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, July 27, 2018
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.

Saturday, July 28, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 28 all-day
Folkmoot Friendship Center
2018 Folkmoot Festival @ Folkmoot Friendship Center | Waynesville | North Carolina | United States

Named by USA Today as one of the Top Twenty Festivals in North Carolina, Folkmoot is a ten-day event, held across the mountains of Western North Carolina in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Cherokee, Franklin, Hickory, Asheville, and Hendersonville. The 2018 festival dates are July 19 – 29 and feature cultural ambassadors/dance performing groups from Ghana, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Northern Cyprus, Thailand and local Appalachian and Cherokee dancers and musicians.

Tickets are now on sale for all performances and can be purchased at Folkmoot.org, in person at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, or by calling 828-452-2997.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 28 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 28 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.

 

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
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 29 all-day
Folkmoot Friendship Center
2018 Folkmoot Festival @ Folkmoot Friendship Center | Waynesville | North Carolina | United States

Named by USA Today as one of the Top Twenty Festivals in North Carolina, Folkmoot is a ten-day event, held across the mountains of Western North Carolina in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Cherokee, Franklin, Hickory, Asheville, and Hendersonville. The 2018 festival dates are July 19 – 29 and feature cultural ambassadors/dance performing groups from Ghana, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Northern Cyprus, Thailand and local Appalachian and Cherokee dancers and musicians.

Tickets are now on sale for all performances and can be purchased at Folkmoot.org, in person at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, or by calling 828-452-2997.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 29 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 29 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.

 

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
Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 30 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 30 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.

 

Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 31 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 31 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.

 

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

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!

Tuesday, August 7, 2018
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.

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

Thursday, August 9, 2018
Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 9 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.

CONCERT TO BENEFIT LOCAL VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
Aug 9 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Bold Rock Cidery will host a benefit concert for Blue Ridge Honor Flight, The Veterans Healing Farm, and the WNC Military Museum on Thursday, August 9 from 5pm to 10pm. The opening band will be Up Dog and the featured band is The Broadcast. Admission is free, but donations will be taken. Bold Rock will be donating part of their proceeds to the organizations.

 Bold Rock is located at 72 School House Road, Mills River.

Established in 2006, Blue Ridge Honor Flight’s mission is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honor the sacrifices of themselves and their comrades. For more information about how to get involved in Blue Ridge Honor Flight, make a donation, or to get a veteran signed up for a flight, please visit blueridgehonorflight.com.

 The Veterans Healing Farm exists to serve veterans by offering workshops on innovative farming techniques and foster a thriving micro-community of veterans and civilians who build deep friendships and cultivate emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Additionally, the organization supports our nation’s veterans by growing and donating high-quality fruits, vegetables and flower bouquets to veterans and their caregivers free of charge.

The mission of the WNC Military Museum is to provide an avenue for people to appreciate and honor the men and women who serve so bravely in our armed forces through military artifacts and memorabilia.

For more information about the concert, please visit the facebook pages of Bold Rock Mills River or Blue Ridge Honor Flight, or contact Marybeth Burns at (828) 388 4449.

Craft After Dark
Aug 9 @ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Center for Craft

Save the date for the Center for Craft’s annual benefit celebrating the future of making! Join us for multiple floors of super craft fun!

Featuring:
-Dance party with DJ Marley Carroll
-Photos by Massive Booth
-Bar and signature cocktails with The Waterbird Asheville and Buchi Kombucha
-Burgers, dogs, and charcuterie by Foothills Local Meats
-Dessert station by French Broad Chocolates and Ultimate Ice Cream Company Asheville
-Silent auction of work by 2017 Windgate Fellows

AND MORE

Friday, August 10, 2018
Rhythmic Gymnastics Open House/Information Session
Aug 10 all-day
The Academy at Terpsicorps

Wind and Sand Dance is happy to announce the start of Asheville’s first rhythmic gymnastics program. Rhythmic gymnastics is a form of gymnastics emphasizing dancelike rhythmic routines, accentuated by the use of hoops, ribbons, balls, ropes, and clubs. With an emphasis on stretching, conditioning, and ballet technique, this activity is a great way to get in shape and have some fun! Two recreational programs will be offered – one for kids ages 7-12 and one for teens and adults ages 13 and up.

Please join us on Friday, August 10th at our Open House and Information Session at The Academy at Terpsicorps. Drop in any time between 3pm and 5pm to meet the instructor, get information about the classes and curriculum, and register for our Fall Session! If you would like more information before the Open House, please visit www.windandsanddance.com/programs-for-kids or www.windandsanddance.com/programs-for-teens-adults.

If you cannot attend the Open House, but would like more information, please email [email protected] with any questions.

Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 10 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.

Saturday, August 11, 2018
Riders in the Sky
Aug 11 – Aug 12 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Come hear Grammy-winning music and comedy from America’s Favorite Cowboys. Shows at noon and 3:00 p.m.

Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 11 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.

Affair in White
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ellen Anastos

This late summer evening event is a not to be missed evening of entertainment, food and beverage to support the mission of Loving Food Resources. The mission of LFR is to provide health, food and personal care items to people living with HIV/AIDS or anyone in Home Hospice care with any diagnosis.