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.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s 28th Annual Spelling Bee
Apr 3 all-day
The Mothlight

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County will hold “Beauty and the Bee,” an adult Spelling Bee, on April 3, 2019 at The Mothlight in West Asheville. Beginning at 6 pm, fifteen teams of three adults each will compete in the themed, spirited, and zany word challenge.

While the word list is challenging to even the most advanced spellers, this event is not a traditional, stilted spelling bee. Audience members are encouraged to cheer on their favorite teams and can even purchase opportunities to cheat on the spellers’ behalf. Spellers and audience members are encouraged to wear costumes in homage to this year’s beauty-pageant event theme: Beauty and the Bee.

Spelling Bee teams are fielded by local businesses, non-profits, community associations, colleges, book clubs and friends. This year’s teams include the 2018 winning team, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café; the 2017 highest fundraising team, Chestnut/Corner Kitchen; and more.

Funds raised by the Beauty and the Bee Spelling Bee support the Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s programs that provide basic literacy and English language services to 2,200 people in Buncombe County.

Friday, April 5, 2019
Hope and Healing: Faith Communities and the Suicide Crisis
Apr 5 all-day
St. Thomas More Catholic Church

Hope and Healing: Faith Communities and the Suicide Crisis is a day-long interfaith conference in Chapel Hill on April 5, exploring how faith influences our reactions to suicide and what we can do better in our responses. Speakers will address how faith communities can engage, support, and build resiliency around those affected by suicide and suicidality. Registration is now open, for more information please visit http://www.fcmi-nc.org.

Saturday, April 6, 2019
Growing and Eating Heirloom Tomatoes
Apr 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Black Mountain Library

Our next Sowing Circle series is on April 6 featuring Chris Smith, Sow True Seed, will present Growing and Eating Heirloom Tomatoes. Chris will explore the growing and culture of heirloom tomatoes and the incredible diversity of varieties available to the home gardener – with a special emphasis on tomatoes in the southern Appalachians. We have a limited stock of free heirloom tomato seeds ~ Cherokee Purple, Mortgage Lifter and more ~ for you to start your own plants. We welcome you to bring friends as the presentation will start at 10 am in the Education Room at the Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty Street.

Our presentations are a partnership with Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library and Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. Questions, email us at
[email protected]. We welcome you to be apart of our growing
community

Craft City Art & Food Tour
Apr 6 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Blue Spiral 1

Join the Center for Craft on a Craft City Food & Art Tour! Visit galleries, watch live demonstrations, sip craft cocktails, taste local beers, and meet the creatives that continue to make Asheville a Craft City. $75/person. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

Danger Hatt Live at Flood Gallery
Apr 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Join us for this energetic duo from Black Mountain, featuring Randy Sarton (Guitar & Vocals) and Bill Hattori (Cajon Drum, Splash Cymbal, Various Percussion). $5/person suggested donation. Be dangerous!

Sunday, April 7, 2019
Uncommon Market Asheville at Asheville Outlets
Apr 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

On the hunt for the old, the bold, the creative and the unexpected? Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) is pleased to host Uncommon Market Asheville Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the center. Now in its 5th season, Uncommon Market Asheville is the city’s largest destination bringing together quality antiques, vintage decor, art, jewelry, home furnishings and MORE! Food trucks and adult beverages will be available. Admission $2 per person; children and friendly dogs are free. This is a rain or shine event.

Uncommon Market Asheville at Asheville Outlets
Apr 7 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

On the hunt for the old, the bold, the creative and the unexpected? Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) is pleased to host Uncommon Market Asheville Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the center. Now in its 5th season, Uncommon Market Asheville is the city’s largest destination bringing together quality antiques, vintage decor, art, jewelry, home furnishings and MORE! Food trucks and adult beverages will be available. Admission $2 per person; children and friendly dogs are free. This is a rain or shine event.

Week of the Young Child Celebration
Apr 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ira B. Jones Elementary School

2:00 p.m. Ticketed Magic Show ($8 per person, all ages)
3:00-5:00 p.m. Drop-In Pop-Up Adventure Playground (free and open to the community)

Join us to celebrate the Week of the Young Child and support young children in Buncombe County!

Children ages 2+ will enjoy The Professor Whizzpop Magic Show, which placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best of WNC” poll for 10 years.

Afterward, drop in for a FREE Pop-Up Adventure Playground where kids build their own place space using imagination, loose parts, and in collaboration with their peers. There is no charge to join the playground.

