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.

Friday, January 5, 2018
Comedian Ari Shaffir to Perform at The Grey Eagle
Jan 5 @ 7:00 pm

Comedian Ari Shaffir to Perform at The Grey Eagle Friday, January 5th @ 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM

Ari Shaffir, host and co-creator of Comedy Central’s This is Not Happening is set to perform two shows in Asheville, NC on Friday, January 5th.

Ari Shaffir
Stand-up comedian, podcaster and actor ARI SHAFFIR describes his comedy as a puppet show–but way filthier and without the puppets. The New York native grew up Orthodox Jewish, spent 2 years in a yeshiva in Israel, and came back to America to lose his religion and become a comic. LA Weekly has called Shaffir “a gifted unyielding comic…a real force to be reckoned with.”

This July, Shaffir released two Netflix specials called Double Negative which is presented in two 45 minute episodes called Children and Adulthood. Self-described as his version of a “Smashing Pumpkins Double Album,” this type of double header release hasn’t been seen since George Carlin’s 1972 release of FM & AM. In Children Shaffir discusses the pressure he is getting from his family and friends to have kids, and why he is getting more and more thoughts in his head about why he doesn’t want to do that and in Adulthood, he discusses the freedoms of being child-free. Decider.com called Shaffir’s Netflix debut “positively audacious.”

Friday, April 13, 2018
Blacklist Improv on Trial
Apr 13 @ 9:00 pm
Habitat Tavern and Commons
Blacklist Improv on Trial @ Habitat Tavern and Commons |  |  |

Blacklist Improv continues in their wildly popular series, creating an entire show using suggestions from the audience. An improvised comedy show about Life’s Trials and Tribulations, from courtrooms to AOL free trial discs

Sunday, April 22, 2018
Taste of the Upstate
Apr 22 @ 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

A gospel brunch New Orleans Style with specialty bloody marys and mimosas plus live jazz and gospel music that benefits Loaves And Fishes.  Tickets are $40 and include all-you-can-eat tastings from some of Greenville’s best restaurants! All proceeds from this event stay local and help us continue our mission of rescuing food and reducing hunger in Greenville County!

Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Apr 24 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Southern Kitchen & Bar
Robert's Totally Rad Trivia @ The Southern Kitchen & Bar |  |  |

Come out to the inaugural Totally Rad Trivia Night at The Southern Kitchen & Bar for the very best in Pop Culture Trivia! Drink & Food Specials, FREE to play, and a four $10 gift cards to The Southern for the winning team.

Friday, April 27, 2018
Spring Fling!
Apr 27 all-day
Downtown Spartanburg

When spring arrives in Spartanburg, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for a fling! This year, tens of thousands of people will converge on downtown Spartanburg for Spring Fling, April 27-29.

There are surprises on every corner, whether it’s a stage filled with non-stop entertainment or new attractions. The festival features four stages, offering everything from entertainment options for the little ones in the Family Fun Zone to national entertainers.

In addition, each year Spring Fling includes a wide variety of food and market vendors, special attractions like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium cycling race, and our Family Fun Zone for the kids. There’s definitely something for everyone at Spring Fling!

Saturday, April 28, 2018
BBQ Cook-Off & Festival
Apr 28 – Apr 29 all-day

Project Host is thrilled to announce the 9th annual BBQ Cook-off & Festival, and we want you to be there! The Festival will be held April 27th and 28th, 2018 by the Reedy River at 320 S. Hudson Street.  In conjunction with the South Carolina BBQ Association and the City of Greenville, we will be smokin’ at the site of the future park near the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The festival will include an “Anything Butt BBQ” competition, a Barbecue and Rib Cooking contest and great family entertainment including live music, food vendors, beverages, and games for kids. Admission is free and tasting tickets are sold at the festival. All proceeds benefit Project Host.

NOC Spring Fling
Apr 28 all-day
Nantahala Outdoors Center

Celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains with a free, family-friendly event in the Nantahala Gorge. Don’t miss the NOC 8 Ball Race and gear raffle, demos, and specials at NOC’s Outfitter’s Store.

This year’s Spring Fling will feature a carnage-filled 8 Ball competition! We will run competitors in heats of six from the NOC Founder’s Bridge to the Old Highway Bridge on the NOC Campus. There will be three 8 ball paddlers scattered along the course trying to stop the racers progression downriver. We will take the top competitor from each heat and run them all against each other in the final heat to determine the top 3 paddlers and champions of the NOC Spring Fling 8 Ball Race. The awards ceremony will take place after the final heat is completed.

