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, May 11, 2019
Funny, cliche’-free, immensely entertaining Speech and Debate
May 11 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Three misfit teenagers come together to start a Speech & Debate team at school, protest the school’s production of Once Upon a Mattress, and take down a possibly predatory teacher. Loyalties shift and secrets are revealed in this dark comedy by Tony-winner Stephen Karam.

Oleanna by David Mamet on Second Stage
May 11 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

OLEANNA BY DAVID MAMET
Second Stage
May 3-12
Director: Lora Ristau
He said, she said—but exactly what happened? Oleanna examines the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students, who accuses him of sexual exploitation and, by doing so, spoils his chances of being awarded tenure.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2833406970006432/?event_time_id=2833406993339763

28 Pages Live at Dry Falls Brewing Company
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewing Co.

Join us for rocking tunes 28 Pages style, cold craft beer and a delicious food truck at this great brewery located not far from downtown Hendersonville in the original “busy bend” area of Kanuga Road!

https://www.facebook.com/events/665231883907708/

Asheville Symphony: The Rite of Spring feat. Simone Porter, Violin
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Wed, 15 Aug 2018 at 10:00 AM

Darko Butorac, conductor
Simone Porter, violin

Márquez | Danzón No. 2
Saint-Saëns | Violin Concerto No. 3
Stravinsky | The Rite of Spring

The final concert of the season features three works full of vigor and rhythmic energy. The evening begins with Márquez’s Danzón No. 2, a colorful work inspired by the sultry rhythms of Mexico’s Gulf Coast. Next, rising star violinist Simone Porter brings impassioned energy for Saint-Saëns’ virtuosic Violin Concerto No. 3. The evening reaches its pinnacle with a performance of one of the most powerful pieces of orchestral music ever written: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Nearly one hundred musicians unite to take the audience on an unforgettable and electrifying musical journey in this rare performance.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2120994778181027/

Daddy Rabbit Live at Triskelion
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Triskelion Brewing Company

“This is a hardcore, hard-driving blues rock band that likes packed houses full of hot and sweaty blues lovers who can rock out. You’ll be sure to hear the classics and even some of those cool lesser-known songs from across the pond and down in the delta.”
— Blue Ridge Now

Local favorite Daddy Rabbit Takes the Triskelion stage. They are a blues and blues/rock band based in Western North Carolina.

Travis Corcoran: Guitars, Slide Guitar, Vocals
Robb Grace: Keyboards, Harp
David Cohen: Drums, Percussion
Wayne Barwick: Bass Guitar, Vocals

https://www.facebook.com/events/557726524700520/

Dance Theatre of Harlem
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Peace Center

A singular presence in the ballet world, Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics and neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook as an affirmation of the power of art to transform, the Dance Theatre of Harlem company — comprised at that time of African American artists barred from US ballet companies because of the color of their skin — became an expression of human excellence that broke down barriers and inspired millions.

Program (subject to change):

Valse Fantaisie (George Balanchine): When George Balanchine created this version of Valse Fantaisie to Mikhail Glinka’s music of the same name, he employed his signature musicality, fleetness, and brilliance. Valse Fantaisie is performed by five women and one man who capture the music’s joyful spirit in this gem of neo classicism.

This Bitter Earth (Christopher Wheeldon): Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s sublime pas de deux This Bitter Earth is set to a mashup of Max Richter’s minimalist “On the Nature of Daylight” and Dinah Washington’s soulful rendition of the 1960s rhythm and blues hit “This Bitter Earth.” The resulting brief encounter between a man and a woman leads one to believe that “…this bitter earth may not be so bitter after all.”

Return (Robert Garland): A rousing blend of the elegance of classical ballet and the gritty drive of funk, Return is set to Aretha Franklin and James Brown to push the boundaries of pointe work and social dance alike.

Change (Dianne McIntyre): This work is inspired by women – Black, Brown, and Beige – who have refashioned the neighborhood, the country, and the world through their vision, courage, and endurance. Often unsung, inconspicuous, or up-front, these individuals could be called warriors for change.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2081882825385588/

Didi’s Drag Showcase – Henderson County’s Only Drag Show Is Back
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Artisan Entertainment

Ages 21+
Tickets start at only $7.50
$30 reserved table for four (only 5 sold at that price)
Tickets now on sale.

The drag queens are coming back in 2019. Didi hosts Henderson County’s #1 (well only, but still #1) drag queen show.