Roots Hummus will be served at no charge and sweet treats from The Hop Ice Cream Cafe will be available for purchase.

Friday, April 12, 2019
Poetry for the Pantry – Fundraiser for Storehouse
Apr 12 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Artisan Entertainment

Tickets ARE ON SALE at eventbrite.com

Help raise money for Storehouse. Many families need our help, and The Artisan of Flat Rock is proud to team with The Storehouse of Henderson County, NC to bring Poetry for the Pantry. Tickets to this event and further information will be available soon, but go ahead and put this one on your calendar for such a great cause.

https://www.facebook.com/events/306525069987354/

Saturday, April 13, 2019
Join Us for Our First Birthday!
Apr 13 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carolina Holistic Health

We at Carolina Holistic Health are thrilled to announce our first birthday! To celebrate this exciting occasion we will be holding a birthday bash with all proceeds benefitting the Food Connection. The Food Connection is an amazing local non-profit that works in conjunction with local restaurants, schools, and businesses to get unused food to soup kitchens and shelters that need it most.
We are excited to have the amazing team at Massage On Wheels on deck with free five-minute chair massages. And what is a party without local food, drinks, and music? So stop on by and help us ring in our next year of business right!

Saturday, April 20, 2019
AshevilleFairyHair.com at Hemp Fest at Weaver House
Apr 20 @ 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Weaver House

Come celebrate 4/20 and get Sparkled with Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair!! The MOST MAGICAL Fairy Hair in the World! Not tinsel.

You can wash it,
brush it,
comb it,
curl it,
flat iron, (up to 450°!)
color it,
straighten it,
perm it,
blow it dry, get your haircut, etc.
Do whatever you normally do to your hair, but most of all; ENJOY IT!

?Saturday, April 20th 4:30pm-9:30pm
at
Weaver House Hemp Fest-FREE EVENT!
56 N Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787

Sign up here to reserve your spot and for more information:
http://bit.ly/hempfest4202019

Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Bhramari Brewing Company Welcomes AshevilleFairyHair.com
Apr 24 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Bhramari Brewing Comapny

Come get your Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair Sparkles! The MOST MAGICAL Fairy Hair in the World! Not tinsel.

You can wash it,
brush it,
comb it,
curl it,
flat iron, (up to 450°!)
color it,
straighten it,
perm it,
blow it dry, get your haircut, etc.
Do whatever you normally do to your hair, but most of all; ENJOY IT!

?Wednesday, April 24th 5:00pm-7:00pm
at
Bhramari Brewing Company
101 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, North Carolina 28801

Space is limited! Sign up here TODAY to reserve your spot and for more information:
http://bit.ly/bhramari42019

Thursday, April 25, 2019
Dining Out For Life
Apr 25 all-day
100+ Participating Restaurants in Asheville & WNC

On Thursday, April 25, 100+ restaurants in Asheville & WNC will donate 20% of sales to the Western NC AIDS Project to support their mission of HIV Prevention & Care in our local community. Simply by dining out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, or dessert, you will be helping to change – or save – a life!

Francesca’s Welcomes AshevilleFairyHair.com
Apr 25 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Francesca's

Come get your Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair Sparkles! The MOST MAGICAL Fairy Hair in the World! Not tinsel.

You can wash it,
brush it,
comb it,
curl it,
flat iron, (up to 450°!)
color it,
straighten it,
perm it,
blow it dry, get your haircut, etc.
Do whatever you normally do to your hair, but most of all; ENJOY IT!

?Thursday, April 25th 5:00pm-7:00pm
at
Francesca’s Asheville Outlets
800 Brevard Rd #608, Asheville, NC 28806

Space is limited. Sign up here TODAY to reserve your spot and for more information:
http://bit.ly/francescasavl42019

City Dance
Apr 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Saturday, April 27, 2019
Asheville GreenWorks Awards & Trashion Show
Apr 27 all-day
DoubleTree by Hilto Biltmore-Asheville

Asheville GreenWorks 2nd annual Environmental Excellence Awards & Trashion Show featuring over 20 local designers strutting their one of a kind eco-fashion designs down the runway. VIP tickets get an open bar, front row seating and a VIP meet and greet.

