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 12, 2018
Baby Story Time
Jul 12 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
749 Fairview Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4754
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Baby – (ages 4 mos.-18 mos.)
Location: 749 Fairview Rd. – Asheville
Library: Oakley / South Asheville

Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks–the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 12 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
1 Taylor Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6484
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 1 Taylor Rd. – Fairview
Library: Fairview

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

LEGO Builders
Jul 12 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4700
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5)
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

Join us for LEGO building fun! Ages 5 & up.

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Jul 12 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 13 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
Contact: (800) 438-5800
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/elaines-dueling-piano-bar

Join the non-stop, rock n’ roll, sing-along party show at Elaine’s! Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm.

Kurt Vile & the Violators
Jul 12 @ 9:00 pm – Jul 13 @ 12:00 am

Having been the subject and willing conspirator of many intentional lies planted in Sonic Youth bios over the years, I know first hand the way album lore can bend reality to its truth. After the infamous Byron Coley originated the SY “Trilogy” myth in the Murray Street bio, we had no choice but to fulfill those expectations with Sonic Nurse. “Why did you decide to make a trilogy?” was always the first question asked in interviews around that time.
But this is Kurt Vile’s bio, and I wont do that to him. Anyway, Kurt does his own myth making; a boy/man with an old soul voice in the age of digital everything becoming something else, which is why this focused, brilliantly clear and seemingly candid record is a breath of fresh air. Recorded and mixed in a number of locations, including Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, b’lieve i’m goin down… is a handshake across the country, east to west coast, thru the dustbowl history (“valley of ashes”) of woody honest strait forward talk guthrie, and a cali canyon dead still nite floating in a nearly waterless landscape. The record is all air, weightless, bodyless, but grounded in convincing authenticity, in the best version of singer songwriter upcycling. In Kurt’s words, “I wanted to get back into the habit of writing a sad song on my couch, with nobody waiting on me. I really wanted it to sound like it’s on my couch — not in a lo-fi way, just more unguarded and vulnerable.”
For a record that plays like a cohesive acoustic experience, its musicality marks Kurt’s departure from an electric guitar experience to include a range of instrumentation with a large group of players. From the banjo he plays on “I’m an Outlaw” to the piano and lapsteel on “Life Like This,” and the myriad other instruments on other songs, including farfisa, resonator, arps, horns and synth, one never thinks about what exactly yr listening to as it all serves the song.

The heart of the record is “Stand Inside.” The music is quiet and the melody, like a hymn, folds in on itself, and embraces full strength in a sexy, floating forcelessness that slowly gathers into a wave that doesn’t go where you think it will or rather gives in to itself and celebrates a man willing to be defined by a woman and his love for her as witness to each other’s lives… Don’t stand by my side, stand inside gives up roleplaying for true exposure and vulnerability.
It’s a weird, accepting, mature record, acknowledging the inherent immaturity of being a person whether father, husband, partner, adult, musician, not perfect, but compelling for its understanding … that’s life though so sad to say… I love this record,
b’lieve i’m goin down.
Kim Gordon
kurtvile.com

Friday, July 13, 2018
Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jul 13 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 13 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star
Jul 13 – Jul 15 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants… and now he’s on land for you to see! Join SpongeBob and his best pal Patrick Star for a meet and greet that’s oceans above the rest! Appearances at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm.

The Felice Brothers
Jul 13 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 13 @ 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.

Phenomenal Friday Fantasy Films: “The Neverending Story”
Jul 13 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4700
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Film Screening,Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5),Teen – (grades 6-12),Adult
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

Free popcorn and drinks with a fantasy film every Friday at 3pm!

All films are rated PG.

The schedule for the summer is:

  • Friday, June 22:   The Princess Bride
  • Friday, June 29:   The Dark Crystal
  • Friday, July 13:   The Neverending Story
  • Friday, July 27:   Legend
  • Friday, August 3:   The Black Cauldron
  • Friday, August 10:    Labyrinth
  • Friday, August 17:    The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
  • Friday, August 24:    Dragonslayer
Dirty Soul Revival / Mindshapefist / Tombstone Highway
Jul 13 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 14 @ 12:00 am
Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Jul 13 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 14 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
Contact: (800) 438-5800
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/elaines-dueling-piano-bar

Join the non-stop, rock n’ roll, sing-along party show at Elaine’s! Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm.

Saturday, July 14, 2018
Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jul 14 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 14 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 14 @ 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.

Skyland Library Book Sale
Jul 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
260 Overlook Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6488
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Book Sale
Age Group: Family – (children of all ages),Adult
Location: 260 Overlook Rd. – Asheville
Library: Skyland / South Buncombe

  • Friday, July 13 at 10am-4pm, from 10-11 am Friends Preview Sale 
  • Saturday  July 14,  11 am- 4 pm Public Sale
  • Monday July 16, 10 am – 4 pm, from  2 pm – 4 pm Bag Sale

Most hardbacks are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents. Proceeds benefit the library.

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Jul 14 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 15 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/elaines-dueling-piano-bar

Join the non-stop, rock ‘n roll, sing-along party show at Elaine’s! Doors open at 8pm, pianos begin at 9pm. 

Sunday, July 15, 2018
Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jul 15 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 15 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Somewhat Petty: A Tom Petty Tribute Band
Jul 15 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 15 @ 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.

Dirty Logic
Jul 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Jenny Lewis
Jul 15 @ 9:00 pm – Jul 16 @ 12:00 am

One of the most celebrated and respected performers of her generation, Jenny Lewis got her start as the dynamic frontwoman of influential LA group Rilo Kiley in 1998. She has since released three albums under her name, most recently 2014’s The Voyager. In addition to her solo work, she was a member of The Postal Service, part of the duo, Jenny and Johnny, as well as the lead vocalist for Nice As Fuck.
Lewis has collaborated with Beck, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams and M. Ward, among others. She has also written music for films such as the musical/drama, Song One, starring Anne Hathaway and Very Good Girls starring Dakota Fanning and Elizabeth Olsen.
jennylewis.com

Monday, July 16, 2018
Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 16 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Leciester Studio Tour Artist Exhibit
Jul 16 all-day
1561 Alexander Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6480
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Exhibit
Age Group: Family – (children of all ages),Adult
Location: 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Library: Leicester

Oil paintings, handcrafted quilts, pottery, and jewelry in several different media will be on display at the Leicester Library throughout the month of July. The exhibit is a preview of select artworks from the thirteenth annual “Come to Leicester Studio Tour” August 18-19. Details about the tour are available at cometoleicester.org.

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 16 @ 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.

The Big Lebowski
Jul 16 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 17 @ 12:00 am
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 17 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 17 @ 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.