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.

Sunday, May 7, 2023
Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally
May 7 @ 11:53 pm – May 8 @ 12:53 am
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally: May 5-7, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Bike games, cash prize, concerts, tour Blue Ridge Parkway. Get tickets at rally. Friday: $25 weekend pass, all-inclusive for activities. Saturday: $20 all-inclusive for Saturday-Sunday.Visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com or https://handlebarcorral.com/springrally/.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

9 AM Gate Opens, Vendors Open
12 pm Ride-In Bike Show $1,000 Prize
1:30 pm Bike Games $1,000 Prize

Concerts:

5 pm – 7 pm Featuring… Mark Keller

7 pm – 9 pm Featuring… Cash Creek and Friends

9 pm – 11 pm Featuring… Kala McKinney

Also, Fire Dancers will be performing Friday and Saturday.

Monday, May 8, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 8 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

LEAF Visiting Teaching Artists May 2023 Catalog
May 8 all-day
online
PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 8 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 8 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Music Movie Mondays Series: QUADROPHENIA
May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Special screening and moderated discussion hosted by Bill Kopp

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 9 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Cinderella Magic Package
May 9 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!

  1. Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
  2. Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
  3. At Checkout, discount will be applied

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!

Your wish is granted!

TICKETS + INFO

If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!

828.693.0731

PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 9 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 9 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Youth Acting Class
May 9 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Ages 8-12
Mar 21-May 9 | Tuesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM

In this class designed for beginners and younger performers, students will learn basic acting techniques and have a great time doing so! They’ll get creative with short scenes and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class builds the confidence to help them to shine on stage and in life –  even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTEIf applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Register Now!

LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mission Hospital’s Hall Auditorium

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

Capers + Heists Costume Party + Film: Oceans 11
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The StingDoors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 10 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Campout at Lake Julian Park
May 10 all-day
Lake Julian

Would you like to spend a night under the stars with the opportunity to camp at a Buncombe County park that typically does not allow overnight camping?

Families are encouraged to participate in the annual Campout at Lake Julian Park on Saturday, June 10 hosted by Buncombe County Parks and Recreation.

This is a great way to bring together families, friends, and youth groups to connect with nature.

“There is no better way to inspire a lifelong appreciation of and relationship with nature than to spend a night outdoors beneath the stars,” says Mac Stanley, Recreation Services Program Coordinator with the County Parks and Recreation. “Camping is traditionally part of the summertime experience for many families but can get overlooked in these days of ‘indoor childhood.’ We’re thrilled to provide an experience for all generations to connect with the natural world and one another.”

Attendees should bring their own tents and sleeping bags but don’t need to have prior camping experience to participate in the Campout designed as a backyard campout. Dinner and breakfast will be provided.

There will be demonstrations by Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and REI, a birding excursion, a campfire with singalongs, and s’mores.

Camping check-in is at noon on Saturday, June 10 and check-out is at noon on Sunday. Tickets for the event are $35 per family. Lake Julian is at 37 Lake Julian Road in Arden.

Click here to purchase your tickets online.

Join Lake Julian Park in this unique opportunity!

PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 10 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 10 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Spring Homeschool Day
May 10 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance Registration Requires.

Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day is the perfect way to shake off the winter cobwebs and enjoy the beauty of spring! Join our education team for programs created to engage your student’s interest in the natural world around us. After morning activities conclude, hang out for a fun-filled afternoon in the Park with plenty of ways to expand your experience.

Burton Street Community Center’s Mother’s Day Lunch
May 10 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

Afterschool Pottery with Ona
May 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The History Barn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm

What are your kiddos doing after school this Spring? Are they wild, unhinged muddy monsters once they get home? Are they glued to a tablet when they hit the carpool lane?

Sounds like Firefly Valley’s Pottery Class here on the farm by artist Ona is what they need- let’s play in the mud, be outside AND get centered! This class is recommended for ages 3-12, parents can attend too. If parents ALSO want to make pottery, just purchase a 2nd admission.

For 5 weeks, attendees will work on a new creation together with Ona’s guidance. If something comes up and your little one misses a class, Ona can furnish you with some raw materials to craft at home, and she will fire it before the class is over for the season.

