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.
Because of the continued need for physical distance posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Memorial Day Ceremony will again be held as a virtual ceremony.
The keynote speaker will be USMC Veteran John Mason, who was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for Valor during his time in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps. A longtime Asheville lawyer, Mason helped form Veterans Treatment Court in Buncombe County as well as North Carolina Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation, a 501 (C)(3), dedicated to the healing of Veterans who have served their country.
The ceremony, planned in concert by the City of Asheville Mayor’s Committee for Veterans Affairs and Buncombe County Veterans Council, will be streamed live from Asheville City Hall. Tune into the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m., to view the ceremony live in real time. Following the ceremony, it will be archived for later viewing on the City’s YouTube channel.
Expected to last about 50 minutes, the ceremony will serve in place of both the City and the State Veterans Cemetery in-person events. There will be no attendees other than the individuals with active roles in the program. The program will consist of the following:
- Introductory remarks: US Air Force Veteran Alllan Perkal, Vietnam, Master of Ceremony, Chair Buncombe County Veterans Council; Board of Directors, Vietnam Veterans of America, North Carolina State Council.
- National Anthem: Ric Ledford, USMC
- Pledge of Allegiance: Steve Henderson, USMC, Vietnam
- Greeting from City of Asheville and Buncombe County: Esther E. Mannheimer, Mayor, City of Asheville; Brownie Newman, Chair, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
- Presenter: Dr. Angela Williams, Acting Director, Charles George VA Medical Center
- Keynote Speaker: Asheville Attorney John Mason, who served his Country in Vietnam 1968 to 1969 as an Infantry First Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps.
- Readings from Brothers and Sisters Like These: A Veterans writing group that promotes healing the wounds of war.
- Closing remarks: Allan Perkal, Master of Ceremony
The City of Asheville and Buncombe County encourage all residents to tune in to this virtual Memorial Day Ceremony in remembrance of the fallen, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Come join us for a rich, topical discussion on the first Tuesday of the month. We come together to share perspectives and insights on subjects of interest in a welcoming and civil forum. We usually feature a TED Talk or YOUtube video for 15 minutes or so, followed by some questions for everyone to discuss. Topics are chosen by members and have ranged from mindfulness to addiction and everything in between. Feel free to eat your dinner or slurp your drink during the meeting–we’ll remind you to mute. For now, while we are taking COVID-19 precautions, our meetings will be online via ZOOM. Free to the public.
Past THINK AND DRINK TOPICS are varied and have been on:
Mindfulness- by Gaillee
Clothes-Do they Matter- by Jason
Working with Millennials – by Karen Eve
What we’re about
Think & Drink…Enjoy tea, coffee, libations and snacks with other people interested in exploring and discussing the challenges, opportunities, and issues of the 21st century on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. It’s for anyone who is curious or just trying to maneuver life positively, holistically, and constructively. Our open meetings will be fun and include social time for conversation followed by relevant topics and respectful discussions. Topics may be presented by members via TED talks, You Tubes, films or other media, and be facilitated and open for discussion afterwards. We are open to all genders, races, interests, and ages. Bring your well-behaved kids . Bring ideas and open minds to engage, and intersect with others. The group members will determine topics and style as Think & Drink evolves.
Think & Drink should be a community group that is…
• Open and inclusive
• Welcoming & Safe
• Fun & Happy
• Participatory
• Respectful & Non-judgmental
• Confidential
• Productive
• Valuable
Eat, drink from 5 to 5:30 or so, then Think about our Topic and Discuss. Our one request is that all of those in the discussion remain respectful of one another. Think & Drink is a judgement-free zone, which doesn’t mean you have to agree with anyone here, but that you remain respectful of where every person is on their journey in life and to have FUN!
Cider time!! We will have our usual 1, 3, 5/6 mile options and paces vary. Stay around after for a beer/cider and hang with your fellow runners. Hope to see you all there!!!
Please note this is a change up in the meeting location due to Upcountry being closed. There are a tone of options and they were written before all the greenway changes. Nevertheless. The directions should work. Bring your plucky spirit and sense of adventure and we’ll make it exciting!
Mile 1: follow Haywood to riverside (other side of river) and back
Two options for Mile 3.
New one avoiding Lyman with some more hill work: Down Haywood. R Roberts. L clingman. L Hilliard. L rector. R Owens bell. R clingman. Stay R on Haywood. R Roberts R West Haywood. L club st to trade st. R Roberts. L west Haywood. West Haywood becomes craven. Over bridge. Follow Craven to R. R Haywood. Back to urban.
