Calendar of Events
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.
An evening of beauty and resilience through the art of dance, Terpsicorps’ world premiere of Appalachian Phoenix is more than a performance—it’s a testament to the strength, creativity, and unity of Western North Carolina. This powerful new work transforms real stories of kindness and perseverance in the wake of Hurricane Helene into breathtaking movement, music, and design. Terpsicorps, now in its 22nd season, features world-class dancers who will bring to life the true stories of local heroes, nominated by their communities. Their acts of kindness and courage shape the choreography, making Appalachian Phoenix a deeply personal and meaningful experience. Around 15,000 water bottles collected from the storm’s debris will be utilized to create a remarkable translucent backdrop that will frame the choreography and reflect abstracted images of WNC projected onto its surface. The original score was created by composer Jeff Schmitt, along with River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser, of Free Planet Radio. It blends the past and present into a dynamic, inspiring, and evocative composition. The score fuses old-time, bluegrass, Afro-Appalachian folk, hip-hop, funk, blues-rock, and Latin rhythms. Collectively, they’ve performed at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to MerleFest, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
On July 31, August 1, and 2, 2025, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
The first annual Bodhi Fest, a Buddhist Arts and Film Festival at Asheville Community Theatre on August 16th, 2025 will be a day of illumination as we explore the gladdening qualities of the human spirit ranging from sweet solitude to ecstatic joy. The program will consist of Buddhist films + Q&A, shorts, a dance workshop, a songwriting workshop, musical performances and more. Crafts, art and food from Buddhist sanghas, artists and local vendors will be shared in the front lobby during the festival.
Enjoy an event of immersion in compassionate-wisdom activities that provoke insight and lift the spirit.
Join the fun, French inspired dance party that is the rage in Europe and gaining ground here in the US. Guest teacher Catherine Rudin joins us from Omaha, Nebraska where she leads a local IFD group and is a frequent teacher at Midwestern workshops. Live music will be by Geraud Barralon who was born in France to a musical family then relocated with marriage to Brasstown, NC. There he is a musician with the John C. Campbell Folk School and an instructor with the Junior Appalachian Musicians when not touring with Balfolk events in France. Dances will be led but not taught. https://www.mountainplayshop.org/balfolk-concert-details
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
The Grey Eagle Presents: Blue Country Line Dance’s Giddy-Up Brunch
Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.
Fancy & The Gentlemen- self described as ‘Gothy-Tonk’ and we think that fits! These guys are a lyrical story-telling band with beautiful, haunting and sometimes humorous vocals, songs that stick in your head, and melodies that feel like home. Sit back and soak up the picture they paint, or bop out onto the floor in your good boots- lets git to it!
- HNG will be running a bar with local beers and NA beverage and snack cart.
- Barn Door Ciderworks will provide some sweet and snappy sips of their legendary cider brewed right here in Fairview.
- Root Down Farm food truck brings their signature farm-to-table eats featuring HNG meats and local fresh farmed seasonal veg, often from their home farm! Root Down tastes like hard work paying off, savor it.
- Pro tip: we have picnic tables, benches & patio sets, but always bring a backup folding chair or picnic blanket JUST in case. It can get packed!
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Experience Appalachian music and dancing at this lively community gathering! Enjoy a live old-time string band as a caller leads fun, easy-to-follow dances—no partner or experience needed. Start the evening with a short flatfoot lesson and try your luck in the cake raffle. All ages are welcome!
Plenty of free parking is available at Haw Creek Elementary School (10 Bethesda Rd), just a short walk from the hall. Accessible spots are also available next to the dance hall at Haw Creek Commons.
Admission: $10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under. Pay at the door via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
Sign up for email updates below!
https://mailchi.mp/39798f75c04a/signup_asheville-community-square-dance
Wortham Center Student Series Pilobolus
Fri, Oct 10 • 10 am
Grades 6–12
Show length: 60 minutes
Get ready for a high-energy journey through imagination and movement! Known for their athleticism, humor, and creativity, Pilobolus blends dance, storytelling, and visual surprises into a performance like no other. Students become part of the action with interactive engagement and enjoy laughter-filled moments that spark creativity and connection—leaving them amazed and inspired.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Fri & Sat, Oct 10 & 11 • 8 pm
Journey into an astonishing universe where Pilobolus transverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry. Explore the human condition as they fuse sensuality, humor, and physical prowess in a spellbinding performance.
