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, July 1, 2018
Summer Sizzle
Jul 1 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Monday, July 2, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 2 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 2 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

In the Gallery
Jul 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

July 4th Weekend Family Fun
Jul 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

July 4th is the ultimate summer holiday to spend with family and friends and Chimney Rock is the perfect place to do it. July 1 – 4 you can challenge yourself on our 32-foot climbing tower, take in the different views on one of our many trails and even get up-close to some of our wilder staff at the 2pm Family Animal Encounters program.

Summer Sizzle
Jul 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Tuesday, July 3, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 3 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 3 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

In the Gallery
Jul 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

July 4th Weekend Family Fun
Jul 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

July 4th is the ultimate summer holiday to spend with family and friends and Chimney Rock is the perfect place to do it. July 1 – 4 you can challenge yourself on our 32-foot climbing tower, take in the different views on one of our many trails and even get up-close to some of our wilder staff at the 2pm Family Animal Encounters program.

Summer Sizzle
Jul 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Wednesday, July 4, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 4 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 4 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

Freedom Train
Jul 4 all-day

Train!

Independence Day, the day to celebrate our freedom and enjoy a long weekend with family and friends. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening with no rushing or traffic worries, hop onboard the Freedom Train to enjoy American classics like a BBQ picnic-style dinner, a slice of apple pie, spectacular sunset views on the Fontana Trestle, and a visit from Uncle Sam himself!

The Freedom train will depart from the Bryson City Depot on July 4th at 7:00 pm and will follow the Nantahala Gorge Excursion route to the Fontana Trestle. Once at the trestle, the train will pause for some remarkable lake views and then will make its way back to Bryson City.

The train will return in just enough time to disembark in Bryson City and enjoy Bryson City’s Freedom Fest for a fantastic fireworks show! NO RUSHING, NO TRAFFIC WORRIES, just the enjoyment of this patriotic celebration. Seating is limited. Reserve your train ticket today!

In the Gallery
Jul 4 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

July 4th Weekend Family Fun
Jul 4 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

July 4th is the ultimate summer holiday to spend with family and friends and Chimney Rock is the perfect place to do it. July 1 – 4 you can challenge yourself on our 32-foot climbing tower, take in the different views on one of our many trails and even get up-close to some of our wilder staff at the 2pm Family Animal Encounters program.

Summer Sizzle
Jul 4 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Montreat Fourth of July Parade
Jul 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC

10am along Assemble Drive, Montreat.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Jul 4 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Ingles Independence Day Celebration
Jul 4 @ 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm

The Asheville Downtown Association will host the Ingles Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 4 from 2-10pm at Pack Square Park in downtown AshevilleThis event is produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.

The free event features family activities throughout the day, with a fireworks extravaganza capping off the event at 9:30pm.

The Ultimate Air Dogs return to Asheville for the 4th of July event. Competitions will take place at 2pm4pm and 6pm, with the finals at 7:30pm. Learn more about the Ultimate Air Dogs and how to register your dog to compete at ultimateairdogs.comPets are only allowed in the Air Dogs area and not throughout the rest of the event.

Two giant slides, an obstacle course, a toddler bouncy house and a slack-line area will be part of a $3 wristband allowing kids to jump, bounce, balance  and race as many times as they’d like. There will also be free children’s crafts provided by LEAF Easel Rider and lawn games provided by the Girl Scouts.

The Splashville Fountain will be on until 6pm as well for kids to cool off and splash about.

Stage entertainment kicks off at 5pm with local outfit, The Moon and You. This husband-and-wife team’s vocal blend and heartfelt lyrics form a sound that is warm and inviting with songs ranging from folk to bluegrass, country to jazzy.

Up next at 6:30pm is Redleg Husky, a country and bluegrass group hailing from right here in Asheville. The duo pushes musical boundaries in their impassioned live show.

Headlining the Ingles Independence Day Celebration is The Larry Keel Experience. Described by music critics and reviewers as the most powerful, innovative and all-out exhilarating acoustic flatpicking guitarist performing today, Keel has shared the stage with legends like Del McCoury, Bill Monroe and John Hartford. The Larry Keel Experience combines a multitude of musical influences, instrumental dexterity, and original songs to create an explosive acoustic sound. The Larry Keel Experience will hit the stage at 8pm.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase including local, regional and national brews. Water and other drinks will also be available for purchase.

Food vendors include: Cecilia’s Kitchen, D.O.G.S., El Kimchi, The Grubbery Food Truck, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, The Hop, Kernal Mike’s Famous Kettle Corn, Mac Daddy’s Organic Lemonade, Paris Festival Bakery, Sugar and Snow Gelato and Sunshine Sammies.

No outside alcohol, pets or vending will be permitted. Parking is available in City of Asheville parking decks, on the street or in private lots.

This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Ingles Markets, City of Asheville, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Pepsi, Kudzu Brands, Go Minis, AT&T, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Sam Adams, 99.9 Kiss Country, Mix 96.5, Rock 105.1, The 828.com, Asheville Scene, Asheville Citizen-Times, Buncombe County, Renaissance Asheville Hotel, Asheville Color & Imaging and Moe’s Original Bar B que.

The Ingles Independence Day Celebration is a production of the Asheville Downtown Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation and improvement of the central business district.

More information about the Ingles Independence Day Celebration and the Asheville Downtown Association can be found online at www.ashevilledowntown.org.

Street Dance & Fireworks
Jul 4 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
NC

Live music – Street dance 5:30-9:30 pm on Sutton Ave.  Food vendors on site.
Fireworks will start at dark from behind BI-LO.

FIREWORKS Lake Julian Park
Jul 4 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: Lake Julian Park – 406 Overlook Extension Arden, NC
Link: http://buncomberecreation.org

Annual FIreworks display.  Begins at dark.  Park is closed to vehicle traffic except for Handicap.  Parking is at Estes Elementary School on Overlook Rd.  Shuttles will be operating.

Fireworks Extravaganza
Jul 4 @ 9:30 pm
Fireworks Extravaganza

Celebrate July 4th with a day of family fun at Tweetsie Railroad, and the High Country’s most spectacular fireworks display. The park will remain open until 9:00 pm and fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.

Thursday, July 5, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 5 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Disney’s Aladdin JR.
Jul 5 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown

Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is sure to send audiences soaring on a flying carpet ride filled with romance and adventure.

Showtimes are Thursdays at 3:00PM, Fridays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, Saturdays at 1:00PM and 4:00PM, and Sundays at 3:00PM.

 

Playhouse Downtown 125 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 5 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

In the Gallery
Jul 5 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

Summer Sizzle
Jul 5 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Preschool Story Time
Jul 5 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
260 Overlook Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6488
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 260 Overlook Rd. – Asheville
Library: Skyland / South Buncombe

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

Toddler Story Time
Jul 5 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
105 N. Dougherty St.

Phone: 828-250-4756
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.)
Location: 105 N. Dougherty St. – Black Mountain
Library: Black Mountain

Toddler Times are lively interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.