Old Mile 3: down Haywood, left Roberts st, left craven, left riverside drive, left Lyman, left Roberts, right clingman, left hillard, left rector, left Owen bell lane, right clingman, clingman to Haywood and back to brewery
Mile 6: down Haywood, left Roberts st, left craven, left riverside drive, right Lyman, down Lyman, right amboy, right river view drive, lap around French broad river park, left amboy, left Lyman, left Roberts, right clingman, left hillard,left rector, left Owen bell lane, right clingman, clingman to Haywood rd and back to brewery.
5.7 MILES with a few hills (500 feet elev gain)- down Haywood, cross bridge, L on Hilliard, L Rector, R Clingman, take left at Grey Eagle to stay on Clingman, R Roberts, L Haywood, cross bridge, L Riverview, all the way and left at bottom of hill and loop clockwise around doggie park, continue under bridge on Greenway towards Carrier Park, R on State Street, Right on Wellington, right at the top on Haywood, down Haywood back to Cider.
Every other Tuesday we gather at one of several local establishments for some tacos and conversation. The restaurant of choice will be posted each week.
What we’re about
Common Blue Ridge Mountain activities with old and new friends through public and private events. Giving to and celebrating life in positive ways…Share what nourishes us socially, spiritually, physically or emotionally. You will find a variety of activities…
Volunteering, Hiking, Camping, Mtn Bike Rides, Motorcycle Riders, Fishing, Game Nights, Campfires, Karaoke, Visits to Local Establishment of all types (Food, Activities, Concerts, and much more).
OUTDOOR SHOW
Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!
Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.
There will be food and beverages available for purchase.
- This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
- In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
- We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
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How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
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Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!
Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday starting at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels. Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.
Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion. Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
It’s like those bad old days all over again: a gang of thieves is pulling off one audacious bank robbery after another, jumping trains, hooting through mountain tunnels, safes cracked and the money disappeared. When the legendary Dark City Kings are not robbing banks and breaking hearts they are a six-piece band known for their wild weekly showcases at the town brewery, blasting away covers and originals for five-six hours in a row, heart-broken country like John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” and Loretta Lynn’s “Portland Oregon,” revved up 80s indie like “Every Little Counts” by New Order and “Whole of the Moon” by The Waterbooys, and garage rock originals like “Wrecked” and “Pretty Boys.” Every gang has a face (Rosie – vocals), a smooth-talker (Bayla – bass), a demolitions expert (Joe – acoustic guitar), the muscle (Craig – percussion/harp), the person who actually knows what they’re doing (JR – lead guitar), and the vagabond rogue (Johhny Guitar – rhythm guitar). Every show this band brings a sense of danger, a truly bad attitude, raucous laughter, total rock stars – and then they’re gone in the morning. The Dark City Kings – now more than ever!
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
WHITE HORSE LIVE: Kat Williams and Friends
Just being in the same room with Kat Williams can make you feel blessed. You’ll never regret and always fondly remember an evening spent at a performance of hers. Seeing her should be on everybody’s “things I gotta do” list!
White Horse Black Mountain is proud to present Kat, especially as it’s also a benefit for Under One Sky, a wonderful organization in aid of foster kids. The night’s definitely a “win-win”.
“Entropy / ˈentrəpē/ noun. ‘lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder.’
On the surface, the name of NC band The Collection’s new album, ‘Entropy,’ may seem deceptive. Over the four years since the release of their chamber pop, 25-piece ensemble debut, ‘Ars Moriendi,’ the band shed enough weight to become an efficient touring band, garnered praise from NPR and American Songwriter, toured nationally with bands like The Oh Hellos and Lowland Hum, and performed dynamic sets at CMJ and New Music Seminar as an official “Top 100 Artists On The Verge.”
The trimming-of-the-excess was soon mirrored in vocalist David Wimbish’s spirituality, resulting in the band’s 2017 follow-up, ‘Listen To The River,’ The Collection’s first member-arranged group of songs. Inspired by Herman Hesse’s ‘Siddhartha,’ and the poetry of Rumi, the album took a step off of the fence walked between faith and doubt on Ars Moriendi, landing distinctly on the side of doubt. The constitutive single, Sing Of The Moon, received over 3 million streams between Youtube and Spotify, the release tour brought hundreds of people to venues across the country, and The Collection was featured at Wild Goose Festival, and Switchpoint Conference alongside PRI’s Marco Werman.
The Hickory Nut Gorge is home to iconic landmarks like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, but did you know it’s also host to an assortment of locally-crafted foods and drinks? Enjoy an intimate evening celebrating the Gorge’s natural features and locally-made gourmet appetizers, artisanal cheese, craft beer and wine as the sun sinks behind the mountains. Advance registration required.
This supports local artists selling a wide variety of items, including arts, crafts, wooden
toys, fashion, jewelry, hand turned wood objects, handmade soaps & creams, aromatherapy, food products, garden & outdoor items, baked goods, special treats for kids, hot dogs and much more! Masks required
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.
In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!