To read more about what an 8 Ball Competition is all about, click here.

Scheduled releases of the Cascades and Upper sections of the Nantahala River round out this Bryson City weekend. Free NOC shuttles will run from the commercial Nantahala put-in from 9:30am – 3:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Spring Fling!
Apr 28 all-day
Downtown Spartanburg

When spring arrives in Spartanburg, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for a fling! This year, tens of thousands of people will converge on downtown Spartanburg for Spring Fling, April 27-29.

There are surprises on every corner, whether it’s a stage filled with non-stop entertainment or new attractions. The festival features four stages, offering everything from entertainment options for the little ones in the Family Fun Zone to national entertainers.

In addition, each year Spring Fling includes a wide variety of food and market vendors, special attractions like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium cycling race, and our Family Fun Zone for the kids. There’s definitely something for everyone at Spring Fling!

Sunday, April 29, 2018
Spring Fling!
Apr 29 all-day
Downtown Spartanburg

When spring arrives in Spartanburg, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for a fling! This year, tens of thousands of people will converge on downtown Spartanburg for Spring Fling, April 27-29.

There are surprises on every corner, whether it’s a stage filled with non-stop entertainment or new attractions. The festival features four stages, offering everything from entertainment options for the little ones in the Family Fun Zone to national entertainers.

In addition, each year Spring Fling includes a wide variety of food and market vendors, special attractions like the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium cycling race, and our Family Fun Zone for the kids. There’s definitely something for everyone at Spring Fling!

Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
May 8 all-day
The Southern Kitchen and Bar
Robert's Totally Rad Trivia @ The Southern Kitchen and Bar |  |  |

Spring has officially arrived! That means sun burn, mosquitoes, and over crowded hiking trails! Why not spend your Tuesday evening indoors with Pop Culture Trivia and be beer? Free to Play, teams of 1-4 and gift cards to the Southern for the winners.

Sunday, May 13, 2018
Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon
May 13 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Morris Hellenic Cultural Center - the MHCC
Annual Mother's Day Luncheon @ Morris Hellenic Cultural Center - the MHCC | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

The Annual AHEPA Mother’s Day Luncheon will be held on Sunday May 13th, 2016 at the Morris Hellenic Cultural Center of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 227 Cumberland Avenue, in the Montford area of Asheville from 11 am till 2 pm. It will be cafeteria style with a variety of Greek gourmet dishes like Lamb Kleftiko (slow cooked lamb in aus jus), Pastichio, Spanakopita, Chicken Origanato, Dolmathes with and without meat, etc. and pastries like our famous Baklava, Kourabiethes, Melomakarona, Napoleons, etc.

Prices range from $1 – $12. There will be Greek folk dancing . Carry-outs will be available from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Call the church office at 828-253-3754 between 10 am and 1 pm for more information or to place your order in advance. Or you may call Hellenic Center on the day of the luncheon at 828-254-7424.

Friday, May 18, 2018
Mutts Gone Nuts!
May 18 all-day

Flat Rock Playhouse presents the return of Mutts Gone Nuts – a comedy dog thrill show that promotes the adoption of rescue animals. 

Expect the unexpected as canines and comedy collide in this smash hit performance. 

Incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only . . . Sammie the Talking Dog!

From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4 legged performers. 

After a record breaking weekend of performances at Flat Rock Playhouse in 2017, audiences are sure to “howl” with laughter at the return of these talented and endearing pups!

Call the Box Office at 828.693.0731 or visit us online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org to secure your seats!

10 Years of Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments
May 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
De La Terre Skincare
10 Years of Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments @ De La Terre Skincare |  |  |

Cheers to 10 years of Health & Wellness

Throughout the month of May you are invited to toast De La Terre Skincare’s achievements while experiencing some of the most celebrated skin therapies developed by Anne C. Willis owner and founder of the company.

Open house every Friday in May from 4-6 at the De La Terre Skincare Showroom located at 47 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806

Sip a De La Terre Skincare Health & Wellness Tea or a cocktail infused with one of the companies unique herbal blends while receiving one of these signature treatments FREE:

-Herbal Food Soak
-Facial Hydrotherapy
-Eye Treatment

To schedule your complimentary treatment call the De La Terre Skincare showroom at 828-252-8400

Saturday, May 19, 2018
Mutts Gone Nuts!
May 19 all-day

Flat Rock Playhouse presents the return of Mutts Gone Nuts – a comedy dog thrill show that promotes the adoption of rescue animals. 

