Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Friday, August 27, 2021
Free Admission Western North Carolina Air Museum
Aug 27 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Western North Carolina Air Museum

The Western North Carolina Air Museum is a center of living history in the popular Hendersonville – Flat Rock region of the state. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to remember flying the way it used to be. Bring your kids, your camera, and your leather jacket. You can view the airplanes in an hour or so, or spend the afternoon hanger-flying with our friendly, informative staff. We can’t guarantee fine weather, but our hangar doors are open rain and shine. And we can’t guarantee that we’ll be flying on the day you visit, but we do promise to propel your imagination back to the golden age of general aviation. Come for the airplanes. Stay for the memories. There’s plenty of both right here at the Western North Carolina Air Museum.

Preserving & Promoting

Our

Carolina Flying Heritage

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Aug 27 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
HOPE COALITION

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

 

Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous is a support group of people who believe in the value of medication as a means to recovery.  We understand that our individual needs may not be the same; our backgrounds may not be the same; our futures may not be the same.  However, our desire to live a safe lifestyle joins us together.  Non-judgement is our code.

About Hope Coalition

Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change. 

Slow Art Friday with Asheville Art Museum: Women’s Bodies in a Museum
Aug 27 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum--Online

This virtual program takes place via Zoom. Space is limited; registration is required. 

Join Megan Pyle, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in the Museum’s Collection. Before the discussion, find a quiet space. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Now open your eyes, and engage with the artworks in the image gallery; click on the thumbnail for a larger image, and spend about 15 minutes looking slowly at each.

  • What’s going on in this artwork? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What do these women’s bodies have in common? How are they different?
  • What message do you think the artist is expressing in each artwork? How might the message be the same or different if the bodies were male?
  • Do these artworks belong in a museum? Why or why not?
Fun Friday for Families: Jewelry-Making
Aug 27 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Visit our galleries on a scavenger hunt for inspiration before joining us in the Wells Fargo Art PLAYce to create! Each Friday afternoon for the month of August, use a variety of materials to create your own unique piece of jewelry. Pick up a scavenger hunt anytime between 1:30 and 3pm at the welcome desk or in the Art PLAYce on level 2.

Please note:

  • In accordance with Buncombe County and city directives, a limited number of people can be in the Art PLAYce at one time. To ensure all participants have time to create, we may ask you to limit your time.

FUN FRIDAYS FOR FAMILIES

Drop into our Wells Fargo Art PLAYce to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques! Visit a chosen artwork in the galleries for inspiration, then head to Art PLAYce to create. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult); no reservations are required.

COLLEGE STUDY HALL
Aug 27 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grind Coffee House

 Mon-Fri from 2-5pm. You have access to high speed internet, work space and HALF-OFF pastries when you present your college ID.

Recovering Hope Peer Support Group
Aug 27 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
HOPE COALITION

Peer Support

Group meetings: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2:00 – 3:00 PM

 

Please contact us for individual services at 828.388.7979, Option #2

 

Through the “lived-experience” of our peer support specialists, we will assist, encourage, empower and advocate with others on their journey to finding their own path to recovery. Recovery is possible but is not meant to do alone. We do recover together.

About Hope Coalition

Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change. 

Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
Aug 27 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Daily Meditation + Support
Aug 27 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

East Asheville Tailgate Market
Aug 27 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Aug 27 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
Aug 27 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Cocktails for a Cause
Aug 27 @ 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse
So Fresh and so Green, Green!

From August 10th to the 31st you can stop by Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse and order a “So Fresh and so Green, Green” cocktail and Ukiah will donate a $1 back to ASAP per cocktail. ASAP or The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, is a nonprofit based in Asheville, NC,  that serves the Southern Appalachian region. ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporter and build healthy communities through connections to local food! What’s better for the soul then giving back and getting a drink?

ArborEvenings
Aug 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

ORDER AHEAD

Musician Schedule

Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.

Know Before You Go

  • Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
  • Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
  • Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of  buildings.
  • To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
  • Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
Free community pool time
Aug 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Join us, in partnership with Asheville Parks & Recreation, for free community pool time! Bring the whole family to enjoy our indoor pool to splash and play all summer long. No membership, no fees, no R.S.V.P. needed.

Fridays 6-8 p.m.; Through August 27, 2021
Saturdays 2-4 p.m.; Through August 28, 2021

Follow this link for more information.

