Calendar of Events

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival opens at the Crow & Quill, with our ABSFest Speakeasy. Local live music sweethearts Drayton & the Dreamboats play jazz all night with bellydancers, sword- swallowing and more. Hosted by international Jester, Paolo Garbanzo. Tickets at the Door.

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at the Grey Eagle sees the return of our FanDom Nerdlesque Show, hosted by Atlanta’s Lola LeSoleil. Your favorite fandoms brought to the stage! From sexy Star Wars to sassy Super Mario, this sexy, silly and surprising show has something for everybody. VIPs enjoy early seating, a pre-show, and themed goody bags.

FOUR Workshops held at the Orange Peel! $40 in advance, $50 day of unless FREE.
12:30-2pm
Burlesque, with Jo’Rie Tigerlily.
Drag, with Qing Blaze.
2-3:30
Bellydance, with Naimah.
Resilience and Ethics for Artists in Uncertain Times, with Nadira & Mavi, a free facilitated discussion for the variety arts community. Email us at [email protected] to inquire about the Resilience class. Otherwise, visit absfest.com to register and get MORE INFORMATION about workshop offerings and the instructors.

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at The Orange Peel offers up the The Saturday Spectacular. Don’t Miss This Show; the most glamorous showgirls, astonishing aerials, and delicious vendors, as well as vibrant acts of rebellion, comedy and dexterity. Hosted by festival founder Madame Onça! VIPs enjoy early expedited seating, shopping and a live music pre-show.

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival Sunday at The Grey Eagle brings the brunch show – the Church of Decadence, hosted by pin-up priestess Phoebe Nyx. Come feel the holy spirit of burlesque moving through you. Dress for church – be that church hats, mumus, or pjs. Tickets at www.thegreyeagle.com 12-2pm

The highly anticipated Community Concert is returning to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver another unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and community spirit. The event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music, along with the incredible opening act, Sam Burchfield and the Scoundrels. The Community Concert is presented by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale’s, and Fred Anderson Subaru.

This celebration of community is FREE to attend, with General Admission available to all. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Preferred Access Tickets powered by Skyla Credit Union are on sale now, providing attendees with a premium concert experience in the heart of Asheville’s iconic Downtown.

In addition to the music, the Community Concert will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace with unique handmade goods, and a gear swap presented by Second Gear, giving attendees the chance to exchange gently used outdoor gear. The event is designed to bring together people of all ages for an evening of celebration, while supporting local businesses and artists.

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Admission: General Admission is FREE; Preferred Access Tickets available for purchase.

Join us for After Hours, our 21+ night at the Museum.

This month’s theme is Our Changing World.

Explore how scientists and communities work together for climate resilient futures in our new exhibit Our Changing World. Hear stories from scientists and community members who used a wide variety of skills and problem solving during and after Helene. Make a climate indicator quilt, or explore real-time environment data on our 360 interactive globe.

Trivia with Discount Tobacco Tattoo
8pm-9pm
It’s time for Climate trivia with Meg! How well do you know the changing world around us? Winner gets a free tattoo from Discount Tobacco at Slouch Tattoo.

Soil Sleuths
Get dirty with AMOS Educators in Soil Sleuths- a soil experiment game with tips for your own backyard!

Geologic Timeline Scavenger Hunt
Play games and do art activities that have you moving through Earth’s Eons, Epochs, and Ages! Compete in a Geologic Time Scavenger Hunt to take home a piece of the “Anthropocene.”

Get Active!
Meet groups who are actively working to create sustainable futures through direct action and community science. Learn about firefly conservation with THEM in STEM, explore the flora and fauna hiding in plain sight with Save the UNCA Woods, and get up to speed on the i-26 connector projector with the Citizen’s Coalition.

Touch a Meteorite
Meet the astronomers at PARI (Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute) and get up close to the formation of the universe itself! Touch a meteorite, take a guided tour of our gem collection, and find out about the perfect conditions for forming Earth (and you)!

This is a 21+ event; ID is required. Price of admission ticket includes one free drink.

Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Have fun playing your favorite video games with new friends! A fun camp focused on community building and game play. Join your friends, make new friends, learn and improve basic skills, professional coaches, organized and monitored game play. Come build your new gaming community! Monday-Friday, Half-day and Full-day options. *Bring your own lunch

Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 16, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 17, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 18, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 19, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT
Jun 20, 2025, 8:00am to 4:00pm Timezone: EDT

Join us as we partner with the Martin Luther King Jr. Association and Black Wall Street to celebrate Juneteenth! Featuring headliner Southern Avenue and opener DJ Phantom Pantone.

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, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site alongside a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers. Join us at Pack Square Park for these unforgettable evenings of music, community, and celebration.

Asheville is invited to RAD Brewing on Saturday, June 21st, for RAD Solstice! This is a celebration of the Summer Solstice and the ongoing renewal of Asheville’s River Arts District.

