Rooted in the Carolina foothills, the Night in the Country experience transforms the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center into your next great country tradition.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this 3-day country music festival!
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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.

We Rise As One! The 2022 East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival will take place in MLK Park, 50 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Asheville on Saturday, August 27 from 10am to 10pm. There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, and a children’s area (open from 11am to 8pm) which will include inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting (from 1pm to 3pm), crafts, and games. The East End/Valley Street Community Heritage Festival Parade on MLK Drive starts at 10am on Saturday from the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Alexander Drive to MLK Park. This year’s festival is in honor of the late Mack Moore of M&M Heating & Cooling. East End/Valley Street is Asheville’s oldest African-American neighborhood. This is an alcohol free, family friendly festival! Come celebrate with us! Everyone is welcome!
Featuring:
The Gospel Sensations 12pm to 1pm
Chalwa Mountain Reggae 1:15pm to 2:15pm
WestSound 2:30pm to 3:15pm
Virtuous 3:15pm to 3:45pm
Delta House Jazz Band 3:45pm to 4:10pm
Free Flow Band 4:30pm to 5:15pm
The Stanley Baird Group 5:30pm to 6:30pm
ReggaeInfinity 6:45pm to 7:45pm
Hypnotic Band 8:00pm to 8:45pm
Uptown Swagga Band 9pm to 10pm
*Times subject to change
Parade at 10am:
Asheville Tourists Mascot
Drums Up Guns Down
The Kuumba Watoto Dancers
The Zeta Debutante Queen & Court
Majorette Dolls of Asheville
Bubble Master
Carver High School Band
Hood Huggers Tour
Asheville Motorcycle Club

Rooted in the Carolina foothills, the Night in the Country experience transforms the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center into your next great country tradition.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this 3-day country music festival!

Rooted in the Carolina foothills, the Night in the Country experience transforms the world-renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center into your next great country tradition.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this 3-day country music festival!
Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Allison to dive into the wreck of the wily and wonderful world of science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, speculative fiction, and literary horror with a healthy mix of underappreciated classic and contemporary books. Meets the last Monday of every month at 7 pm on Zoom. Also meets on the second Monday of every month at 7 pm to discuss the film adaptations of the books we read. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading and contact the club host to join. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!
Romance Book Club is a space to celebrate love in literature. Whether it’s set in early 1800s London, a distant planet years into the future, a fantasy world of magic, or our own contemporary universe, we are here for the stories that end with a happily-ever-after (or at least a happily-for-now).
Meetings will take place at 7:00 PM ET on the last Tuesday of each month via Zoom. Please visit the Romance Bookclub page for the monthly selection, and email Samantha at [email protected] for the link to join.

Join UNC Asheville Alumna and New York Times Bestselling novelist Sarah Addison Allen for the launch of her latest novel, Other Birds.
With millions of books now in print and translated into more than 30 languages, Sarah continues to serve heaping helpings of the fantastic and the familiar in fiction she describes as “”Southern-fried magic realism.”” Her books to date are: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, The Peach Keeper, Lost Lake, First Frost, and now, Other Birds. This annual reading by a graduate of UNC Asheville is held in honor of Katherine Min, the late writer and faculty member who was a mentor to many budding writers at UNC Asheville. She died in March 2019 after a long battle with cancer.
This is the first of five events in the 2022-23 Visiting Writers Series presented by the UNC Asheville English Department. Additional events in 2022 include an evening with poet torrin a. greathouse on Thursday, Oct. 20; and an evening with award-winning essayist John Jeremiah Sullivan on Tuesday, Nov. 8. In 2023, UNC Asheville welcomes U.S. poet laureate Ada Limón on Monday, Mar. 20 and fiction writer Jamel Brinkley on Thursday, Apr. 6.
Co-sponsored by Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe.
The Foodie Book Club is a club about food writing. The club meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Click here for details and monthly picks!
Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across true crime and public affairs. The club meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Click here to learn more about the club, view important news, and find the pick for this month.