Dark Horse Presents: in collaboration with TMT
Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm
Magnetic Theatre

A devised collection of ghost stories and folk tales, performed outdoors on the Hominy Creek Greenway.

Music on Main: Deano and the Dreamers
Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hendersonville Visitor Center

Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.

Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.

Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm.  The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited.  Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.

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

Pre Season Game Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm
BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM

 

The Sword in the Stone
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park
The Sword in the Stone w/ The Montford Park Players
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

The Sword in the Stone – July 30 – Aug. 28

by Shaan Sharma

The Arthurian legend begins right here, with some family-friendly adventure.

A History of Stand-up, Part 1 – America’s Reflection in the Funhouse Mirror
Aug 27 @ 8:00 pm
Attic Salt Theatre Company

Ritch Shydner’s funny and insightful multi-media presentation about the history of an original American art form, stand-up comedy, and what all the jokes and laughter say about America. The stories of forgotten trailblazers, martyred iconoclasts and familiar stars show how the simple act of one joker taking on a crowd became one of our most popular entertainments, and a cultural weathervane. Presented in 2 parts, with talk-backs afterward.

Bold Rock Cider Cinema Night – Black Panther
Aug 27 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Join us for Cider Cinema! This unique cinematic experience features Bold Rock Hard Cider, Bold Bites Food Truck, and a movie screening on our jumbo screen!

Join us at sundown on Friday, August 27th for our Cider Cinema showing of Black Panther! This is a free event. This is not a drive-in movie event.

Rumours Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Aug 27 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Everybody Free Dance Party
Aug 27 @ 10:00 pm – Aug 28 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Third Eye [A Tribute to TOOL]
Aug 27 @ 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall
Saturday, August 28, 2021
10th Annual ReStore ReUse Contest
Aug 28 all-day
Asheville Area--online

The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is hosting the 10th annual ReUse Contest to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials.

Winners will be selected in the following categories:

  • Furniture: $200 ReStore gift card
  • Homesteading (i.e. chicken coop, raised bed): $200 ReStore gift card
  • Live and/or work space: $200 ReStore gift card
  • Art: $200 ReStore gift card
  • Home Decor: $200 ReStore gift card
  • Vans & Vehicle (NEW!): $200 ReStore gift card
  • Best in Show: $500 ReStore gift card

Winners will be announced in a press release, on Asheville Habitat’s website and social media pages, and featured in the Asheville Habitat ReStore.

The purpose of this annual contest is to showcase innovative building and DIY projects
constructed predominantly of reused building materials. A large number of ReStore shoppers
purchase items intended to be repurposed or reused in unique and creative ways; the ReStore
Reuse contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle
and repurpose usable materials.
The creativity of this community never ceases to amaze. Past projects have included a fence
fashioned from doors, a potting bench built from pallets, a chair crafted from an oil drum, yard
art made from old tools, and so much more. To see photos from the 2020 contest, click here.
A panel of five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading,
Live and/or Work Space, Art, Home Décor, Vans and Vehicles (NEW!), and Best in Show.
Winners will be announced in mid-October.

2021 Brevard Music Center Raffle
Aug 28 all-day
Online

Official 2021 Raffle RulesAudi

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

3rd COVID-19 Immunization for People Who Are Immunocompromised
Aug 28 all-day
Buncombe County Health and Human Services

Based on recommendations of the CDC, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced that North Carolinians who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received the Moderna or Pfizer immunizations could begin receiving an additional dose of these immunizations to better protect themselves from COVID-19. Currently, the CDC recommendation for an additional dose includes people who have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Individuals must attest that they qualify for the additional dose by having a condition or taking a medication that causes them to be moderately to severely immunocompromised.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services will administer these doses at our walk-in clinic at 40 Coxe and at mobile outreach events. Additional doses can be secured at any vaccine provider, and individuals do not need to go back to where they got their original doses. This recommendation does not include individuals who received the J&J immunization at this time.

5th Annual Cat Fly Film Fest
Aug 28 all-day
Multiple Venues Including The Orange Peel, The Funkatorium and the Grail Moviehouse

Experience Asheville’s premiere independent film festival! We are a non-profit, competitive festival with the mission to cultivate a spirited collective of homegrown filmmakers. We uplift up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast with screenings, workshops, music performances and after parties throughout the weekend.

