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, August 7, 2020
Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!
Aug 7 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog!

The Skyland Library will host J.R. the Therapy Dog on the 1st Friday of each month. Kids are invited to stop by between 2:30-3:30 pm to practice their reading skills with a gentle, patient and adorable canine friend. J.R. is a certified therapy dog and he can’t wait to meet you! 

Hemp Xpress Trolley:  Cruisin’ Asheville 
Aug 7 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carolina Hemp Company

 The Hemp X Hot Box:Roll with us Fridays from 5-10pm as we coast a route through West Asheville and Downtown. Stops at UpCountry Brewing, One World Brewing West, Foggy Mountain, and The One Stop. We’ll have smokable and edible hemp products for purchase to enjoy alongside any wine or beer you bring yourselves (closed containers only). We’re happy to provide an affordable way for locals and visitors to Roll Up, Stay Safe and Party Down! Cruisin Asheville July 10th, July 31st, August 7th, August 21st. More dates to come! 

Purchase Tickets on board! One Way Pass $3 and All Night Unlimited Pass $5

Private Rentals: Spark up your next Asheville area celebration with our personalized rental platform! We offer several packages at different price tiers to best cater to your party’s needs! Our team is dedicated to working with you to create an experience that will leave your guests (and your smoke) blown away!

The Hemp Xpress is dedicated to the safety of the Asheville community; public routes and experiences are operating at half capacity within social distance guidelines. Hand sanitizer is readily available to riders, and surfaces are regularly sanitized. Buncombe County requires a face mask be worn in public places.

Free Dead Fridays
Aug 7 @ 5:30 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Join us at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall every Friday at 5:30PM for our FREE Acoustic Grateful Dead series Featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.

Image

Summer Music Series at Burntshirt Vineyard
Aug 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Burntshirt Vineyard
Chuck Brodsky with Chris Rosser
Aug 7 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Chuck Brodsky is a storytelling, songwriting, modern-day troubadour whose genuine warmth and quirky, finely-crafted songs touches hearts, funny bones, and a nerve or two. With irony and wit, he celebrates the eccentric, the holy, the courageous, the inspiring, and the beautiful, while poking fun at what needs poking.

Seated Lounge Show – Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

Light Up the Night 5K Benefits Western Carolina Rescue Ministries
Aug 7 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park w/ online option

The 2nd Annual Light Up the Night 5K is set for Friday, August 7th at Carrier Park, Asheville, North Carolina and this year the nighttime charity run means more than ever. We want to send a HUGE thank you to the key sponsors who are helping to make this event happen: AdventHealth, Hensley Cloninger Law Firm and Owle Construction. Proceeds from this event directly benefit the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, which exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina.

 

Since COVID-19 hit our community in March, Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) has served double the amount of individuals in need with hot meals, and has seen a nearly 200 percent increase in grocery support.

iDaph Events is proud to help support the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries by presenting the 2nd Annual Light Up the Night 5k: A fundraising, glow-in-the-dark, nighttime, walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender or faith. New for this year: A 5K Virtual Run/Walk that can be completed ANYWHERE.

Last year the run started at WCRM in downtown Asheville and wound through the streets of Montford. It was a huge success, raising over $7,000 to help combat homelessness in our local area thanks to the support of our community members, runners and members of WCRM.

https://raceroster.com/events/2020/32195/light-up-the-night-5k

Music On Main
Aug 7 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Main Street, Hendersonville
Note:  Some or all of the Summer Music Series Concerts may be cancelled or postponed.  Events will be held in accordance with North Carolina restrictions, of crowd size and distancing, to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Check regularly for updates.

The Music on Main concerts feature a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste. The concerts this year will be held August 21 – September 25 at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville, NC.

Several modifications have been made this year to comply with state and federal health guidelines. To accommodate these mandates, the designated dance area in front of the stage will be used to distance the audience from the performers. Dancing will not be allowed for public safety. In addition to the Visitor Center parking lot, the block in front of the Visitor Center, between Allen & Barnwell Streets, will be dedicated to seating, which will give the audience more room for seating to listen to the concert.

Music on Main featuring Home Brood CANCELLED
Aug 7 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Visitors Center

The weekly Music on Main concert series on August 7th will feature Home Brood.

Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7pm-9pm.  The audience seating area opens after 5:30pm, early admission is prohibited.  Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited. Please leave your pets comfortably at home. A Hendersonville City ordinance allows event organizers to exclude animals from the event space for the health, safety and welfare of the community, dogs, patrons, and vendors and their products.

The concert series is held every Friday evening from July 24 through September 18, at the Visitor Center, located at 201 South Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville, NC.

In case of inclement weather the concert will be postponed until 8pm.  If the weather does not improve by 8pm the performance will be cancelled.

