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 31, 2021
Regional Resources: Historical Research
Jul 31 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)

Western North Carolina has a rich assortment of county historical societies, archives, and museums. The Western North Carolina Historical Association seeks to help researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public take full advantage of these resources.

 

Summer Photo Contest – “The Many Faces of Chimney Rock”
Jul 31 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

Summer is all about outdoor fun, spending quality time together as a family and taking in the wonderful sights of nature. During this time of year, it’s easy to find many human faces in the Park, but you can also see other faces as well. Whether it’s faces of animals, faces in the rock formations, or even outlines of faces in the ground. Be sure to submit your best photo interpretation into our summer-themed “The Many Faces of Chimney Rock” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you can win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

CONTEST RULES:

  1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between July 1, 2021 – July 31, 2021.
    The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
  2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
    1. Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
    2. Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
    3. Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
    4. E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
    5. Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
  3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
  4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
  5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
  6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of love at Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
  7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
  8. Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media channels. For more 

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Jul 31 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Henderson County Tailgate Market
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
100 N King St

This is the 42nd year for this weekly tailgate market, where vendors sell fresh-picked seasonal vegetables, blueberries, fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and more.

Hendersonville Farmers Market
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hendersonville Farmers Market

The market will take place every Saturday from May 8-Oct 30, 8am-1pm at the Historic Train Depot on Maple Street in downtown Hendersonville.
Shoppers can expect at least 30 vendors, live music and kids activities every Saturday. We are a producer-only market, so all vendors are offering homegrown or handmade products!
We’ll be offering Double SNAP again this year, so come double up on your SNAP/EBT dollars (thanks to Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project)!
All vendors accept cash. A few vendors accept card. If you don’t have cash, come to the Information Booth to pay with a card for tokens. All vendors will accept tokens.
For more information about the market, or to become a sponsor, volunteer or vendor, visit downtownhendersonville.org or contact the market manager at [email protected].
Hendersonville Farmers Market is sponsored by:
Hendersonville Community Coop
Carolina Farm Credit
Duke Energy
Charlotte Sheppard, REALTOR, Keller Williams Mountain Partners
GiveSmart
One Health Direct Primary Care
Underground Baking Co
Mills River Farmers’ Market
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Mills River Elementary School

This weekly market is a producer-only market, selling only products raised or produced within 50 miles. Special events include live music, educational stations, a demonstration station and a Kid’s Zone. Vendors will be selling items including vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, high-quality crafts and more. Open 8am-12pm each Saturday through Oct 30 at Mills River Elementary School. This is a SNAP/EBT Retailer with Double Dollars Program.

North Asheville Tailgate Market
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Shoppers at the market

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment exemplifies the celebrated diversity of our community.

Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

WNC Farmers Market Open Daily
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

With the convenience of being open year-round, 7 days a week, the WNC Farmers Market offers a selection of farm-fresh produce at the lowest prices in Western N.C. Our popular retail buildings, providing a selection of non-perishables, fruits, vegetables, crafts and more, are open daily.

2021 ASAP Farmers Market season
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
ASAP Farmers Market

Listing

About ASAP Farmers Market

The ASAP Farmers Market and the ASAP Winter Farmers Market are designed to protect shoppers and vendors by maintaining social distances and mitigating potential virus transmission points during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is located on the downtown campus of A-B Tech in the parking lot beside the Bailey Student Services Building (340 Victoria Rd.). Enter via Student Circle and follow market staff directions to park or queue inside your vehicle. Handicapped parking is available and there is a bus stop on the S4 route adjacent. The ASAP Farmers Market and Winter Market offer Double SNAP.

The ASAP Farmers Market is open Saturdays, the first week in April through the third week in December, 9am – noon.

COVID-19 SAFTEY PROCEDURES
Please be safe and follow our Covid-19 market procedures.

