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.
The concert will be held outside on the stage in the Firefly Meadow with lots of open space for
everyone. This is a FREE concert being sponsored by Hunter Subaru of Fletcher.
The Hungry Ghost food truck will be on site selling some great food items too. The July concert will be held on July 9th featuring the Tuxedo Junction band, and the summer concert series will wrap up on August 13th with the Super 60’s band.
Join us for a relaxing evening of wine (or sparkling juice), painting, and nibbles! Aprons and painting materials are provided and included in your ticket price.
Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
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MSKETCHES! OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN: A TMT COMEDY REVUEDirected by Tom ChalmersIt’s been a weird year and half, y’all, and we don’t know about you, but we’re more than ready for a few laughs! Writers Linda Azar, Carmela Caruso, Joe Carroll, Tom Chalmers, Marlene Thompson and Matt Wilson will take you on a wild ride exploring the ups and downs of the new, new normal.
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The Sword in the Stone – July 30 – Aug. 28
by Shaan Sharma
The Arthurian legend begins right here, with some family-friendly adventure.
Ritch Shydner’s funny and insightful multi-media presentation about the history of an original American art form, stand-up comedy, and what all the jokes and laughter say about America. The stories of forgotten trailblazers, martyred iconoclasts and familiar stars show how the simple act of one joker taking on a crowd became one of our most popular entertainments, and a cultural weathervane. Presented in 2 parts, with talk-backs afterward.
DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 
Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+
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SKETCHES! OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN: A TMT COMEDY REVUEDirected by Tom ChalmersIt’s been a weird year and half, y’all, and we don’t know about you, but we’re more than ready for a few laughs! Writers Linda Azar, Carmela Caruso, Joe Carroll, Tom Chalmers, Marlene Thompson and Matt Wilson will take you on a wild ride exploring the ups and downs of the new, new normal.
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The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 10th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
- Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
- Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
- Art: $200 ReStore gift card
- Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
- Vans & Vehicle (NEW!): $200 ReStore gift card
- Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card
Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.
The purpose of this annual contest is to showcase innovative building and DIY projects
constructed predominantly of reused building materials. A large number of ReStore shoppers
purchase items intended to be repurposed or reused in unique and creative ways; the ReStore
Reuse contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle
and repurpose usable materials.
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a chair crafted from an oil drum, yard
art made from old tools, and so much more. To see photos from the 2020 contest, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live and/or Work Space, Art, Home Décor, Vans and Vehicles (NEW!), and Best in Show.
Winners will be announced in mid-October.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
- a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
- well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
- a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
- communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
- vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
- and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.
Some things you should know
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WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR
We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.
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WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS
We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-20 minutes long
May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe
2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
25-40 minutes long
May be combined with one or more shows.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.
The Caldwell Arts Council announces its 35th Annual Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, NC on Saturday September 11, 2021 at the Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Sculptors are invited to bring up to 3 sculptures for this one-day event to compete for $11,000 in cash awards, along with potential sales and commissions. Registration includes free camping, a Friday Night Sculptors’ Dinner, breakfast, and a meal voucher for the day of the event.
This annual family-friendly event attracts sculptors and buyers from the eastern United States to Lenoir, North Carolina and in past years, has attracted over 4,000 people. It is funded in part by generous sponsors and by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Take a look around. Now, look closer.
The word “pixelated” means made of small pieces but the word, “pixilated” means infatuation with a mischievous, mythical creature called a pixie.
Looking at the world in a different way can feel mischievous. Walk through your neighborhood looking up, looking down. Look at how buildings are put together or how things fall apart. Find patterns, shadows, twisting vines, whatever makes you stop and think. Whatever makes you feel pixelated.
Send us your favorite square-framed shots of simple, surprising thing that make you think, wonder or smile in Buncombe County.
Look for BiblioBoard on the Buncombe Public Library site. Make an account and log in. Select Menu and Buncombe County. Scroll down to Buncombe County collections. Dive into the CITYPIXels module and submit a photo.
If we get enough submissions, we’ll put them together as pixels in a larger display of just what it is we love about where we live. Then we can enjoy what we love alone, together!
Get pixelated, Asheville!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering to conduct surveys of people using Asheville’s greenways!
We will be surveying on TUESDAY, August 10 and SATURDAY, August 14 at two locations.
Please indicate the times you are available to volunteer and share your name and contact information so we can communicate more details with you and select a time that works for you. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours long and you may volunteer for more than one shift.
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| The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.
This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house. |
Background and Goals of the Festivals & Cultural Events Program
The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program was launched in 2016 by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) and is designed to provide financial support for events that both serve the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area for the sense of authenticity and welcoming spirit that the destination exudes.
The primary purposes of this fund are to:
- Support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County;
- Stimulate the creation of new, or expansion of existing, festivals and cultural events; and
- Contribute to the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the area’s festivals and cultural events.
Explore Asheville CVB is offering grants for Festivals & Cultural Events ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, not to exceed 50% of the total event budget. Application deadline is Sept 29th at 5 pm.
As COVID levels rise in Buncombe County, arts organizations are taking precautionary steps to support the health of the Asheville- Buncombe community.
More than 25 organizations have signed on to the Asheville Area Arts Council’s pledge to require masks indoors and strongly encourage masks outdoors.
“Arts leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of our community since the pandemic began in March 2020 and will continue to do so as new challenges arise,” said Asheville Area Arts Council Executive Director Katie Cornell.
The arts council’s recent Creative Jobs Report shows the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation was the top creative sector in Buncombe County, growing 53% from 2015-19. By 2020, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry had experienced the greatest percentage of employment loss in the county– an overall loss of 34% representing a decline of over 1,300 jobs according to Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Many creative businesses also suffered over a year of closure due to necessary health restrictions. “Arts organizations are doing their part to support the community, but these businesses simply cannot withstand another shutdown. We need the community to do their part to support the arts by wearing a mask” said Cornell.
This mask requirement comes after the Center for Disease Control issued new guidelines on July 27th that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the risk of becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders also urged businesses to follow the CDC guidelines during the Stand Up for Your Business Town Hall meeting on August 5th.
“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”
Shelby Singleton Jackson, a NC Certified Plant Professional and Horticulturist at Carolina Native Nursery in Burnsville, is passionate about native plants. She will talk about natives, nativars, and hybrids; help you understand the differences and why it matters; and give some suggestions for native plant choices.
Check out the latest gardening video on the Buncombe County Master Gardener website. Learn the difference between native plants, nativars, and hybrids. Understand why it matters for gardens designed to support pollinators, biodiversity, and wildlife.
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A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
A year-long program
Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.
What is unique about this program?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.
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How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on October 31.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!
Premium Seating
Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.
Patron Accessibility
The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.
Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.
A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.
You can charter the caboose on:
Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.