This is primarily a hand building pottery class (pinch, coil, slab and sculpture techniques will be taught) but participants will have two classes with individual lessons on a pottery wheel as well with a special guest instructor.

Date: Every Wednesday for 5 weeks, April 12th through May 10th

 

*Interested in drop-in classes? Contact [email protected] to inquire.

LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville High School

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

FILM SCREENING: Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV
May 10 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Members Only Film Screening at BMCM+AC

“The George Washington of Video Art” … “Cultural Terrorist” … “Citizen Zero of the Electronic Superhighway”… But who really was Nam June Paik, pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century and arguably the most famous Korean artist in modern history? Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Thanks to social media, Paik’s future is now our present, and NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV shows us how we got here.

NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV (Amanda Kim, 2023, 109 minutes, English, Color, Not Rated). A Dogwoof production. Presented by Greenwich Entertainment, in association with American Masters Pictures/PBS. Produced by Jennifer Stockman, David Koh, Amanda Kim, Amy Hobby, and Jesse Wann.

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzhEUxmqGWs&t=1s

“A tantalizing portrait of a revolutionary Korean-born artist.” — Variety

“Essential viewing for anyone interested in the origins of video art, mass media and the internet.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 11 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Cinderella Magic Package
May 11 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!

  1. Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
  2. Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
  3. At Checkout, discount will be applied

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!

Your wish is granted!

TICKETS + INFO

If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!

828.693.0731

PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 11 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Summer Camps at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute-PARI
May 11 all-day
PARI

Camps for all passions and interests

Summer STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Residential summer camps for kids in grades 6th-12th on topics like astronomy, robotics, cryptography, and 3D modeling and printing, and more. Including our premiere camp experience, Above and Beyond.

25" Optical telescope observing at night

Weekend STEM & Astronomy, and Space Exploration Camps

Curriculum or astronomical event based camps for educators and scout leaders.

Don Cline making presentation

Tailored Camps

Build your own camping experience according to your interest.

Summer Counselor Application
6/1 – 7/31
Ages 17 years 6 months – 99
$0.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Full Summer Session
6/11 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 1
6/11 2 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Exoplanet Exploration
6/11 4 PM – 6/22 10 AM
Grades 8th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Secrets of a Spy Station
6/25 4 PM – 6/30 10 AM
Grades 6th – 8th
$1,700.00
REGISTER
Counselor in Training Application – Mini Session 2
7/2 2 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Ages 16 years 6 months – 18 years 6 mont
$0.00
REGISTER
Above & Beyond
7/2 4 PM – 7/13 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Milky Way Trailblazers
7/16 4 PM – 7/27 10 AM
Grades 9th – 12th
$3,960.00
REGISTER
Tryon Fine Arts Center Summer Art Camps Registration Open
May 11 all-day
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Summer Art Series for Youth (SASY) Camp
Summer Art Series for Youth (SASY) 2023
June 19 – 23
Our Summer Arts Camp is a one-week encounter with visual as well as performing arts. Our campers will be given the flexibility to choose their own art experience. They may want to dabble in the performing arts or take part in the visual arts or perhaps do a bit of both.
Ages 5 – 12 years. Cost: $180 – $225
PacJAM Camp
PacJAM Camp 2023
June 26 -30
Students will experience group lessons, jams, music theory, traditional art, songs, stories, and dancing, with an impressive lineup of regular and guest artists. Scholarships and instrument rentals are available.
Ages 6 year and up. Cost: $150
Theater Camp
Theater Camp 2023
July 31 – August 5
Presented in collaboration with Tryon Little Theater, the annual Summer Theater Camp allows students to put on a fully-staged production in just one week! Students learn about the ins and outs of theater-from auditions Monday morning to a fully-staged public show with lights, sound, sets,
props & costumes on Saturday!
Cost: $180 – $225
Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 11 all-day
various locations
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 11 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Felt Stories – Puppet Storytime  
May 11 @ 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
North Asheville Library
Join us for a puppet-themed storytime! We will read books together and then talk with a puppet about what we read. Children will be asked to sit quietly through some longer picture books. Suggested for ages 3-8, but all are welcome. No registration required.