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, June 15, 2024
Free Ice Cream Social for ASD parents and kids!!
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Walton Street Park Picnic Shelter

Kind Behavioral Health is excited to be hosting an ice cream social for parents of children on the autism spectrum. It’s a totally free event meant to be a place for both parents and kids to connect over some free ice cream! We would love to see you there.
Register for your ice cream at the link below!!

Date: June 15th, 2024, ice cream from 12 to 1, and time to chat after!
Location: Walton Street Park Picnic Shelter
Cost: Free
Link to register: https://ccaba.jotform.com/241445195556058

Second Gear’s 20th Anniversary Block Party
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Second Gear

Second Gear Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Consigned Outdoor Gear + Apparel on Saturday June 15th with an all day MEGA SALE (biggest of the year!) and a celebratory 20th Anniversary Block Party from Noon-5pm with exciting Raffles, Free Kids Activities, Local Makers, Outdoor Vendors + Educators, Sweet + Savory Treats, Puppy Adoptions and more… Stop by for the savings and stay for the fun as Second Gear says THANK YOU to their beloved WNC community for all the support in making it to this amazing milestone!

Summer Reading Program: Books + Free Ice Cream
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Hop Ice Cream 

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

The Hop Ice Cream  OUR LOCATIONS


North Asheville

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.2224

More Info »


West Asheville

721 Haywood Rd
Asheville, NC 28806

828.252.5155

More Info »


Downtown Asheville

56 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28801

Inside the S&W Building

More Info »


Black Mountain

114 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC 28711

828.357.5461

More Info »


The Creamery

167 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806

828.774.5058

More Info »

Pop Bubble Tea

640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804

More Info »

Yala Cultural Tour
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Jun 15 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small-town life in Western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4-hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.

Itinerary

Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change with

Adult Studio: Queer Figure Drawing
Jun 15 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Designed to be a safe and inclusive space, this class invites participants of all backgrounds and skill levels to explore the beauty and diversity of the human form. Loosely guided by Red Herring, each session will start with a tour of The New Salon exhibition followed by 5 to 20-minute poses with a live model and a critique at the end. Please note that live models will be nude. Materials are included.

The Shawshank Redemption
Jun 15 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Juneteenth Movie Event: Harriet
Jun 15 @ 2:30 pm
Swannanoa Library

Join us for our Juneteenth Cinema at Swannanoa Library! Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. For teens and adults, run time 126 minutes and snacks will be provided. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up..

Next Level Improv: Beyond “Yes…And” Class Showcase
Jun 15 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

A show brought to you by our Hendersonville Theatre’s Next Level Improv Class! Come check out this student show and see what our educational program is about! This is a free event open to the public! Donations will be accepted to benefit educational programs at Hendersonville Theatre.

Art Exhibit Opening “Visionary Art Magick”
Jun 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

A night of music and art…experimental collage artist & accomplished guitarist “Taumi Swami” Tom Johanson will exhibit repurposed & altered collages and mandalas & play original psychedelic rock!
Taumi Swami, aka Tom Johanson, “paints” with paper, combining imagery and messages from print media into intricate mystical and personal compositions. As of late, he’s been channeling themes like Utopian landscapes and fairy realms, real world scenes with odd characters, the mystical woman, alien goddesses, as well as Dystopian and Paleolithic themes due to the regressive politics of the moment, and heroic themes of good, struggling with darkness. Most of his materials and frames have been found, recovered, or “thrift-stored”.

Johanson has written and recorded 100 songs on his Apple computer and created 500 unique collage album covers for them, and some 50 colored ink covers as well.

Johanson began his musical career in the early 60s playing guitar with Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, Jose Feliciano, Richie Havens, and many other inhabitants of the East Village in NYC. His band, The Fugitives, was the first rock band signed to Columbia Records, and they had several hits on the charts in NY in the 1960s.

His influences stretch out from the fifties, Little Richard, Elvis, Moody Blues, Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Santana, Van Halen, and many more. Also jazz and blues artists, like Coltrane, The Blues Project, Charlie Mingus, Paul Butterfield, and dozens of others since, like Jason Mraz.

Johanson lives in East Asheville with his wife Hannah and his cat Lucky.

Doors open at 5:30. Artist reception and live music 6-9pm.
Showing through August 3.

Like all events at the Flood Gallery, this exhibition is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and food will be available. Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and educates, encourages, challenges and inspires the community through music, film, literary, and contemporary art.

Smoky Mountain Beer Run (Diesel)
Jun 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Join us for a delightful adults-only specialty train excursion, known as the Smoky Mountain Beer Run! This unique journey offers great music, delicious beer, tasty food, and unforgettable memories. Departing from our historic Bryson City Depot, the Beer Run spans approximately 3.5 hours round trip, including an hour-long layover at a local craft brewery on our rail line. Throughout the trip, guests will enjoy two samples of local craft beer on board, with a final sample awaiting them upon arrival at the layover – served directly by the brewery staff and brewmasters. It’s a perfect blend of scenic beauty and craft brews!

