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 12, 2022
LAUGH YOUR ASHEVILLE OFF PRESENTS The 14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 12 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

 

Featuring over 50 of the brightest comedians from all around the country, the Asheville Comedy Festival showcases hilarious performers each show, delivering the best comedy in the largest stand-up comic event in the Southeast.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, August 10 at Highland Brewing, and then continues for a three-night run at the Wortham Center with three stacked showcases, ending Saturday, August 13. Every show is completely different!

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Introduction to Wet Felting Using a Resist Workshop
Aug 13 @ 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful!

In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a beautiful wet felted vessel using only wool fibers, a plastic “resist,” soap, water, a few additional household items, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Once you learn how to wet felt—and especially after you get comfortable using resists—you’ll be able to make pretty much anything you can make using cloth: apparel, bags, and other accessories to wear or decorative your home.

LAUGH YOUR ASHEVILLE OFF PRESENTS The 14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 13 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

 

Featuring over 50 of the brightest comedians from all around the country, the Asheville Comedy Festival showcases hilarious performers each show, delivering the best comedy in the largest stand-up comic event in the Southeast.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, August 10 at Highland Brewing, and then continues for a three-night run at the Wortham Center with three stacked showcases, ending Saturday, August 13. Every show is completely different!

Monday, August 15, 2022
Textile Collage Using Altered Fabric Workshop
Aug 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Are you drawn to textiles but aren’t interested in creating garments or quilts? Does the idea of creating your own, custom fabric sound intriguing? If so, you’ll love this exciting, two-part workshop taught by mixed media artist Christy Ammerman.

In the first class, you’ll learn how to alter fabric by “rusting,” tea dying, and painting it. You’ll be surprised and delighted with the results!

The fun continues, however, in the second class, where Christy will show you how to turn your altered fabric into a unique textile hanging. She’ll demonstrate how to pick a focal piece and weave a story around it by carefully selecting, positioning, and layering your “new” fabric and incorporating trim and other embellishments.

After you create your design, Christy will give you options for assembling your piece and teach basic hand-stitching techniques. Finally, you’ll learn how to finish and display your one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Street Dance featuring Lynn Goldsmith + The Jeter Mountain Band with Southern Connection Clogging Demonstration
Aug 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Visitor Center Stage

The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets. The Street Dances feature bluegrass music, square dancing and demonstrations of clogging, a traditional southern Appalachian style of dance.

Enjoy the fresh air, bring a chair and delight in the one-of-a-kind experience you’ll get from this fun event!

This week, enjoy the music of Hightop Mountain Harmony, a four-piece band that plays a mix of bluegrass, country and gospel music. This week’s clogging performance will be the Southern Connection Cloggers!

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

This Concert Series is sponsored by Burger King, Kathy Watkins of Preferred Realty, Firehouse Subs, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Mast General. This event is hosted by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.

Thursday, August 18, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Aug 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

“Weird Al” Yankovic: The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
Aug 18 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

“Weird Al” Yankovic burst onto the scene over three decades ago and never looked back.  For the second time in his storied career, the world’s foremost musical satirist and five-time Grammy winner foregoes his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music, focusing on original (non-parody) songs from his 14-album catalog.  Marking his highly anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where Weird Al performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra, this is a rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with this legendary performer.

All guests attending this performance are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative testing within 72 hours of show plus matching photo ID to obtain entry to the venue.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring Petey Smith McDowell, Mario T & Jess Cooley
8p, $13
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, performers get free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring Petey Smith McDowell, Mario T & Jess Cooley

Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, free entry & pizza 3-5m

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

 

Friday, August 19, 2022
Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!”
Aug 19 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Steve Martin & Martin Short's "You Won't Believe What They Look Like Today!" featuring Paul Shaffer

Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” is a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.”

Steve Martin and Martin Short will be joined by very special guest Paul Shaffer.

Thursday, August 25, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Aug 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

City Dance
Aug 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, August 26, 2022
SILENT DISCO: DJ CAMARO
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Slice of Life Comedy presents Hot Girls End Of Summer Report
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse”
with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime
plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians
The Hot Girl End of Summer Report at The Orange Peel
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Friday August 26
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, Downtown Asheville

8p, doors at 7p • fully seated show

Standup Comedy Show
Featuring the HOTTEST and FUNNIEST female identifying comedians from around the region!
Hosted by Morgan Bost

Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse.” with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime. plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
$17 – $20

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Friday August 26 at The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, in Downtown Asheville
8p, doors at 7p • fully seated show

You wont want to miss this Standup Comedy Show as the HOTTEST and FUNNIEST comedians from around the region get back in town to give us their Hot Girl End off Summer report!

Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse.” with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians you don’t want to miss this HOT evening out!!

