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.
The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.
Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year. The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis. They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event. There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville. All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].
The big North Carolina Mountain State Fair in Asheville is the official “state fair” of the western part of NC. More than 180,000 people attend the 10-day event that celebrates our people, agriculture, art and tradition. It’s fun for all ages, with plenty of exhibits, animals, food, rides and more. The fair is held at the Western North Carolina Agriculture Center, near the Asheville Regional Airport (I-26 East, exit 40). It’s a big place, so wear comfy walking shoes and allow time to see it all. Tip: Bring cash since credit card use is limited.
Hours
- Friday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 1 AM
- Saturdays: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close Midnight
- 1st Sunday: Gates open 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 11 PM
- 2nd Sunday (Closing Night): Gates open at 9 AM; Rides open 10 AM, close 9 PM
- Monday-Thursday: Gates open at 3 PM; Rides open 4 PM, close 11 PM
Parking
FREE parking is available on fairground property and satellite property. Parking is located on Highway 280 at Gate 6. Satellite parking is located 1 mile South of Gate 6 (follow the signs) with free bus transportation to the fairgrounds (shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes).
Asheville’s hospitality industry is proving sweet dreams can truly turn into full plates.
This September, over 45 hotels are coming together for the third annual Sweet Dreams, Full Plates campaign – a major collaboration aimed at connecting Asheville area’s thriving tourism industry to local hunger relief issues.
The idea is simple. Hotel guests, during the month of September, are given the opportunity to forgo stayover services by hanging a door hanger on their room door. The door hanger says, “We Fed A Family,” and for every room that chooses to participate, the hotel makes a $2 donation on their behalf.
With each $2 donation, MANNA FoodBank is able to provide enough food for seven meals.
- AC Hotel
- Aloft Asheville Downtown
- Best Western Tunnel Road
- Country Inn & Suites
- Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Asheville Westgate
- Courtyard Marriott
- Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort – Asheville
- Doubletree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore
- Four Points by Sheraton – Asheville Downtown
- Hampton Inn – Tunnel Road
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Asheville South
- Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Area
- Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville – Biltmore Village
- Haywood Park Hotel
- Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
- Hilton Garden Inn – Asheville Downtown
- Holiday Inn – Biltmore West
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites (Donation Only)
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville
- Hotel Indigo – Asheville Downtown
- Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown
- Quality Inn and Suites – Biltmore East (Donation Only)
- Renaissance Asheville Hotel (Donation only)
- Residence Inn Biltmore
- Springhill Suites Marriott
- THE WINDSOR – Boutique Hotel
- Cambria Hotel & Suites Downtown
- POSH
- Country Inn & Suites Tunnel Road
- Comfort Inn – Tunnel Road
September 13-22
Welcoming Week is all about what the Y does best – helping people
reach their potential and bringing the community together!
Welcoming Week, an initiative of Y-USA’s national partner Welcoming America, celebrates the growing movement of communities across the U.S. that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. During Welcoming Week, communities bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.
| Corpening Memorial Y
Sept. 20
Sept. 21
Reuter Family Y Sept. 16
Sept. 17
Sept. 18
Sept. 20
Y at Mission Pardee Health Campus Snacks from around the world, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and more. Ferguson Family Y Sept. 15
Sept. 20
Sept. 21
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| Woodfin Y
Games from across the globe, voter registrations, and more. Hendersonville Family Y Family-friendly events all week long. Asheville Y Sept. 18
Black Mountain Y Sept. 16
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The event begins and ends at Bold Rock Cidery in Mills River. Registration begins at 9am and is $25. First riders will go out at 10am with final riders to be out by 12 noon. The ridge will travel along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.
Motorcycles and car clubs are welcome. There will be a free end of ride celebration at Bold Rock from 4 to 6P.M. with live music and prizes. The celebration is open to the public.
All proceeds will enable our Veterans of Valor to fly to Washington, D.C. on a Blue Ridge Honor Flight to visit their memorials and return home with lasting memories.
Established in 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor the sacrifices of themselves and their comrades. For more information about how to get involved in Blue Ridge Honor Flight, make a donation, or to get a veteran signed up for a flight, please visit blueridgehonorflight.com.
Asheville on Bikes, the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, and more have worked with representatives of the City of Asheville for almost 10 years to find out how many people are walking and bicycling in various locations around the city. You can help!
This year, in coordination with the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project, we will count non-motorized users of our streets at a number of specific sites from 5-7 p.m. on one of the following dates:
*Tuesday, September 10th, OR
*Wednesday, September 11th, OR
*Thursday, September 12th.
There are also a few sites available from 7-9 a.m. on those days, and a few sites that are counted on Saturday, September 15th from 9-11 a.m. Volunteer hours are extremely valuable in this effort. A short training is required, but no special skills are needed. Sign up at Bike/Ped Site Registration or if you have questions, email [email protected].
This urban scavenger hunt will take teams of four around the downtown area via a series of clues to sixteen different locations where they will be required to complete a task before receiving their next clue. Two volunteers will staff each secret location, checking teams in and out, throughout the day. Contact [email protected] directly if you are interested in assisting with this event or sign up by CLICKING HERE.
