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.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Botanical Drawing for Beginners
Jul 1 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Botanical Drawing for Beginners with Camille Daunno

Tuesday, July 1  |  11 am – 1 pm

During this beginner level class, you will learn several drawing techniques including line, shading, pen and ink. We will discuss composition with contour, contrast and texture and how to use watercolor to complete your drawing. We will experiment with different techniques to enhance your personal style. All materials and supplies will be provided.

 

 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 2 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, July 3, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 3 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Monday, July 7, 2025
Minecraft Redstone Engineering Youth eSports Camp
Jul 7 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
XP League Asheville

Explore the fascinating world of redstone engineering in our Minecraft summer camp, where you’ll unravel the mysteries of redstone mechanics and discover their real-life applications in electrical engineering. Dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate contraptions to mastering circuitry, and unleash your creativity in an immersive journey through the realm of Redstone engineering! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 7, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 8, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 9, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 10, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 11, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Minecraft Redstone Engineering Youth eSports Camp
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
XP League Asheville

Explore the fascinating world of redstone engineering in our Minecraft summer camp, where you’ll unravel the mysteries of redstone mechanics and discover their real-life applications in electrical engineering. Dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate contraptions to mastering circuitry, and unleash your creativity in an immersive journey through the realm of Redstone engineering! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 7, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 8, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 9, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 10, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 11, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Minecraft Redstone Engineering Youth eSports Camp
Jul 9 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
XP League Asheville

Explore the fascinating world of redstone engineering in our Minecraft summer camp, where you’ll unravel the mysteries of redstone mechanics and discover their real-life applications in electrical engineering. Dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate contraptions to mastering circuitry, and unleash your creativity in an immersive journey through the realm of Redstone engineering! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 7, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 8, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 9, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 10, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 11, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Arbor Evenings
Jul 9 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Business Mastermind for Spiritual Practitioners
Jul 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Energetic Experiences

Calling all spiritual practitioners! Join Marian for an insightful and empowering session where you’ll learn essential best practices for running your spiritual business with confidence and clarity.

In the Business Mastermind for Spiritual Practitioners workshop, Marian will guide you through key tips and strategies to elevate your operations and marketing.

This is a safe and welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and learn alongside like-minded peers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this event offers valuable insights tailored to spiritual entrepreneurs.

🤝 Networking Opportunity: Connect with fellow practitioners and expand your professional circle. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!

📍 Details:

Cost: Free (Donations accepted to support the venue)
What to Bring: Your questions, a notebook or laptop, and your business cards.
Take this opportunity to grow your skills and your network in a supportive and inspiring environment. We can’t wait to see you there!

Should you be interested in one-on-one coaching from Marian, feel free to book a Business Best Practices for Spiritual Practitioners session with her here: https://energeticexperiences.as.me/?appointmentType=74750284

NC Writers Network & The Brandy Bar host “In the Company of Writers” series with Spencer & Taylor
Jul 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

The North Carolina Writers Network-West and The Brandy Bar + Cocktails presents H.R. (RANDY) SPENCER &
RICHARD ALLEN TAYLOR
as next in their series
“In the Company of Writers.”

The program offers a series of personal and conversational dialogues featuring guest writers/poets followed by an open mic forum. These inspirational gatherings will elucidate and entertain those attending. The guest author speaks from 7-8 PM with an open mic from 8 -9 PM. Sign-ups for the open mic will be located at the entrance to the reading.