Join Didi and some of her friends… some you will know from previous shows and some new names to the list. Lineup to be announced soon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/216877879263953/

Further to Fly LIVE at Sanctuary Brewing Co.
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sanctuary Brewing Company

Join us at Sanctuary Brewing Company on Saturday May 11th 2019 as Further to Fly performs fresh off of their latest EP Release! Their last performance left Everyone wanting more…So here is your Chance!

The musical love child of songwriters Karen Corn and Adam Herbst, Hendersonville’s own Further To Fly was born into the world kicking, screaming and demanding to be heard. After several years of writing songs together, this duo finally decided that the world needed to hear what they are creating. Performing as a trio with Kurt Wuerfele on lapsteel, electric and acoustic guitar, Further to Fly brings unique acoustic, electric and eclectic music to the folks of Western North Carolina and beyond.

www.furthertofly.co

https://www.facebook.com/events/259699941644884/

In It To Wynette: a Tribute to Tammy Wynette at UpCountry
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
UpCountry Brewing Company

Are you in it to Wynette? Come visit our Asheville taproom this Saturday as we pay tribute to the First Lady of Country Music: Tammy Wynette!

Cyndi Lou & the Want To will play your favorite Tammy songs and feature some of the finest guest star vocalists in town, throughout Saturday evening. Bring your friends to hear some of Asheville’s finest songbirds and dance to some classic country this weekend! 8PM start time, no cover, and plenty of beer. ?

We’ll also be donating a percentage of sales to Helpmate, a local nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, counseling, and resources for victims of domestic violence.

Come support local nonprofits, country music, and craft beer!

https://www.facebook.com/events/357078138243518/

Live Music with Crystal and Judge
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mica Town Brewing

Join us for a free show with Crystal Hurt and Judge Hughes!

https://www.facebook.com/events/344983132817301/

Soldado Plays Greenhouse Moto Cafe
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Greenhouse Moto Cafe

We’re back at this awesome place on May 11th. Join us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/763600077345187/

Supervillain, The Shrünken Heads, Robbie Chemical
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – May 12 @ 1:00 am
Sly Grog Lounge

Local Rock outfits Supervillain and The Shrunken Heads hit the stage with special guest Robbie Chemical from Brooklyn, NY. Only a $5.00 Cover!

Come on down to Sly Grog for a flavorful evening jam packed with Rock.

Supervillain
https://officialsupervillain.bandcamp.com/
Http://www.facebook.com/OfficialSupervillain

The Shrunken Heads

Robbie Chemical

https://www.facebook.com/events/776474942734879/

Tyler Ramsey (Album Release Show) **at AVL MASONIC TEMPLE**
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Tyler Ramsey (Album Release Show) **at AVL MASONIC TEMPLE** at The Grey Eagle

https://www.facebook.com/events/860377317643454/

Black Hole Son plus Mega X – Live in Asheville NC!
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – May 12 @ 12:00 am
The Orange Peel

Come celebrate the life and music of the one and only Chris Cornell with us May 11th at The Orange Peel! Songs from Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audioslave and his solo career!

https://www.facebook.com/events/305029690200476/

CommUNITY Salsa at THE BLOCK off biltmore
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – May 12 @ 2:00 am
THE BLOCK off biltmore

Hola Carolina and THE BLOCK off biltmore Present: CommUNITY Salsa

Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Kizomba y mucho mas!!
with DJ Edi

$5
beginner dance lesson begins at 9:00, DJ begins at 9:30

Todos los Sabados de 9-2

https://www.facebook.com/events/1043582389166757/?event_time_id=1043582449166751

LaZoom Comedy Night: Jenn Snyder
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
LaZoom Room

At 5’2″, comedian Jenn Snyder packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town, to her dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-jenn-snyder-tickets-61201280678

Porch 40 + Sanctum Sully + The Company Stores: “Radio Edit Tour”
May 11 @ 9:00 pm – May 12 @ 12:00 am
The Grey Eagle

Porch 40 + Sanctum Sully + The Company Stores: “Radio Edit Tour” at The Grey Eagle

Join us as Porch 40 tours in support of their Sophomore album, “Radio Edit”. Produced by Robert Mercurio from Galactic and recorded at The Parlor in New Orleans, “Radio Edit”, according to Garret Woodward of the Smoky Mountain News, “will ultimately push the Jackson County group to the next level. This is what it takes to break into the national touring scene. The record itself runs right up to the line of being slick, but without ever coming across as too polished, a perhaps subconscious sentiment Porch 40 delivers in its live shows where the tone aims to be as inclusive and jovial as possible.”