Expect the unexpected as canines and comedy collide in this smash hit performance. 

Incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only . . . Sammie the Talking Dog!

From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4 legged performers. 

After a record breaking weekend of performances at Flat Rock Playhouse in 2017, audiences are sure to “howl” with laughter at the return of these talented and endearing pups!

Call the Box Office at 828.693.0731 or visit us online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org to secure your seats!

Montford Arts and Music Festival
May 19 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment
Contact: Romantic Asheville
Link: http://www.romanticasheville.com/Art_Guide.htm

This street festival, including musical acts, food and a juried art show, highlights the artistic strength of Montford, one of Asheville’s oldest neighborhoods. This giant neighborhood block party features 100 artists and craft’s persons, regional and international food plaza, and two stages of live music. 10 AM-7 PM. Free.

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Mutts Gone Nuts!
May 20 all-day

Flat Rock Playhouse presents the return of Mutts Gone Nuts – a comedy dog thrill show that promotes the adoption of rescue animals. 

Expect the unexpected as canines and comedy collide in this smash hit performance. 

Incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only . . . Sammie the Talking Dog!

From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4 legged performers. 

After a record breaking weekend of performances at Flat Rock Playhouse in 2017, audiences are sure to “howl” with laughter at the return of these talented and endearing pups!

Call the Box Office at 828.693.0731 or visit us online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org to secure your seats!

Friday, May 25, 2018
Mountain Sports Festival
May 25 all-day
Carrier Park
Mountain Sports Festival @ Carrier Park | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

The Mountain Sports Festival is a weekend music and sports festival that celebrates community, athletics and local business.

The free festival showcases the terrain, environment, and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to providing a well balanced series of events and music that encourage participation on all levels.

Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, 2018 will mark the 18th Annual Mountain Sports Festival. Every year, we build on our strong community base and bring you a wide variety of events in the mountains, throughout town, and on the river. An amazing array of musical talent, with acts and staging far better than most free festivals, will perform each day, and local beer, cider, and food vendors will be available to fill your belly.

10 Years of Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments
May 25 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
De La Terre Skincare
10 Years of Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments @ De La Terre Skincare |  |  |

Cheers to 10 years of Health & Wellness

Throughout the month of May you are invited to toast De La Terre Skincare’s achievements while experiencing some of the most celebrated skin therapies developed by Anne C. Willis owner and founder of the company.

Open house every Friday in May from 4-6 at the De La Terre Skincare Showroom located at 47 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806

Sip a De La Terre Skincare Health & Wellness Tea or a cocktail infused with one of the companies unique herbal blends while receiving one of these signature treatments FREE:

-Herbal Food Soak
-Facial Hydrotherapy
-Eye Treatment

To schedule your complimentary treatment call the De La Terre Skincare showroom at 828-252-8400

Saturday, May 26, 2018
Mountain Sports Festival
May 26 all-day
Carrier Park
Mountain Sports Festival @ Carrier Park | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

The Mountain Sports Festival is a weekend music and sports festival that celebrates community, athletics and local business.

The free festival showcases the terrain, environment, and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to providing a well balanced series of events and music that encourage participation on all levels.

Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, 2018 will mark the 18th Annual Mountain Sports Festival. Every year, we build on our strong community base and bring you a wide variety of events in the mountains, throughout town, and on the river. An amazing array of musical talent, with acts and staging far better than most free festivals, will perform each day, and local beer, cider, and food vendors will be available to fill your belly.

Sunday, May 27, 2018
Mountain Sports Festival
May 27 all-day
Carrier Park
Mountain Sports Festival @ Carrier Park | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

The Mountain Sports Festival is a weekend music and sports festival that celebrates community, athletics and local business.

The free festival showcases the terrain, environment, and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to providing a well balanced series of events and music that encourage participation on all levels.

Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, 2018 will mark the 18th Annual Mountain Sports Festival. Every year, we build on our strong community base and bring you a wide variety of events in the mountains, throughout town, and on the river. An amazing array of musical talent, with acts and staging far better than most free festivals, will perform each day, and local beer, cider, and food vendors will be available to fill your belly.

Thursday, May 31, 2018
Appalachian Spring
May 31 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

 From 5 – 8 pm
Salvage Station, Asheville, NC

Join us for a party by the French Broad River! Our annual Appalachian Spring conservation celebration will feature LIVE music from award-winning artist Daniel Shearin and friends. You won’t want to miss this performance from Asheville locals who blend American and traditional influences to create an eclectic vibe.