For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrandyBar/events

Thursday, July 10, 2025
Minecraft Redstone Engineering Youth eSports Camp
Jul 10 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
XP League Asheville

Explore the fascinating world of redstone engineering in our Minecraft summer camp, where you’ll unravel the mysteries of redstone mechanics and discover their real-life applications in electrical engineering. Dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate contraptions to mastering circuitry, and unleash your creativity in an immersive journey through the realm of Redstone engineering! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 7, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 8, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 9, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 10, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 11, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Arbor Evenings
Jul 10 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, July 11, 2025
Minecraft Redstone Engineering Youth eSports Camp
Jul 11 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
XP League Asheville

Explore the fascinating world of redstone engineering in our Minecraft summer camp, where you’ll unravel the mysteries of redstone mechanics and discover their real-life applications in electrical engineering. Dive into hands-on projects, from crafting intricate contraptions to mastering circuitry, and unleash your creativity in an immersive journey through the realm of Redstone engineering! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jul 7, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 8, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 9, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 10, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jul 11, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturday, July 12, 2025
Fairy Tea Party
Jul 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bullington Gardens

Join the magical fairies at Bullington Gardens for a special Fairy Tea Party. Start your journey with a guided walk through the Fairy Trail. Your child will make their own wand followed by tea and cookies in the pavilion. This event is for children ages 7 and up. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Three different dates to choose from!

June 10th, June 24th, or July 12th at 10:00AM, $28.00/per child, $21 for Friends of Bullington Gardens. Limit of 12 children per event.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Garden Helpline
Jul 15 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Buncombe County Extension Office

Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 16 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, July 17, 2025
Garden Helpline
Jul 17 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Buncombe County Extension Office

Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline

⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours
March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Gardening in the Mountains presents: Planting Shrubs and Trees
Jul 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Online

Program: Planting Shrubs and Trees
Presenters: Luke Owen, Commercial Horticulture Agent, Buncombe County

Program Description: When trees and shrubs are planted correctly, it can prevent future pest issues, improves plant performance, and allows for better initial establishment. Learn techniques landscape professionals utilize to plant on level or sloped ground, what factors to consider when it comes to choosing soil amendments and managing soil nutrients, proper staking, and pruning at the time of planting, and more important details that are often overlooked and can prevent headaches down the road.

Join Luke Owen, Commercial Horticulture agent in Buncombe County as he provides best planting practices utilized by landscape professionals that can be applied to your landscape.

The presentation is free, and registration with Eventbrite is required.

If you have questions, contact the Buncombe County Extension office at 828-255-5522.

Arbor Evenings
Jul 17 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, July 18, 2025
PARI Summer Camps Above and Beyond
Jul 18 all-day
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

Best for students entering 9th-12th grade.
Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camping experience designed to immerse high school students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills.
Originally developed in partnership with Duke University and refined for nearly two decades, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for adventure and fun.
The process followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career is modeled to show how new discoveries are made about the universe. Campers are provided the tools and guided through the process by professionals who have made space their life’s work.
This year’s camp will focus on the unique challenges of human space exploration, near and far. From the impact of stars on the planets in their systems, to the composition of atmospheres and regolith, we’ll present the tools to answer a myriad of questions that could one day help humanity spread beyond Earth.
How do we find water or breathable atmosphere, or can they be made? How do we measure radiation from a star or classify exoplanets? Can a cave or lava tube on Mars provide adequate shelter for humans? What resources can be harvested from asteroids? Maybe you’ll help answer a question like these.

Summer Day Camps at Kanuga
Jul 18 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Bob Campbell Youth Campus at Kanuga

Kanuga is thrilled to announce the return of its Summer Day Camps for rising first through sixth graders, with five weeklong sessions planned for June and July 2025, at its Bob Campbell Youth Campus. Registration is now open.

In the serene mountains of Western North Carolina, campers will find fun and adventure in action-packed sessions staffed by well-trained, compassionate adults who specialize in keeping young children safe, entertained and engaged. Kanuga’s wooded campus offers children the opportunity to play, explore, swim in mountain lakes, hike to scenic vistas, paddle canoes, create arts and crafts and so much more.

Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. $400–$460.
Day Camp A: June 9–13
Day Camp B: June 23–27
Day Camp C: July 7–11
Day Camp D: July 14–18
Day Camp E: July 21–25

Saturday, July 19, 2025
Plant Clinic at Asheville City Market
Jul 19 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville City Market

Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.

