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, July 19, 2019
AshevilleFairyHair.com at Asheville Dispensary
Jul 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Dispensary

Come have some fun with us, while you Sip & Sparkle!
Delicious libations (CBD can be added), and Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair!
It’s going to be a Fairy-Good Time!

Summer Concert Series: Jesse Barry and The Jam
Jul 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Jesse Barry, known for her soulful blues pipes and contagious enthusiasm on stage, began her music career at the tender age of eight years old. Influenced by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Etta James, and Susan Tedeschi, Jesse has created her own, unique blues sound. She is often described as an “old soul” and audiences are stunned by the huge voice that comes out of her small body. Popularly known as “Skinny Legs” from Skinny Legs and All, a band she created as a teenager, Jesse has placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best Of” blues band category three years in a row, and has performed at B.B. King’s Club for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and at the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jesse competed on the popular TV show “American Idol” in season 9 and has made a lasting impact on her hometown, Asheville, North Carolina. She has recorded 3 albums with Skinny Legs and All and is currently working with her blues, funk, and soul group Jesse Barry and The Jam, special events band A Social Function, and her new Steely Dan tribute band Dirty Logic.

Join us at Hickory Nut Gap to see Jesse Barry and The Jam perform, eat farm-to-fork food, and prepare to dance!

LaZoom Comedy: Casey Balsham
Jul 19 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Casey Balsham is a comedian and cheese lover out of New York City. She has been seen on Gotham Comedy Live, Tidal’s No Small Talk series and can be heard as one of the co-hosts of the popular Not Another True Crime Podcast by Betches. Casey was also the lead in the Off Broadway musical HA! and wrote and starred in her own one woman show called “Casey Balsham Does A Thing”. She has an album coming out this summer and would really like you to follow her on Instagram @casefaceb.

Featuring Robby Slowik
Hosted by TBA

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-casey-balsham-tickets-64181881736

Saturday, July 20, 2019
Friends of the Smokies Stomp
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HIckory Nut Gap Farm

Put on your dancing boots and join Friends of the Smokies for the 2nd annual “Smokies Stomp” Barn Party just outside of Asheville, NC. The Smokies Stomp supports projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park like Parks As Classrooms, which brings thousands of schoolchildren into the Smokies every year. Folks will be treated to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, live music, drinks, square dancing, and the opportunity to visit with rangers from the National Park Service. So come on out for fun and fundraising at the Smokies Stomp Barn Party!

Brevard Music Center “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert”
Jul 20 @ 8:30 pm
Brevard Music Center Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
Indiana Jones comes to three big screens at BMC—with live orchestra—

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

 Brevard Music Center (BMC) will present Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert at its open-air, lakeside Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (WPA). Relive the magic of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster 1981 adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra, under the direction of conductor Nicholas Buc. Movie screens will be situated on both the WPA main stage as well as the WPA lawn for this BMC concert. Popcorn, beverages, and casual concessions fare will also be available, plus there will be an appearance by Indiana Jones at the BMC photo booth that evening! (*The 8:30 PM timing reflects a special late start due to the movie.)

“The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before—with live orchestra!” said Brevard Music Center President & CEO Mark Weinstein. “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert, with its glorious score by John Williams, is the perfect way to introduce classical music to a young audience and one of the many family-friendly events featured at our 2019 summer festival season. Please join us for an unforgettable evening of film, music, and memories!”

LaZoom Comedy: Robby Slowik
Jul 20 @ 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Robby Slowik has been called “a national treasure and comedy’s most talented talent” by an anonymous reddit account that is definitely not controlled by Robby Slowik. Stop implying that it is.

And while those claims are true, it took time to get there. After starting comedy in Tampa, Fl (The cultural capital of the world) Robby moved to L.A. (The Tampa of California) before settling in New York City where he does stand-up most nights.

Aside from clubs and venues nationwide, Robby has done stand-up on Conan (TV!) and numerous festivals such as The Great American Comedy Festival and Laughing Skull.

He has also written for TV including working with Jon Stewart on his HBO project, as well as shows for IFC, MTV, and Comedy Central.

You can see where Robby is performing if he remembered to update the “shows” tab of his website this month.

Featuring Davidson Boswell and Casey Balsham
Hosted by TBA

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-robby-slowik-tickets-64190083267

Monday, July 22, 2019
The Blackout Diaries/Slice Comedy
Jul 22 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

TRUE stories from comedians who partied way too hard and lived to tell YOU the story. With photos from the events! Chicago comedy comes to it’s favorite mountain town to party.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019
PEPPERPALOOZA Festival at the West Asheville Tailgate Market
Jul 23 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Grace Baptist Church

ASHEVILLE, JULY 23, 2019– The West Asheville Tailgate Market will be hosting their very first “Pepperpalooza” in the parking lot of the Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Road, from 3:30-6:30pm. Pepperpalooza is a festival dedicated to celebrating the pepper is all it’s many colors, shapes, sizes, flavors…and levels of heat intensity.

