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.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Aug 11 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Aug 11 @ 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. 

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Aug 11 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Cider @ TreeRock Social w/ 30’s and 40’s Women Near Asheville
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
TreeRock Social Cider & Mead Bar

Cider @ TreeRock Social

Hi ladies! Let’s meet at Asheville’s first and only mead & cider bar. There is an outdoor patio and garden, which is pet friendly.
And, for those who are not fans of cider or mead, they also have craft beers available.

What we’re about

Let’s go out and experience the adventures that await in Asheville! If you like connecting with other women that are interested in easy/moderate hiking, waterfalls, breweries, restaurants, silent discos, comedy shows, paint nights, museums, and much more adventures, then this group is for you!

Well-Crafted Wednesdays w/ Matt Smith
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company
Witty Wednesday Trivia
Aug 11 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Meet and Greet – Sovereign Kava Bar w/ Into the Mystic – Asheville MeetUp
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava Bar

Calling all Mystics for a relaxing evening at the Sovereign Kava Bar.
This is an open forum for everyone to come and get to know each other.

For anyone not familiar with the Kava Bar its a cool place with a laid back atmosphere. Often has local live music or some kind of open mic. Hopefully we will hanging outside in the fresh if the weather cooperates with us.

What we’re about

If you’re excited about the coming spring or just feel like getting out and having some fun, this is the group for you!

We are all about meeting in Person and exploring life Together.

Lets embrace the beauty of these mountains and all that life has to offer!

We will focus on building friendships while we explore Spirituality, our Connection to Nature and All Living Things. We welcome people of any perspective who have an open mind and are willing to create genuine connections and memories with other kindred souls.

Some activities we will be scheduling include:
-Various Social Events to meet and get to know each other
-Hammocking, Picnics, Playing Games
-Activities to help us connect with nature
-Hiking, Camping and Mountain Biking
-Activities designed to help us learn and explore
-Plant Identification, Astrology, Meditation, and Sharing Knowledge

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Latin Night Wednesday
Aug 11 @ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
One World Brewing West

Latin Night Wednesday

MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday.  Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.

DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Aug 11 @ 9:00 pm – Aug 12 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, August 12, 2021
COVID-19 Delta Variant Q+A with Drs. Cindy Gray and David Wohl
Aug 12 all-day
Online
Why is the COVID-19 Delta variant so concerning?
Watch this Q&A with UNC School of Medicine infectious diseases experts Cindy Gay, MD, who leads vaccine clinical trials at UNC for the Moderna and Novavax vaccines, and co-investigator David Wohl, who led the UNC-Chapel Hill vaccine clinic and heads the monoclonal antibody treatment clinic for UNC Health. They answer questions about the COVID-19 Delta variant and vaccine efficacy and safety.
COVID-19 cases in our area as of July 27, 2021.
·     Henderson County – 219 cases
·     Buncombe County – 379 cases
·     Transylvania – 79 cases
·     Haywood County.- 109 cases
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Aug 12 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

Smoky Park Supper Club – SMALL GROUP OUTDOORS Meetup
Aug 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

 

Wendy and Jeannie are hosting an early happy hour outdoors at Smokey Park Supper Club located on Riverside Dr in RAD.

Please bring your own chair so we can social distance and stay safe.

We are following CDC guidelines, wear a mask in public and do not attend if you have any symptoms of respiratory illness.

Thank you for your cooperation.

CHECK YOUR EMAIL in the morning for any weather updates!!

What we’re about

If you are a coffee lover, then you need to know this word: FIKA (fee-ka). It is a Swedish word that doesn’t translate well to English. It is a noun. It is a verb. And it must be experienced. You go to have a fika. And when you meet for fika, you fika. Followers of the 40 days of Fika series on FortyDaysFika.com & Ashevilleblog.com have been requesting to gather for Fika – so we are delivering! If you would like to slow down, meet some new people, and enjoy a cup o’ joe, then come and pull up a chair for some coffee and companionship. Meet us every week at a different location around Asheville and join us for Fika – coffee and friendship. Just look for the Swedish flag on the table! Everyone is welcome!

The Blood Connection at Highland Brewing
Aug 12 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Aug 12 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Aug 12 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

ArborEvenings
Aug 12 @ 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.
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: OUT OF THE BOX: COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE CHALLENGE
Aug 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
WNC Farmers Market

Community Supported Agriculture is a model of food exchange that asks eaters to buy a
share in the risk of farming to support local food systems. The typical structure is a consumer
outlay of cash at the beginning of a farmer’s season in exchange for a weekly box of local
food throughout the year. The model has been lauded, widely adopted, and successful in the
farm to table movement, but it also faces wide criticisms related to access and feasibility as
a true catalyst for good food. To explore this topic with flavor, Chow Chow joins with chefs
and thought-leaders for a CSA challenge that showcases out-of-the-box thinking about
CSAs, using various examples from a typical seasonal weekly CSA share. Participants will
enjoy bites and beverages from the creations that each chef unboxes and transforms into
both fresh and fermented flavors. Meanwhile, different takes on the popular CSA model will
be shared. This event aims to be a true example of a community exchange-of good food,
thought-provoking discussion, and our ultimate common ground.

Gluten-Free Comedy, open mic at Ginger’s Revenge
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Aug 12 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Salsa Night Thursday
Aug 12 @ 9:30 pm – Aug 13 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, August 13, 2021
COVID-19 Delta Variant Q+A with Drs. Cindy Gray and David Wohl
Aug 13 all-day
Online
Why is the COVID-19 Delta variant so concerning?
Watch this Q&A with UNC School of Medicine infectious diseases experts Cindy Gay, MD, who leads vaccine clinical trials at UNC for the Moderna and Novavax vaccines, and co-investigator David Wohl, who led the UNC-Chapel Hill vaccine clinic and heads the monoclonal antibody treatment clinic for UNC Health. They answer questions about the COVID-19 Delta variant and vaccine efficacy and safety.
COVID-19 cases in our area as of July 27, 2021.
·     Henderson County – 219 cases
·     Buncombe County – 379 cases
·     Transylvania – 79 cases
·     Haywood County.- 109 cases
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
Aug 13 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online w/ Asheville Jewish Community Center

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Aug 13 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Aug 13 @ 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. 

ArborEvenings
Aug 13 @ 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.
Brews and Bears w/ The WNC Nature Center
Aug 13 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The WNC Nature Center

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  • Watch Black Bears Uno and Ursa enjoy popsicle enrichment
  • Learn how to help bears in the wild with BearWise
  • Walk the park with your favorite drink in hand
  • Support the wild animals you love with this fundraiser!

Highland Brewing beer
Pleb Urban Winery wine
Urban Orchard cider
Gypsy Queen Cuisine food truck
Blunt Pretzels cart
Ice cream treats
Music provided by 105.9 The Mountain
Bear education provided by BearWise

LEAF Sip + Paint
Aug 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
LEAF Global Experience

Join us for a relaxing evening of wine (or sparkling juice), painting, and nibbles! Aprons and painting materials are provided and included in your ticket price.

 

UCW Rap And Wrestling 6: Back to Business
Aug 13 @ 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Asheville Music Hall