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.

Saturday, July 17, 2021
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jul 17 @ 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.

$5 Mimosas
Jul 17 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Down Dog

$5 Mimosas

$5 Mimosas every Saturday & Sunday

Brian McKnight LIVE at Silverados
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

Brian McKnight Live at Silverados 07 17 2021.jpg

We are thrilled to welcome Bryan McKnight to our Outdoor Concert Series.

Come and enjoy an amazing night of R&B music from this icon right here in the Swannanoa Valley.

 

 

GATES OPEN:  5pm

SHOW STARTS:  7PM

AGE LIMIT:  All Ages Show

 

WEATHER:  Rain or shine – No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather.

PARKING:  Parking available at Appalachian Tool (One Minute Away) 121 Lytle Cove Rd for $10.

SHUTTLE:   Free shuttle service provided starting at 6pm.

THE GOOD STUFF:  Food trucks and full bar service available onsite.  Outside food & beverage is not permitted

SEATING:  Festival Style General Admission – we don’t provide seating.  Feel free to bring your favorite camping chair to enjoy the show. .  Bags are not permitted.

GUEST SAFETY: No Weapons of any kind allowed on the property.  Metal Detectors will be at the gates to ensure the safety of all guests.

REFUNDS:  Refunds only issued in the event of a cancellation.

 

Silverados is on the public bus route.

NC Covid Protocols will be followed.

UBER/LYFT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Make sure to get your $1 membership in advance for entry.   Available at silveradoswnc.com

Fontana Trestle Train: BBQ + Brews
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family-friendly seating will be available on this experience!

Departing from Bryson City at 7 pm, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9 pm.

In the Basket

Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with a hand-pulled pork slider, a couple of pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.

And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.

TOUBAB KREWE
Jul 17 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage

Toubab Krewe

Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound.

Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2.

This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they’ve exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets’ Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl’s Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community.

Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group’s travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali.  But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they’ve learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.

Sunday, July 18, 2021
Summer is coming and that means fans! Donate with Eblen Charities
Jul 18 all-day
Online

Summer is coming and that means fans!
We will begin distributing fans to those who are in need very soon. Each fan is purchased at a cost of around $20. If you would like to help cover the cost of a fan to keep someone cool this summer, please visit our website to make a donation or mail a donation to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville NC 28806
Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jul 18 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

$5 Mimosas
Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Down Dog

$5 Mimosas

$5 Mimosas every Saturday & Sunday

Bluegrass Brunch
Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Jul 18 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Food Truck Sundays
Jul 18 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

The Appalucians
Jul 18 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Double duos Aditi and Jay (of Shantavaani) and Angie and Cas (of the Blushin’ Roulettes) join together as The Appalucians. The original folk and roots band from the hills of North Carolina blend lyrical depth, humor and harmonies to create their signature sound.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.

Monday, July 19, 2021
Summer is coming and that means fans! Donate with Eblen Charities
Jul 19 all-day
Online

Summer is coming and that means fans!
We will begin distributing fans to those who are in need very soon. Each fan is purchased at a cost of around $20. If you would like to help cover the cost of a fan to keep someone cool this summer, please visit our website to make a donation or mail a donation to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville NC 28806
Live Music with Karen Clardy
Jul 19 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Down Dog

Live Music with Karen Clardy

Monday night live music is here! Karen is a solo singer-songwriter from Greenville, South Carolina. She is an indie alternative artist exploring her sound one song at a time. If you like soft-edge guitar picking and soulful vocals, grab your pup and join us for a drink and some jams!

BIKE NIGHT MONDAYS
Jul 19 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

Join us every MONDAY for our 2021 Summer Bike Night Series with special musical guest Contagious rocking our stage. Fresh catered BBQ Plates will be available for sale. Hop on your bike and come on down for bike nights in the Swannanoa Valley!

Just a friendly reminder, the State of NC requires a MEMBERSHIP to enjoy our venue.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Summer is coming and that means fans! Donate with Eblen Charities
Jul 20 all-day
Online

Summer is coming and that means fans!
We will begin distributing fans to those who are in need very soon. Each fan is purchased at a cost of around $20. If you would like to help cover the cost of a fan to keep someone cool this summer, please visit our website to make a donation or mail a donation to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville NC 28806
Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Tacos + Trivia Tuesday
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog

Tacos & Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Tacos & Trivia!

Twisted Roots will be cooking up a variety of tacos and authentic sides (vegetarian options available) starting at 5 pm.

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for good food, a good time, and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, July 21, 2021
2021 School Supply Drive – Last days
Jul 21 all-day
Online

Join United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County as we set out to once again equip students with the tools they need to win in the classroom. The donated supplies to the annual School Supply Drive are distributed to elementary and middle grades students through distribution partners working directly with youth throughout Buncombe County. We can’t thank you enough for your contribution to students and families. For more information visit www.unitedwayabc.org/schoolsupplydrive2021.

UWABC SSD Logo 2021

Summer is coming and that means fans! Donate with Eblen Charities
Jul 21 all-day
Online

Summer is coming and that means fans!
We will begin distributing fans to those who are in need very soon. Each fan is purchased at a cost of around $20. If you would like to help cover the cost of a fan to keep someone cool this summer, please visit our website to make a donation or mail a donation to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville NC 28806
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jul 21 @ 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.

Dog Adoption Event with Mountain Pet Rescue
Jul 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Down Dog

Dog Adoption Event with Mountain Pet Rescue

Help us support a paw-some cause! Mountain Pet Rescue will be bringing adorable, adoptable pups while Twisted Roots cooks up some delicious grub!

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Jul 21 @ 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!

Witty Wednesday Trivia
Jul 21 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Jul 21 @ 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
Jul 21 @ 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.

Thursday, July 22, 2021
2021 School Supply Drive – Last days
Jul 22 all-day
Online

Join United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County as we set out to once again equip students with the tools they need to win in the classroom. The donated supplies to the annual School Supply Drive are distributed to elementary and middle grades students through distribution partners working directly with youth throughout Buncombe County. We can’t thank you enough for your contribution to students and families. For more information visit www.unitedwayabc.org/schoolsupplydrive2021.

UWABC SSD Logo 2021

Small is Big
Jul 22 all-day
Online

DID YOU KNOW?

For every $1 invested in adult literacy, $33 is returned to the community!

Small is Big is a campaign to support the work of a small non-profit, BLUE RIDGE LITERACY COUNCIL, and the big impact that it has on our community, through monthly contributions. Your donation of $20 a month will transform lives!

Summer is coming and that means fans! Donate with Eblen Charities
Jul 22 all-day
Online

Summer is coming and that means fans!
We will begin distributing fans to those who are in need very soon. Each fan is purchased at a cost of around $20. If you would like to help cover the cost of a fan to keep someone cool this summer, please visit our website to make a donation or mail a donation to Eblen Charities, 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville NC 28806