Pepperpalooza is a fundraiser for the West Asheville Tailgate Market and all proceeds will go toward the growth of the market including kids activities, food tastings, cooking demos, and partnerships with other local non-profits for food-based educational programs in the future.

This at-market festival has several components including a raffle, hot pepper eating contest (for adults), bell pepper tastings (for kids), local hot sauce tastings, pepper roasting, ristra making, kids crafts, and a talk on the history of peppers. And of course, Pepperpalooza wouldn’t live up to its name without some rockin’ live music from local musicians.

The raffle includes 5 big prize packages including an assortment of food and crafts from WATM vendors. Raffle tickets are just $5 to enter or $12 for 3 and can be purchased on the WATM website or in person at the Pepperpalooza festival on July 23rd.

The main event will be the hot pepper eating contest where those who enter will get to eat their way up the Scoville Scale in intensity (milk and bread will be available to contestants once they tap out). The person who can take the most heat will win $50 in market bucks and a WATM t-shirt. The kiddos can play too! We’ll have a colorful bell pepper tasting where they can eat the rainbow of sweet peppers to pick which color they like best.

All those who yearn to feel the burn can taste an assortment of hot sauces which are being donated from local companies. For $3 you get a bowl of chips as a blank canvas to taste an assortment of sauces. That same $3 enters you into a raffle to win a bottle of all the hot sauces in the tasting.

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Back to School Blessing
Jul 27 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
New Covenant Church

You are invited to the 2nd Annual Back to School Blessing on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Last year we gave away over 700 backpacks filled with school supplies and had over 1,000 people in attendance. This year we have a goal to give away 1,000 backpacks filled of school supplies and expect 2,000 people in attendance. The 2nd Annual Back to School Blessing will also include food, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, inflatable attractions, raffle prizes and more, all for FREE! For more information and to register for FREE backpacks, visit newcovenantchurch.com.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Anything Goes Karaoke
Jul 31 @ 9:00 pm
Alley Cat Social Club

Every Wednesday Epic Karaoke at Alley Cat Social Club.
Anything Goes 9pm until 2am

Thursday, August 1, 2019
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Aug 1 all-day
Pulp Lounge

https://www.facebook.com/events/387484835228031/

Thursday night 8/1
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Featuing Jess Cooley
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$5 members/$2 for year membership
Comics get in free
(+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Kick It Tickets LEAF Downtown
Aug 3 all-day
Various locations Downtown Asheville

Kick It Ticket grants access to the Get Down Lounge
& the Capella on 9 Cocktail Hour.

Plus, get these sweet perks:

BITES & BEVS

  • Private Bar featuring Sierra Nevada, Pisgah, HI-Wire, and Wicked Weed brews. Titos, wine and more! Non-alc options also available.
  • Complimentary food refreshed throughout the weekend
  • 6 Drink Tickets per guest

SPACE TO RELAX

  • Private viewing area next to Pack Stage
  • Private Restrooms
  • Reserved Parking

SWAG FOR DAYS

  • Automatic raffle entry for a chance to win a pair of Fall LEAF Festival day tickets
  • Swag Bags full of goodness

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Lace up! Register Now for LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 3 all-day
Pack Square

RUN YOUR ASH OFF for Cultural Arts Education!
Your run (or walk) 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets
Saturday, August 3rd @ 9am

Lace up your shoes for the LEAF ART DASH,
for an art filled family-friendly 5K in downtown Asheville.
Costumes Encouraged | Pets Welcome
Art Dash kicks off Saturday LEAF Downtown AVL festivities!

This 3.1 mi COURSE will travel through the city,
complete with live roaming Artists & interactive arts.
It feels like a LEAF Parade! 
#RunYourAshOff

Sunday, August 4, 2019
60th Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 4 all-day
The Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center

For the last 60 years, Spruce Pine has welcomed rockhounds and gem and mineral enthusiasts to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Welcome to the North Carolina Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Festival website! Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Celebrating our Diamond Year!
August 1-4, 2019

One of the oldest & most popular mineral and gem shows in the country!

Admission $5 adults, $3 Seniors, Kids 10 & under free

Festival Times:
Thursday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Comedy Festival Launch Party/Famous Showcase #1
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Highland Brewing

We kick off the 13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival with a stellar lineup of comics from all over the country!

We are so glad to be returning, and what better way to kick off the 13th year of an amazing festival than by celebrating at Asheville’s best brewery?!

