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, August 11, 2024
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch
Aug 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!

Live Music Saturdays
Aug 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade
Enjoy live music from local singer-songwriters in the Atrium of the Grove Arcade each Saturday from 12-3pm!
Stop by to kick your weekend off with shopping from local merchants and tunes from local musicians.
ALMOST, MAINE
Aug 11 @ 2:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

ORDINARY DAYS

A musical by Adam Gwon

Directed by Jeff Catanese
Music Direction by Lynda Shuler

Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION
Aug 11 @ 3:30 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!

Music By the Lake – Tuxedo Junction
Aug 11 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

music by the lake


Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC

Each summer, Blue Ridge Community College offers summer concerts beside the College lake as a gift to the community. These free concerts feature a wide range of musical and vocal groups. Bring a lawn chairs and picnic to enjoy the music by the lake. Organized by Blue Ridge Community College.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will take place in the Technology, Education & Development Center (TEDC) Building.

Monday, August 12, 2024
Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Pickin’ in the Park
Aug 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

 

Mondays: Pickin’ in the Park

Enjoy performances by local singer-songwriters in an intimate and relaxed setting. Experience the rich musical heritage of Asheville as talented musicians share their stories and songs.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Hoop Jam
Aug 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Tuesdays: Hoop Jam

Join the fun with hula hoops and a live DJ. Whether you’re a seasoned hooper or a beginner, this vibrant event invites everyone to dance, spin, and groove to the music in a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
Aug 13 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Gates open at 5:30pm
All Ages – not recommended for children under 4
RAIN OR SHINE
CLEAR BAGS ONLY

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
OLD-TIME JAM Old-Time Mountain + Folk Music
Aug 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jack of the Wood


Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!

Sing Your Heart Out
Aug 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.

Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.

Karaoke Night
Aug 14 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Karaoke Night at Hickory Tavern

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Featuring CAYLA CLARK
Aug 14 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Cayla Clark On Wednesday August 15, 7-9p we will be having another professional comedy open mic in The Orange Peel’s comedy basement. PULP is a bourbon speakeasy (400+ varieties) located under the iconic stage. No food is served but we do have free snacks while they last and outside food is permitted (no drinks of any kind).
$15 tickets available at door at The Orange Peel’s websiteFeature Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, creator, and producer. While she is still new to the world of stand-up comedy, she has enjoyed exploring various other forms of comedy over the years, including sketch comedy, improv, and more. Since moving to Asheville, Cayla has had the opportunity to produce and host local comedic dating shows like Blind Date Live and Bad Date Mic. You can check out her hilarious Asheville centric comedy videos on instagram at @blinddateliveavlHost is Hilliary Begley voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” and Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.[Comedy Open Mic is 3-5m depending how many signup. Signup at door. See Hilliary at the show to get your time and lineup placement. We have a comedy table with exclusive snacks. No entry fee for performing comics.]

Thursday, August 15, 2024
2024 Rhythm and Brews: Empire Strikes Brass
Aug 15 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
South Main Street

Presented by Horizon Heating & Air, Rhythm & Brews Concert Series brings together live music, local craft beverages, and the community! These FREE shows take place on the third Thursday of every month from May-September, closing part of South Main Street to make room for all the fun. Local food trucks will line the street cooking delicious eats from kettle corn to pizza to barbecue. Each show begins with an opener at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headlining performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

2024 Rhythm & Brews Concert Series Lineup:

 

SEP19
OCT17

Opening acts will kick off each evening at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headliner performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

BLUEGRASS JAM Hosted by Drew Matulich
Aug 15 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

BLUEGRASS JAM

Hosted by Drew Matulich


Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.

TROUBLE NO MORE
Aug 15 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

Trouble No More is a band of All-Star musicians celebrating the iconic early catalogue of the Allman Brothers Band.  Their intense and up-tempo renditions of the bands’ classic songs aim to bring energy and vitality back to the legacy of the “Best Band in the Land.” Trouble No More Includes: Acclaimed Guitarist/Vocalist Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer, nicknamed “TAZ” for his ferocious guitar playing, has performed in some of the most legendary venues, including Jimmy’s in 2022 & 2023. Prolific Bass Guitarist Dylan Niederauer who together with Brandon are “The Brothers,” GRAMMY ® Nominated Vocalist Lamar Williams Jr., son of Lamar Williams, bassist for The Allman Brothers Band, 5x-GRAMMY ® Nominated Keyboardist Peter Levin and Acclaimed contemporary Guitarist/Vocalist, Quinn Sullivan.

