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.
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Side Stories Live!Hosted by Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson
FULLY SEATED SHOW
It’s scary, it’s silly, it’s slimy. It’s SIDE STORIES. Dig into the latest true crime news and paranormal happenings, breaking down ooky-spooky stories. ONE night only.
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Welcome to our Special Needs Adult Camp, where laughter, creativity, and friendship are always on the agenda!
Get ready to dive into a world of fun as we embark on a journey filled with cooking delights, dance parties, bingo showdowns, and arts and crafts galore. Whether you’re a culinary wizard, a dancing sensation, a bingo aficionado, or an aspiring artist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at our camp.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! In the afternoons, we’ll set out on exciting field trips to explore the wonders of our community. From strolls through Charles Owen Park to discovering the beauty of the Arboretum, creating magnificent sculptures in an artist’s studio, and spreading kindness during our random act of kindness outing, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and discovery.
But the true magic of our camp lies in the bonds we form and the memories we create. With our caring staff by your side, you’ll laugh, learn, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s discovering new talents, forming new friendships, or simply enjoying the sweetness of life, our camp is a place where everyone belongs and every moment is cherished.
Join us for a mini-camp of laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures. Your special journey awaits at our camp in East Asheville!
John McClung Roofing takes pride in giving back to our community and one of the ways we do that is through our annual Backpack Giveaway! This year, our goal is to provide hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies for kids in WNC for the upcoming school year! To get involved, visit our website at www.johnmcclungroofing.com/community
Special shout-out to our partners and sponsors: Best Buy Metals, ABC Supply, Shared Vision International, Walmart & Sam’s Club, New York Life Agent Joshua Brown, Self-Help Credit Union, Board & Brush Asheville, Hope City Fellowship, Born to Bend Mental Health and Wellness, and Family Support Network of WNC!
Bounce Houses! Crafts! Resources! And MORE!!
The Woodstock Costume Contest + Live Music by Weirdly Woodstock!
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
FREE YOUR INNER FLOWER-POWERED HIPPIE!
EVERYONE WELCOME — ALL AGES & FRIENDLY PETS!
NO COVER CHARGE!
Featuring the delightfully unpredictable Weirdly Woodstock! with “SparkPlug Sal,” joined by the insanely talented Mark Tumo on sax, keys, and vocals, and percussionist extraordinaire Dave Halstead on drums and percussion!
Located at the edge of Biltmore Village, French Broad River Brewery is your go-to spot for Asheville live music, delicious pizza, craft beer, wines, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Live Music, costume contest, beer, dance party, and Silly Willie’s Hot Dogs will keep the fun rolling all night long!
Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt
The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.
Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!
Eric Eaton
An Adults-Only Comedy Magic Show
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Eric has performed all over the United States with his sold out tour Magic for Adults. Eric can be seen on the hit TV Show Masters of Illusion that has had over 100 million viewers in 126 countries. He is a 2x Merlin Award (Oscar’s of Magic) for Comedy Magician of the Year. Eric has had many viral clips on social media some include celebrities such as; George Lopez, Gary Owen, Lou Ferrigno, Russell Peters, Desiigner, and many more in which you can find on his social media platforms; @themagicofericeaton. Eric is known for his unique blend of magic and comedic wit that makes his show not like any you have seen before.
Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic is rolling our a brand new comedy showcase every Weds 8pm at the Asheville Music Hall. The best of local and not-so-local comedians that come through out comedy open mic. We hand pick them and they do their stuff. Free show like always
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: THE MOTH /Asheville StorySLAM – “CHILDISH”
All Ages
Thursday, August 21
Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm
Grey Eagle Music Hall
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…
CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Ditching second period or calling out “sick” from work. Middle school crushes or puppy love that had you feeling 16 again. Chasing ice cream trucks, building pillow forts, and losing stuffed animals. Whether it’s temper tantrums, tattle tales, or tumultuous inner-toddlers…it’s time to grow up. Tag! (no take backs times infinity)
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets for Asheville StorySLAMs go on sale 3 weeks prior to the show date at 3 PM ET.
Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. As many as 10 tickets may be available at the door for all of our StorySLAMs on a first-come, first-served basis.
We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
___________________________________
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.
Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]
Get Ready for the United for Youth Community Engagement Block Party
Friday, August 22nd, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, Pack Square Park
We’re taking the block party to the next level — with live youth performances, mouthwatering food trucks. a DJ keeping the beat, 50+ community info. booths, interactive STEAM and Resiliency zones, kids’ activities, and surprises around every corner.
It’s a celebration of resilience, connection, and community power! Join us for this FREE event where families, friends, neighbors, and partners come together to celebrate what makes our community strong and the unstoppable spirit of United for Youth.
Bring the whole family for a day of fun, creativity, and inspiration at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market — where young minds turn big ideas into real-life businesses!
We are partnering with Olivette Farm for their 4th Annual Harvest Fest. Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand. All while supporting ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program at this special benefit event at Olivette Farm celebrating local farmers, community and music.
📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.
Join the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Olivette’s Riverside Park for the Harvest Fest, a fun filled day of music, activities and nature in celebration of local farmers, community and music. if you have a kid aged 5-17, they can come and run a booth at our kids-only market! Register today! at https://kidsmarkets.com/event/asheville-3/Included: 1 free adult ticket to Harvest Fest per booth. $25 per ticket for each additional adult to attend Harvest Fest, all children receive free entry.
Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Saturday August 23rd for a very special benefit show in support of ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. HarvestFest is a celebration of local farmers, community and music. Doors open at 3pm with family games and activities and live music.
In honor of our local farmers and all they do to sustain our community, all farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. All ticket proceeds will go towards the ASAP Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program.
Get ready, Asheville! The United for Youth Block Party is back and bigger than ever — and you’re invited. This high-energy, family-friendly event is all about celebrating our community’s resilience, creativity, and connection.
Join us Friday, August 22, from 5–8 PM at Pack Square Park for an unforgettable afternoon featuring live performances by local youth, a DJ spinning the hits, mouthwatering food trucks, 50+ community info booths, and hands-on STEAM and Resilience zones. There’s something for everyone, from fun kids’ activities to powerful moments of inspiration.
Whether you’re a parent, teen, or community supporter, this event is all about uniting to celebrate what makes Asheville strong: our people, our partnerships, and our unstoppable spirit. And the best part? It’s completely FREE.
Bring your friends, your family, and your love for this city — we’ll see you at the block party!
Beth Stelling
Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Beth Stelling is a comedian, writer and actress based in Los Angeles. Her new Netflix special “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” topped every ‘Best of 2023’ list. Her half-hour special is also on Netflix in the first season of The Standups. Conan O’Brien produced Beth’s previous hour special for HBO Max called “Girl Daddy.” Beth has been a writer for the following television series: Rick and Morty, Strange Planet, The Last O.G., I Love You America with Sarah Silverman, Another Period and Crashing on HBO. She’s a sought-after punch-up writer for feature films following her success as an on-set writer for the Universal hit, Good Boys. She has guest starred on Amazon’s Red Oaks, Corporate on Comedy Central, and she played Ms. Fish on the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls.
RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins and Uproar Concept are hosting, RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival, taking place on August 24 in Asheville, NC. A portion of proceeds from the one-day event will benefit two local conservation nonprofits: RiverLink & MountainTrue. Both have been vital to recovery efforts in WNC. Borne from Blue Lines, which supports fly fishing guides in Western North Carolina and Tennessee, will host a guide expo during the event in an effort to help them rebuild their customer base after Hurricane Helene.
The riverfront Wrong Way (9 Midnight Drive, on Amboy Road) will host RISE which will be free and open to the public and include activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, clinics, kid-friendly programming, raffles, and shoppable A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands. Festival goers will enjoy an eclectic mix of live music in the Wrong Way Meadow and food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery, and featured local breweries.
The iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is rolling into the Biltmore Park Farmers Market on Thursday, August 28! Snap a photo with this one-of-a-kind vehicle and take home fun goodies like whistles, stickers, and postcards. Don’t miss this playful stop that’s sure to spread smiles for the whole family!
Join us for our bimonthly general meeting from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Enka-Candler Library. This meeting will include updates from our busy Action Teams, with opportunities to get involved, plus a peek at our upcoming voter outreach campaign launching this fall.
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3216976-0?pid=10412
Date and Time: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:00 – Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:30
Venue details: Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, North Carolina, 28715, United States