Sunday, April 28, 2019
Drive Electric Earth Day Event at Asheville Outlets
Apr 28 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Join us for Asheville’s first Drive Electric Earth Day Sunday, April 28th, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com)! Along with local EV drivers and their vehicles, electric bicycles and yard equipment will be on display. Featured electric vehicles will include the Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt and the 2019 Nissan Leaf. Plus, the latest all electric Jaguar IPace! Owners will be available to answer questions about the EV lifestyle including charging, costs and performance.

Several hotels have special rates for those attending Drive Electric Earth Day, including Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW – Outlet Ctr Area, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Asheville South and Lake Powhatan Recreational Area & Campground. The event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Downtown Asheville Scavenger Hunt
Apr 30 all-day
Let's Roam

In the mountains of North Carolina you’ll find one of America’s hippest cities. On this fun-filled Asheville scavenger hunt, we loop around the city center in search of the city’s best sights and hidden gems.

Does an obelisk impress? Where can you play 75 pinball machines? Find out on this scavenger hunt of Asheville!

Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Women Belong New Circle Launch
May 1 all-day
Another Broken Egg

Women Belong is coming to Asheville! This Circle launch is open to members and guests. This is a structured meeting where we will gather to support each other and each others businesses. During this meeting a special menu of breakfast entrees will be offered ranging in price from $10-20 and each attendee is responsible for her own breakfast bill.

Who are we? We are a diverse group of women and fem identified, who are dedicated to supporting other women in advancing their business and developing personally.

Please bring at least 30 business cards, we are looking forward to being with you!

Saturday, May 4, 2019
Mayfest
May 4 all-day
Downtown Rutherfordton

Mayfest is the one of the longest running festivals in N.C., drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of springtime, family fun. Annual entertainment and traditions will be enjoyed including live music from Rutherford County Line and the Houston Bernard Band, a Car, Truck and Bike Show, and a variety of artisans and crafters showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. Youngsters will have a ball in the Kids Playland featuring inflatables and rock climbing walls, plus obstacle courses, face painting, and the Pinewood Derby Race. Local dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders will perform, a Doggie Kissing booth will be open, and friendly fur babies will take the spotlight during the 4 Paws Kingdom Pet Contest. No festival is complete without fabulous food vendors. Indulge yourself with delicious BBQ, turkey legs, roasted corn, stir-fry, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and much more.

7th Annual Bike LUCK Presented by Charlotte Knights
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ride for HEARTS! Bike LUCK Presented by Charlotte Knights is a fundraiser for Camp LUCK, Inc., a 501c3 non profit organization. Funds raised are used to send heart kids and their siblings to camp. Camp LUCK also provides services (called Baby LUCK) for heart kids too young to attend camp as well as for those kids currently in the hospital.

The charity ride provides four (4) route options with a metric century (63 mile route) from Charlotte to include the challenging Spencer and Cramer mountain climbs, a half-metric route by the airport and a 5 mile family route along the Irwin Creek Greenway. All routes are supported by “heart family” volunteers with homemade baked goods, water and Gatorade. Post ride food, music, offerings from sponsors and beer for purchase from Unknown Brewery. For more information, visit https://campluck.com/camps-events/bike/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2111502822493987/

Springtime Plant Exchange and Plants for Pollinator Talk
May 4 @ 9:30 am
Black Mountain Library

Our Sowing Circle begins at 9:30 am with a Springtime Plant Exchange. Bring your extra plants to share with fellow gardeners and pick-up some new plants for yourself. At 10:15 am, relax and listen to Brannen Basham, co-founder of Spriggly’s Beescaping, give a presentation on Plants for Pollinators. Creating a pollinator garden requires more than just planting flowers, although those are a great start! Learn how to create a pollinator garden that provides forage and habitat year round for a variety of pollinators, along with other beneficial insects and animals. These free events are sponsored by Black Mountain Blooms Seed Lending Library. We welcome you to be apart of our growing community!

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ReClaim Madison: Salvage & Hardware

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!

Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!

Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:

* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!

PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.

Proceeds go to CHC’s mission, which aims to find solutions to the national affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.

CODE BLUE Premier Film Screening!
May 4 @ 7:00 pm
Foster Church

A documentary film that redefines the practice of medicine by highlighting the practice of Lifestyle Medicine to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases.

Friday, May 10, 2019
Leadercast 2019 to benefit Eblen Charities
May 10 all-day
Lake Hills Church

Leadercast Live is the largest one-day leadership event in the world. Broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of locations around the world each year, Leadercast brings together some of the most recognized and respected global leaders to create a leadership experience unlike any other. This is a simulcast of the Live Event. Ticket proceeds benefit Eblen Charities.