Porch 40 formed in 2012 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. They play a style of highly Progressive Funk Rock that has won over an eclectic audience everywhere they perform. Incorporating elements from R&B, Jazz, and Funk with the best of the Rock, Progressive, Indie and Metal, they cross over genres with ease.
http://www.porch40.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/644107809361093/

angling Sparrows Fly Into Asheville at Jack Of The Wood
May 11 @ 10:00 pm
Jack Of The Wood

Asheville’s very own Jangling Sparrows fly into Jack of The Wood with a full band performance, Saturday, May 11. 10pm. No cover. 95 Patton Ave., Info: (828) 252-5445 or visit https://jackofthewood.com.

 

The Mountain Xpress picked the ‘Sparrow’s recent Mid-December Asheville show as a ‘Smart Bet,’ noting, “the duo (also featuring Dave Baker) are putting some lush, tight harmonies and moody, pulsing bass drops on new, unreleased music and choice cuts from all three (Jangling Sparrows) releases.”

 

Fronted by eclectic guitarist-vocalist, Paul Edelman, the band’s most recent release140 Nickels was voted a “Best Indie Album” selection by the L.A. Music Critic Awards, who added, “Watch for these guys near the top of the Americana music scene!”. 140 Nickels has received stellar reviews from national publications No Depression, The Alternate Root, Music Connection and more, plus extended national/international airplay.

Dr. Bacon w/ Metaphonia | Asheville Music Hall
May 11 @ 10:00 pm – May 12 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall

Genre: Funk/Rock
Tickets: adv. $10 / dos. $13
Show: 10PM (Doors: 9PM)
Ages: 21+

Dr. Bacon

Dr. Bacon is a genre blending “Appalachian Funk-Rock” band from Asheville, NC. Performing an infectiously danceable blend of funk, soul, jazz, rock, blues, folk, hip-hop and more. Featuring as diverse instrumentation as influencing styles including: guitars, resonator, harmonica, bass, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone drums, trombone, violin, pedal steel, mandolin, kazoo and more. Dr. Bacon is sure to get you moving and grooving.

web: http://www.drbaconband.com
vid: https://youtu.be/ymue3OFt37U

Metaphonia

Formed in 2014 in Boone, NC, Metaphonia is the prog-funk brainchild of bassist/vocalist Alex Golden and keyboardist Mike Runyon. What started as a trio betweenGolden, Runyon, and drummer Jason Burch, swiftly turned into a head-spinning chamber orchestra of jazz-rock madness. With a current lineup also featuring Erik Brandt (guitar), Blake Bostain (trumpet), Zack Wheeler (saxophone), and Joshua “Bizket” Upchurch (percussion), Metaphonia boasts some of the finest and most diverse talents in the high country. So, if funky, complex, and seldom-apologetic, satirical lyrical content sound up your crooked alley, Metaphonia is just the nonsense for you!

web: https://metaphoniaband.com
vid: https://youtu.be/FpIu0Cz_BMQ

https://www.facebook.com/events/409757839799299/

Undergrowth presents Ascentient & Dancemyth wsg Mycorr
May 11 @ 10:00 pm – May 12 @ 2:00 am
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Genre: Electronic
Cover: $5 Suggested Donation @ Door
Show: 10PM
Ages: 21+

Ascentient

Ascentient is the original psychedelic weird bass project of Cord
Blaze. Ascentient is Incorporating live synth drum
performed over original tracks and remixes. Ascentient is bringing a
much appreciated genre-bending style to a scene hungry for innovation
driven wonky bass music.

After 4 years of touring, 120 performances around the USA and 40+
music festivals including, The Untz Festival 2018, Backwoods 2015 &16,
Zen Awakening, Mad Tea Party Jam , 3 Days of light Gathering 2015-17
and numerous others, Ascentient has garnered fans and a place in the
psychedelic intentional bass community.

Check out the brand new “Tandem Tactics” EP alongside fellow
collaborator Dancemyth on March 26th via The Undergrowth!

tunes: https://soundcloud.com/ascentientmusic

Dancemyth

Raised in Warren, Michigan, Dancemyth brings a versatile and
genre-bending performance to the stage. His productions blend together
all of the influences derived from his roots; from funky jazz trombone
to heavy metal guitar riffs, Dancemyth always strives to play a very
diverse set. From uptempo to downtempo, his sets can either deliver
high energy, or keep it nice and chill with your
head noddin’. Hibernating in the studio has brought great things; from
a release on Wormhole Music Group, to collabs with artists on multiple
other compilations around the country.

tunes: https://soundcloud.com/dancemyth

Mycorr

The name Mycorr is derived from the word Mycorrhiza –
A mycorrhiza (from Greek μυκός mykós, “fungus”, and ῥίζα rhiza, “root”; pl. mycorrhizae or mycorrhizas) is a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular host plant. This connection has been proven to host communication between plants across entire forests and acts much like a neural network.