“If we think we know what’s going to happen at a Pilobolus concert, we’d be wrong.” —Dance Magazine
“The men and women of Pilobolus have no interest in playing by the dance world’s rules” —Huffington Post
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on Pilobolus:
Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College; now hailed as an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure”
Performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic Games
Famous for the Hyundai “human car” TV commercial
120+ works performed across 65 countries with 100M+ social media views
Known for daring athleticism, inventive storytelling, and playful artistry
BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30–11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all
I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.
Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!
Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.
Activation and music by Frisson Studios.
Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.
Fri & Sat, Oct 10 & 11 • 8 pm
Journey into an astonishing universe where Pilobolus transverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry. Explore the human condition as they fuse sensuality, humor, and physical prowess in a spellbinding performance.
“If we think we know what’s going to happen at a Pilobolus concert, we’d be wrong.” —Dance Magazine
“The men and women of Pilobolus have no interest in playing by the dance world’s rules” —Huffington Post
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on Pilobolus:
Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College; now hailed as an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure”
Performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic Games
Famous for the Hyundai “human car” TV commercial
120+ works performed across 65 countries with 100M+ social media views
Known for daring athleticism, inventive storytelling, and playful artistry
Performances on both Tuesday, October 14th AND Wednesday, October 15th.
Aphorisms is a tribute to composer and Black Mountain College student Ursula Mamlok, inspired by her life, art, and triumph over persecution and oppression. The performance is choreographed by Miro Magloire and performed by the Momenta Quartet, flutist Roberta Michel, and the New Chamber Ballet. Presented here as a new performance iteration created especially for Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, this event integrates live chamber music and dance to celebrate Mamlok’s work and legacy. BMCM+AC will present two evening performances (Oct. 14th and Oct. 15th) in the museum’s main level gallery, in conjunction with the exhibition Points in Space: Performance at Black Mountain College.
About the Performances:
Aphorisms presents six works by Ursula Mamlok, performed live, enriched by Miro Magloire’s contemporary ballet choreography. Magloire, a former composition student of Mauricio Kagel and the founder of the New York City-based New Chamber Ballet, has pioneered a captivating new form of music-and-dance collaboration: ‘unplugged’, without stage sets or theatrical lights, and with the audience seated around the stage and up close to the performers.
Fri, Oct 17 • 7 pm
In this visually stunning adventure for all ages, a friendly dinosaur discovers a glowing world and the true meaning of love. Lightwire Theater blends puppetry, technology and dance to tell tender-hearted stories that spark childlike wonder and (literally) light up the darkness.
“What you see looks like magic” —CBS Sunday Morning
“absolutely incredible” —Rolling Stone
Spotlight on Lightwire Theater:
Semi-finalists on America’s Got Talent and winners of truTV’s Fake Off
Recipient of the Jim Henson Foundation Grant for DINO-LIGHT
Each puppet is hand-built from recycled materials like skateboards, dryer ducts, and fishing poles
Characters glow with electroluminescent (EL) wire, taking 200+ hours to create
Come get down to some spooky, groovy, and funky disco house tunes!
Feat. a stellar lineup of local talent:
– Sketchy Decks
– Earl Grae
– Interstellar Noise
– Double Helix
$10 entry. Don’t miss this one!
Mon Cher let’s get to it! Most requested faves Zydeco Ya Ya are back in the Big Barn for zydeco, swamp pop, second line, and Cajun swing. These guys always provide a fabulous groove and engaging show that makes you want to hop out onto the floor- or bob and weave from your chair, cold one in hand.
- HNG will be running a bar with local beers, NA beverage and snack cart.
- Barn Door Ciderworks will provide some sweet and snappy sips of their legendary cider brewed right here in Fairview.
- The Garden Foodtruck by chef Simone Jaramillo will be serving seasonal, sustainable, food-as-medicine MAGIC!
- Pro tip: we have picnic tables, benches & patio sets, but always bring a backup folding chair or picnic blanket JUST in case. It can get packed!
By purchasing your ticket online you will be on our Will Call list, admission will be checked in at the Cabana!
BMCA Fall Dance Day!
Celebrate the fall season with movement, creativity, and community at BMCA! Join us for a pay-what-you-can / free event featuring a performance of BMCA’s Dance Troupe’s new fall choreography in our theater, followed by festive activities upstairs in the dance studio. Families and kids can enjoy autumn-themed crafts, games, and activities.
It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon together—supporting local dancers, exploring the arts, and welcoming fall at BMCA.