Look Back in Anger
Aug 7 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Set in the mid-twentieth century English projects, witness a young couple struggle through the issues that seem all too familiar today: employment, finances, class, education, love, loss, and all the complications that come with it. Life leads them through its ups and downs, but will they still be able to find each other in the end?

ArborEvenings
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Jesus Christ Superstar CANCELLED
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony® winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”

Official Website

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
The Fritz with STIG
Aug 7 @ 9:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

The Fritz is a soul-driven dance rock band hailing from Asheville, NC.

The group’s aggressive approach to funk, soul, and rock creates a sound that is uniquely their own. Their high-energy, danceable songs provide a platform for each member to shine. With powerful vocals, climactic solos, and tight grooves, The Fritz has built a devoted following and is captivating audiences everywhere.

Opening the evening will  be STIG.  STIG is the world’s first and finest four-piece power trio.

Standing Show – Limited seating in the balcony is First Come First Serve :: Dinner Reservations available in the dining room only

Saturday, August 8, 2020
“Say Their Names” Art Exhibit
Aug 8 all-day
Online

The “SAY THEIR NAMES” display at The Oak Street Gallery lists the names of more than 60 Black Americans killed by police officers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

#SaveOurStages Action Requested
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Music.

It brings us all together. 

Today, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act. We need you to contact your elected representatives through SaveOurStages.com asking them to support this bill.

The Save Our Stages Act provides Small Business Administration grants for independent venues, promoters, and festivals affected by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. These grants offer at least six months of financial support to keep us afloat, pay employees, and preserve a critical economic sector and our ecosystem for communities across America.

Through SaveOurStages.com, more than 1 million emails have been sent letting all 538 members of Congress know that constituents want to keep independent venues, promoters, and festivals alive.

Please help us and continue to push. 

Call, Email, Write, Shout!  

Help us to get the Save Our Stages and RESTART Acts passed.

PLEASE CLICK BELOW NOW 

to contact your legislators and help #SaveOurStages

www.SaveOurStages.com

This link will automatically populate with your Senators and Congressional Representative based on your zipcode.

Thank you so very much for your continued support!

100 Days and 100 Ways to Get Ready for Election Day
Aug 8 all-day
Online

100 Days and 100 Ways to Get Ready for Election Day

FIND INFO AT:  https://www.lwv.org/blog/100-days-and-100-ways-get-ready-election-day?utm_source=MonthlyHighlights&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=July2020

7th Annual Business Plan Contest
Aug 8 all-day
Online

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 7th Annual Business Plan Contest. A well-written business plan lays the foundation for a financially successful business. A well prepared and executed business plan will grow sales, employment, and improve the bottom line. The business – start-up or existing – with the winning business plan will receive business services including advertising, tax, legal, and marketing for free, a value of over $5,000!

Please email your plan to Hoyle Adams at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739 • [email protected] (828) 692-1413

The 7th Annual Business Plan Contest is open to start-ups as well as existing businesses. You DO NOT have to be a Chamber member to participate. Electronic submissions are due to the Chamber by Friday, August 21, 2020. A panel of judges will select the winner and present the award at a reception on Monday, September 14 – part of Henderson County’s Small Business Week.
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Apply for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Aug 8 all-day
Online

From Justice Services:

The Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council aims to prevent youth who are at from becoming delinquent and develop community-based delinquency. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent juvenile crime. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council board members are appointed by the county Board of Commissioners and meet bi-monthly in each county. The meetings are open to the public, and all business is considered public information. NC DPS Division of Juvenile Justice allocates approximately $23 million dollars to these councils annually—funding is used to subsidize local programs and services.

The primary intent of the JCPC is to develop community-based alternatives to youth development centers and to provide community-based delinquency, substance abuse, and gang prevention strategies and programs.  The JCPC provides opportunity for noninstitutional dispositional alternatives that will protect the community and the juveniles.
JCPC meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month (August, October, December, February, April, and June) from 8:30 to 10:00am.

We are currently in need of the following members:

  • Two Youth (Ages 16-17)
  • One Substance Abuse Professional
  • One Business Community
  • Two Member-At-Large

How to apply: If you would like to be a part of this council, please apply online by Aug. 14. Click here to apply.

Application are due by Aug. 14, 2020

If you have any questions, please contact Aisha Shepherd at (828) 250-6523 or via email at [email protected].

Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Aug 8 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition Calling Artists
Aug 8 all-day
Online
showtime

Artists Collective | Spartanburg 2020 Juried Exhibition

4 state exhibit – SC, NC, TN, GA

We have struggled with whether to cancel this exhibit or not. We know that artists need this type of exhibit more than ever so we are continuing as planned. The dates are Sept. 15 – Oct. 17. There will not be an awards reception this year, but we will make the awards announcements online at a given time. The exhibit can be viewed during normal business hours. Last year this was a very successful event and prizes totaled $4500. We plan the same this year.