TROUBLE NO MORE
Aug 15 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

Trouble No More is a band of All-Star musicians celebrating the iconic early catalogue of the Allman Brothers Band.  Their intense and up-tempo renditions of the bands’ classic songs aim to bring energy and vitality back to the legacy of the “Best Band in the Land.” Trouble No More Includes: Acclaimed Guitarist/Vocalist Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer, nicknamed “TAZ” for his ferocious guitar playing, has performed in some of the most legendary venues, including Jimmy’s in 2022 & 2023. Prolific Bass Guitarist Dylan Niederauer who together with Brandon are “The Brothers,” GRAMMY ® Nominated Vocalist Lamar Williams Jr., son of Lamar Williams, bassist for The Allman Brothers Band, 5x-GRAMMY ® Nominated Keyboardist Peter Levin and Acclaimed contemporary Guitarist/Vocalist, Quinn Sullivan.

Friday, August 16, 2024
Elvis Presley #1 Tribute in America by Matt Stone- Greenville Music Nights
Aug 16 all-day
South Carolina Children's Theater

Friday August 16, 2024- Elvis Presley #1 Tribute Concert In America. Matt Stone.
LEGENDS CONCERT SERIES!
Join us for 2 concerts Friday August 16, 2024 the Anniversary of The King Of Rock N Roll Death for 2 amazing concerts!  This is a must attend for any Elvis Fan! Back by popular demand! This show will sell out!
ELVIS PRESLEY!!!
Matt Stone is a world-class Elvis Tribute Artist from South Florida. In 2022, he was named by Graceland as one of the Top Elvis Tribute Artist on the planet!
Matt brings an unseen
level of authenticity and attention to detail to his craft, matched with unbridled vocal power and captivating charisma!
Unlike many other tribute artists on the market, Matt Stone portrays the King in his prime: young, agile, and full of energy… the way he should be remembered!
Elvis’s Friends & Family have said:
“When I heard [Matt]… now if I close my eyes that’s Elvis. It touched my heart. The only person I ever heard sing like that was my brother, and [Matt] was real close—SCARY— that’s how close it was.”
Billy Stanley (Elvis’ Step Brother)
“Matt is incredibly gifted & handsome, with incredible energy and sex appeal.”
Joyce Bova (Longtime Elvis Girlfriend)
Matt has even been heard
on SiriusXM’s ELVIS RADIO!
Because of his years of research and intense analysis of the small details that truly bring the King to life, and an all-star band featuring an authentic “ELVIS” backline of instruments and gear, “Elvis: In Person” presents the closest thing to the King any fan has seen since 1977!
PROMO VIDEO- CLICK HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHSUe6Bo1aI
GET TICKETS FAST! THIS WILL SELL OUT!

Acoustic Jam Session
Aug 16 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

Downtown After 5: LEAF Downtown
Aug 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
North Lexington Avenue

Downtown After 5 has become a staple of Asheville’s cultural calendar, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience live music in the heart of our vibrant city. This year, each event is centered around highlighting a nonprofit partner with a theme that celebrates diverse musical genres, food and beverage offerings, local makers, and community initiatives. Each Downtown After 5 event draws an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees to North Lexington Avenue, transforming it into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and community.

August 16 | LEAF Downtown
In collaboration with LEAF Global Arts, we’re excited to bring back LEAF Downtown at Downtown After 5. Tito Puente Jr. will be headlining the event, with the LEAF Kono Band opening.

September 20 | Outdoor Rec Fest
Closing out the series is September’s Outdoor Rec Fest with Riverlink. Featuring headliner Oliver Hazard and opener Paul McDonald. Celebrate Asheville’s outdoor lifestyle by engaging with our outdoor recreation partners and vendors.

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series; it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit partners associated with each event.

Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Drum Circle
Aug 16 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Drum Circle

The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to facilitate the return of Asheville’s iconic Drum Circle. Feel the rhythm and join the beat as the community comes together for an evening of drumming, dancing, and camaraderie.

ORDINARY DAYS A musical by Adam Gwon
Aug 16 @ 7:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

ORDINARY DAYS

A musical by Adam Gwon

Directed by Jeff Catanese
Music Direction by Lynda Shuler

Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape.

FRANKIE VALLI + THE FOUR SEASONS: THE LAST ENCORES
Aug 16 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles. With unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.” His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as The Deer Hunter, Dirty Dancing, Mrs. Doubtfire, Conspiracy Theory and The Wanderers. As many as 200 artists have done cover versions of Frankie’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” from Nancy Wilson’s jazz treatment to Lauryn Hill’s hip-hop makeover.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations.

Valli’s long-lasting career has led to the overwhelming success of the Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS, which chronicles Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons incredible career and features all of their greatest hits.

The JERSEY BOYS juggernaut has now been seen by over 18 million people worldwide, won 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical (2006), and is currently playing in New York; Las Vegas; London; in cities across the U.S. on a National Tour and The Netherlands; and will open soon in Korea. It is the 15th longest running show in Broadway history, having played over 3,250 performances and recently passing Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly!, The Producers, Hairspray, My Fair Lady and Oklahoma.

In 2014, Frankie Valli’s life story was once again featured. This time in the film adaptation of JERSEY BOYS, directed by Academy Award winning director Clint Eastwood. Valli also returned to acting in Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy, And So It Goes. The film starred Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton, and was release July 18, 2014. Frankie recently appeared on this past season of Hawaii 5-0 and his mega hit BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY was just inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame 2015. On May 18, 2015 Dan Rather profiled the legend for his series, The Big Interview and he also participated in the AMC series, The Making of the Mob.