Performance: 3:30–4:00 PM Studio Activities: 4:00–4:45 PM
Free or Pay-What-You-Can All are welcome!
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Audio Visual Butoh Performance: Frequency in Motion
Featuring Atsushi Takenouchi, Hiroko Komiya and Chris H.Lynn.
In conjunction with Asheville Butoh Dance Festival 2025
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC Members + Students w/ ID
Asheville Butoh Festival, in collaboration with Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center and the University of North Carolina at Asheville, presents its 15th annual festival from October 30 – November 2. BMCM+AC will host Frequency in Motion, an audiovisual performance featuring Butoh dancers: Atsushi Takenouchi, Jenni Cockrell, Julie Becton Gillum, and Constance Humphries. Dancers will be accompanied by live sounds, field recordings, and objects by Chris H.Lynn and Hiroko Komiya. Visuals, including Super 8 and digital film, are by Chris H.Lynn.
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents: Swan Lake
November 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Swan Lake is a ballet masterpiece that tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. The ballet is renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating music. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that has endured for more than a century.
This timeless tale of love and magic will be brought to life by the finest dancers of the Grand Kyiv Ballet. The graceful movements of the world’s best dancers from Ukraine, Italy, Spain, the USA and Japan will give you unforgettable emotions. And colorful costumes and decorations will transport audiences to a world of enchantment and wonder.
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents: The Snow Queen
November 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Join the Grand Kyiv Ballet for the WORLD Premiere of the new Ballet, The Snow Queen. The Snow Queen is a powerful and cold-hearted ruler who travels the world with the snow, bringing winter wherever she goes. The tale tells the adventures of a young girl named Gerda and her quest to rescue her friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen.
It is a classic fairytale ballet about love and friendship, and about how the warmth of a friend’s devoted heart removes the spell of the wicked Queen. A colorful journey full of dangers and obstacles, shown through the beauty and aesthetics of the ballet will bring festive delight to the stage this winter.
The performance is interpreted by Alexander Adbdukarimov and Arshak Galumyan, a successful choreographic duet. Former artists of the best European theaters now collaborating with them as choreographers, bearers of the traditional classical school and founders of the Berlin Ballet Company. Fabulous orchestral music combined with live effects, colorful pictures, and unique choreography will bring pure joy.
When We Were Queens…
A Performance by Murielle Elizéon and Shana Tucker
November 13, 2025, at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members
Acclaimed Durham-based cellist Shana Tucker and Saxapahaw-based French choreographer Murielle Elizéon (co-creator of Culture Mill) present When We were Queens…, a powerful multidisciplinary performance presented as a diptych—two solos in conversation.
Fri, Nov 14 • 7 pm
In bursts of vivid color, acrobats expertly execute gravity-defying moves to the exhilarating beat of live music—somersaulting in sync with the percussive rhythms of Afro-Jazz. Truly a circus experience like no other, this production vibrates with energy—showcasing the strength, agility, youth and artistry of African culture.
Spotlight on Cirque Kalabanté:
Founded by Yamoussa Bangoura, former Cirque du Soleil and Cavalia performer
Rooted in the Nyamakala circus tradition of West Africa
Features performers from Guinea, Canada, and Bangoura’s own extended family
Stars in Circus Without Borders, an award-winning documentary on art as activism
Created a Montreal-based school teaching African dance, cirque, and drumming
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre presents
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Friday, Dec 5 2025 • 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 6 2025 • 2 pm & 7:30 pm
School Show! – Friday, Dec 5 • 10:00 am
Call the box office for tickets: 828-257-4530, ext. 1.
A wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!
Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s 13th annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. ACDT has surprised audiences over the years with their original production of the Nutcracker. Though the Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, when performed by ACDT you can guarantee it is something you haven’t seen before. Their version couldn’t be further from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. It is based on the the original story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffman.
“I always want to go back to the original story,” artistic co-director Collard says. “The characters and the story are always so much more interesting. Take, for example the King and Queen of Sausages, who have surprised and delighted audiences with their humor, and the party guests wrapped in gorgeous costumes dancing a wild and wonderful polka. And then there is the famous Mouse King with his lovely wife and their numerous children creating havoc all over the ballet, and the wild, psychedelic ride that is the World of Sweets.”
PLEASE NOTE: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts’ Box Office is the ONLY official ticketing provider for events at the Wortham Center’s venues: Diana Wortham Theatre, Tina McGuire Theatre and Henry LaBrun Studio. Beware of third-party ticketing scams.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is returning to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on December 9, 2025.