Arts Business Buncombe County, please fill out Survey
Aug 8 all-day
Online
Arts organizations were among the first to have to close their doors, and many have suffered substantial losses. Americans for the Arts Impact Dashboard shows over $5.2 million in lost revenue so far from the 89 arts organizations in Buncombe County that have responded. For perspective, there are (were) almost 500 arts organizations and close to 10,000 creative jobs in Buncombe County before the pandemic.

If you are an arts business in Buncombe County, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey! This data is vital to our advocacy efforts on behalf of the Buncombe County arts sector. Help us, help you!

Asheville Art Museum Now Offering Curbside Pickup
Aug 8 all-day
Asheville Art Museum

We’re excited to now offer curbside pickup on Monday and Saturday afternoons and Thursday mornings for your purchases from the Museum Store! Browse the selection of apparel, books, handcrafted jewelry and art, inspiring toys, and more online. Simply select “pickup” at checkout, and we’ll contact you to find a time that fits your schedule.

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed
Aug 8 all-day
Vance Monument

Black Lives Matter mural around Vance Monument completed

This week, 3 local Asheville artists completed a Black Lives Matter mural in Pack Square downtown. The mural wraps around the now-shrouded Vance Monument.

The mural was approved by Asheville City Council, and coordinated via the Asheville Area Arts Council. The push for the mural comes on the heels of weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd, heated debate over the Vance Monument and the memorial to Confederate soldiers in front of the Buncombe County Courthouse, and Asheville’s recent commitment to reparations.

Each artist took the lead on a different word in the mural.  Joseph Pearson was the lead artist for the word Black, Jenny Pickens for the word Lives, and Marie T. Cochran for the word Matter.

Brevard Music Center 2020 Car Raffle
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Audi

https://secure.brevardmusic.org/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=675AE1B4-86F1-415C-A143-14C5CF72B47E&_ga=2.241774155.834414944.1593434306-1167664433.1585669593&_gac=1.238887476.1589811935.EAIaIQobChMIwrfu-8696QIViZ-zCh0qEQQPEAAYASAAEgKAs_D_BwE&utm_source=Brevard+Music+Center&utm_campaign=38bda965b2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_1_31_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b154873bc5-38bda965b2-131688489

Our 2020 Raffle is happening now! We are proud to partner with Hunter Automotive Group in Hendersonville, NC, in this year’s raffle! Only 1,500 tickets will be sold, so get yours online today! You may also call 828-862-2100 to order tickets over the phone.

Our winner will have ultimate flexibility in choice of model: ANY New 2020 Volvo or Subaru from Hunter Automotive Group with a MSRP up to $50,000!

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.

Drawing

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 3:00pm EST. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EST on Monday, November 30.

Brevard Music Center Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in d minor
Aug 8 all-day
Online

From our home to yours: students and faculty share new concerts, living room recitals, and masterclasses.

Enjoy this special video by BMC guest artist Augustin Hadelich and 13 additional violinists performing Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in d minor, BWV 1004. Recorded in April 2020, each violinist performs a section of the work, compiled and edited by Hadelich.

Brevard Music Center Car Raffle
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Our 2020 Raffle is happening now! We are proud to partner with Hunter Automotive Group in Hendersonville, NC, in this year’s raffle! Only 1,500 tickets will be sold, so get yours online today! You may also call 828-862-2138 to order tickets over the phone.

Our winner will have ultimate flexibility in choice of model: ANY New 2020 Volvo or Subaru from Hunter Automotive Group with a MSRP up to $50,000!

Thank you to all raffle purchasers! Your purchase directly supports the Brevard Music Center!

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 3:00pm EST. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EST on Monday, November 30.

Buncombe County Area Meal Sites
Aug 8 all-day
Buncombe County

Find locations around Buncombe County working hard to feed our community.

FOR STUDENTS: text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

View meal sites by geographical area, day of the week, and/or service type offered.

Cades Cove Loop Lope
Aug 8 all-day
Cades Cove Loop Lope
Carpooling is essential to maximizing participation in this race. Only 100 vehicle passes will be available for purchase for an additional fee when registration opens. Registrants who do not purchase a vehicle pass must either carpool with a passholder they know or utilize the group transportation option which will be provided by Friends of the Smokies.
Event Date: Sunday November 8, 2020
EVENT: VIRTUAL 5K – 10/25/20-11/8/20
Can’t join us in person? Participate virtually! A virtual race can be run (or walked!) anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, and anytime. This is a great way to support Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a day, time, and place that works for your schedule. All virtual runners will receive a race t-shirt and undated finisher’s medallion via mail.
Price: $75.00 Race Fee + $4.50 SignUp Fee
Jesus Christ Superstar
Aug 8 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 am
Peace Center

Part of the 2019 – 2020 Broadway Season. Learn more about subscribing: http://bit.ly/2J6KMcs.

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base.

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier® Award for Best Musical Revival, garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony® winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/2277839588963726/?event_time_id=2277839602297058