In 2016, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons appeared on Broadway in a limited engagement October 21 through October 29 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Frankie Valli released, TIS THE SEASONS, which was a holiday album released on October 14th, 2016 on Rhino.

First-ever Jazz album, A TOUCH OF JAZZ, was released June 25, 2021 while touring worldwide.

Saturday, August 17, 2024
Music at the Vineyard – Jeff Michels
Aug 17 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Winery

Join us Saturday, August 17 at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery for live music at the vineyard with Jeff Michels!

With influences as diverse as the Beatles, David Bowie and Neil Young, Jeff’s brew of folk rock originals and cover tunes make for a great listening experience!

Jeff will be performing at Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville on Saturday from 12-3 PM. It’s sure to be an afternoon of amazing music, fabulous wines, great food and good times! We can’t wait to see you here!

Yala Cultural Tour
Aug 17 @ 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
Aug 17 @ 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.
The Caribbean Cowboys at Fletcher Park
Aug 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bill Moore Community Park

fletcher parks concerts

 

 


The annual Summer Concert Series at Fletcher Parks offers free, live music. Organized by the Fletcher Parks & Recreation.

Shindig on the Green
Aug 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pack Square Park

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!

2024 Dates
Shindig on the Green
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 10, 17, 24

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.

Mac Arnold + Plate Full O’ Blues
Aug 17 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues returns to Hendersonville Theatre in August for HT’s Hometown Sound Music Series! Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano. He toured and recorded with the Muddy Waters Band and recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker. Mac moved to Los Angeles and produced Soul Train with his friend Don Cornelius. He even played bass on the Sanford & Son television show when he wasn’t playing bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. After retiring from show business to become an organic farmer, Mac is back with his band and a “plate full” of CDs, building a new foundation in blues, soul, and funk.

​As part of the Muddy Waters Band, Mac helped shape the electric blues sound that inspired the rock and roll movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Regular guests of the band included Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop. The Muddy Waters Band (as a unit) shared the stage with the likes of Howlin’ Wolfe, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Big Joe Williams, and Big Mama Thornton just to name a few. During this time, Mac played on John Lee Hooker’s “live “album, Live at the Café Au Go-Go, as well as Otis Spann’s classic recording The Blues is Where It’s At.

Mac later formed the Soul Invaders which backed up many artists, including The Temptations and B. B. King. In the early 70’s, he moved to Los Angeles to work at ABC Television and LAFF Records (Redd Foxx). This led to working on the set of Soul Train from 1971 to 1975 and then working with Bill Withers (Lean On Me) before moving back to South Carolina in the 80’s.

​Mac now resides in Pelzer, SC, where at the age of ten he got his first taste of the blues when he learned to play his brother Leroy’s homemade guitar. Going back to his roots. Mac is serving up a mess of Blues with his band, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues. The band consists of Austin Brashier on guitar and vocals, Max Hightower on harmonica and vocals, Rick Latham on drums, Mike Frost on bass, and Mac Arnold on vocals and Gas Can Guitar.

The Blues Music Awards have taken notice of Mac Arnold over the past few years. Mac was on hand for the 31st annual Blues Music Awards held May 6, 2010, in Memphis. Mac accepted the award for Best Historical Album for his participation in the 1966 recording Muddy Waters – Authorized Bootleg: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium (Geffen Records). The recording was released in 2009.

You can learn more about Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues at www.macarnold.com.

ORDINARY DAYS A musical by Adam Gwon
Aug 17 @ 7:30 pm
Parkway Playhouse

ORDINARY DAYS

A musical by Adam Gwon

Directed by Jeff Catanese
Music Direction by Lynda Shuler

Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape.

KEM
Aug 17 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Internationally renowned R&B singer-songwriter Kem has always been driven by music and the emotions involved in bringing it to life. Much of his inspiration comes from his personal life experiences, like his journey from homelessness and addiction to sobriety and prosperity.

In 2002, the Detroit-native independently released his first CD, KEMISTRY, and sold 15,000 units literally out of the trunk of his car. The success landed him a meeting with Motown Records and a five-record deal. He rereleased KEMISTRY on the Motown label in 2003 and his first hit “Love Calls” soared to #1 on Urban Adult Contemporary charts and continues to be played to this day as an undisputed classic. More albums and chart-topping hits followed.

Combined, KEM’s five albums have sold in excess of 2.9 million units. In recognition of his singing and songwriting talents, KEM has received three Grammy® nominations; two NAACP Image Awards; two NAACP Image Awards; two Soul Train Awards and a BET Centric Award.

In addition to his career as an artist, KEM is firmly committed to humanitarian work, founding Mack & Third, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is built on the premise that no basic human need should go unmet.