Performer Lineup

Andrew Orolfo

Max Fine

Natalie McGill

Ben Bryant

Lace Larrabee

Dro Knows

Hobert Thompson

Dan Carney

Spencer Dobson

Lindsay Glazer

Jeremy Alder

Thursday, August 8, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Famous Showcase #2
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 2 2019.jpg

Kyle Mara – Grisel Cabrera – Carter Deems – Zack Chapaloni – Scott Eason – Becca Steinhoff – Piers Moreton – Dan Drees – Nariko Ott – Ian Aber – Maddie Wiener – Rafe Williams –

Friday, August 9, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #3
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 3 2019.jpg

Maya May – David Sitrick – Janet McNamara – Jimmy HVD – Olivia Cathcart – Mike Feeney – Chey Bell – Nat Baimel – Caitlin Checkeroski – Dylan Vattelana – Aviva Siegel – Jeff Zenisek –

Saturday, August 10, 2019
25th Annual Twin Rivers Multimedia Festival & Film Screenings
Aug 10 all-day
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Film screenings of award-winning international/national/local films, premieres & official selections. Feature Film “Beautiful Jinn” by Bayram Fazli screens on Friday, 8-10pm. Screenings of Short Drama Animation, Short Dramas, Experimental Films, and Documentaries will run Saturday 11am – 6pm. Vote for Audience Award!
TRMF has become the festival of choice for filmmakers and film lovers who are seeking a unique Western North Carolina high quality cinema experience and a place to indulge their passion for film. The Festival connects audiences to compelling documentaries, award-winning international releases with tantalizing discussions with visiting filmmakers. This year the festival will be screening 46 films from 26 countries which also includes two selected films from Western North Carolina.

Sourwood Festival downtown Black Mountain
Aug 10 all-day
Downtown Black Mountain

The Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children in August each year.

Over 30,000 people from all over America will be in attendance at the festival which grows in popularity each year.

Music, dancing, arts & crafts, super food, kid’s rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment make it the perfect event for you and your entire family.

With about 200 vendors you will discover lots of local and unique arts and crafts and there will be something to please every palate with BBQ and vegetarian faire, custom-crafted ice cream and funnel cakes and jellies.  Summertime favorites include the sausages and corn on the cob.

Add to that the honey and bee demos as well as the gourmet sourwood honey – you don’t want to miss this event!

13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #4
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 4 2019.jpg

Pedro Gonzalez – Lucia Whalen – Ken Garr – Curtis Cook – Linda Belt – Gianmarco Soresi – Pauline Yasuda – Wellington Ojukwu – Gracie Canaan – Chris Flanagan – Winston Hodges – Courtney Gilmour –

Sunday, August 11, 2019
Sourwood Festival downtown Black Mountain
Aug 11 all-day
Downtown Black Mountain

The Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children in August each year.

Over 30,000 people from all over America will be in attendance at the festival which grows in popularity each year.

Music, dancing, arts & crafts, super food, kid’s rides and games, face painting and more in a no alcohol environment make it the perfect event for you and your entire family.

With about 200 vendors you will discover lots of local and unique arts and crafts and there will be something to please every palate with BBQ and vegetarian faire, custom-crafted ice cream and funnel cakes and jellies.  Summertime favorites include the sausages and corn on the cob.

Add to that the honey and bee demos as well as the gourmet sourwood honey – you don’t want to miss this event!

Monday, August 12, 2019
Moog Filtered Ale Returns for Moogmentum Grand Opening Celebration
Aug 12 all-day
Moogseum

 

Moog Filtered Ale Returns for Moogmentum Grand Opening Celebration

The Bob Moog Foundation and Asheville Brewing Company are proud to announce a very limited release of Moog Filtered Ale, a specially brewed ale named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. This unique pale ale will be available beginning Monday, August 12, 2019, in celebration of Moogmentum, the series of events marking the grand opening of the Foundation’s Moogseum, taking place August 13th-15th in downtown Asheville, NC. All profits from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit the Moogseum.

Moog Filtered Ale will be available on draft exclusively at Moogmentum events at the Asheville Masonic Temple and the Asheville Music Hall, as well as at Bottle Shop 604 in west Asheville and the Asheville Brewing Company in downtown Asheville.

“Moog Filtered Ale is a dry hopped pale ale with big citrus and tropical flavor and aroma,” stated Pete Langheinrich, Asheville Brewing Company’s head brewer. “Moog has always been a huge part of our brewery’s soundtrack and we’re very excited to work with such a true music pioneer. This brew showcases classic and modern American brewing techniques and reflects the passion and ingenuity of both Bob Moog and Asheville Brewing Company.”

Thursday, August 15, 2019
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Aug 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Aug 21 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Thursday, August 22, 2019
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Aug 22 @ 9:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Thursday night 8/1 Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Both Professionals and Newbies!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$5 members/$2 for year membership
Comics get in free
(+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Friday, August 23, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Aug 23 all-day
various locations see details

August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville