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 26, 2018
City Dance
Jul 26 @ 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.

Friday, July 27, 2018
K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 27 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Passion, Purpose, & Power: A Transformative Vision Quest Weekend for Women.
Jul 27 – Jul 29 all-day
Homestead Retreat
Passion, Purpose, & Power: A Transformative Vision Quest Weekend for Women. @ Homestead Retreat  |  |  |

A Transformative Vision Quest Weekend For Women:
Through mystical Shamanic Journeys, Wisdom Teachings, Sweat Lodge and Medicine Wheel ceremonies, we will call upon our Spirit Guides and Teachers to help us quest in the sacred places of this ancient and healing land. We will gain wisdom, guidance, answers, and insight. We will sense ourselves anew and joyfully open to our special path, our place in the Oneness of Life.

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Kids Clay Camp — On Your Mark, Get Centered, Throw! Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Jul 27 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  On Your Mark, Get Centered, Throw! Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

On Your Mark, Get Centered, Throw! Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Sara Ballek

July 23-27
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Your dreams of becoming a Clay DJ will come true in this week full of wheel throwing! Not only will students learn how to use the potter’s wheel, but they will also create fun, funky objects for daily use! After the pots come off the wheel, lively decorating and sculpting will add the finishing touches to their masterpieces!

Saturday, July 28, 2018
K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 28 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 28 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Sunday, July 29, 2018
K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 29 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, July 30, 2018
Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Jul 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Jul 31 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Is Your Vote Protected? Election Security in Today’s Political Climate
Jul 31 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Grace Episcopal Church

Senator Terry Van Duyn, Trena Velez, Director of Elections, Buncombe County, and Dr. Ashley Moraguez, Ass Professor, Political Science, UNCA will present a FREE panel discussion about voting security issues in today’s political climate. This non-partisan event is hosted by The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County

Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Aug 1 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Aug 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Thursday, August 2, 2018
North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm
The Commons Shopping Center
North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival @ The Commons Shopping Center |  |  |

Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Th, Fri, Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $3
Children under 10 admitted free
Friday: $1 admission for Senior Citizens

The Commons Shopping Center
12121 Hwy 226 S
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Contact:
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 828-765-9033
Website: www.ncgemfest.com
Email: [email protected]

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Aug 2 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Friday, August 3, 2018
Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Aug 3 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Ready, Set, Throw! One Night Pottery Classes with Kelsey Sickmeyer & Cayce Kolstad
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Ready, Set, Throw! One Night Pottery Classes  with Kelsey Sickmeyer & Cayce Kolstad @ Odyssey ClayWorks   |  |  |

One Night Pottery Class

#10 Friday, August 3

Ever wanted to try your hand at the pottery wheel? Have you always wanted to learn to throw but you’re not sure if you want to commit to an 8-week class? Or maybe you and some friends are just looking for something different to do in Asheville on a Friday night. Well, look no further. Ready, Set, Throw is here!

Even if you’ve never touched clay before, our highly skilled staff will guide you through the entire process. It’s the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Level: All Levels, Beginners Welcome
Tuition: $55 Per person, per night

Saturday, August 4, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. Yard Sale
Aug 4 @ 6:00 am – 2:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Community Yard Sale and Venddor Fair.  6am-2pm. call (828) 774-3000 to reserve a space in the parking lot to sell $10.

Paddle Grapple
Aug 4 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoors Center

Choose your class of SUP, surfski, marathon, kayak, or canoe and race on beautiful Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains. With a 3 and 6 mile race option, the Paddle Grapple offers an option for every boater, whether recreational or elite. Awards will be given to top finishers in each class.

LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 4 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pack Square Park

THE MOST unique 5k in downtown Asheville.
Art and Music accompany your 3.1 mile run/walk through the city.
Start and finish in Pack Square.

ONLY 100 discounted youth spots available so don’t delay
On-site registration Friday 8/3 and Saturday 8/4 $35
LEAF Art Dash 5K fees are supporting LEAF Schools & Streets.

Orienteering at Buncombe County Sports Park
Aug 4 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Join us at Buncombe County Sports Park on Saturday, August 4th for an orienteering meet!

BEGINNERS WELCOME and you can participate as an individual or in teams.

Orienteering appeals to young and old, fast and slow, runners and walkers alike. It is 100% KID FRIENDLY, too, so bring the whole family!

What is it? Orienteering is a sometimes-competitive international sport that combines racing with map-and-compass navigation. It is a timed activity in which individual participants use a specially created, highly detailed map to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain and visit checkpoints in sequence.

You can arrive and begin your choice of course ANY TIME BETWEEN 10am and 1pm.

This event is open to the public and FREE (though donations are appreciated!)

There will be TWO or THREE courses to choose from – details TBA

SCHEDULE

10:00am – 1:00pm — Begin your course any time during the “starts window”

2:30pm — All participants should be off the course

3:00pm — Sweep the course to collect the controls (volunteers loved forever)

EQUIPMENT

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can be active in (and maybe get dirty.)

If you have a compass, bring it. It doesn’t need to be a fancy one, and there are tons of free Android and iOS apps that can function just fine on your smartphone.

Maps will be provided.

TRAINING SESSION FOR NEWCOMERS

We will offer a crash course in map reading and navigation before you start — just ask when you arrive and we’ll get an impromptu classroom set up!

PARKING

We’ll be congregating in the first parking lot on the left as you get down into the park.

Please invite your friends, share this event, and see you there!

Monday, August 6, 2018
Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 6 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 6 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Literacy Council Adult Education Training
Aug 7 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Literacy Council of Buncombe County

The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.

Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Art Night
Aug 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Community Art Nights – First Tuesday of each month. Different project each month.  For Children and Adults.

Kids Clay Camp — Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 7 @ 9:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp -- Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 8 all-day
Camp Daniel Boone

Our weekend gathering is held in Canton, North Carolina less than one hour West of Asheville. Camp Daniel Boone is a summer Boy Scout Camp that has opened it’s facilities and camp to us after it’s closed for the season. The camp sits nestled at the base of Cold Mountain, bordering the Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness Area with thousands of acres and endless hiking trails.

Earth Based Skills are the heart of what we offer in our workshops, while also cultivating the opportunity for deeper connection to each other and nature. Fire, Fiber Arts and Stone Tools are where we begin, with Core Skills Sessions on Thursday morning, as these help weave the rest of the skills together. Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning will have a variety of morning and afternoon classes you can choose to take, or you may prefer to visit our Healing Arts area and sign up for a massage or body work.

Since we are gathering to further our growth, knowledge and experience with mother nature, we also feel it is important to support local, natural, healthy, humane food. We will be working with local farmers and producers to acquire as much of the food we use for our meals as possible. We will enjoy two all natural, local, omnivorous and gluten free meals per day to nourish our bodies in the large Dining Hall, complete with a front porch and rocking chairs overlooking the lake and valley!

We have some special “creature comforts” with this site as well. There are sizable 8’x8′ platform tents and tiny cabins with camping cots available for your use and everyone gets their own tent. There are many drinking water spigots, showers, flush and latrine style toilets available for your needs located throughout camp.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Aug 8 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12
Aug 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.