An Evening with Christie Lenée
Jun 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

Join us for this very special evening with “Acoustic Guitarist of the Year” and award winning singer/songwriter Christie Lenée! Christie is more than a musician – she’s an experience. Symphonic compositions flow from her fingertips effortlessly, with sound ranging from transcendental folk-pop to virtuosic instrumentals. Lenee’s newly released album Coming Alive reminds devout listeners of her spiritual and sublime songwriting, inspirational lyrics, and of course, sensational guitar playing. This is going to be an inspiring experience in every way, and we invite you to join us!

Canna Comic Cuisine?–Infused Dinner Show
Jun 15 @ 7:00 pm
Rezonanance

A night of Live Comedy with in our cozy, vape-friendly Rezonance VIP Lounge, featuring a 3-course cannabis-infused dinner and infused drink, samples from local brands, and a goodie bag of dispensary freebies worth $50+!

Gluten-Free Comedy
Jun 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge

Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country and all your local favorites!

This Saturday we have Gluten-Free Comedy at Ginger’s Revenge

Featuring amazing comedians from Asheville and beyond!!!

ages 18+

doors at 6:30, show at 7pm

History Comes Alive Festival: “Stagecoach Mary” Fields Show
Jun 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Transylvania County Library

History Comes Alive Festival

From antebellum America to the Golden West, from the world of Nazi Austria to the world of American pop music, we have an image of these times, these people. On the Chautauqua stage, we will explore the truth of those images.

“Stagecoach Mary” Fields – She rose from slavery to become a living Western legend – Portrayed by Becky Stone.

FREE Admission.

Seating is limited and first-come, first-served.

Come early to get a seat.  Doors open at 6 pm.

This show is sponsored by: 

Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists
Jun 15 @ 7:05 pm
Fluor Field

Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists

369 Short Play and Monologue Festival: Part 2
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Tina McGuire Theatre

369 Monologue and Short Play Festival is back again for the second year in a row, and still features nine evenings filled with fifteen heart-warming, dramatic, funny, heartbreaking, and provocative theatrical pieces. This year, just in time for Juneteenth, Pride, and Father’s Day, the festival focuses on stories about PRIDE as it is experienced by a cross-section of humans of varying race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and personhood. Join us as we mix and match 6 short plays, and 9 monologues during the course of 3 weekends, for 10 different evenings of entertainment. Check out our packages to save on tickets to multiple evenings!  Note: If you’re interested in seeing all the shows, your best bet is a 3-package deal (go on a different night each week (ex. Th.  Fri.  Sat., Fri.  Sat. Thu., or Sat. Thu. Fri.).

This year we will ask each audience member to vote on their favorite monologue and play, following each performance, to create an afternoon of audience favorites! Please be sure to join us on Sunday, June 23rd at 3 pm for The Best Of 369!

Thursday – Saturday, June 6-22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

LITTLE WOMEN
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

by Kate Hamill

Directed by Erika Tyner

Based on the literary classic, this play explores what it means to be a woman, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. We follow the story of Jo March and her reckoning with society, growing older, and finding her way as a writer with her sisters by her side. Each one exploring similar but different struggles and wins. Set to a backdrop of the Civil War, this play is a reflection of the waves of change that bookmarked author Louisa May Alcott’s life.

Shakespeare & Friends Presents The Last 5 Years
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Rental Partner Shakespeare & Friends Presents
The Last 5 Years
Directed by Catherine Gillet
June 13-16
Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 7:30 pm,
Sunday @ 3 pm
TFAC Pavilion Stage
Catch a Star! Finishing up their National Broadway Tour of Pretty Woman, Bethany McDonald and local favorite Chase Wolfe lead the next production from Shakespeare & Friends — the much-loved and popular musical The Last Five Years.
Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses Richard II
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.

Shirley Valentine
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
35below

Shirley Valentine

Produced by Third Eye Productions

About The Show

Third Eye Productions brings you a Tony Award winning comedy written by Willy Russell. Shirley Valentine is a tour de force role performed by Madison Brightwell and directed by Marc Cameron. Celebrate the incredible journey of life with Shirley Valentine – an off-beat journey of self reflection, the challenges of middle age, and the possibilities of finding happiness and love once more.

The Last 5 Years
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
 Musical Production Presented by Shakespeare & Friends – Directed by Catherine Gillet

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm, June 13-16 at Tryon Fine Arts Center Pavilion.

Catch a Star! Finishing up their National Broadway Tour of Pretty Woman, Bethany McDonald and local favorite Chase Wolfe lead the next production from Shakespeare & Friends — the much-loved and popular musical The Last Five Years.

 

The Last Five Years, a recipient of a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Musical, explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress.

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two young New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically.