Hot Works 4th Asheville Fine Art Show, October 26 & 27, 2019 takes place in Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. This art show is juried by art professionals and brings artists to sell his/her art in all discipline including paintings, sculpture, clay, glass, fiber, jewelry, wood and more. All art is original and personally handmade by the artist who is present at the show. There is something for everyone, in all price ranges. You will see many artists at this show who do not attend other shows in North Carolina or South Carolina.
As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13 is integrated within a 10×20 space at the Asheville Fine Art Show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit organization, all students in grades K-8 or ages 5-13 are encouraged to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that will be publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. On Sunday, October 27 at 3pm, there is $250 in youth art awards presented. Students are exposed to the rules and entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living. The program brings families to the art show and exposes them to great art.
The early bird gets…to see and hear early birds! This special bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of birds. Taking place during fall migration also enhances the number of species expected to be in our area. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 10th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am.
https://www.facebook.com/events/337451880184302/
This is the second year for the overwhelming successful Bigfoot Festival of Western North Carolina in Downtown Marion. This year we are happy to announce the addition to the festival, the first annual Bigfoot Chase 5k hosted by the McDowell Race Series. This is the second race of the series for 2019.
All the McDowell Race Series events have amazing finisher medals, super soft shirts, and an extra bonus.
The Bigfoot Chase 5K will take participants throughout downtown Marion as well as some place you might spot Bigfoot himself.
General Info
All race participants from the 5k will receive race specific finisher medals, super soft race shirts, and an AMAZING custom Bigfoot gift from The Makery that you may take in and paint for free. Register soon as this event’s price will increase as we get closer to race day.
Packet Pick Up:
Friday September 13th from 5:00-7:00 PM at East McDowell Middle School (highly suggested to avoid long race day lines)
Saturday September 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 at East McDowell Middle School
Late Registration:
There will be race day registration if the race does not sell out in advance. Please arrive early if you plan on registering at the race.
Race Caps:
The 5K is capped at 400 runners.
https://www.facebook.com/events/360009624864372/
The 2019 Fool’s Gold Mountain Bike Race will be returning to the beautiful Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, GA. As far as the course, expect lots of fast & flowy singletrack, some amazing singletrack descents, a sprinkle of pavement, and two major sustained climbs. Full details are here: http://mountaingoatadventures.com/foolsgold
https://www.facebook.com/events/599517237174373/
The semi-annual event is open to all children ages 15 and under and is sponsored by Buncombe County Recreation Services.
Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m.
Register online now through September 12 at midnight. On-site registration will also be available at 8:00 a.m. the day of the tournament. Your registration fee covers fishing bait, snacks, and a hot dog lunch at the conclusion of the tournament. No fishing license is required for children under 16 years of age.
This is a catch and release event. Lake Julian Park will supply a bucket for each competitor’s catch. After the fish has been weighed and measured, it will be released back into the lake. Participants bring their own pole.
Fishing is allowed anyplace inside the Lake Julian Park boundaries. No boat fishing is allowed. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Children will be grouped into one of five age categories and prizes awarded in each category. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. In addition, all competitors in every age group will have an opportunity to show off their casting skills. Casting poles and targets are provided and children can demonstrate their ability anytime during the tournament. There are prizes for the winners of the casting competition, too!
Step out to improve lives at the WNC Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday Sep. 14! Taking place at Bill Moore Community Park the event will include a 5K race and a recreational 1-K fun run/walk. Celebrate autism awareness and acceptance with a children’s play area, music, refreshments, and vendor space that will showcase local businesses, service providers, support resources, and sponsors. Proceeds will fund local programs of the Autism Society of North Carolina. Register today: wncrunwalkforautism.com
You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West. It’s not about who’s right or wrong. It’s about getting on with life.
Summer is all about outdoor fun, spending quality time together as a family and taking in the wonderful sights of nature. Submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
Cost: No cost to enter contest.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2346811038665486/?event_time_id=2346811151998808
This two-day celebration of one of the world’s most treasured pop-culture films features a film screening, dance lessons and movie performances by the Asheville Ballet Company, live bands playing soul-filled hits from the 1960s, and a variety of vendors and film-inspired activities. Every year the celebration is punctuated by the hilariously renowned Lake Lift Competition where daring couples test their re-enactment skills of Baby and Johnny’s iconic water scene.
Since its release in 1987, “Dirty Dancing” has accumulated fans, accolades and praise worldwide, with the “Time of My Life” final dance scene finding its way into new television commercials and viral YouTube videos decades later every year. Festival organizers are proud to honor Lake Lure’s legacy as the film’s backdrop and plan to unveil special elements to highlight this year’s milestone event.
“It’s incredible to see the event reach its 10-year anniversary and I look forward to the special fun we have in store for this year,” said Festival Co-Founder Michelle McConnell Yelton. “My favorite part of the festival is watching everyone come unglued with giddiness as we remember how much we all love this movie and dancing, even after all these years.”
