two books of Alice in Wonderland with Lewis Carroll narrating the story to the Liddell family on a rowboat in 19th century England. It is a beautiful unheard musical by Michael Friedman and Annie Weissman. Michael was a brilliant composer and lyricist, and a person who was as dazzlingly talented as he was abundantly kind.

Cast Members

  • Derrick Baskin – Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud, Little Mermaid, Memphis
  • Drew Gehling – Broadway: Waitress, Almost Famous, On a Clear Day
  • Grace McClean – Broadway: Bad Cinderella, Great Comet
  • Nick Blaemire – Broadway: Glory Days, Godspell, CryBaby
  • Kim Blanck – Off-Broadway: Octet
  • Molly Wareham – Recent Fine Arts Center graduate
TRIAL BY FIRE (TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY)
Aug 12 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+

In 1996, arena rock superstars Journey put the band back together to record their tenth studio album, Trial by Fire. Shortly after the release of this reunion album lead singer and signature voice, Steve Perry injured himself while training for what was to be a high energy road show. With Steve Perry unable to perform, the Trial by Fire tour became “the tour that never happened”. Imagine if Steve Perry had never injured himself on that fateful day. What would the Trial by Fire tour look like?

Flash forward to the present. TRIAL BY FIRE is born out of the hearts of five seasoned North Carolina – based musicians who have decided to answer that question. It is their vision to bring that 1996 tour to Journey fans across the country; to embrace the sound and visuals of the Steve Perry era of Journey.

Prepare to let TRIAL BY FIRE take you back to an earlier day when lighters were held high, and you couldn’t help but sing along to such powerful choruses as “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Wheel in the Sky”, “Lights”, “Separate Ways” and “Faithfully”.