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, August 18, 2019
Riders In The Sky
Aug 18 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Come hear America’s favorite Cowboys, as this Grammy Award-winning quartet sing and entertain audiences “the Cowboy Way”. Performances at Noon and 3:00 p.m.

-Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.
-Reservations are not required for the shows.
-Shows included with regular park admission.

Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Aug 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 21 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

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

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 23 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Saturday, August 24, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Aug 24 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

Native Tree Nursery Weed Eater Workday
Aug 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville GreenWorks Nursery/ Buncombe County Sports Park

Image

The Asheville GreenWorks nursery is in need of some TLC. After multiple break-ins, vandalism, and theft of tools like weedeaters and chainsaws, we need your help more than ever.

For this workday, we are asking you to bring your weed eaters, if you can, and help clear out the brush in the nursery and hoop house. Don’t have a weed eater? That’s okay! In addition, we will do some hand weeding and other maintenance.

If getting in a good sweat and some hard work isn’t enough incentive, we’ll be sending you home with a native tree of your choosing. At the end of the workday, harvest some apples from the orchard and leave with a tree as well.

Wear work clothes to get dirty and close-toed shoes. Sunscreen, water, and hat are always a good idea. We will also provide some beverages.

All other tools and gear will be provided by GreenWorks.

Hi-Wire Oktoberfest at the Big Top
Aug 24 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing - Big Top

Join us as we kick-off the Oktoberfest season at Hi-Wire.

Hi-Wire’s annual annual Oktoberfest returns to Asheville Saturday, August 24 at Big Top with a bunch of individual and team games including Bouncy Ball Race, Dizzy Relay, Brat Toss, Grain Sack Toss, Stein Hoisting, and Mechanical Bull Riding.

We’ve got the INCREDIBLE Mountain Top Polka Band throwing down throughout the day. This family friendly event is one of our absolute favorites every year and we hope you’ll join us! $15 includes a custom liter stein and first fill-up. Liter fills of flagship and seasonal beers are $8 after that.

Sunday, August 25, 2019
18th Annual Organic Fest
Aug 25 all-day
Pack Square

ashevilles-organicfest-banner-dateless

Join us for a FUNtastic day of family-friendly fun, organic eats, live music, shopping at the Organicfest Marketplace & Greenstreet, Natural Arts & Crafts and plenty of eco- friendly fun for the little ones!

Railroad Heritage Weekend
Aug 25 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

A Once-a-Year Event for Railroad Enthusiasts of All Ages!

Celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives behind Tweetsie’s historic coal-fired, steam locomotives. Special attractions for rail fans, plus enjoy all of the Wild West adventure Tweetsie has to offer!

PSABC 2019 Potluck Picnic
Aug 25 @ 1:30 pm
Vance Birthplace
Join us for PSABC’s annual summer potluck picnic, this year hosted by the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site.  Show off your cooking skills and bring a dish for all to share.  Beverages, BBQ and tableware will be provided by your friends at PSABC.
There will be plenty of shade and tables and chairs for eating.  Bring along lawn chairs to relax after the meal!
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
2019 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament
Aug 27 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

The Chamber Classic Golf Tournament is a fun opportunity for members of the business community to network, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a beautiful day out of the office.

This Captain’s Choice tournament begins with a shotgun start at 8:00 am and again at 2:00 pm. Sponsors will host fun contests at several holes, with prizes offered for players.

Entry fee includes breakfast provided by Bojangles of WNC before the morning flight, and all participants are invited to enjoy a healthy lunch provided by Arby’s. Two beverage stations will be set up on the course, with beer provided by Highland Brewing Company and soft drinks from Pepsi-Cola.

Hole 14 on the course features a hole-in-one contest, and some lucky golfer may win a brand new car, compliments of Asheville Ford Lincoln!

. If you need assistance signing up as an individual, please contact [email protected]Space is limited so be sure to sign up your team soon!

Every great event needs volunteers!

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with this tournament may contact Judi Willard, at (828) 210-2729 or [email protected]

 

 

Summer Jam Festival at West Asheville Tailgate Market
Aug 27 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market

Come be a part of the fun when the West Asheville Tailgate Market hosts a big Haywood Road block party called the ‘Summer Jam Festival! It’s our way of saying farewell to summer and bringing the whole neighborhood out for one last hurrah before fall.

