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.

Thursday, May 2, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 2 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 3, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Wetland Wanderer Ep. 3 Video Release at Summit Coffee
May 3 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Summit Coffee

Summit Coffee Asheville will be donating a portion of all proceeds throughout out the day to Dogwood Alliance to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Come grab a cup of coffee to support our work protecting Southern wetlands, forests, and communities!

In celebration of American Wetlands Month, we’ll be sharing with Summit Coffee patrons the newest episode in our “Wetland Wanderer” video series! The Wetland Wanderer herself, Lucia Ibarra, will make a special guest appearance to talk about her adventures in our amazing wetland forests across the South, exploring the interconnection of wetland forest protection, climate change, and community justice

Wetlands give so much to our communities – climate regulation, clean water, flood control, and more. In this new episode, Lucia continues to explore all that wetlands have to offer as she ventures through Congaree National Park, a wetland filled with history and adventure. We’ll be screening this throughout the event, so come learn all about all Congaree!

2019 A-B Tech Student Art Exhibition
May 3 @ 5:00 pm
Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center

The 2019 A-B Tech Student Art Exhibition will open with a reception May 3 at 5 p.m. in the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center Gallery. The exhibition juror will be Suzanne Dittenber Assistant Professor of Art at UNC-Asheville. Awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit will be on display until May 29.

Saturday, May 4, 2019
Mayfest
May 4 all-day
Downtown Rutherfordton

Mayfest is the one of the longest running festivals in N.C., drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of springtime, family fun. Annual entertainment and traditions will be enjoyed including live music from Rutherford County Line and the Houston Bernard Band, a Car, Truck and Bike Show, and a variety of artisans and crafters showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. Youngsters will have a ball in the Kids Playland featuring inflatables and rock climbing walls, plus obstacle courses, face painting, and the Pinewood Derby Race. Local dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders will perform, a Doggie Kissing booth will be open, and friendly fur babies will take the spotlight during the 4 Paws Kingdom Pet Contest. No festival is complete without fabulous food vendors. Indulge yourself with delicious BBQ, turkey legs, roasted corn, stir-fry, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and much more.

Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 5, 2019
Makeup and Margaritas with Liz Black
May 5 all-day
Nest Boutique + D.I.Y. Studio

Today’s woman is a go-getter, independent and above all, polished and confident! Your makeup should help reflect that!

Learn how to create a look that you can wear during the day and then easily transition into nighttime wear! Learn how to utilize certain products for more than just one purpose, how to create a flawless complexion using minimal tools and help deciding what products are best for you!

Don’t be intimidated by your makeup bag! Be excited about it! Join the talented Liz Black on Sunday, May 5th, and let’s margarita and makeup! She will be doing a live demo on a model as you sip and watch or follow along with her using your own makeup (list of her favorites suggested products arrive via email after sign up)!

Class includes a makeup bag, the ever essential beauty sponge (one of her secret weapons) and bottomless margaritas.

Note from Liz Black:

I am a self taught, freelance makeup artist in the Asheville area. I have always had a passion for makeup and all things glam! In addition to that, I am a hustler at heart, a people person and a busy body. Combine all those ingredients and you have an individual who decided three years ago to take a chance… and that is how I created my business Liz Black Makeup.

Since then, I have met so many incredible women and made so many friends, been a part of some seriously amazing events, helped bring life to brides’ perfect makeup vision and above all, I have found a sense of accomplishment and contentment that I’ve never felt before. To be proud of oneself is something that isn’t easy to obtain. When I see a woman’s face light up with genuine satisfaction because of something that I did, I feel pride and excitement! To know that I’ve helped an individual feel good about their self is so encouraging for me! My goal is always to make my client, my new friend, feel special and confident in their own skin!

Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 5 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 6, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 6 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 7 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 8 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 9, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 9 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 10, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 10 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Wood/Glass Opening Reception
May 10 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Foundation Woodworks

Foundation Woodworks presents a collaborative exhibit between the woodworkers and glass artists of WNC, highlighting the unique qualities of each mediumby showing them in juxtapostion. Featured work includes glass vessels blown using custom wooden molds, as well as solo and collaborative piecesutilizing wood and glass in the same form.
Exhibit runs May 10 – June 24, 2019

Saturday, May 11, 2019
Weaving with Texture Workshop with Ashton Zager
May 11 all-day
Nest Boutique + D.I.Y. Studio

The best way to learn how to weave is to watch someone do it. Drawing from her experience as a fiber artist over the past 4 years, Ashton Zager has created an engaging workshop that will teach you how to weave your own weaving from start to finish. This class is of beginner level, but differs from her normal beginner class by focusing on texture instead of traditional flat weaving. We will be using a variety of fun materials such as rope and rug yarn. Weaving techniques covered will include: warping your loom, the tabby stitch, variations of complex tabby stitches and rya knots. No prior knowledge or skills are necessary!
WHAT YOUR TICKET PRICE INCLUDES:
Handmade wooden loom (that you get to keep!)
Metal tapestry needle
Enough fiber for 1 tapestry
3 hours of teaching
About the Artist:
Ashton began weaving in December of 2014. She’d stumbled across a tutorial on Pinterest and decided to give it a shot. She’d tried and failed painting, drawing, calligraphy, etc. in high school and did not consider herself a creative at all, but this seemed like something she could achieve. Before she knew it, she had made too many weavings than could fit on her walls so she decided to open up her own Etsy shop. She has since seen steady growth in her business and has been featured as a local artist in places such as West Elm and Anthropologie. In May of 2016, she decided to pursue weaving as her full time job along with her roles as wife and mother.

Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 11 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Spring Fling Plant Sale
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
American Red Cross

Come celebrate the beginning of a new gardening season at the Spring Fling Plant Sale! The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County in partnership with the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will host the Spring Fling Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am. to 2 pm. The sale will be held in the parking lot of the American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, off of Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. The sale will be held rain or shine.

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will sell many varieties of roses, including own-root, fragrant, miniature, and old garden roses. Expert rosarians will be on hand to help you choose the perfect rose and to give practical advice on growing and caring for roses.

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will offer a variety of sun and shade perennials, with a focus on natives and pollinator friendly selections. Plants are grown by Master Gardeners with tender loving care. We will also offer a nice selection of garden accessories. Personal shoppers will be available to assist you with the best plants for your special space, give you plant suggestions for Mother’s Day gifts, and answer your gardening questions.

We will also be offering an on-going pruning tool sharpening workshop. Bring your small hand tools (pruners) and loppers to learn how to clean and sharpen them. This is a free workshop but donations are greatly appreciated.

Sunday, May 12, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 12 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 13, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 13 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 14 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 15 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 16, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 16 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout – Southern Appalachian Salamanders
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders is excited to announce the launch of our 2019 seasonal series: Wildlife Workshops & Walkabouts! In this free, fun and educational series, you’ll have a chance to learn about your local wildlife and the habitat on which they depend. These lectures and hands-on activities will get you out into the great outdoors to discover the amazing world around you. 

Our first event celebrates the salamanders of Southern Appalachia. Join us and special guest presenter, herpetologist and salamander expert R. Graham Reynolds, PhD on Thursday, May 16th to learn about the salamanders of our area – including rare and imperiled species such as the hellbender and green salamander – why they’re important and how we’re addressing conservation challenges they face. Dr. Reynolds is an Assistant Professor of Biology at UNC Asheville and an Associate at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, MA. Following his presentation, we will learn how to create backyard salamander sanctuaries of our own. Then, join us on Saturday, May 18th for a walkabout in Rocky Fork State Park, TN. We’ll look for salamanders and explore this important area that supports an array of wildlife.

