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.

Saturday, April 30, 2022
ADULT CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASS WITH STEWART/OWEN DANCE
Apr 30 @ 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

STEWART/OWEN OPEN COMPANY CLASS
Apr 30 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Ross Farm’s Spring Fling Fest with Appalachian Standard
Apr 30 @ 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Join us for the Spring Fling Farm Fest, taking place at 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC, 28571 on April 30th, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 4 PM. In addition to the beautiful greenhouses being open, guests are invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, curated vendors selling art, craft, CBD products, and much more in one of Asheville’s most remarkable locales.

Spring is in the air and we are ready to celebrate with the community!
We are thrilled to announce a vibe session meet and greet with Lauren Davis of @fiddyshadesofgreen from 12 PM to 1 PM, with photo opts available.

We will also have an amazing line-up of local musicians, including Joker’s Trade, Istari, John Kirby and the New Seniors, and Appalachian Standard’s very own Substandards. Bear’s Bar-B-Que will be on site with incredible food, as well as kettle corn.

We’ll have a fun mechanical bull and several artisans in our greenhouse selling their beautiful wares, including Honey Creek Pottery! And, of course, our greenhouse will be bursting with a few new and glamorous plants.

The Spring Fling Farm Fest is free to the public. Parking is available on site, however can be limited so it is
recommended that groups carpool. This is an outdoor event.

The first 100 people to join us will receive a goodie bag!

Appalachian Standard is a veteran-owned, craft hemp farm and greenhouse nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Our hemp is greenhouse, field, and indoor grown in small batches year-round by a team of experienced growers. Come experience music in one heck of a unique venue!

Mainstage Series for Students and Families TWEET TWEET!
Apr 30 @ 1:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

MAINSTAGE SERIES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

TWEET TWEET!

Femmes du Feu

April 29 & 30, 2022 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 6 p.m.

Recommended for babies, toddlers and their caretakers

Get up-close and personal in this highly interactive performance, which invites you and your youngest onto the stage for a colorful and captivating show. Gather around the magical tree, take a seat in the plush “grass” carpet, and be amazed by this unique aerial circus and dance experience, which takes “birdwatching” to a whole other level.

Reservations accepted beginning Thurs. September 2

Updated safety policy, effective September 1, 2021: To ensure the health and wellness of students, patrons, artists, staff and volunteers, masks are required at all times for all students, patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status.

A.R.M.E.S. DANCE SPRING CONCERT
Apr 30 @ 6:30 pm
Gunter Theatre

A.R.M.E.S. Dance Spring Concert

A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert is a performance of both ballet and modern dance styles showcasing the dancers’ wonderful talent. This annual performance highlights grace, discipline, and artistry that will capture your hearts.

Sunday, May 1, 2022
Asheville Spring Herb Festival
May 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center Expo Building

ASHEVILLE SPRING HERB FESTIVAL

Friday, April 29: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 30: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 1: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Where: Expo Building


Enter Gate #7 or Gate #5 for parking. Expo Building has a blue roof, located behind the Davis Event Center.

<div “=””>In 2022, the festival will be at our new home in the Exhibition Hall at the WNC Agricultural Center. You’ll find the Ag Center on Boylston Highway/Airport Road, just south of the Asheville Airport — the festival will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30; and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 1.

Website: www.AshevilleHerbFestival.org

Contact 828-301-8968 or 828-301-3010 for additional information.

Thursday, May 5, 2022
Amphitheater Series: Zoe + Cloyd
May 5 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center Peterson Amphitheater
 

An eclectic mix of music in TFAC’s popular Peterson Amphitheater awaits you this spring! From energetic folk to blends of country and rock, TFAC’s lineup of 90-minute, outdoor concerts will fill the air with music and have you singing & dancing.

  • Zoe & Cloyd as part of the Spring 2022 Amphitheater Series

    The innovative original bluegrass and klezmer music of Zoe & Cloyd springs from a confluence of the rich traditions and complementary styles of fiddler/vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist John Cloyd Miller. Coming from a lineage of klezmer and jazz musicians, Natalya trained classically in her home state of Massachusetts before moving south in 2004. John, a twelfth generation North Carolinian and grandson of pioneering bluegrass fiddler, Jim Shumate, is a 1st place winner of both the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest. He is also an Artist Fellowship recipient for songwriting from the North Carolina Arts Council. Long-time fixtures of the Asheville, NC music scene, Zoe & Cloyd appeared in Season 5 of the nationally syndicated PBS show, David Holt’s State of Music in 2021. Their fourth studio album, Rebuild, produced by Jon Weisberger, was released on Organic Records in October 2021.