This innovative production project is known for heavy hypnotic grooves and unique sound design cleverly merged with live synthesis and instrumental/vocal collaborations. Creating a live experience full of psyphonic vibes to make a different type of dance music tied with deep emotion and motivating energy.

Brain child of Sean Baumann it was born just 2 years ago in Asheville NC and making moves fast in the scene opening for artists such as Random Rabb, Break Science, Psymbionic, DrumSpyder, Desert Dwellers, and Kalya Scintilla

Music is the most powerful form of magic. It has the power to heal and realign the mind. I hope the sounds sooth and inspire you like they do for me.

https://www.facebook.com/events/336510343668760/

Late Night Music
May 11 @ 11:00 pm – May 12 @ 2:00 am
AUX Bar

Shake what yo momma gave ya, every Saturday 11pm-2am. Dance Party. No cover. Do it.

https://www.facebook.com/events/341354513259016/?event_time_id=341354569925677

Sunday, May 12, 2019
Mother’s Day Breakfast, Lunch, & Brunch Medina’s Bistro
May 12 @ 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Medina's Village Bistro

Mother’s Day Breakfast, Lunch, & Brunch

https://www.facebook.com/events/406328296807651/

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.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Chimney Rock
May 12 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Celebrate mom with a day of outdoor adventure this Mother’s Day. Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and receive another regularly-priced adult ticket for free with coupon from ChimneyRockPark.com.

After a day of hiking, enjoy lunch at Old Rock Cafe who will be hosting a special Mother’s Day Lunch Special and then enjoy a wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro – Chimney Rock. Show your Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park receipt at the tasting room to receive a free wine tasting with the purchase of a regularly-priced wine tasting. (Offers valid Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12, 2019)

https://www.facebook.com/events/838827233126941/?event_time_id=838827236460274

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Chimney Rock
May 12 @ 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Celebrate mom with a day of outdoor adventure this Mother’s Day. Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and receive another regularly-priced adult ticket for free with coupon from ChimneyRockPark.com.

After a day of hiking, enjoy lunch at Old Rock Cafe who will be hosting a special Mother’s Day Lunch Special and then enjoy a wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro – Chimney Rock. Show your Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park receipt at the tasting room to receive a free wine tasting with the purchase of a regularly-priced wine tasting. (Offers valid Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12, 2019)

https://www.facebook.com/events/838827233126941/

Mother’s Day Weekend Special
May 12 @ 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Moms will do anything for their children. Why not return the love by treating your mom to a beautiful day at Chimney Rock to enjoy a wonderful hike with stunning views?
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and mom or grandma receives one free with our online coupon.

Coupon required; download one at chimneyrockpark.com and present it (in print or on your mobile device) at the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase. Valid May 11-12, 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/events/319980518723421/?event_time_id=319980522056754

Owners Day
May 12 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Land Rover Experience Biltmore

Throughout the year, we’re proud to feature exclusive Owner’s Day events at Biltmore Land Rover Experience. Unique from typical Experience Center experiences, these events encourage owners to bring and drive their own vehicle, and spend the day with other Land Rover owners.

https://www.facebook.com/events/156924215214538/

Shades of Spring Photo Contest
May 12 @ 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Wildflowers springing from the ground are a sign that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Shades of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

Cost: No additional cost to enter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/267786327235081/?event_time_id=267786363901744

Let a Joy Keep You – youth art exhibit
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

An exhibition of youth art titled “Let a Joy Keep You,” is on display from April 1 to May 31, 2019. The inspiration for the art comes from the first line of Carl Sandburg’s poem “Joy.” Each of the 70 canvases reflects how the young artists chose to interpret what joy means to them. Visitors can see the installation at the Sandburg Home when they visit. Young artists are represented from across the country and locally, including students from Sugarloaf Elementary School in Hendersonville, NC.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2304444942927531/?event_time_id=2304444979594194

Mothers Day -Mothers KidZip and Climb the Treetops for free
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

On May 12, Mothers Day, Moms climb ATAP and Zip at KidZip for free with paying friends/family.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1063745817149839/