The weekend begins with a ticketed Kick-Off Party at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 13 featuring live music and a 10th anniversary tribute, followed by free admission for the 8 p.m. public film screening of “Dirty Dancing.” The festival continues from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 14 with a packed schedule of entertainment, activities, contests and vendors.
https://www.facebook.com/events/438089043628932/?event_time_id=438089046962265
We would be honored if you would join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1020159111507851/
This event is Hosted and Sponsored by WNC Bigfoot Festival
All vendor inquiries please message us on here or email us at [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/351172448818067/
Our Parents Morning Out program provides a safe nurturing environment for children to participate in a variety of organized activities, while giving parents a break. Each Parents Morning Out has a different theme. Open to children 12 months to 12 years, and occurs the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Sign up at the front desk.
https://www.facebook.com/events/640690433075829/?event_time_id=640690443075828
Grove Stone & Sand Company is proud to host the 12th annual Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K and Kids Fun Run! Boasting some of the best views in all of Western North Carolina, the course combines scenic views, private trails, multiple stream-crossings, and a ½ mile span through Grove Stone’s active rock quarry in Black Mountain. Cash prizes for the top finishers and 5K participants are guaranteed a t-shirt if they register by September 4th. Runners and walkers welcomed! The Kids Fun Run ($5 per participant) is 1/4 of a mile and each participant will receive a customized race day “ROCK” headband. Fun Run starts at 9:15am and the 5K starts at 9:30am. All proceeds from the event benefit Grove Stone’s neighbor, the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families, and long-time partner, the Asheville Museum of Science. Registration – Coming Soon!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2032222453666812/
Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community. Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.
Head to Pack Square—downtown’s gathering grounds—for an energizing morning of finding balance amid the festival’s decadence. Greet the day with an invigorating outdoor yoga class and breakfast in the park, nestled among Asheville’s iconic Art Deco architecture. Stretch your body with a yoga class by Asheville Yoga Festival, refresh your mind, and enjoy locally roasted coffee, fresh juice, and cocktails.
https://www.facebook.com/events/373257546882452/
Cost: FREE for all participants (but pre-registration is required)
This hike to Clawhammer Mountain, namesake of Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager, will be a long and strenuous 10+ mile trip along multi-use trails that traverse mountain bike, equestrian, and hiking trails as well as forest service roads. We will follow the trails up a steep climb along a creek, through wildflower patches and rich cove forest. From Clawhammer Cove to the summit, we will climb close to 1,500 feet to finish at 4,072 ft elevation. The summit offers scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Looking Glass in Pisgah National Forest.
This year we will be departing as a group from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC and returning there for a Clawhammer pint following the hike!
This hike is offered as part of our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” partnerships.
Please Note: There are a couple single log bridges, muddy areas, rocky and steep inclines and a chance of yellow jackets; SAHC wants to provide a fun and safe trip so please be aware of these conditions.
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)
- Friday: 5-8pm
- Saturday: 11am-8pm
- Sunday: 11am-6pm
- $10 ticket price for all ages.
- Like every year prior, children 3 and under may still enter the event FREE.
- $8 per person for groups of 12 or more. We suggest you book ahead [email protected].
Purchase a VIP Package and become a VIP – Very Important Pup! The VIP package includes a premium seat, special souvenir gift and exclusive access to a Meet & Greet with Ryder and two PAW Patrol Characters after the show. Each adult & child (age 1 & up) in a group must have a VIP ticket. Pick up your VIP Packet at the VIP Check in table prior to the show.
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 17 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Citi® Cardmember Presale : Wed, 8 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Friends Presale : Wed, 8 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Ticketmaster Presale : Wed, 8 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Venue Presale : Wed, 8 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
Citi® Cardmember Preferred Tickets : Fri, 17 May 2019 at 10:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/events/975912462601486/
Join us any Saturday for outdoor activities at the garden. Local youth involved in programming for building life skills, improving literacy and leadership development welcome young people in the area to join them, and we are always in need of adult volunteers to help with mentoring. Involvement in the Shiloh Community Garden also includes the experience of growing produce organically, lessons in permaculture and the science of sustainability, healthy meal preparation, and entrepreneurship. Come join the fun!
https://www.facebook.com/events/524392424698351/?event_time_id=524392441365016
Qigong (alternatively spelled chi gung or chi kung) is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space.
The classes and the introduction to Qigong will be taught by Dr. John Akers.
Dr. Akers is a recently retired Wofford language professor and classical guitarist who has taught wellness classes at Wofford, the Spartanburg YMCA, and Zen Garden. Dr. Akers played and coached collegiate soccer, has practiced meditation over 40 years, and teaches a daily routine of yoga and core strengthening enhanced by Qigong energy play. Dr. Akers is also an avid golfer committed to carrying his own clubs, without a cart.
https://www.facebook.com/events/414684999313998/?event_time_id=414685065980658
Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s naturalists for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities, presentations and a closing ceremony. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission.
https://www.facebook.com/events/698768207243562/
Open to the public, a la carte menu
https://www.facebook.com/events/682559025525236/?event_time_id=682559028858569