    Zoe & Cloyd are joined by IBMA award-winners Bennett Sullivan on banjo/guitar and Kevin Kehrberg on bass. Bennett Sullivan is a highly regarded composer, performer and educator, renowned for his skills on banjo and guitar. A veteran of countless stages, Bennett has toured with many bluegrass greats and performed with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell in their Broadway musical production, Bright Star. Kevin is a master of the upright bass having performed jazz, bluegrass and old-time music all over the world from Indonesia to Kyrgyzstan, Japan and beyond. He is a much sought after session player and the chair of the music department at Warren Wilson College. Together, the band delights audiences with soaring harmonies, heartfelt songwriting and dazzling instrumentals, seamlessly combining original bluegrass, klezmer, and folk stylings with sincerity and zeal

  • Chuck Brodsky – May 12
  • Kenny George Band – May 19
  • Brother Bluebird – May 26
  • All concerts begin at 6:30 PM.
    Food options and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Main Stage.

    Sponsored by Plume Family Foundation (series Sponsor), WNCW (Media Sponsor) & Events Sponsors: Touring Logistics, Tryon Family Dentistry, The Red Horse Inn & Mountain Brook Vineyards.

Saturday, May 7, 2022
ADULT CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASS WITH STEWART/OWEN DANCE
May 7 @ 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Maker Faire Asheville
May 7 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. With an emphasis on interactive, hands-on exhibits, people of all ages will leave inspired to make something of their own! Get your FREE tickets today!

STEWART/OWEN OPEN COMPANY CLASS
May 7 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Sunday, May 8, 2022
Encore DCS
May 8 all-day
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Encore DCS

Thursday, May 12, 2022
Introducing the LEAF Learning Journey!
May 12 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Eden

 

Introducing LEAF’s first master class series occurring on the LEAF grounds at Lake Eden, Camp Rockmont and the historic Black Mountain College. For the first time, you’ll be able to experience camp life and classes from legendary masters in a pristine, natural setting, culminating in a performance on the first day of the LEAF Retreat, May 12, 2022.

There are 2 tracks of study for this year’s series: Writing (prose, spoken word and performance poetry) & Music (theory, history and percussion). Each track is three days in total, with all-day & evening events to enjoy. Check out the full Lineup of artists, full schedule, and different packages below!

There will also be pop-up workshops with several, amazing dancers that will liven up the courses with some creative movement, featuring:

African Dance with Shea-Ra Nichi

Belly Dancing & Latin Dance with Monika Guerra

Click the links below to explore the full Learning Journey schedule and different registration packages! We’ll see you this May for this amazing and uplifting journey into music and writing!

There are 2 packages we offer, The Wayfarer and The Lakeside Dweller packages.
Below are the breakdowns of each package:

Wayfarer Package (staying offsite) – $945

Package includes:

  • 3 days of Pre-Retreat master classes (does not include pass for LEAF Retreat).
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner for the days at the Learning Journey. Includes non-alcoholic beverages and (1) complimentary alcoholic beverage at dinner. Additional alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
  • Special workshops from amazing dancers and entertainers.
  • Camp activities such as paddleboarding, rock climbing wall, hiking, and more.
  • Performance at Retreat on Thursday evening as part of the Retreat’s grand opening for all members.
  • Special activities such as evening performances and campfire jam sessions.
  • Electives like the Black Mountain College historical tour.
  • Enjoy Lake Eden. A unique way to experience and explore the beautiful grounds that make up the LEAF Retreat and Festival Experience.

 Lakeside Dweller Package (staying onsite) – $1,195

Package includes:

  • Everything in the Wayfarer package, with the addition of onsite lodging for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Friday, May 13, 2022
ELEVATE – A STUDENT SHOWCASE BY THE FINE ARTS CENTER
May 13 @ 7:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

Elevate - A Student Showcase by the Fine Arts Center

The Fine Arts Center, Greenville County’s public high school for pre-professional arts study, is proud to present their first annual showcase. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Center partners, Synovus, Atticus Creative, and Steve Bichel, this event features the top student performers from the FAC Performing Arts Programs – Dance, Theatre, Creative Writing, Digital Film Making, and Music. Audience members will have the opportunity to view work from FAC student visual artists before taking their seats in the theatre for an evening of entertainment by the top talent from the school.

