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.

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Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof ReplacementYears of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House. The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look. Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.Western North Carolina Historical Association, OwnerHuber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, ArchitectAdaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of ThirstThis modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst. We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!Drew Wallace, OwnerDrew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and DesignBrent Campbell, ArchitectJoel Osgood, Landscape architectDrom, ConstructionRestoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass ReplacementThis project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate. The result was well worth the effort!The Biltmore CompanyHuber and AssociatesMeltdown GlassAssociated Scaffolding![]()

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Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof ReplacementYears of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House. The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look. Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.Western North Carolina Historical Association, OwnerHuber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, ArchitectAdaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of ThirstThis modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst. We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!Drew Wallace, OwnerDrew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and DesignBrent Campbell, ArchitectJoel Osgood, Landscape architectDrom, ConstructionRestoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass ReplacementThis project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate. The result was well worth the effort!The Biltmore CompanyHuber and AssociatesMeltdown GlassAssociated Scaffolding![]()

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.
Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)
Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)
Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)
Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start
Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.
Covid Precautions:
Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.
- Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
- We are limited to 25 participants total.
- Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
- Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
- Social distancing is required while we hike.
Rain Date:
Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.
Hike Leader
This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

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Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!
What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12
Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

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Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!
Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.
Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)
Smokemont Loop 6 miles | Moderate Forest Walk
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Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.
After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m
This is an easy 1.5 mile gravel trail hike to the first water fall. For those with the adventurous side and can handle the challenge, we will trek to the upper falls from there, this portion IS NOT EASY. For those who cant make the second part you can stay at lower falls and admire nature. We will grab you on the way back down. The hike to the upper falls is about a mile and requires some climbing, but the pay off is amazing. It literally is my favorite of all the falls. The photo above is the Upper falls.
Plan to meet @ 10am at the Asheville Mall Parking lot (Sears). Once we have the group we can follow each other to the trail head (@ 20 minutes away). Be sure and bring water and something to snack on.
Let’s enjoy a quiet, mindful stroll through the woods together. A silent hike takes us to scenic treasures on the arboretum property where we will do a restorative qigong practice. Qigong is a series of simple movements that supports the body’s natural healing processes, promotes healthy circulation, invites inner calm, and releases tension from the body. Hikes will be mindfully-paced and qigong practices easy and accessible.
*Registrants will be sent a “reminder” email the day prior to class with the meeting location and additional details. Please add [email protected] to your contacts to ensure our emails do not end up in your spam folder. We encourage all participants to make conscious, courteous decisions based on your own and others’ wishes and needs for safety. Mask wearing is supported but not required of participants for experiences in the field.
**Arboretum Members receive a 10% discount on all classes. To become an Arboretum Member and receive discounts on all classes, go to our Membership page.
Jenne Sluder is a qualified mental health professional and is certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists as a trauma-sensitive therapeutic yoga instructor. She holds a Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology: Ecopsychology from Naropa University and specializes in mind-body approaches to improving mental and physical health. An Asheville native, Sluder works with individuals and with groups using somatic (body-based), contemplative (mindfulness-based), ecological (nature-based), and compassion-based practices.
Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!
Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.
Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)
We have been an active club since 1924. We currently have 65 active members of all collecting interests and meet once per month to share programs, auctions, ideas, buy, sell & trade stamps, and just plain camaraderie. Many of our members have extensive collecting, exhibiting, or speaking experience, and discussions are always interesting and rewarding. New and developing collectors will find an audience ready and willing to help with expanding one’s knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby.
Western North Carolina is in an interesting geographical location: we get visitors from the north during the winter, from the south during the summer, and many people who decide they’ve had enough of either of those climates to move here permanently! We urge visitors of any age with philatelic interests to join us, even if only for a short time. We may even convince you to enjoy our region full-time!
Membership
We welcome collectors of all ages and interests.
Dues are $10.00 a year and includes our bimonthly newsletter “The Smoky Mountain Philatelist”, complete membership list that includes “what we collect” and notices about our meetings with urging to attend and share your interest with us.
Download the Membership Application in .pdf format.
Come observe the Park under a shadow of darkness and watch as it comes alive. Join a Park naturalist as you hike along the Hickory Nut Falls trail, a moderate hike. You never know what nocturnal animals you may hear or see. You will want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water.
Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required.
The Old-Time Radio Comedy Show
[with the most modern of Stand-Up Acts]
Recorded Live for Buzz Radio Asheville
at The Orange Peel July 1,2021
Presented by Slice of Life Comedy and Buzz Radio Asheville: enjoy a fun night of old-time style radio recordings with premier modern stand-up comics, straight from the 2021 streets of Asheville
Be the LIVE Studio Audience Laugh Track to this hilarious candle-lit seated event. Touches of old-style radio recordings, for example filled with parody commercials, musical stylings, and ridiculous, spontaneous interactions! FARM BURGER homemade chips & dip and other light snacks are provided.
This will be a night you never forget —also because your laughter will be recorded for all-time as the stand-ups record LIVE comedy for Buzz Radio Asheville, our only “All Asheville, All the Time, Original-Content ” online station. [Comedy bits from the show will be played in a regular rotation along with Buzz’s stellar music line up]
Hosted by: Cary Goff of Disclaimer Comedy
Featuring Asheville Rock-Stars of Comedy:
Petey Smith McDowell
Hilliary Begley
Moira Goree
Jess Cooley
Morgan Bost
With the hilarious music stylings of Ryan Cox
What:
The Old-Time Radio Comedy Show
[with the most modern of Stand-Up Acts]
Recorded LIVE for Buzz Radio Asheville
Where:
The Orange Peel, Downtown Asheville
When:
July 1,2021, 8p [Doors open at 7p]
Cost:
$17
Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for more info
FB Event: https://fb.me/e/1a12lOD0E
Tickets: https://theorangepeel.net/…/the-old-time-radio-comedy…/

