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.
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Red, White and Tuna is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and the Community Foundation of Henderson County.
Directed by Hendersonville Theater’s Beth Bristol, performers Jonathan Forrester and Victoria Lamberth play 20 quirky characters of both genders and various ages. These memorable characters include matronly ladies, cowboy disc jockeys, hippies, and a dozen other memorable, unique characters all wrapped up in politics, relationships, and gossip.
“It’s just one of the funniest plays I’ve ever worked on,” said director Beth Bristol. “And between the absolute hilarity of the script and Jonathan’s and Victoria’s antics, I can barely keep a straight face during rehearsals. They’re the perfect pair to pull off this type of zany comedy.”
Bristol returns to HT to direct her third comedy on the Hendersonville stage. She previously directed The Foreigner and Moonlight and Magnolias. She was last seen on the HT stage in 2018 in Rumors. Bristol has been a teacher for 16 years for Henderson County Public Schools.
Victoria Lamberth is an actor, director and writer who lives in Hendersonville. Victoria started acting in middle school, and she has acted professionally in Nashville, Los Angeles and Memphis. Her last appearance on the HT stage was as Barbara in August: Osage County. When she is not onstage, Lamberth is employed as Artistic Director of HT.
Jonathan Forrester has been acting, directing and stage managing for over 20 years. Forrester directed Always a Bridesmaid in 2021. Forrester is the Life Enrichment Coordinator for Trinity View Senior Living Community in Arden and serves on HT’s board of directors.
Parental guidance is suggested due to references to alcohol and smoking, adult situations and language, some of which may be considered blasphemous. Showtimes are 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 PM on Sundays. Hendersonville Theater has made masks optional for patrons, but volunteers, staff and performers are fully vaccinated. No proof of vaccination is required to attend a performance.

By Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams
DIRECTED BY BETH BRISTOL
Welcome to Tuna, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. It’s the Fourth of July and time for the Tuna High School Reunion! Two comedic actors ignite the stage with over 20 polyester-clad characters from Texas’ third smallest town. Full of fireworks, fun, and gossip, this loving send-up of rural America is full of memorable characters and hilarious spoofs.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic in downtown Asheville


Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall in downtown Asheville. Every Weds. 8pm. Doors and comic sign up at 7pm. Free

-
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
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Southern Broadway and Black Wall Street AVL present Mr. Mouse & The Rat Pack, a musical production that will bring you laughs, joy, and great music, in memory of The Rat Pack.
Mr. Mouse & The Rat Pack is a story that takes place in the ’90s. As a young driven writer, Grace goes looking for the last great songwriter, Mr. Mouse, who was believed to be dead. Mr. Mouse has written songs for Frank, Sammy, Dean, and many more in the old days. In search of this writer, Grace ended up finding out a whole lot more than expected. This show will take you back in time and allow you to relive the good ole days in memory of the Rat Pack.
This Broadway show includes an all-star cast with Jeff Grainger as Frank, Dezhon as Sammy, Sean Patrick Kennedy as Dean, Javon Johnson from Tyler Perry’s “The Oval,” Curtis Von from “Why Did I Get Married?,” South Carolina’s Official First Lady of Song Loretta Holloway, International Gospel singer ShAunta Moore, Rosemary Milsap – powerful actress from Athens, GA, R&B/Pop sensation Sydeajah, and last but definitely not least, he’s back…JoJo Williams, an awesome comedian/playwright!
We Invite an audience of all ages to enjoy an amazing production that includes something for everyone.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
![]()
Southern Broadway and Black Wall Street AVL present Mr. Mouse & The Rat Pack, a musical production that will bring you laughs, joy, and great music, in memory of The Rat Pack.
Mr. Mouse & The Rat Pack is a story that takes place in the ’90s. As a young driven writer, Grace goes looking for the last great songwriter, Mr. Mouse, who was believed to be dead. Mr. Mouse has written songs for Frank, Sammy, Dean, and many more in the old days. In search of this writer, Grace ended up finding out a whole lot more than expected. This show will take you back in time and allow you to relive the good ole days in memory of the Rat Pack.
This Broadway show includes an all-star cast with Jeff Grainger as Frank, Dezhon as Sammy, Sean Patrick Kennedy as Dean, Javon Johnson from Tyler Perry’s “The Oval,” Curtis Von from “Why Did I Get Married?,” South Carolina’s Official First Lady of Song Loretta Holloway, International Gospel singer ShAunta Moore, Rosemary Milsap – powerful actress from Athens, GA, R&B/Pop sensation Sydeajah, and last but definitely not least, he’s back…JoJo Williams, an awesome comedian/playwright!
We Invite an audience of all ages to enjoy an amazing production that includes something for everyone.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic in downtown Asheville


Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall in downtown Asheville. Every Weds. 8pm. Doors and comic sign up at 7pm. Free

-
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
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
This pass includes access to Saturday night feature film at the Tryon Theatre.

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic in downtown Asheville


Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall in downtown Asheville. Every Weds. 8pm. Doors and comic sign up at 7pm. Free

-
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
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic in downtown Asheville


Comedy Open Mic at Asheville Music Hall in downtown Asheville. Every Weds. 8pm. Doors and comic sign up at 7pm. Free

-
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
Grove Arcade’s First Annual Summer Festival is Saturday July 30th! The merchants of the Grove Arcade have come together to share their crafts and specialties in a fun and interactive way with the community. Stop by for indoor and outdoor games and activities, live music, live demos, food and drink specials and so much more!
Let’s run through the full list of activities, shall we?
Live Music Performances by Travers Brothership, Random Acts of Music, Tommy Partin & More
Live Raffle Giveaway featuring gifts from Serenity & Scott, Baba Nahm, Mission at the Grove, Adoratherapy, Wake Foot Sanctuary, Four Corners, Blue Dharma & More! Proceeds donated to our event partner, Food Connection AVL
Jason Probstein Glass Blowing at Mountain Made
Live Painting by Bill Bowers
Food & Beverage Specials from Modesto, Huli Sue’s, Baba Nahm, Carmel’s, Wedge Brewing & Battery Park Book Exchange
Huli Sue’s is serving homemade Spam Musubi, Hurricane Popcorn, & Free Pineapple/Mango Lung Hi Mui Softserve
Battery Park Book Exchange will have Summer Books on sale & a Special Summer Mimosa!
Live Knitting, Sewing & Embroidery at NC Home Crafts & Razberry Threads
Interactive kids activity, pet rocks & 20% off storewide sale at Enter the Earth
Free timing analysis for mechanical watches & strap blowout sale at The Watchmaker’s Shop
Free Face Painting
Free Caricaturist by Brian Vasilik
Chalk Art by Austsen Mikuka
Games & Activities for Adults & Kids
And so much more!!
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“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.
Whether you are a Love Shine Play veteran or are joining us for the first time, we hope the following information will answer many questions and ensure your weekend experience is smooth and easy.
Deep breath in, Deep breath out…Let’s Do This!!!
TICKET REGISTRATION
Be sure to bring your ticket confirmation (paper copy or electronic). If you forget, no worries, your name and ID will get the job done!
Thursday July 28th ~ 10AM to 5PM
The Venue 21 N Market St. Asheville, NC 28801.
(Immersion attendees can check in at 7am). Pick up your pass, pause at our Intention Alter to ground yourself for the weekend, and get your L♡S♡P merch before it sells out!
Friday – Sunday ~ 7AM to 6PM
Mountain Air Market Ticket & Merch Tent in Pack Square Park. See the festival map for location.
PARKING
There are multiple parking decks scattered throughout downtown Asheville all indicated on the festival map. Each of them provides easy access to the festival venues and they are an affordable way to keep your car downtown all day. There is also ample street parking available for shorter times (2-3 hour maximum). Asheville is busy in the summer so allow yourself plenty of time to park.
DOWNLOAD YOUR SCHEDULE TO YOUR PHONE
For ease of keeping up with your schedule and all festival happenings, download the Sched app to your phone and search for Love Shine Play Festival. Once you are on the festival page, you can view the full schedule or toggle to view “My Sched” at the top of the page. If you have wifi, you can also go to the LSP sched website here to access the full festival schedule. You can print your schedule as well if you do not have a smartphone.
CLASS ETIQUITTE & WAITLIST
Please allow the students from the last class to to clear out before you enter a classroom. Check in with our volunteers and allow yourself time to get settled. Some classes will be very full with very little space between mats, so be prepared to shuffle around and make space.