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival honors the life and legacy of American icon and musical legend, Earl Scruggs, who was born in the small Flint Hill community of nearby Cleveland County, NC. It was here in this region, surrounded by a musical family and a host of influences, where Mr. Scruggs laid the foundation for his influential and groundbreaking career. Best known for bringing the “Scruggs style” of playing the 5-string banjo to the world, he crossed musical boundaries and collaborated with artists across musical genres, creating an innovative body of work during his lifetime.

Bringing the best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music together with fans who have a true appreciation for the music, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of Mr. Scruggs’ incredible contributions and the rich musical culture of the region.
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is presented in partnership by the Earl Scruggs Center, a museum and cultural center located in Shelby, NC, and public radio WNCW-FM a flagship roots music station located at Isothermal Community College in Western North Carolina. The inaugural festival will take place Labor Day weekend 2022 at the impressive Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. This unique venue set at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offers onsite camping, lodging, restaurants, experiences, and much more.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Earl Scruggs
Celebration and education of Blue Ridge Mountain culture, arts, & nature.
jacksonartsmarket.com for more information

“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival honors the life and legacy of American icon and musical legend, Earl Scruggs, who was born in the small Flint Hill community of nearby Cleveland County, NC. It was here in this region, surrounded by a musical family and a host of influences, where Mr. Scruggs laid the foundation for his influential and groundbreaking career. Best known for bringing the “Scruggs style” of playing the 5-string banjo to the world, he crossed musical boundaries and collaborated with artists across musical genres, creating an innovative body of work during his lifetime.

Bringing the best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music together with fans who have a true appreciation for the music, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of Mr. Scruggs’ incredible contributions and the rich musical culture of the region.
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is presented in partnership by the Earl Scruggs Center, a museum and cultural center located in Shelby, NC, and public radio WNCW-FM a flagship roots music station located at Isothermal Community College in Western North Carolina. The inaugural festival will take place Labor Day weekend 2022 at the impressive Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. This unique venue set at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offers onsite camping, lodging, restaurants, experiences, and much more.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Earl Scruggs

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival honors the life and legacy of American icon and musical legend, Earl Scruggs, who was born in the small Flint Hill community of nearby Cleveland County, NC. It was here in this region, surrounded by a musical family and a host of influences, where Mr. Scruggs laid the foundation for his influential and groundbreaking career. Best known for bringing the “Scruggs style” of playing the 5-string banjo to the world, he crossed musical boundaries and collaborated with artists across musical genres, creating an innovative body of work during his lifetime.

Bringing the best of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music together with fans who have a true appreciation for the music, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is a multi-day celebration of Mr. Scruggs’ incredible contributions and the rich musical culture of the region.
The Earl Scruggs Music Festival is presented in partnership by the Earl Scruggs Center, a museum and cultural center located in Shelby, NC, and public radio WNCW-FM a flagship roots music station located at Isothermal Community College in Western North Carolina. The inaugural festival will take place Labor Day weekend 2022 at the impressive Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. This unique venue set at the foot of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains offers onsite camping, lodging, restaurants, experiences, and much more.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Earl Scruggs

The NC Apple Festival will be held on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, NC over each Labor Day Weekend. It’s a LABOR DAY TRADITION.
Join former Malaprop’s General Manager Linda-Marie Barrett for this woman-only book club that seeks to have fun by reading books (fiction & non) by women writers. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!
The club meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Battery Park Book Exchange. It will be held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chat with other book lovers about this month’s book selection.
Interested in reading ahead? Here’s what we have coming up in the next few months!
– November- “Once Upon A River” Diane Setterfield
– December- “Dutch House” Ann Patchett
– January- “Mexican Gothic” Silvia Moreno-Garcia
– February- “The Rose Code” Kate Quinn
To reserve your copy of the book, visit buncombe.nccardinal.org or swing by the library to pick one up from the book clubs holds shelf.
To join the book club email [email protected] or call us at 250-4758.

Some of our greatest art has come in response to the pain of this world: war, accident, crime and punishment, physical and mental illness, racial and class-based inequities. As Asheville resident Nancy Sehested has written, “The deeply human questions of forgiveness, redemption, and mercy emerge from the ruins of broken lives…Pain is not the last word.”
On eight evenings from September to December, the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and the West Asheville Library will celebrate four memoirs of resilience and hope from the mountains of Western North Carolina. All events are free and will be at the West Asheville Library, except for the digital event on December 8.