Saturday, May 14, 2022
ADULT CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASS WITH STEWART/OWEN DANCE
May 14 @ 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

STEWART/OWEN OPEN COMPANY CLASS
May 14 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

ACADEMY AT TERPSICORPS The Velveteen Rabbit
May 14 @ 2:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Academy at Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents their Spring Showcase on May 14th at 2 pm and 7 pm. This showcase will feature students from all levels of the Academy. Under the direction of Cynthia Ridler, Academy Principal Director, the original ballet “The Velveteen Rabbit” will headline this showcase. This ballet features choreography by many members of the Academy faculty. Also, Academy dancers will appear in original contemporary works choreographed by faculty member Jamie Brege and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance Artistic Director Heather Maloy.

Southern Dance Academy Showcase
May 14 @ 5:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Southern Dance Academy Showcase 2022 | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

ACADEMY AT TERPSICORPS The Velveteen Rabbit
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Academy at Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents their Spring Showcase on May 14th at 2 pm and 7 pm. This showcase will feature students from all levels of the Academy. Under the direction of Cynthia Ridler, Academy Principal Director, the original ballet “The Velveteen Rabbit” will headline this showcase. This ballet features choreography by many members of the Academy faculty. Also, Academy dancers will appear in original contemporary works choreographed by faculty member Jamie Brege and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance Artistic Director Heather Maloy.

Friday, May 20, 2022
Dynamic Together Silent Disco
May 20 @ 5:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Grab your friends, grab your family and join Odyssey Community School for an evening of music, dance and joy! Ticket includes food, 1 drink and headphones for our Silent Disco fundraiser event!

Asheville Ballet SPRING INTO DANCE: A MOVEMENT BOUQUET
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A spectacular professional production by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn. This event features exciting new work by resident choreographers, including Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Megan Jones Medford, Tricia Renshaw, Sandi Weinberg, and Stephanie Wolfe.
Image by Rose Pillmore.

Saturday, May 21, 2022
Black Mountain Garden Sale
May 21 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Black Mountain Town Square

Plants, plants, & more plants will be showcased at the Black Mountain Garden Sale on Friday, May 20, 4 -8pm and Saturday, May 21, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.

Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including garden containers, wood carvings, and other special items.

The popular Clothesline Sale will have personal services for sale. Buy raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award and to keep the town beautiful!

More info at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!

ADULT CONTEMPORARY DANCE CLASS WITH STEWART/OWEN DANCE
May 21 @ 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Dance Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this open level adult contemporary dance class gradually awakens the body and senses through guided improvisation and a follow along warm-up, followed by foundational across-the-floor exercises and center-work combinations. All experience levels welcome!

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots. They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Saluda Arts Festival
May 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Downtown Saluda

After a two-year hiatus, the Saluda Arts Festival returns to Saluda’s historic downtown, the event will feature approximately 85 artists from the Carolinas and Tennessee, children’s’ activities, and live music on Main Street in downtown Saluda

 

 

 

STEWART/OWEN OPEN COMPANY CLASS
May 21 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio

Led by Stewart/Owen Co-Directors, Vanessa Owen and Gavin Stewart, this class begins with full body conditioning followed by a series of technical modern exercises, and culminates in either phrase creation or Stewart/Owen repertory. Dancers are encouraged to modify for their own bodies and spaces! We recommend this class to experienced dancers who are looking for a fast-paced contemporary class that pushes their physical and mental boundaries.

In person: $10, pay at the door

Online: $7 suggested donation, contact [email protected] for class link and details.