All sessions have a limited capacity. If you are on a waitlist for a class or are attending on a space available basis, you will be allowed admission 5 minutes prior to the session beginning if there is room.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
For your convenience and comfort, please bring your yoga mat, water bottle, comfortable clothing and any props you need for your practice (straps, blocks, bolsters). Other essential items ~ good walking shoes, a journal, sunscreen, hat, snacks, light jacket or wrap, joyful spirit and open heart!
ASHEVILLE WEATHER
We are blessed to live in a temperate rainforest which is both beautiful and unpredictable at times. While all of our venues are indoors for your comfort, be prepared for all the weather ~ heat, rain, perfectly pleasant ~ as you move between venues. An umbrella and cooling mist fan are great to have ~ we like the boy scout motto ~ be prepared!
GETTING AROUND
The festival is pedestrian friendly! We have done our best to create the smallest footprint possible, as well as allowing ample time between classes for easy transitions. Depending on your schedule, you will have anywhere from 30-90 minutes between sessions. Please familiarize yourself with the festival map for location of venues. If you have any questions about moving between venues, please let us know. Note ~ locations are subject to change ~ stay up-to-date on your SCHED app.
VENUES
The following are the festival venues in downtown; the distance of each venue from the market is clearly indicated on the festival map
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Mojo ~ 81 Broadway St.
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Circa 29 ~ 56 Patton Ave
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Skinny Beats ~ 4 Eagle St.
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Aloft Hotel ~ 51 Biltmore Ave
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The Serenity Lounge ~ in Mountain Air Market @ Pack Square Park
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The Venue ~ 21 North Market St. Mezzanine (downstairs) Balcony (upstairs)
MOUNTAIN AIR MARKET
Yoga is all about balance, so in a weekend full of movement, we invite you to take time to rest & restore as you take in the sights, sounds, smells & shopping at our festival hub ~ home to 50+ vendors, the Serenity Lounge, Ticket/Merch tent, Massage therapists and more. Our volunteers can be found throughout the festival in their bright pink LSP CRU T-shirts and are available all weekend long to assist with anything you need.
SUP & HIKES
The Van pickup location for SUP and all hikes is in front of the public bathrooms in Pack Square Park (S. Market st. & College st.) Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.
WATER
Thank you for helping us keep it green and clean by bringing your own water bottle. We will have filtered water and Superieur Electrolytes (one of our awesome sponsors) at all venues!
LOST & FOUND
Lost items will be held at the checkin table of the venue where the item is found or at the ticket/merch tent.
COVID
We are following current CDC and local government guidelines At this time, there are no social distancing requirements or mass gathering restrictions in NC. We will not require face coverings at the festival unless it has been mandated by the CDC and local government. We will not require vaccinations to participate in the festival. It is ultimately your responsibility to stay safe and do your best to protect those around you. If you are uncomfortable with the above, please consider joining us in 2023. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have recently tested positive, please stay home and join us next year.
GET SOCIAL
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and please tag us #loveshineplay and @loveshineplayfestival on any of your photos from the festival.
Welcome to the 63rd NC Mineral & Gem Festival in Spruce Pine. The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget.

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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

Are you ready to be part of the 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 4, 5, 6, 2022, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
This 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.
A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.
The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.