Summer Jam Fest is the market’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s a community-oriented festival with music (a jam band, of course!), food trucks, a bounce house, a giant raffle, lawn games, contests (like best jam, best beard, etc), and so much more!

Win prizes by entering the raffle (they’re just $5 for 1 or $12 for 3, or $20 for 5 available at www.westashevilletailgatemarket.com) or enter a pint of your homemade jam into the Jam Tasting Contest and you could be crowned Jam Royalty of the WATM-world.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 28 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

WNC Declassified: Local History Discoveries in Secret Documents
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

WNC Declassified:Local History Discoveries in Secret Documents

Join WNC Magazine senior editor and Friends of the North Carolina Room board member Jon Elliston as he recaps his yearlong written series with a multimedia presentation in the Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library.

Learn more about:

**Asheville’s Fascist: William Dudley Pelley’s obscure but infamous Silver Shirt movement lives on in his paper trail

**Swannanoa’s Superspy: Carl Duckett’s unlikely journey from small-town roots to top CIA official

**Rosman’s Spy Base: When the National Security Agency set up a mountain espionage station, it was a hard secret to keep

**Senator Sam Ervin’s Secret Wars: He stuck to the Constitution through clashes with McCarthy, the Army, CIA, and Nixon

**School Under Scrutiny: The FBI’s files on Black Mountain College tell a little-known story of art, politics, and surveillance

Local Author Launches Debut Novel at Malaprops Pop-Up
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm
Malaprop’s Pop-Up in downtown Hendersonville

My name is Meagan Lucas and I am a Hendersonville-based writer. I’m having a book launch for my debut novel, Songbirds and Stray Dogs, at the new Malaprop’s Pop-Up in downtown Hendersonville.

In Songbirds and Stray Dogs, 21 year old Beaufort waitress, Jolene, has spent the majority of her life living in the shadow of the pain her mother caused, and trying to prove herself worthy of her Aunt’s stingy love. Unintentionally pregnant and abandoned again, Jolene tries to outrun her shame in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Penniless, alone, and chased by demons from her past, she is forced to confront her mother’s legacy, and her own fear. Song Birds and Stray Dogs is a Southern story, born of sweet tea and the Bible Belt, chow-chow and cornbread, shot guns and porch rocking. But it is also a universal story of escaping the burden of your past and finding yourself at home in a strange land.

Fringe Summer Night at the Crow & Quill The Call For Artists
Aug 28 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Crow & Quill

To highlight the Call for Artists we are hosting our third and final
Fringe Summer Night.

This free event will feature 3 Fringe artist performances:
Amanda Levesque, Jenni Cockrell, and Alli Marshall
who will present performance art, butoh dance, and spoken word. Fringe Festival organizers will be also encouraging proposal submissions and answering questions about the process.

To apply for the 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, go to our all new website: http://www.ashevillefringe.org/apply-2020  Artists should read our Performer Guidelines, then submit an online application and tech form by Monday, September 23 at 9:23pm.

As always, we seek to create a festival line-up that includes dance, puppetry, storytelling, performance art, theatre, and things that blur the lines. Artists are encouraged to bring their most daring work, and will find full support from the Asheville Fringe Family.

Thursday, August 29, 2019
Kathy Izard: The Hundred Story Home
Aug 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

Kathy Izard: Reading & Signing "The Hundred Story Home" w AHOPE

Teen – (grades 6-12), Adult

Join us at Pack Memorial Library to welcome Kathy Izard, author of “The Hundred Story Home” and children’s book, “A Good Night for Mr. Coleman.” She will be conducting a reading followed by a Q&A with guests from AHOPE Day Center- Homeward Bound of WNC.

Kathy Izard is an award-winning author and speaker who helped bring transformation to Charlotte in homelessness, housing and mental health. Her memoir “The Hundred Story Home” has been featured on NPR and the TODAY Show and inspires people to be changemakers in their communities. kathyizard.com

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe will be here for book sales and help with the book signing.

Program is free and everyone is welcome. Doors open at 5:30.

Friday, August 30, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 30 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Arms and The Man Readers Theatre ACT
Aug 30 @ 2:30 pm
ACT: 35below

This comedy is often viewed as Shaw’s wittiest play! This is a borderline farce that will stimulate serious thinking about the nature of both romance and war. What is Raina to do when she finds that an enemy soldier has taken refuge in her room? What will her fiancée say? The plot, of course, thickens! Directed by Jim Reid and performed as Readers Theatre as a part of The Autumn Players’ Readers Theatre Showcase Series.