To learn more about our work to recover the imperiled eastern hellbender salamander, click here. https://medium.com/wild-without-end/diving-in-for-hellbender-conservation-a04219501768

Lecture and Hands-On Activity — Thursday May 16, 2019
5:30-7:00pm
Defenders of Wildlife’s Southeast Office
1 Rankin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Refreshments provided.

AND

Walkabout — Saturday, May 18, 2019
7:30am – 3:00pm
Rocky Form State Park, TN
501 Rocky Fork Rd., Flag Pond, TN 37657

For more info, email Tracy at [email protected]

This 2019 series is sponsored by weilerwoodsforwildlife.com

Friday, May 17, 2019
Hammered Earring + Ring Workshop with Worthy Circle
May 17 all-day
Nest Boutique + D.I.Y. Studio

Make a pair of Hammered Circle Drop Earrings OR Hammered Stacking Rings!

Interested in learning what it takes to make jewelry? In this fun and creative workshop learn to cut, file, bend, form, and solder brass or 14 karat gold filled wire to fabricate a pair of earrings or a set of 3 rings. You will gain the skills and techniques to make unique designs and leave wearing your own creations!

Perfect for beginners! No experience necessary.
All materials are included with the class. Wear comfortable clothing. Have an accessory to keep hair away from face.

Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 17 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 18, 2019
Montford Music and Arts Festival
May 18 all-day
Montford Music and Arts Festival

The Montford Festival will celebrate its 16th year as the largest free street festival in Asheville. Held on the main street of the historic Montford district, it features food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and continuous music until 7pm. Free parking on neighborhood streets or at the Asheville Visitors Center.

Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 18 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Tryon International Film Festival – 5th Annual BBQ, Music & Movie Fundraiser
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mountain Brook Vineyard

5 th Annual Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser
Brought to you by the Polk County Film Initiative
Join us for the 5 th Annual, Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser, at Mountain Brook Vineyards
in Tryon.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, bell bottom jeans, tie-dyed shirts and free spirit, as we trip back to
1969 for a special screening of “Woodstock”.
Rap with all your friends and dig the music of Michael Baughman. Then munch out on the classic BBQ of
Bird Mountain and Tim Wright. Soak in the fabulous wines which are grown, bottled and produced on
Mountain Brooks’ spectacular seven-acre vineyard.
Asheville’s Power Band, “The Paper Crowns” will take the stage as the evening gets rolling. Then, as the
sun goes down, toss down a blanket let the Polk County Film initiative take you on a trip to
“Woodstock”. See how 50,000 tickets holders brought along 500,000 of their friends and turned
Woodstock into a pivoting point of the pop culture.
It will be a groovy evening to remember. Please support Year 5 of the Tryon International Film Festival.

Sunday, May 19, 2019
Momentum Gallery Exhibition Explores Architectural Decay
May 19 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Momentum Gallery

From Thursday, May 2nd until Saturday, June 22nd, Momentum Gallery hosts a two-person, mixed media exhibition called Dissolution. The collection features individually created and collaborative works by two artists, Seth Clark and Jason Forck. Original collages mounted to panels play off architectonic sculptures in glass and wood culminating in a cohesive body of work that explores the notion of deteriorating architecture. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 20, 2019
2019 Assaults on Mt Mitchell
May 20 all-day
Race starts at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The 44th Annual Assaults, presented by Greenville Health System, will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019.
The Assault on Mt Mitchell is one of the most intense, premier cycling experiences that draws a full field of upward of 1,000 cyclists from across the world each year. The Assault on Mt. Mitchell is a 102.7-mile self-paced ride — not race — from Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the summit at Mt. Mitchell State Park in North Carolina —a total vertical ascent of more than 10,000 feet.

The Assault on Marion is a simultaneous 74.2-mile self-paced ride starting from Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina and ending at the 5th rest stop at the Tom Johnson Rally Park Pavilion in Marion, North Carolina.