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.
On Your Mark, Get Centered, Throw! Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Sara Ballek
July 23-27
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
Your dreams of becoming a Clay DJ will come true in this week full of wheel throwing! Not only will students learn how to use the potter’s wheel, but they will also create fun, funky objects for daily use! After the pots come off the wheel, lively decorating and sculpting will add the finishing touches to their masterpieces!
The English for Speakers of Other Langauges (ESOL) program teaches oral English, reading, and writing to adults who have immigrated to the U.S. from around the world. ESOL is the largest program at the Literacy Council, serving approximately 250 students annually. Our students’ most common goals in learning English are to improve their employment prospects, help their children in school, and pass the U.S. Naturalization exam.
Each student works with a trained volunteer tutor, either individually or in a small group of up to ten people. Tutoring takes place for two hours once each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and tutors.
Folkmoot USA, The State International Festival of North Carolina, is a two-week celebration of the world’s cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performers demonstrating cultural heritage through colorful, authentic, and original reproduction costumes, lively dance, and traditional music.
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.
A Transformative Vision Quest Weekend For Women:
Through mystical Shamanic Journeys, Wisdom Teachings, Sweat Lodge and Medicine Wheel ceremonies, we will call upon our Spirit Guides and Teachers to help us quest in the sacred places of this ancient and healing land. We will gain wisdom, guidance, answers, and insight. We will sense ourselves anew and joyfully open to our special path, our place in the Oneness of Life.
On Your Mark, Get Centered, Throw! Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Sara Ballek
July 23-27
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
Your dreams of becoming a Clay DJ will come true in this week full of wheel throwing! Not only will students learn how to use the potter’s wheel, but they will also create fun, funky objects for daily use! After the pots come off the wheel, lively decorating and sculpting will add the finishing touches to their masterpieces!
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.
By highlighting these and other works, Brevard Music Center is presenting some of Bernstein’s greatest output and showing a wonderful variety of his music that is at the core of American classical music experience. We spend so much time celebrating the works of European masters like Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, and Dvôrak. And those works all deserve to be celebrated. But they must stand alongside Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin—these masters gave American classical music its voice.
It’s wonderful for Brevard to be joining in with orchestras and institutions all around the world in celebrating the birth of one of the most compelling musicians of our time…or any other time.
THE 2018 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER | LEONARD BERNSTEIN FESTIVAL
Sun., June 24: Beloved Bernstein
Mon., July 9: Bernstein & Friends
Thurs., July 12: Leonard Bernstein/An American Icon (free lecture/details to come)
Fri., July 13: A Bernstein Celebration
Sat., July 14: West Side Story (movie + live symphony)
Sun., July 15: Bernstein the Educator
Thurs., July 26 & Sat., July 28: Candide (opera with English supertitles)
Sun., August 5: Season Finale: Bernstein’s Mass
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.
Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)
Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)
Senator Terry Van Duyn, Trena Velez, Director of Elections, Buncombe County, and Dr. Ashley Moraguez, Ass Professor, Political Science, UNCA will present a FREE panel discussion about voting security issues in today’s political climate. This non-partisan event is hosted by The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County
Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)
Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.
Th, Fri, Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $3
Children under 10 admitted free
Friday: $1 admission for Senior Citizens
The Commons Shopping Center
12121 Hwy 226 S
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Contact:
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 828-765-9033
Website: www.ncgemfest.com
Email: [email protected]
Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)
LEAF Downtown celebrates communities, creativity, diversity and families in
the heart of downtown Asheville & showcases dynamic musical talent, immersive cultural arts
performances and local handcraft & culinary artists. LEAF Downtown will further the goals of
inclusivity, community partnership and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area, while
driving the greater LEAF Community Arts mission to connect cultures & create community
through music & arts. Visit theLEAF.org/downtown for more info on this inclusive, family-
friendly, FREE event!
4TH ANNUAL LEAF DOWNTOWN AVL LINEUP:
Maceo Parker, Grandmaster Flash
Wax Tailor (Solo & Special Guests)
Maggie Koerner, Victory Boyd, Free Planet Radio
LEAF Funk Mixtape Allstars, Tall Tall Trees, Supatight
Ben Phan & The Soul Symphony, I,Star, Brie Capone
King Garbage, Nex Millen, Hope Giffin, Red Leg Husky, Liz Teague Band
Blue Ridge Pride Drag Show, Unifire Theater, NU Paradigm
Voted by WNC as the #1 Nonprofit Serving the Arts, #1 Music Festival, #1 Camping Festival, #1
Kids Festival, #1 Music-Related Nonprofit & #1 Cultural Arts Event, LEAF Community Arts is a
non-profit organization in which all donations & festival proceeds support cultural arts education
programming locally & globally! Since 2004, LEAF Schools & Streets has served over 55,000
youth with programs in over 20 Western North Carolina locations. LEAF International features
cultural preservation programs in 10 countries worldwide. Your attendance at LEAF not only
provides you with an amazing weekend experience with friends and family, but provides a
platform for fostering the growth of our youth into creative leaders in their communities
worldwide. Join the movement @ theLEAF.org
Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)
One Night Pottery Class
#10 Friday, August 3
Ever wanted to try your hand at the pottery wheel? Have you always wanted to learn to throw but you’re not sure if you want to commit to an 8-week class? Or maybe you and some friends are just looking for something different to do in Asheville on a Friday night. Well, look no further. Ready, Set, Throw is here!
Even if you’ve never touched clay before, our highly skilled staff will guide you through the entire process. It’s the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome.
Level: All Levels, Beginners Welcome
Tuition: $55 Per person, per night
Premier outdoor art and craft fair hosts 114 artists from across the country exhibiting arts and crafts of original design in a variety of mediums. The Fair draws thousand of eager shoppers to the beautiful tree covered grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in charming Historic Biltmore Village.
By highlighting these and other works, Brevard Music Center is presenting some of Bernstein’s greatest output and showing a wonderful variety of his music that is at the core of American classical music experience. We spend so much time celebrating the works of European masters like Beethoven, Mozart, Mahler, and Dvôrak. And those works all deserve to be celebrated. But they must stand alongside Bernstein, Copland, and Gershwin—these masters gave American classical music its voice.
It’s wonderful for Brevard to be joining in with orchestras and institutions all around the world in celebrating the birth of one of the most compelling musicians of our time…or any other time.
THE 2018 BREVARD MUSIC CENTER | LEONARD BERNSTEIN FESTIVAL
Sun., June 24: Beloved Bernstein
Mon., July 9: Bernstein & Friends
Thurs., July 12: Leonard Bernstein/An American Icon (free lecture/details to come)
Fri., July 13: A Bernstein Celebration
Sat., July 14: West Side Story (movie + live symphony)
Sun., July 15: Bernstein the Educator
Thurs., July 26 & Sat., July 28: Candide (opera with English supertitles)
Sun., August 5: Season Finale: Bernstein’s Mass
Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.
Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm
Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.
Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.
The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.
Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.
Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm
Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.
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.
Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm
Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.
Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur
August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm
Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.
The Southeast’s largest comedy festival celebrates twelve years in Asheville this summer with stand up comedians from all around the world. Recently rebranded from Laugh Your Asheville Off, Asheville Comedy Festival has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious comedy festivals among both comedians, comedy industry professionals and fans.
The three day festival will be showcasing more than 40 of the nation’s funniest comics in the industry today. These comics flock into town to turn the heads of the audiences, major TV network executives, casting agents, talent bookers, and comedy club owners that have traveled to the festival to discover comedians in an atmosphere designed to set the performers up for success.
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.