Hosted by the amazing Morgan Bost

Saturday, August 27, 2022
Cruise + Groove Concert Featuring 3 Cool Cats
Aug 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Firehouse Subs

Free Line Dance class at 5:30 | Concert from 6:30–8:30pm, From May through
October, enjoy a free biweekly concert at Firehouse Subs complete with dancing and a car show from Carolina Mountain Car
Club, No smoking, coolers or pets, On raining evenings call for cancelation info, Free, Firehouse Subs, Hendersonville, 828-697-
8344

Reasonably Priced Babies Improv Comedy Show
Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Reasonably Priced Babies Improv Comedy Show

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is proud to host the Asheville based improv comedy troupe, Reasonably Priced Babies. RPB is a formidable improv comedy group consisting of Tom Chalmers, Mondy Carter, Karen Stobbe, Kim Richardson and Josh Batenhorst.

This is how it works: RPBs will ask the audience for suggestions and then they make that come to technicolor life. Get ready to be a part of the experience because this show will push the envelope of ridiculous fun.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Masks are encouraged but not required.

James Gregory The Funniest Man in America
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

 

For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.

James is constantly touring. He’s on the road about three days a week, forty six weeks a year. He continues to entertain sold-out crowds in theaters and comedy clubs and remains in demand for corporate events. James has been the featured entertainer for hundreds of corporations, including the Coca Cola Company, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Hewlett Packard and Kroger. James has also been the featured speaker for events sponsored by various civic and church groups.

James is heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy and Bob and Tom. Combined, these shows are broadcast to people in over 220 cities nationwide. As a result, he now has a grass-roots following that numbers in the millions.

James was born in a rural area about twenty five miles east of Atlanta, GA. He got his first job at the age of twelve at a small country grocery store. By the time he was fifteen, he was working thirty-seven hours a week, as well as going to school. As an adult, James has worked for the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Defense, and spent almost ten years as a salesman before discovering the wonderful world of stand-up comedy.

James does not “tip-toe” through life as if he’s walking on broken glass or egg shells. That style is evident on stage as well. He is not politically correct. Much of his humor is centered on brilliant observations of crazy relatives and people obsessed with the slightest change in weather conditions – now referred to as global warming. He delights in poking fun at modern sensitive parents and out-of-control environmentalists. Gregory has been quoted as saying, “If you want me to be concerned about endangered species, you need to convince me that we’re about out of chickens.”

The James Gregory show turns the clock back to a time when life was simpler; to a better time, before the death of common sense; a time when people sat on the front porch and actually talked to each other without a cell phone in their ear.

James’ success, like his comedy, is the direct result of the values he grew up with. And now, twenty something years later, it is this unique brand of humor that packs the crowds into his sold-out shows. The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life”, Gregory reflects. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.”

Tuesday, August 30, 2022
All Hobo Magic Show
Aug 30 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Thursday, September 1, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 1 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
Comedy Night
Sep 1 all-day
Wortham Center

Stand Up Comedy Night brings 4 national touring comedians with headliner Brian Monarch, as seen on Comedy Central, Fox and Hulu… He’s been heating up the LA comedy scene for years. He plays all of the biggest stages in Hollywood and has worked with such greats as Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Chris D’Elia, and Iliza Shlesinger, to name a few. His uncensored views are always something to behold. Come enjoy 90 mins of packed laughter. Show is 18+ and may contain graphic content.

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Sep 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Sep 1 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

9.01. 22 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULPWhat: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 9.01.22.
8p-11p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or https://theorangepeel.net/…/slice-of-life-comedy-open…/e)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Stand up comedy featuring Mario Trevzo with special guest James Harrod. Hosted by Cody Hughes
Mario Trevizo
Originally from the suburbs of Maryland, Mario has made a home for himself with stand up comedy in Asheville, North Carolina. His style focuses on the awkward moments that come with being a non Spanish speaking Mexican living in the south. Beyond hosting various events around town, he is mainly known for his animated performances, quirky faces, and crying randomly at movies.
James Harrod
James is a stand up comedian originally from Raleigh now living in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to hosting the Comedy Freakshow every Tuesday night at The Odditorium, he also performs around the east coast opening for comedians like Sean Patton, Yedoye Travis, Michael Palascak, Brandie Posey and many more. Out of all the comics in his scene he was voted most needy and desperate for compliments.
Host Cody Hughes
Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/

Friday, September 2, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 2 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
SILENT DISCO: MOLLY PARTI
Sep 2 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Saturday, September 3, 2022
‘4M’ Mountain Makers Mushrooms & Music Festival
Sep 3 all-day
Jackson Arts Market

Celebration and education of Blue Ridge Mountain culture, arts, & nature.
jacksonartsmarket.com for more information

Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 3 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
Swing Nights at Continuum
Sep 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Continuum Art Gallery, Hendersonville

Join us in our new monthly social swing event on the 1st Saturdays of every month, The
music, open vintage space and wood floors and is guaranteed to have you dancing East Coast and/or Lindy all night long, A free
lesson is offered to kick things off and will include a different combination of moves each time, No partner or rhythm needed and
dress is casual, $10 for lesson and/or social dance.

Sunday, September 4, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 4 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information