  • No customers or vendors exhibiting symptoms may enter the market.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times.
  • One customer at a time for each vendor table.
  • Only handle product you are purchasing. Vendors will pre-package or bunch products.
  • All vendors and shoppers are required to wear masks. Customers who are not able to wear a mask may arrange to pre-order from vendors. Market staff will direct you to a separate parking area and deliver prepaid items to the car.
  • Children, if they must attend with adult shoppers, must be closely supervised.
  • Please leave your pets at home.

HOW DO YOU PAY? Vendors accept touch-free credit or debit payments as well as SNAP. Some take exact cash (no change given) or check. SNAP tokens may be purchased at the market table. The market offers Double SNAP (i.e., if you purchase $20 in SNAP tokens, you will receive $40 to spend). Learn more about our Double SNAP program here. Contact vendors directly at the links below to find out if they offer preorders.

A Life in the Wild Art Exhibit
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

A Life in the Wild  features more than 30 large-format images from award-winning nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, who has devoted decades of his life to documenting wild places across the globe and the remarkable creatures that inhabit them. For this traveling retrospective exhibition of his works, Mangelsen has hand-selected several legacy photographs from his portfolio of more than 40 years, during which time he has captured thousands of breathtaking images of wildlife under natural — and sometimes harsh — conditions. With subjects ranging from black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains to plains zebras in the savannas of East Africa, this collection of photographs serves to remind us all to slow down and take a moment to connect with nature near and far. Named the 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year by Nature’s Best Photography, among other accolades, Mangelsen has his work featured in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C..

A Life in the Wild is on display daily, May 15 – September 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Baker Exhibit Center. Face coverings are required for visitors ages 5 years and older.

Exhibit support for A Life in the Wild is provided in part by The North Carolina Arboretum SocietyAsheville Citizen-TimesBiltmore Farms HotelsGasperson Moving & StorageRomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine

THOMAS D. MANGELSEN – A LIFE IN THE WILD, produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C., David J. Wagner, Ph.D., Curator/Tour Director.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO BUILD LARGEST-EVER NEIGHBORHOOD
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NEW HEIGHTS BUILD SITE

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is currently building New
Heights, its most ambitious neighborhood to-date, and volunteers are invited to help build. Take an
active role in ensuring everyone has an affordable place to call home by learning new skills or
honing existing ones while working alongside community-minded people and future Habitat
homeowners.
Asheville Habitat has been bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope for
nearly four decades. The reasons people donate their time and talent to Asheville Habitat are as
varied as the volunteer themselves. Those who so enjoyed volunteering once on the Women Build
House that they keep coming back every week. Those that spent decades in a corporate
boardroom and simply want to do something totally different in retirement. Those that work for a
company that sponsors Asheville Habitat and therefore have the opportunity to participate in an
employee build day. Those that are in high school and learning about our region’s affordable
housing crisis. Those putting faith into action by working on a house their church sponsors. How
people come to volunteer with Asheville Habitat is wide-ranging. Why they continue to volunteer is
the same: Comradery. Meeting the families. Fulfillment. Fun. Making a difference. Feeling part of
something bigger.
If you are ready to be the change you want to see in the world, learn more and sign up to volunteer
at ashevillehabitat.org or call 828.251.5702. “Volunteers are truly an extension of our staff,” shares
Construction Services Volunteer Manager Stephanie Wallace. “We offer year-round opportunities
for those age 16+. It’s hard work, but very rewarding. Stepping back at the end of the day, you can
SEE the difference you’ve made and feel proud about it.”
If construction isn’t your cup of tea, contact Carrie at 828.210.9381 or
[email protected] to learn about volunteer opportunities in the Asheville and
Weaverville ReStores. Proceeds from ReStore sales support Habitat’s building programs, so your
volunteer efforts there directly support affordable housing, too. Volunteer positions include
customer service, such as running the cash register and providing sales support on the floor;
intake and receiving; sorting and processing donations; testing and repairing appliances; and other
fun opportunities. More description can be found at ashevillehabitat.org – join the team!
About Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Founded in 1983, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity was the first Habitat affiliate in North Carolina. Through Habitat
homeownership and home repair programs, nearly 2,000 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the
strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future. A decent place to call home and an affordable
mortgage enables Habitat homeowners to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities and have greater
financial stability. Learn more about Asheville Area Habitat, a Charity Navigator 4-star non-profit, and how you can get
involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Black Mountain Tailgate Market
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Pearl St 2017 2.jpg

Our market is a seasonal Saturday morning community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. A family event every Saturday from May through November.