You can pick-up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the schedule for the Gardening in the Mountains, online seminars.

Asheville Community Plant Market
Jul 19 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Hydroponics & Organics

Local vendors, selling houseplants and garden plants, plus crafts and more

Sunday, July 20, 2025
Southeast Game Exchange 2025
Jul 20 all-day
Greenville Convention Center

Southeast Game Exchange logo

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Southeast Game Exchange on July 18-20th. Buy, sell, or trade at the Southeast’s largest retro gaming expo!

 

Monday, July 21, 2025
Garden Helpline
Jul 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Buncombe County Extension Office — Learning Garden

Extension Master Gardener volunteers will staff the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your gardening question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline

⮕Call 828-255-5522
⮕Email questions and photos to [email protected]
⮕Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March (starts March 10) – October (ends October 23)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Arbor Evenings
Jul 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Thursday, July 24, 2025
Plant Clinic at Enka-Candler Farmers Market
Jul 24 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Enka-Candler Farmers Market

Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.

You can pick-up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the schedule for the Gardening in the Mountains, online seminars.

Arbor Evenings
Jul 24 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Friday, July 25, 2025
Mission Control 3D Planets Camp
Jul 25 all-day
Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

July 20, 2025 – July 25, 2025
Best for campers in grade 6-9
Come explore other worlds with us and learn to 3D model and print volcanos, craters, rifts, and more from the Moon, Mars, and beyond!
When PARI got its first 3D printer over a decade ago, our educators set out to find a way to combine it with space science. With practice, experimentation, and some help from our friends, 3D Planets began a few years later in 2015.
3D printers are continue to grow in use and find new uses in science and technology, and space exploration, and we’re excited to offer our next round of 3D Planets programs and camps.
3D Planets is a camp experience designed to immerse students in Planetary Geography, 3D Modeling and Printing, Three Dimensional Spatial Reasoning, and Communication.

Summer Day Camps at Kanuga
Jul 25 @ 12:00 am – 4:30 pm
Bob Campbell Youth Campus at Kanuga

Kanuga is thrilled to announce the return of its Summer Day Camps for rising first through sixth graders, with five weeklong sessions planned for June and July 2025, at its Bob Campbell Youth Campus. Registration is now open.

In the serene mountains of Western North Carolina, campers will find fun and adventure in action-packed sessions staffed by well-trained, compassionate adults who specialize in keeping young children safe, entertained and engaged. Kanuga’s wooded campus offers children the opportunity to play, explore, swim in mountain lakes, hike to scenic vistas, paddle canoes, create arts and crafts and so much more.

Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. $400–$460.
Day Camp A: June 9–13
Day Camp B: June 23–27
Day Camp C: July 7–11
Day Camp D: July 14–18
Day Camp E: July 21–25

Saturday, July 26, 2025
Summer Bash Backpack Giveaway
Jul 26 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

The Asheville Dream Center is thrilled to present its annual Summer Bash Backpack Giveaway  on Saturday, July 26, 2025  — an unforgettable day focused on equipping students and uniting the city. Get ready for one of the biggest and most impactful community events of the year!

 

The event’s goal is to provide 4,000 students across Asheville and surrounding areas with fully stocked backpacks and essential school supplies. But it’s more than a giveaway — it’s a city-wide celebration of education, families, and community.

 

This year’s event includes:

🎒 Free backpacks filled with school supplies

💇‍♂️ Free haircuts and clothing for kids

🌊 Giant water slides and bounce houses

🎨 Face painting, games, and interactive zones

🍧 Free treats and delicious food

🩺 Community resources and vendors

 

“This is about more than supplies — it’s about creating momentum and confidence as kids head into a new school year,” said Michelle Coleman, Founder of the Asheville Dream Center. “We want families to feel supported and seen, and our community to feel connected.”