Help us celebrate our recent conservation success stories and meet our 2018 Volunteers of the Year. Your ticket purchase will help support ongoing conservation efforts. Ticket price includes: Music and dinner at the Salvage Station (vegetarian options provided). Cash bar, with $2 off draft pours

Every attendee will receive a $10 gear card from Diamond Brand Outdoors!

Saturday, June 2, 2018
The 19th Annual Blue Jean Ball: ALOHA from the SWANNANOA!
Jun 2 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Blue Jean Ball is MANNA’s annual “party for a purpose,” with all proceeds benefitting MANNA’s daily work to provide food to thousands of families across Western North Carolina that are struggling to make ends meet. With every dollar raised, MANNA can provide the food for 3.5 meals… your very presence is valuable! So, come party with us. Whether you dress for our theme, wear jeans, or dress like a queen, you can have a great time knowing you are helping provide the most basic necessity in life: food!

Hang Loose with Friends at the Best Outdoor Party of the Year

This annual sell-out event on the sunny shores of MANNA’s waterfront campus along the Swannanoa River features small plate grazing from 20 favorite local restaurants, an open bar with great selections of beer and wine from Empire Distributing, and an amazing live band that keeps the dance floor packed all night long! Tickets move fast, so don’t wait!

Grab your Longboard and catch a wave to MANNA!

Sunday, June 3, 2018
Bach and Brazil: An Evolution of Solo Violin Repertoire featuring Moises Bonella-Cunha
Jun 3 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple
Bach and Brazil: An Evolution of Solo Violin Repertoire featuring Moises Bonella-Cunha @ Asheville Masonic Temple  |  |  |

Doors: 2:30pm/Show: 3pm

Ticket Info: $10/Presale and $15/Door (Cash or Card)

https://bachtobrazil.eventbrite.com/

Revelry Unique Downtown Events and Carolina Music Planner are proud to present Brazilian violinist Moises Bonella Cunha. He brings a formidable recital program navigating the evolution of repertoire for solo violin.

The artistic and athletic features in Telemann’s Fantasias and J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin paved the way for the development of the virtuosic and extended techniques featured in the solo works of Ysaÿe and Brazilian composer Flausino Vale.

Moises Bonella Cunha brings these pieces to life. His clean, articulate tone and unparalleled passion will captivate the audience as each guest is transported through a history of brilliant composition.

http://www.moises-cunha.com/music/

Friday, June 8, 2018
Asheville VeganFest
Jun 8 @ 9:00 am – Jun 10 @ 6:00 pm
The Orange Peel and Pack Square Park
Asheville VeganFest @ The Orange Peel and Pack Square Park |  |  |

Join thousands of animal lovers for a celebration of compassionate living in one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the country: Asheville, NC! Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s 4th annual Asheville VeganFest, will take place June 8-10th. This year’s tagline “save the animals, save the earth” will focus on animal agriculture as the #1 cause of climate change, mass species extinction, and animal cruelty.

On Friday and Saturday, speakers from around the country will tackle the latest vegan issues at The Orange Peel. Speakers include Jane Velez-Mitchell (of Jane Unchained), Dr. Garth Davis (featured in Forks Over Knives, and medical director of Mission Hospital Weight Management Center), Sailesh Rao (co-producer of Cowspiracy), Earthling Ed (co-founder and co-director of Surge, a creative grassroots animal rights organization), and more!

This year during VeganFest weekend, Brother Wolf will also be hosting two nights of entertainment at The Orange Peel, featuring comedian Lee Camp on Friday and afrobeat musical guests Antibalas on Saturday. Tickets, starting at $14, can be purchased at www.theorangepeel.net. All proceeds will benefit the Brother Wolf Animal Sanctuary and the work Brother Wolf is doing to save thousands of animals each year.

On Sunday, enjoy an outdoor festival at Pack Square with over 75 vendors showcasing vegan food, beer, lifestyle products, educational speakers, and more!

Asheville VeganFest events are free and open to the public, except for ticketed benefit shows on Friday and Saturday nights.

All proceeds from Asheville VeganFest will benefit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s tireless work to promote Uncompromised Compassion and build No-Kill communities.

Visit www.veganfest.bwar.org for a full schedule of the weekend’s events, speakers, and vendors.