Here’s how you can be involved in RAD Solstice:

• Be there! Come in costume, don your finest hat, or…just come as you are!

• Join the RAD Solstice Drum Krewe! Drummers should plan to attend 2-4 practice sessions to perform with the group on RAD Solstice afternoon. We will have 4 drumming meetups on Thursday evenings – May 29, June 5, 12, & 19 – at RAD Brewing. Participation is free and everyone is welcome (ages 14-adult)! Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251356455371054

• Support Local Artists – We will have a selection of art vendors on site with an amazing array of art available! (See below for artist details.) Additionally, Odyssey Clayworks just down the street will be running live demos and lessons in their studios at 236 Clingman Ave. Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts will have their doors open for business, and RADA will be hosting their Saturday art market for displaced artists just down the block at Pinegate Renewables. The galleries and studios of the upper RAD will be open and ready for your visit. It will be a perfect day to browse and support Asheville’s art community!

• Have a Beer or Two – RAD Brewing is a cozy, community brewery that makes fantastic beers onsite – featuring 16 unique brews on tap. They are generously opening their space to host RAD Solstice. Three cheers for RAD Brewing!!!

• Volunteer – Help us run bubble machines, do face-painting, create good vibes for the day, etc…Email [email protected] with your interest.

• Dance Party! Les Amis will bring the dance party to Solstice, with hot Ivory Coast rhythms and songs, featuring special guests – The Screamin’ Stevens! Music from 5:00-7:00pm, inside. Bring your dancing shoes and your dancing moves!

• Support RAD Solstice – Buy a Cool T-Shirt or Hat! All proceeds will go towards paying our bands:
RAD Solstice

Join us as we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the ongoing rebirth of the RAD! Let’s infuse some positive energy into our beloved River Arts District that has been through so much in the past year.

Join us for our spring festival at Pack Square Park on June 22.

Join us to shop and eat and support the local community.

Come out and come to Asheville for the day or for the weekend. The community needs you so let’s do this!

You don’t want to miss this fun event. Mark your calendars and get your tickets, swag bags, VIP, and/or merch ahead of the festival.

$10 Suggested donation ahead of the event or at the festival is requested.

$15 Swag Bag option will be available! Compostable bag filled with $50+ worth of samples and coupons.

$25 – VIP tickets – enter the event 30 minutes early. Get a cool upgraded goody bag that is reusable with items different from the swag bags. Limited to 50. $100+ worth of samples and coupons.

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

Experience reggae revolutionaries Steel Pulse, LIVE on their 50th Anniversary Tour! July 2nd @ French Broad River Brewery – OUTDOOR stage! Presented by Asheville Music Hall. ALL AGES welcome! Get Your Tickets NOW: https://buff.ly/YFzDUo6

Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The bands twelfth studio production, titled Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanities unification. A manipulation of our minds has been influenced by a New World Order currently dominating humankind. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment, armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.

This free festival promises fun for the whole family, featuring the incredible Amazing Air Dogs and a host of other family-friendly activities throughout the day.

As the sun sets, get ready for an evening of free live music featuring headliner The Pink Stones, accompanied by delicious food and beverage vendors serving up tasty treats. And of course, no Independence Day would be complete without a spectacular fireworks extravaganza lighting up the night sky, bringing our festivities to a memorable close. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of freedom and community!

Scrabble! One of you favorite word games, and we are playing every Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM at Stephens-Lee Rec Center. Maybe you liked Words with Friendsd, or Boggle, or Wordle. Or, you are just good with words! We have all the gear, so just stroll in and join us for several games.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get ready for a summer evening full of music, food, and community spirit—right in the heart of downtown Weaverville!

Music on Main is our one-night, open-air concert event featuring three incredible bands, local food trucks, craft beer, family activities, and Main Street lined with awesome local sponsors. It’s fun, free, and open to everyone.

Bring your lawn chairs, your friends, your kiddos, and your appetite—we’ll bring the good vibes.

Rain or shine, it’s always a good time.

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

The Asheville Bridge Room (ABR) announces a 10-week beginners and refresher course, “So, You Want to Play Bridge?” at Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Avenue, Asheville. The course, including play of the hand each week, begins on Wednesday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.

Sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), the well-established ABR was formerly located in the River Ridge Shopping Plaza for many years. These new classes are designed for adults, either new players or those who seek a review of the basics. The $60.00 registration fee includes both the 10-week course and the textbook. The teacher is Lisa Bryant, an ACBL certified bridge director and educator.

Other games are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30; Fridays at 12:00; and some Sundays at 1:00. Game signup is $8.00.

Whether you’re a member of the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) or not, if you are interested in new challenges, love the competition, want to meet new people and learn more, the ABR is the perfect place to mingle with others of diverse backgrounds who share your passion and desire to grow their skills.

For more information about the club and to register for classes and game play, link to ABR’s website https://www.bridgewebs.com/avl/, or call Club Manager Sarah Manow, 828.298.0577.

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