BYOF – Bring Your Own Film

8pm at Fleetwood’s Chapel

496 Haywood Rd
West Asheville, North Carolina

It’s like an open mic, but movies. Bring a USB drive with a film 7 minutes or less and share with the community. First come, first service. 

Open to the public and donations go to future festival screenings.

WORKSHOP #1 – INQUEERY

10am-11:30am at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

INQUEERY is a creative workshop designed for LGBTQIA2S+ people to connect and reflect on their lived experiences through visualizations, creative writing and story. This offering also includes time to read an excerpt from and discuss Asheville-based feature film script Whistle Down Wind, which is currently in development.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

WORKSHOP #2 – Comrades Help Comrades Make Movies

12pm-3pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

Running an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable set on a hyper indie budget.

Private Work in Progress screening of the feature film E IS FOR with the Co-Writer/Director, Writer/Producer/Lead, DP and EP in attendance with discussion and feedback opportunities.

Pull up a seat at the table and we’ll deep dive into how we made a feature film during the time of COVID and how our intention to honor the insight and labor of our comrades shaped everything from the budget, size of the crew and much of the creative while preserving and sustaining the mental health and experience of everyone on set. We’ll outline resources, cover funding hurdles, pre-production workflow, paperwork and set ethics.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Opening Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Barrelhouse at the Funkatorium

147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Arrive dressed to impress in (encouraged) black tie attire to witness the “best of” in indie drama, comedy, and documentary short films.

Buy Tickets Here

AFTER DARK

Doors at 10pm at Cultivated Cocktails Tasting Room

25 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Keep the party going into the night. Featuring a local DJ and exclusive Cat Fly projection installation and living gallery highlighting local and regional animated films.

Included with purchase of any screening.

Rooftop Pool Party

12pm-5pm at Aloft Air Level

51 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 USA

Present your VIP badge or ticket to any screening to hotel check-in for a key to access the pool.

Included with purchase of any screening.

WORKSHOP #3 – Gillybear Presents: “Garbage Monsters”

3pm-5pm at Asheville School of Film

45 S French Broad Ave #120, Asheville, NC 28801

A look at low-budget, big-impact Special Effects for filmmakers who ain’t got two nickels to rub together.

Open to the public and 100% of donations go to the instructors.

SCREENING – Community Night

Doors at 7pm, Screening at 8pm at The Orange Peel

101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Weird, experimental and off-the-beaten path shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers of Asheville and the Southeast.

Buy tickets here

Art Exhibit: Passage at the Asheville Airport
Aug 28 all-day
Asheville Airport

For the first time in more than a year, local artists and instrumental musicians have been welcomed back to the airport, as part of the Art in the Airport program.
Passage, the exhibit on display in the art gallery now through November 2021, features six local artists of multiple disciplines. The show brings a feeling of movement and vibrant color to the airport, and provides a passage with a unique view. The exhibit highlights:
  • a love for North Carolina through mixed media on paper by Sophia Allison;
  • well known local landscapes through acrylic on canvas by Carrie Jenson;
  • a change in perspective through oil on linen by Joan Lesikin,
  • communicative vessels through earthenware sculptures by Robert Milnes,
  • vibrant abstract motion through acrylics on paper by Eleanor Palmer;
  • and a glimpse of Asheville through oil on canvas by Maureen Scullin.
This month, passengers in the airport will also hear stylings from local pianists Mike Andersen and Phil Okrend, as well as Blues/Americana vibes from Mr. Jimmy accompanied by Charles Wilkinson.
“We have missed the art gallery being available for passengers to enjoy the work of local artists, and the sounds of local musicians playing welcoming tunes,” said Alexandra Ingle, Brand and Experience Designer at AVL and curator of the gallery. “Welcoming back these local makers allows travelers to experience a taste of our vibrant region.”
Artwork can be purchased from the gallery by emailing [email protected]. Artists who reside in any of the eleven counties within AVL’s primary service market may apply for acceptance into upcoming exhibits. Details about the program, including application instructions, can be found on the airport’s website at flyavl.com/artintheairport.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Applications Now Open!
Aug 28 all-day
Online

Some things you should know

  1. WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR

    We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.

  2. WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS

We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.

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1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-20 minutes long

May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe

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2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
25-40 minutes long

May be combined with one or more shows.

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3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

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4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

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