About Stewart/Owen Dance: Gavin Stewart and Vanessa Owen, a husband and wife duo, are the co-directors of Western North Carolina based Stewart/Owen Dance. Their choreography has been presented by festivals and companies across the U.S., and their careers have most notably taken them around the globe on fifteen U.S. State Department tours to teach, perform and choreograph contemporary dance with Washington D.C. based Company E. In 2017 they made North Carolina their home base where they work towards building a sustainable community for professional dance artists to set roots.They have choreographed music videos for artists such as Moses Sumney, Sylvan Esso and Ben Phantom. Gavin and Vanessa won the Audience Choice Award at the NYC Dance Gallery Festival 2018, were commissioned as Dance Gallery 2019 Level UP Artists, are recipients of a McDowell Regional Artist Project Grant, a North Carolina Artist Support Grant and were voted “Artists Who Most Pushed the Boundaries with the Human Body” by 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Since the pandemic, they have focused on producing COVID-conscious dance experiences for live audiences, including drive-up performances and a guided walk-along dance exhibit presented in residence with Asheville’s beloved Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

ASHEVILLE ACADEMY OF BALLET AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE 2022 STUDENT SHOWCASE
May 21 @ 3:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Annual student showcase of Asheville Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, official school of the Asheville Ballet.

Asheville Ballet SPRING INTO DANCE: A MOVEMENT BOUQUET
May 21 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A spectacular professional production by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn. This event features exciting new work by resident choreographers, including Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Megan Jones Medford, Tricia Renshaw, Sandi Weinberg, and Stephanie Wolfe.
Image by Rose Pillmore.

Thursday, May 26, 2022
City Dance
May 26 @ 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, May 27, 2022
GRINDfest
May 27 all-day
Grindfest

In a nutshell

FESTIVAL DATES: MAY 27-30, 2022

GrindFest is a free, 4-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship

 About this event

 Grindfest is BACK! It is a free, 4-day event that celebrates the success of Black entrepreneurs + business owners in Asheville.  A block-party style event will take place on 8 Rivers Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

See you there!

Let’s make HISTORY together! 

GRINDfest Kickoff! Ribbon Cutting + Open Houses
May 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Black Wall Street AVL

Join the Chamber in kicking off GRINDfest 2022 hosted by Black Wall Street AVL!

BLACK WALL STREET AVL, a North Carolina based non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual GRINDfest  – a celebration of local Black business and entrepreneurship.  Black Wall Street starts, grows and expands businesses, owners and networks to Honor History and Build Wealth together.

 

GRINDfest is a free, 4-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship. A block-party style event will take place on 8 River Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

 

The ribbon cutting/kickoff will feature Brian Hamilton, the founder of Brian Hamilton Foundation and its program, Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Come enjoy drinks, snacks and help kickoff this year’s festival.

 

 

FESTIVAL DATES: MAY 27-30, 2022

 

Parking Instructions: Parking is located behind, in front of and across the street from the Black Wall Street AVL Building at 8 River Arts Place.

BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE PRESENTS A Mid Summer Night’s Dream
May 27 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”,

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, a frolicking ballet based on Shakespeare’s spriteful play, is set by Ballet Conservatory director Angie Lynn, ballet master Nadia Iozzo and Gavin Larsen after Sir Frederick Ashton’s ballet “The Dream.” Felix Mendelssohn’s prolific score showcases it’s celebrated overture and famed “Wedding March.” Tender, fading melodies and playful rambling riffs capture the imagination of youthful romance.

Ballet Conservatory’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs May 27-28 at the Wortham Theatre, with performances Friday at 7pm & Saturday at 3pm & 7pm.

Ballet Conservatory’s Helen Coates and Esme Hair alternate the role of Titania alongside Manuel Mata as Oberon. Sarah Adams dances the role of Helena & Sophie Feinblatt as Hermia, with partners Jonah Bell as Demetrius and Eli Simpson as Lysander. Addie Rockoff and Jillian Epstein alternate as the mischievous fairy, Puck, plus Iris Schreiner as Peasblossom.

Ballet Conservatory’s thirteenth Performance Season includes: “Winter Works: Innovations and Variations”, back in March with guest choreography by Nederlands Dans Theater’s Fay Van Baar; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, May 27-28; and “The Nutcracker”, performing at Western Carolina University and the Wortham Theatre this December 2022. The Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive Pre-professional program and full schedule of children’s open classes in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. This year BCA students were awarded spots to attend prestigious Summer Intensives, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, School of American Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre. BCA students have been accepted into ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis school in NYC, North Carolina School of the Arts and the top U.S. universities for ballet: Indian University, Oklahoma University, Butler University, Utah University & Cincinnati University; and one just signed a professional contract with Finnish National Ballet.