“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.

Buncombe County Public Libraries is hosting a new book club beginning in September.
Books to Action is an issue-focused book club that will explore books centered on topics facing our community. Each book discussion will take place in conjunction with a community service project, educational field trip, or presentations from local experts active in these key issues. This book club is open to anyone over age 16 and hopes to spotlight the work of community organizations and provide an engaging opportunity to get involved on a local level.
On Sept. 10, the Book To Action club will meet at 10:30 am at the Stephens-Lee Center to discuss Ibram X. Kendi’s How to be Antiracist. After the book discussion, we will walk to Eagle Street to begin our Hood Huggers tour.
Hood Hugger walking tours explore the past, present, and future of African Americans in Asheville
Our tour will include: the East End Valley Street in downtown Asheville, home to shops and galleries featuring African American artisans and artists; the YMI Cultural Center; the Stephens Lee Community Center; The Block, and significant African American architecture in this vibrant historic neighborhood.
This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.
Future meetings will include book discussions and volunteer activities with Habitat for Humanity, the Family Justice Center, and Asheville Greenworks. Check the library calendar for updates on coming books and community projects.

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience the the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”
This year’s one-day festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.
It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really shake it down
where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!
Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure entry!
More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!
Our committee is still in the planning stages, so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience the the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”
This year’s one-day festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.
It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really shake it down
where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!
The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is happy to announce the return of the Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure!
This year’s festival will be a ONE-DAY event certain to be “the time of your life!”
Start making your plans to attend the Festival AND participate in the various pre and post-festival activities
being offered at local establishments.
Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure entry!
More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!
Our committee is still in the planning stages, so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available
Hi-Wire’s annual Oktoberfest is moving to the River Arts District Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 games, beer, food, and music.
Join host Tena Frank for Malaprop’s Mystery Book Club! Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!
The club meets at Malaprop’s on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 pm.

The Art Prophets: The Artists, Dealers, and Tastemakers Who Shook the Art World by Richard Polsky introduces readers to influential late twentieth-century dealers and tastemakers in the art world. These risk takers opened doors for artists, identified new movements, and resurrected art forms that had fallen into obscurity. In this distinctive tour, Polsky offers an insightful and engaging dialogue between artists and the visionaries who paved their way.
Moderators: AAM Docents, Barbara Pressman and Hope Warshaw
This monthly discussion is a place to exchange ideas about readings that relate to artworks and the art world, and to learn from and about each other. Books are available at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café for a 10% discount. To add your name to our Discussion Bound mailing list, click here or call 828.253.3227 x133.
This club meets in-person and virtually. If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] for more info and instructions!
Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. The club tackles challenging subjects, hence “NOTORIOUS.” Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!
The club meets at Malaprop’s on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm.

Some of our greatest art has come in response to the pain of this world: war, accident, crime and punishment, physical and mental illness, racial and class-based inequities. As Asheville resident Nancy Sehested has written, “The deeply human questions of forgiveness, redemption, and mercy emerge from the ruins of broken lives…Pain is not the last word.”
On eight evenings from September to December, the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and the West Asheville Library will celebrate four memoirs of resilience and hope from the mountains of Western North Carolina. All events are free and will be at the West Asheville Library, except for the digital event on December 8.
About the Wilma Dykeman Legacy
The Wilma Dykeman Legacy is a tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 2012 to sustain and promote Wilma Dykeman’s values by sponsoring diverse workshops, events, and other programs. The core values of this extraordinary woman from Buncombe County included environmental integrity, social justice, and the power of the written and spoken word. For more information, visit www.wilmadykemanlegacy.org.

“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.

The book for September is: ‘Klara and the Sun’ by Kazuo Ishiguro
From the best-selling author of Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Day, a stunning new novel—his first since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature—about the wondrous, mysterious nature of the human heart.
From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.
In Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/23/books/review/klara-and-the-sun-kazuo-ishiguro.html

“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.