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.

Thursday, September 16, 2021
Theatre Dance and Movement Ages 9-12
Sep 16 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, August 26th for consideration.

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 16 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 17 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 17, 2021
Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 17 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 18 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 18, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 18 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Start Flock to the Rock out with a bevy of birds!  This early 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 our 13th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might see during your hike. Space is limited and advance registration is required for this hike.

 

Cost: Includes Park admission. Advance registration required.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

51st Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 18 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s education staff for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities and presentations. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission. Reservations are required by calling 828-733-2013.

Sunday, September 19, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 19 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Monday, September 20, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 20 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 21 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 21 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Aquanet: Goth Night
Sep 21 @ 9:00 pm – Sep 22 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 22 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sep 22 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

.

Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.

Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s website

Latin Night Wednesday
Sep 22 @ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
One World Brewing West

Latin Night Wednesday

MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday.  Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.

DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Sep 22 @ 9:00 pm – Sep 23 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, September 23, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 23 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Theatre Dance and Movement Ages 9-12
Sep 23 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, August 26th for consideration.

City Dance
Sep 23 @ 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.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sep 23 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

.

Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.

Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s website

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 23 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 24 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 24, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 24 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take A Child Outside Week
Sep 24 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021 Kick-Off Party
Sep 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Lure

Picture

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Show-stopping Dance Performances

Live Music  by The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

The return of Hot Lake Lure Nights dance lessons
hosted by Coach Natalie Foreverland

A Message from PanCAN

Nighttime Lakeside Screening of Dirty Dancing

Picture

Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 24 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 25 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 25 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Lure

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Picture

Picture

Professional Dance Lessons to the Original
Movie Soundtrack

Film-Inspired Dance Performances by the Asheville Ballet

Top-notch  Live Music by  DJ Michael Sprouse,  Envision, and ACE Party Band.

Watermelon Races for PanCAN

Selfie  Portraits with scenes from Dirty Dancing filmed here in Lake Lure

A Car Show featuring the 1957 Chevy Bel Air “Swayze” look-alike car

A variety of Movie-inspired Games

The Lake Lift Competition

And much more!

 

Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WCU's Intramural Field

dancing in front of stage

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is diligently working to create a safe environment for everyone, whereby booths and seating are spaced for physical distancing.

The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Take A Child Outside Week
Sep 25 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Big Ivy Hike
Sep 25 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Big Ivy Historical Park

Join us as we tour the Big Ivy Historical Park and then hike to the nearby Little Snowball Mountain.

Buncombe County’s Big Ivy region is a special place. Hemmed in by mountains and, more recently, national forest land, this valley which encompasses the communities of Barnardsville and Dillingham provides a chance to look at bigger trends in western North Carolina history, including perceptions of isolation versus connectivity, changing economies, and even the later influence of the CCC and federal land agencies.

Distance: 7.2-mile round trip hike on Snowball Trail, 2,000 ft elevation gain. Note: The Big Ivy Historical Park stop is easily accessible.

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

What to Bring: Backpack, plenty of water (64oz recommended), bagged lunch, trail snacks, sturdy hiking boots and comfortable clothing, hiking poles, sunscreen, bug repellent, any needed medications.