Leadercast Live focuses on the leadership issues most relevant to today’s time-starved leader. It is a place of inspiring messages coupled with rich interaction between fellow leaders that want to be intentional about raising their standard of leadership…all delivered with a creative, energetic and memorable approach. Leaders across all industries and various levels of their career are able to leave this event better equipped to take on their next challenge.

Saturday, May 11, 2019
Spring Fling Plant Sale
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
American Red Cross

Come celebrate the beginning of a new gardening season at the Spring Fling Plant Sale! The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County in partnership with the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will host the Spring Fling Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am. to 2 pm. The sale will be held in the parking lot of the American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, off of Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. The sale will be held rain or shine.

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will sell many varieties of roses, including own-root, fragrant, miniature, and old garden roses. Expert rosarians will be on hand to help you choose the perfect rose and to give practical advice on growing and caring for roses.

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will offer a variety of sun and shade perennials, with a focus on natives and pollinator friendly selections. Plants are grown by Master Gardeners with tender loving care. We will also offer a nice selection of garden accessories. Personal shoppers will be available to assist you with the best plants for your special space, give you plant suggestions for Mother’s Day gifts, and answer your gardening questions.

We will also be offering an on-going pruning tool sharpening workshop. Bring your small hand tools (pruners) and loppers to learn how to clean and sharpen them. This is a free workshop but donations are greatly appreciated.

LaZoom Comedy Night: Jenn Snyder
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
LaZoom Room

At 5’2″, comedian Jenn Snyder packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town, to her dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-jenn-snyder-tickets-61201280678

Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Queer Comedy Party ft. Annick Adelle
May 14 @ 9:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Asheville’s monthly queer stand up comedy show, featuring Annick Adelle from San Francisco/ Germany!!!

ages 18+
Tickets $7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-annick-adelle-tickets-61326806128

VIP $10: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-annick-adelle-vip-ticket-tickets-61326865305

Thursday, May 16, 2019
Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout – Southern Appalachian Salamanders
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders is excited to announce the launch of our 2019 seasonal series: Wildlife Workshops & Walkabouts! In this free, fun and educational series, you’ll have a chance to learn about your local wildlife and the habitat on which they depend. These lectures and hands-on activities will get you out into the great outdoors to discover the amazing world around you. 

Our first event celebrates the salamanders of Southern Appalachia. Join us and special guest presenter, herpetologist and salamander expert R. Graham Reynolds, PhD on Thursday, May 16th to learn about the salamanders of our area – including rare and imperiled species such as the hellbender and green salamander – why they’re important and how we’re addressing conservation challenges they face. Dr. Reynolds is an Assistant Professor of Biology at UNC Asheville and an Associate at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, MA. Following his presentation, we will learn how to create backyard salamander sanctuaries of our own. Then, join us on Saturday, May 18th for a walkabout in Rocky Fork State Park, TN. We’ll look for salamanders and explore this important area that supports an array of wildlife.

To learn more about our work to recover the imperiled eastern hellbender salamander, click here. https://medium.com/wild-without-end/diving-in-for-hellbender-conservation-a04219501768

Lecture and Hands-On Activity — Thursday May 16, 2019
5:30-7:00pm
Defenders of Wildlife’s Southeast Office
1 Rankin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Refreshments provided.

AND

Walkabout — Saturday, May 18, 2019
7:30am – 3:00pm
Rocky Form State Park, TN
501 Rocky Fork Rd., Flag Pond, TN 37657

For more info, email Tracy at [email protected]

This 2019 series is sponsored by weilerwoodsforwildlife.com

Friday, May 17, 2019
LaZoom Comedy Night: Geoff Tate
May 17 @ 9:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Geoff Tate is most likely watching “Cheers” right now. A Cincinnati-based comedian, he has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and regularly tours with Doug Benson and Doug Stanhope. He made his television debut on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, and is a regular on Doug Loves Movies, as well as Getting Doug with High. He has performed at music and comedy festivals like Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, Limestone and he has two albums available at the Doug Stanhope store and he’s the host of the popular geofftate’s MSHD PODCASTO, in which he discusses topical Cheers-related issues, gets his dad to try things, talks to people he graduated with, forces Emma Arnold to host her own show and just has a good time.

Featuring Lily Campbell, Andrew Rudick and Lee Michael Kimbrell
Hosted by James Harrod

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-geoff-tate-tickets-61202697917