Fairy Trail 2021
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

Fairy Trail 2021
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.
The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 9 at the start of U.S. Forest Service Road 5002.
Directions to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
From the intersection of NC 280 and US 276/64 (which is just northwest of Brevard) go west into Pisgah National Forest approximately 1.25 miles. Turn left toward the Davidson River Campground. Immediately cross the bridge over the Davidson River. Turn left on Sycamore Circle (do not turn right into the campground). Continue on Schenck Drive, and follow the signs to the ribbon cutting.
Joel Branch – Horse Cove Connector Trail Project
Location. The new trail is in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest at the end of Joel Branch Road (NFSR5002) just off the Art Loeb Trail near Stony Knob. It links Joel Branch Road and Horse Cove Road (NFSR475C).
Rationale for Project. Constructing this trail provides connectivity between the entrance area of the Pisgah Ranger District (Davidson River Campground, Pisgah Ranger Station, Estatoe Trail, etc.), the N.C. Wildlife Education Center, and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System and Urban Greenway Trail System. Combining these trails provides a 25-mile loop trail opportunity for hikers and bikers, with equestrian access on a significant portion of the route.
“This trail project offers a unique opportunity,” said Pisgah District Ranger, Dave Casey. “By adding 1.2 miles of new trail we have been able to open up 25 miles of access for hikers and bikers, and a significant section of trail for equestrians. We also believe this project will reduce unauthorized bike and horse traffic on the Art Loeb Trail, which is reserved for hiking only.”
Character of Trail. “Anywhere in Pisgah has its steep, rocky sections, and so does this trail,” says trail builder Ed Sutton of Trail Dynamics. “But this is more of a wide, rolling trail than a steep, technical one like you find in some parts of Pisgah. This trail provides a nice long route. It gives you a backcountry feel even though you are near to town, and it can be ridden by gravel bikes as well as mountain bikes. Our team loved biking to work each day on this beautiful new trail.”
Importance to Local Residents and Tourism. “This trail is an example of the kinds of projects we embrace at Transylvania County Tourism,” said Aaron Baker, Chair of the organization’s Transylvania Always Committee. “It’s a well-designed trail that promotes the sustainable use of our natural resources by tourists and locals alike.”
“This trail is the missing link,” said Mac Morrow, Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member of Brevard. “Filling in this gap between trails is entirely consistent with Brevard’s long term strategy to build the tourism infrastructure of the area. We want to connect our citizens and tourists with the incredible natural resources that surround us and enhance Brevard’s position as a leading destination for outdoor recreation.”

Fairy Trail 2021
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.