Fairy Trail 2021
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Trail 2021

Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.

Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.

Rules of the trail:

Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.

Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.

Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.

Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.

The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.

P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.

Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.

Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jul 31 @ 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!

Jeter Mountain Farm: U-PICK SUNFLOWERS AND NEW CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Jeter Mountain Farm

Jeter Mountain Farm is excited to invite the community to their opening weekend July
23 & 24. Marking the official start to their U-pick season, guests can enjoy u-pick
peaches, u-pick blueberries and their brand new u-pick sunflower experience.
Breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the backdrop to a variety of
activities that every age can enjoy. In addition to u-pick fruits, a visit to Jeter Mountain
Farm offers fresh apple cider donuts, fresh slushees and apple cider pressed on-site, a
farm market, wagon rides, a hard cider taproom and a brand new indoor children’s play
area.
Children will be able to play rain or shine in the new 6,000 square foot indoor play area,
featuring a tractor jungle gym, a blacklight “chalk house,” “apple basket”-ball hoops, a
corn box and much more!
The Cider Barn taproom is excited to feature a new Pink Lady Jeter Mountain Hard Cider
to enjoy alongside “The Original” which was released last year. Both will be served
alongside four Flat Rock Ciders and served on tap by the pint, as a full tasting or in a 4-
pack to be enjoyed at home.
Jeter Mountain Farm is open to guests Fridays from 10-5 and Saturdays from 9-3
starting July 23, until more open days and hour are added upon the beginning of apple
season August 13. To keep up with special events, be sure to follow them on facebook
or visit their website at JeterMountain.com.

SVM Car Show
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Black Mountain
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jul 31 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Jul 31 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Fairy Market
Jul 31 @ 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Bullington Gardens

Fairy Market

Magical things are happening at the Fairy Trail this year. Don’t miss out on the Fairy Market, July 31 & August 28, 9:30-3:30.

Shop for fairy themed items like unicorn headbands, flower headbands, wands, fairy birdhouses, one of a kind polymer clay fairy villages, fairy inspired pottery, t-shirts and so much more! Come see what the fairies have created in their secret village!

Visit the Fairy Trail, July 31st & August 28 for one of a kind fairy gifts.

Summer at Biltmore
Jul 31 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jul 31 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Bead Embroidery | Live Demo
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Martine House will be demonstrating her bead embroidery techniques as she creates beautiful jewelry. She will be in the lobby of the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call ahead for the latest updates: 828-298-7928.

First Saturdays at Jus’ Running
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Graduate Show 2021: Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Graduate Show 2021: Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program

Grind Marketplace
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pink Dog Creative

Magic is in the Air – Focus Gallery Exhibition
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center
white tiger sculpture

Magic is in the Air- May 1 – Aug. 3, 2021

1 Cindy Billingsley – clay
2 Sharon Gordon – wall textile
3 Jane Cole – quilts
4 Jeanne Rhodes – Moen – jewelry
5 Lisa Besler – leather

Mars Hill Farmers + Artisans Market
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mars Hill Farmers + Artisans Market

We are a producer only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University. We are located on College Street. The market will be held every Saturday morning from 10am-1pm, from April to October.

We offer fresh local produce, herbs, garden and landscape plants, cut flowers, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, jams, honey, soaps, tinctures, crafts & more!  We can now accept Credit & Debit Cards, as well as EBT/SNAP Benefits. We have also been approved to participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program in 2021! Throughout the season we plan to have local musicians and cooking & craft demonstrations.  Sign up for our e-newsletter to get the latest weekly updates!

The market is now accepting new vendors!  To apply, check out “Become a Vendor” page and fill out an application.

Please excuse the construction here as we revamp our website.

We look forward to seeing you at the market!