Saturday, August 31, 2019
Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Aug 31 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Fungi Fest 2019
Aug 31 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Warren Wilson College

What’s the difference between a mushroom and a toadstool? How many different varieties are there, and how can I tell which ones are edible? Why do they appear after rain, and how long do they stay around?

Come to The Asheville Mushroom Club’s FungiFest at Warren Wilson College on Saturday, August 31, 2019, and get answers to all the questions you ever had about mushrooms and the ones you never thought to ask!

As well as a huge display of wild mushrooms in all their varied shapes and colors, we’ll have educational displays, classes, guided mushroom walks in the college grounds, and vendors selling edible mushrooms, cultivation supplies, fungi-themed crafts & gifts, and more. Asheville Mushroom Club (AMC) members will be on hand to answer questions and will even try to identify any mushrooms you bring in.

Admission starts at 9:30 am. Entrance fees at the door (Bryson Bulding) will be: Adults $10; Students & AMC Members $5; Free for children 5 & under and Warren Wilson students.

Classes run throughout the day and cost $15 for AMC members (membership will be verified at the door) and $20 for non-members, in addition to the entrance fee.

Mushroom Walks will take place throughout the day and cost $10 for AMC members and $15 for non- members.

See details for advance ticket purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fungi-fest-2019-tickets-66643812437.

Labor Day Festival of the Arts
Aug 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Square

2nd Annual Downtown Asheville Labor Day Weekend Festival of the Arts

This Labor Day Weekend art affair will feature a collection of national and regional artists specializing in hand-made works of art. There will be painters, potters, jewelers, glass blowers and much more. Asheville’s historic Pack Square is the picturesque venue for the Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts. The show is set up on N. and S. Pack Square around Vance Memorial.

Arms and The Man Readers Theatre ACT
Aug 31 @ 2:30 pm
ACT: 35below

This comedy is often viewed as Shaw’s wittiest play! This is a borderline farce that will stimulate serious thinking about the nature of both romance and war. What is Raina to do when she finds that an enemy soldier has taken refuge in her room? What will her fiancée say? The plot, of course, thickens! Directed by Jim Reid and performed as Readers Theatre as a part of The Autumn Players’ Readers Theatre Showcase Series.

Sunday, September 1, 2019
Fall Festival Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Sep 1 all-day
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

SEPTEMBER THROUGH NOVEMBER

  • Bouncy House (Weekends)

  • Music Making Sound Silo

  • U-pick Apple Orchard

  • Rides Included with Admission (Weekends)

  • Outdoor Corn Pit Box and Parent Lounge

  • Daily Baby Calf Feeding at 10:30am (Everyday)

  • Weekend Baby Chick Holding at 2pm (Weekends)

  • Weekend Only Demos (Vary per weekend)

    • Examples: WNC Nature Center, Chimney Rock State Park Animal Encounter, spinning and weaving demo, pottery demo, other animal encounters

 

Time Honored Traditions

  • Hay Rides (Now Included in Fall Admission)

  • Kiddie Cart Rides (Now Included in Fall Admission)

  • Horseback Rides

  • Pumpkin picking (October)

  • Apple Tasting and picking

  • Meadow Maze

  • Lawn Games

  • Trike Track

  • Farm Scavenger Hunt

  • Cider Pressing and Sampling

Labor Day Festival of the Arts
Sep 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Square

2nd Annual Downtown Asheville Labor Day Weekend Festival of the Arts

This Labor Day Weekend art affair will feature a collection of national and regional artists specializing in hand-made works of art. There will be painters, potters, jewelers, glass blowers and much more. Asheville’s historic Pack Square is the picturesque venue for the Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts. The show is set up on N. and S. Pack Square around Vance Memorial.

Arms and The Man Readers Theatre ACT
Sep 1 @ 2:30 pm
Reuter Center on UNCA’s campus

This comedy is often viewed as Shaw’s wittiest play! This is a borderline farce that will stimulate serious thinking about the nature of both romance and war. What is Raina to do when she finds that an enemy soldier has taken refuge in her room? What will her fiancée say? The plot, of course, thickens! Directed by Jim Reid and performed as Readers Theatre as a part of The Autumn Players’ Readers Theatre Showcase Series.