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.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Working Wednesdays: Invasive Removal
Sep 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Meet a Ranger at the Rumbling Bald Climbing access as we hack trough some invasive plants that threaten the biodiversity of the gorge. Tools provided. Wear sturdy boots, bring gloves, and water. No registration required.

Note: This event takes place at the Rumbling Bald park access.

Burial Volunteer Day + Lunch and Learn
Sep 13 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Burial Brewing South Slope

 

Join RiverLink in partnership with Burial Brewing for a volunteer opportunity from 10am-12pm next Wednesday, September 13. Volunteers will receive a $20 gift card to Burial and are invited to join us at Burial’s South Slope location from 12pm-1pm for a “Lunch & Learn” to learn more about RiverLink and the work we do.

To sign up, please email [email protected] with your contact info and the subject line “RiverLink Volunteer.”

Thursday, September 14, 2023
Volunteer for the Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count
Sep 14 all-day
TBA
family of four riding bikes on the greenway

The City’s Transportation Department is gearing up for its Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count to take place again this year. Each year, the counts are held the week after Labor Day. Counts are taken on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This year, the dates are Sept 12th – 14th & 16th. The hours are on weekday mornings from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. or afternoons from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. On Saturday, counts are from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Data collected helps staff identify bike/pedestrian trends and also helps in implementation of the recently adopted GAP Plan.

Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. No special skills or previous experience is required to volunteer.

Community members can sign up to volunteer a couple of different ways:

We will do our best to assign volunteers based on their location preferences but ask that folks have some flexibility. Community members are encouraged to sign up by early September.

All volunteers that complete their shift and submit the data they collected will be entered into a random drawing to receive a free annual membership from The Flying Bike (Thank you to The Flying Bike!).

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Friday, September 15, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 15 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

SILENT DISCO: VIRGO PARTY
Sep 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

DJ SPENCE & DJ CAMARO

Virgos get in free

 

Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)

Saturday, September 16, 2023
Volunteer for the Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count
Sep 16 all-day
TBA
family of four riding bikes on the greenway

The City’s Transportation Department is gearing up for its Annual Pedestrian/Bike Count to take place again this year. Each year, the counts are held the week after Labor Day. Counts are taken on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday. This year, the dates are Sept 12th – 14th & 16th. The hours are on weekday mornings from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. or afternoons from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. On Saturday, counts are from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Data collected helps staff identify bike/pedestrian trends and also helps in implementation of the recently adopted GAP Plan.

Volunteers are the backbone of this effort. No special skills or previous experience is required to volunteer.

Community members can sign up to volunteer a couple of different ways:

We will do our best to assign volunteers based on their location preferences but ask that folks have some flexibility. Community members are encouraged to sign up by early September.

All volunteers that complete their shift and submit the data they collected will be entered into a random drawing to receive a free annual membership from The Flying Bike (Thank you to The Flying Bike!).

Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
Sep 16 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 16 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure
Sep 16 @ 10:00 am
Morse Park, Lake Lure, NC
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LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

We are lining up some GREAT entertainment for 2023! 

Look forward to 3 LIVE Bands AND a guest appearance by Franke Previte and Lisa Sherman!

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ASHEVILLE BALLET

Festival favorites, Asheville Ballet will be teaching all your favorite dance moves and adding some new twists. 

AND, they’ll be performing on stage and encouraging you to get on your feet, too!

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REFRESHMENTS

Come hungry and enjoy the tasty food trucks coming this year – your stomach will thank you.

And, we always have the best local beer, wine, cider, and mead of any festival around!

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ARTISAN VILLAGE

This year’s “Village” will be a blend of handcrafted and quality items you just can’t live without. Added bonus: they will serve as fond reminders of your Lake Lure Dance Festival experience!

Hella Good Dance Party
Sep 16 @ 10:00 pm
Little Jumbo

Imagine this: it’s 2001 and you’re seeing No Doubt’s video for Hella Good for the first time. Maybe you’re sitting on a carpeted floor eating pop tarts and watching cable TV when it happens. Your aesthetic ideals have shifted since the matrix came out a couple years back and you find yourself wondering what it takes to become a badass. Quickly you determine that it has a lot to do with motorcycles, jet skis, wet looking hair and wearing black. You don’t even know about Evenescence yet but pop music is about to take some real dips into heavy riffs and darker themes. You’re for it—it makes you feel alive. Let’s run that one back, shall we?

⚡️Saturday, September 16th⚡️

☠️10pm-1am☠️

🏍️DJ Lil Meow Meow🏍️

⛓️at @littlejumbobar ⛓️

♥️$5 suggested donation♥️

Monday, September 18, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 18 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 19 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tree Nursery Workdays
Sep 19 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Tree Nursery

Join us for workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

First – third Tuesdays of the month
10am – 12pm

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

Fall Phonebank Launch
Sep 19 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Buncombe Democrats HQ

Whether you are an experienced, reluctant or new & curious phone banker, this brief training will prepare you for making important calls to people in our most rural precincts who tend to vote for Democrats, but not often enough! Bring your fully charged phone and laptop so you’ll be all set to make calls.

Snacks, drinks, and lots of camaraderie on hand!

All Buncombe Democrats who are willing to make phone calls should attend.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Working Wednesdays: Trail Work
Sep 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Free

Meet a Ranger at the Eagle Rock Access as we move some dirt on the Weed Patch Mountain Trial. Tools provided. Wear sturdy boots, bring gloves, and water. No registration required.

Note: This event takes place in the Eagle Rock park access.

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 21 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Friday, September 22, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 22 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Saturday, September 23, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 23 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

36th Annual WNC Big Sweep
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Zen Tubing

Join us for the 36th annual WNC Big Sweep! During Big Sweep, volunteers across North Carolina are taking action by cleaning litter on their streets or in their waterways. For this event, we will be in the river collecting trash!

We rely on financial support from our community to offer public programs. You can reserve your spot with a donation of any amount starting at $1 — if cost is a barrier to your participation, please call us at (828) 254-1776, and we will register you. Your gift today helps us continue keeping our environment clean and fighting the disproportionate impacts of climate change. If you can’t attend but would still like to make a gift, please visit ashevillegreenworks.org/donate.

Need to know

For this event, we will be IN THE RIVER! Please wear swim gear, quick dry shorts, and tops. River sandals, tevas, chacos, water socks, and old sneakers are all great. Please, no bare feet, flops, or slides. Ages 13+ with a parent or guardian. Please bring along a towel for the ride home.

Our friends at Zen Tubing have offered to shuttle us to our put-in location (220 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806). Then we will float down the French Broad and make our way back to Zen Tubing, where we will have our afterparty celebration!

We will let everyone know the day before if we need to cancel the trip due to changing river conditions or thunderstorms.

We look forward to getting in the water with you.

WNC Big Sweep Cleanup
Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center

This year, RiverLink will be leading a cleanup of Nasty Branch, a small urban stream that enters the French Broad in the River Arts District. We will meet at 12pm at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston St., Asheville, NC 28801.

We will be in the water for this event and we have a limited amount of waders participants may use. We recommend wearing tall, waterproof boots if available, but if not, it will also be an option to walk the banks of the stream if you would prefer not to get wet. The stream is fairly small, but could potentially have deeper pools.

We will end the cleanup by 2:30pm and invite you all to join us, and the other organizations and volunteers involved in Big Sweep, for the after party! This will be from 3-5pm at Zen Tubing’s RAD location at 608 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC 28801. 

RiverLink will provide all necessary tools and equipment. Closed-toed shoes are required. We also recommend everyone bring a water bottle.

Monday, September 25, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 25 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Hardesty Nursery Workdays 
Sep 26 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hardesty Lane Nursery

Join us for monthly workdays in the Hardesty Lane native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include weeding, mulching, mowing, weed eating, fertilizing, labeling, watering, etc.

Minimum Age: 13+

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 26 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 27 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers
Sep 28 @ 9:00 am
 Verner Center for Early

Verner Center for Early Learning needs volunteers!

For over 20 years, Verner Center is a local nonprofit in Asheville that primarily serves children ages 0-5 years who are living in high-risk vulnerable situations. They have a variety of needs – ranging from holding babies, helping with clerical duties, keeping their library tidy and up to date with books donated, teaching the children in the garden they have planted, general upkeep and maintenance of the garden, and reading with the children.

They have two locations – one in Swannanoa and one in West Asheville.

ABCCM Transformation Village Presents TrV Talks
Sep 28 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ABCCM Transformation Village Dining Hall

Please join us as Reverend Scott Rogers unveils plans for the expansion of Transformation Village (TrV) campus and programs. TrV provides homeless women and children transitional housing, healthy meals, education, and support in a safe environment. Tours will be given after our presentation. Please contact Shannon Paris to RSVP or if you have any questions. Thank you!

Green Clean Series Green Riverkeeper
Sep 28 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Fishtop Access 

 

Join the Green Riverkeeper on Thursday, July 27th for our Green Clean Series! This event continues the 4th Thursday of every month June-September from 5:30-8ish. You do not have to kayak to be a part of the monthly cleans. We absolutely welcome road-side helpers too!

City Dance
Sep 28 @ 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.