The inventive musical style draws on a number of musical genres, including pop, jazz, classical, Klezmer, Latin, Blues, Rock, and Folk.

The Shawshank Redemption
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

USL League 2 vs Birmingham Legion FC
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Greenwood Field at UNCA

Gates at 6:30pm

Match at 7:30pm

Adult tickets for ages 12 and up

Youth tickets for ages 5 to 12

No ticket needed for ages 5 and under

BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
Ages 18+
BUMPIN UGLIES
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

Driven by DIY merit, Annapolis band, Bumpin Uglies is no stranger to the pull of the bootstrap.

Seven successful studio albums have paved the way for the awe-inspiring eighth. Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions, recorded live in studio by the band’s founder, Brandon Hardesty, showcases the songwriting prowess that has been a constant pillar of the band’s music since its inception. Consisting of 16-tracks, the LP introduces seven new songs never before heard and nine fan favorites that have been stripped down to raw, poignant, gut-punching versions that differ from the fast-paced guitar riffs, pulsing drums, and dynamic horn sections of the originals.

“Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is an anthem for authenticity. It’s for all the artists that choose to embrace their passion as a form of art, rather than a transactional medium. A celebration of the imperfections that make us beautiful”, frontman and singer/songwriter, Hardesty conveys.

Distributed via Silverback’s independent record label, Controlled Substance Sound Labs, Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions maintains the DIY ethos that is the foundation of Bumpin Uglies.


Since the early 2000s, Bumpin Uglies have been carving their own path; channeling their tenacious and relentless attitude into their meticulous craft. Rejecting conventional norms, Bumpin Uglies has established a distinctive sound that is a perfect reflection of their Mid-Atlantic roots – gritty, down-to-earth, and bursting with charisma.

With a genre-defying approach that seamlessly fuses punk energy with ska’s infectious grooves and reggae’s laid-back rhythms, Bumpin Uglies creates a musical experience that captivates audiences far and wide. Their live performances are legendary, infusing the crowd with an electrifying energy that leaves no one untouched.

The band’s influences are as diverse as their sound, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Sublime, which is evident in their sun-soaked melodies and carefree spirit. Meanwhile, Hardesty embraces the lyrical depth and storytelling dexterity of artists like John Prine, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson, weaving heartfelt tales of life’s struggles, triumphs, and the beauty found within the chaos.

Bumpin Uglies have been garnering a dedicated following over the course of its multi-decade career. Remaining true to their craft and never compromising their vision or principles, the loyal fanbase, Uglies Nation, is an inviting tight-knit community, sharing a connection that extends beyond the music, built on mutual respect and undying love for the band’s genuine spirit.

With multiple nationwide headlining tours under their belt and countless sold-out shows in venues that have increased in capacity over the years, the band is on a fast-paced upward trajectory. Their previous album, Mid-Atlantic Dub, made waves in the industry, reaching #3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and #21 on the Billboard Heatseeker Albums chart, solidifying their position as a prominent force in the music industry. The band has graced the stages of renowned festivals such as Cali Roots, Cali Vibes, Everwild, Great South Bay, Reggae Rise Up, and the 311 Cruise, captivating audiences time and time again. The band took their passion for music to the next level by curating and hosting their own festival, Weekend at Wolfies, further demonstrating an unwillingness to shy away from elbow grease.

Bumpin Uglies cannot be pigeonholed. Their extensive discography is a testament to that. The band uses its platform to call out villains, spread awareness, and share personal stories. Their songs speak truth and in a world that often feels manicured, Bumpin Uglies unites people under the banner of music, reminding us there is beauty in realness.

The Get Right Band
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

“The Get Right Band filters 60’s/70’s psychedelia and 90’s alternative rock through a modern lens–as if Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana co-wrote an album produced by Danger Mouse and Dan Auerbach.”

-American Songwriter

Here’s The Get Right Band’s website

Check out this video

And this one

Comedy Night At Lookout Brewing Company
Jun 15 @ 8:30 pm
Lookout Brewing Company

Neon Moon Comedy presents Comedy Night at Lookout Brewing Company at Friday June 14th 8:30 pm

Come on out for some laughs and great beer. This is the perfect event for a date night or a night out with friends!

Wiith Headliner Hilliary Begley (As seen in movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video)

Featuring Larry Griffin and Petey Smith McDowell

With Special Guests Evelyn Pekarek and Jordan Julius

Hosted by Chris Gullo (As seen in movies on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi)

Tickets are only $12 and available at

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-night-at-lookout-brewing-tickets-909919532817?aff=oddtdtcreator

Secret Garden Comedy Showcase
Jun 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden

Every Saturday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week it’s a secret lineup of amazing comedians!!!

Secret Garden Comedy is live at Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden! A fun mix of local favorites and big city comics all the way from New York City and who knows who else might show up!!!

ages 18+
doors at 8:30, show at 9pm