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.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, March 9, 2023
Fiction Writers’ Group @ the Weaverville Library
Mar 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Join this new group of supportive local writers for fiction writing practice, sharing & feedback.

This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 1-3 PM beginning January 26th- April 13th. 

Each session will include readings, critique, and creative writing prompts as time allows. This is a new group for all, and no pre-registration is necessary.  Light refreshments will be served.  Email [email protected] with questions.

Saturday, March 11, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 11 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

The Asheville Symphony Guild’s Cabaret
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

The Cabaret, sponsored by the Asheville Symphony Guild, is a lively variety show highlighting local singing, dancing, instrumental and comedic talent. Music from the 20s to the present, from Broadway to Appalachia, will have you tapping your feet and singing along. Come, bring your friends, be entertained and see your neighbors perform. All proceeds support the Asheville Symphony

Thursday, March 16, 2023
$5 Masquerade Jewelry + Accessories Fundraising Sale
Mar 16 all-day
Carolina Event & Conference Center

Save the date for our 💍Masquerade Jewelry & Accessories Fundraising Sales💍

With several dates to attend and all jewelry and accessories just $5, you can update your jewelry every season!

Plus, ALL proceeds benefit the Carolina Foothills Foundation Elder Care Program, so every purchase is worth it!

Saturday, March 18, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 18 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Monday, March 20, 2023
Virtual Writers Workshop Raymond McAnally
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

Raymond McAnally will lead a virtual writing workshop titled “Using Acting Techniques to Write Clear Characters.”

Have you ever had trouble differentiating one character’s voice or reactions from another on the page? Do characters with strong or surprising points of view seem to evade you? Then spend a workshop with writer/actor Raymond McAnally to learn how he uses his experience as an actor to write new characters and find the decisions and actions that draw us to them.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Microsoft Teams for the virtual connection. A link will be emailed to participants the day before the workshop.

Raymond McAnally is an award-winning actor, a produced writer, and university lecturer.  Television acting credits include a supporting lead role in Black Mirror: San Junipero, winner of the 2017 Emmy for Best TV Movie; Guest starring roles on Better Call Saul, Modern Family, Chicago Fire, Rizzoli & Isles, Law & Order SVU, Royal Pains, and 30 Rock; as well as roles on Boardwalk Empire, Nurse Jackie, Mozart in the Jungle, among others.  He has film credits too numerous to mention here.

As a playwright, Raymond’s full-length solo-play, “Size Matters,” received its world premiere at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in May of 2014.  Directed by Tony Award-winning former Cincinnati Playhouse Artistic Director Ed Stern, the show ran for three weeks; garnering outstanding reviews, standing ovations, and sold-out performances.  The show was filmed before a live audience in 2015 and is now a comedy special available for streaming on Amazon Prime.  Raymond’s short plays, “The Odd Ball” and “Homeland”, have been produced at festivals on both coasts and his short play, “The Next”, will be published the Winter of 2019 in an anthology by New World Theatre.  In 2018, Raymond completed a playwriting fellowship with New World Theatre in Concord, New Hampshire.  In 2019, Raymond’s full-length play “The Cruelty of Children” was a semi-finalist at the O’Neill Center.  From 2010 to 2014, Raymond was the head content writer for the online production company Daily Fiber Films, which produced and distributed over sixty online comedy shorts, written by Raymond, and featured by FunnyOrDie.com, Fullscreen, CNN, New Media Rockstars, and The Food Network.  His short comedies also screened at festivals from coast to coast and earned “Best of the Fest” awards at L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival and the New York Friar’s Club.  In 2017, Raymond’s independent pilot “DPW” was filmed on location in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer for the Rutgers Arts Online department, Mason Gross School of the Arts.  He has been a lecturer at universities and guest artist at professional training programs since 2005.  He holds an MFA in Acting from MGSA, Rutgers University and a BA in Philosophy from Sewanee.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Saturday, March 25, 2023
AVL Spring Clothing Swap
Mar 25 all-day
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden

Clothing swaps are a great way to get rid of items that you no longer need, but that might be just what someone else is looking for. Events like this also help keep clothing out of landfills, and create community among attendees. We are committed to creating swaps that are size-inclusive.

At this event you can bring clothes you like and leave with clothes you love! Plus, it’s a fundraiser for reproductive justice in Asheville.

How it works:
Drop off clothes before March 25 at Hi-Wire RAD
Clothing should be in good, clean condition
Bring 1-20+ items, leave with 15+
Adult clothing and shoes only
No accessories or kids clothing

WNC CHARITY FIRE TRUCK PULL
Mar 25 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
WNC Ag Center

Come watch as teams from across the Carolinas compete in a double-elimination bracket to pull two fire trucks in a race for the best time. Then stick around for a live concert. A portion of proceeds will go to the N.C. Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund.

Admission: $15.00 pre-event, $20.00 on-site

For more information, please visit: www.wnccharityfiretruckpull.com.
Contact: 828-606-6467 or [email protected]

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 25 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, April 4, 2023
“Brothers and Sisters Like These” Veterans Writing Classes
Apr 4 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
East Asheville Library - 3 Avon Rd. - Asheville

Join other veterans for this series of writing classes led by NC Veterans Writing Alliance Writer in Residence Elizabeth Heaney, author of the book The Honor Was Mine. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].

Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 6, 2023
Visting Writers: Jamel Brinkley
Apr 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UNCA --Sherrill Center, Ingles Mountain View Room

Award-winning author Jamel Brinkley will present a reading at 7 p.m. on Thurday, April 6 in UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center, Mountain View Room.

Jamel Brinkley is the author of A Lucky Man, a finalist for the National Book Award, the Story Prize, the John Leonard Prize, the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and winner of a PEN Oakland Award and the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.

This is the fourth of five events in the 2022-23 Visiting Writers Series presented by the UNC Asheville English Department.

Saturday, April 8, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 8 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 13, 2023
Fiction Writers’ Group @ the Weaverville Library
Apr 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Join this new group of supportive local writers for fiction writing practice, sharing & feedback.

This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 1-3 PM beginning January 26th- April 13th. 

Each session will include readings, critique, and creative writing prompts as time allows. This is a new group for all, and no pre-registration is necessary.  Light refreshments will be served.  Email [email protected] with questions.

Friday, April 14, 2023
Friday Night Jams with Collin Cheek at the Ridge
Apr 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Ridge at Saint Paul Mountain Farms

Our very own Keri Ann has connected with the African Christian Fellowship to embark on a Mission trip this July to Malawi, Africa.

$10 cover charge, a raffle and an opportunity to donate!

To support this wonderful cause, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard and Appalachian Ridge will kick off Spring with a 4 week Friday Night Jam’s Fundraiser at Appalachian Ridge from 6-9pm. �We will have live Music each Friday from 6-8:30pm. There will be a $10 cover charge, a raffle and an opportunity to donate. All of these proceeds go straight to the ACFUSA to provide and support primary health care needs to 6 villages in Malawi.

Friday Night Jam’s Malawi Fundraiser will take place every other Friday; Friday, April 14th- Live Music with Collin Cheek Friday, April 28th- Live Music with Hunnilicious Friday, May 12th- TBD Friday, May 26th- TBD

Saturday, April 15, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 15 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, April 16, 2023
Pan Harmonia | Adventure Armenia BENEFIT #2
Apr 16 @ 3:00 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Kate Steinbeck
Music for solo flute – A program of surprises

This concert is a fundraiser for a mission trip to Armenia to play concerts for UN Refugee communities and others

Advanced reservations are encouraged.

Read more about Adventure Armenia here: https://panharmonia.org/2023/01/02/adventure-armenia/

Tuesday, April 18, 2023
AVL Writers: Next Critique
Apr 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Odd's Cafe

As per usual, please bring a piece you can read in 10 minutes, support our wonderful venue, and if you want to simply listen/observe/sit in, that’s fine too!

Please DM me if you would like to be added to the email listserv that keeps us all in the loop.

Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 20, 2023
Common Word Community Read: “Being, Researching, Writing About, and Advocating for Dr. Gilmer” w/ Wiley Cash + Benjamin Gilmer
Apr 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center in the Manheimer Room.

Join New York Times Bestselling author and UNC Asheville alumnus, Wiley Cash ’00 in conversation with author Benjamin Gilmer on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center in the Manheimer Room.

This event is part of the Common Word Community Read, curated by Cash. The program brings the UNC Asheville community together to engage in a collective educational experience. Each semester, one book will serve as the focus of numerous virtual and in-person lectures and discussions that will allow participants to delve deeper into the text. Over the course of the academic year, participants will read one book each semester, gaining insights and sharing ideas in a welcoming and respectful environment. Spring 2023’s selection is The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, a Murder, and an Unlikely Fight for Justice.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 22 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, April 23, 2023
WomanSong: Earth Day
Apr 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
One World Brewing West

The Asheville Only One Earth Coalition is throwing a party for Earth Day!
Enjoy an evening of music, food, and drink with some local activists and other beautiful earthlings.
This event will be a benefit for Southside Community Garden.
Admission at the door will be on a sliding scale of $10 – $25, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
They will also have a raffle, which will include art, gift certificates, and various fun stuff.

Activists from some of the Coalition organizations will have tables to share information about what they are doing to make this world a better place.  Come join us as we celebrate Earth Day and our hopes for a better world!

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 27, 2023
Creative Writing Workshop: EcoFiction
Apr 27 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Fairview Library

In this series, we will write about encounters with the natural world through workshops in poetry, fiction, and autobiography. Drawing from the experiences you bring to class, and using a naturalist’s eye for observation and detail, you will capture encounters with vast mountain ranges and lush forests, garden insects and backyard bears, moon phases and songbird migrations. We will read example texts and practice writing prompts to deepen our relationship with nonhuman nature. We will also discuss how “eco” writing supports climate activism, environmental justice, conservation, and related issues.”

Spring creative writing workshops with Fairview author and teacher, Dr. Beth Keefauver, will be offered the last Thursdays of March, April and May.  The classes may be taken individually or as a series. The April class will focus on Eco Fiction.

Registration is required for these classes.  For more information call 828-250-6484.

This class is sponsored in part by the Friends of Fairview Library.