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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, April 27, 2024
Couples Therapy – the theatrical show
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Couples Therapy is a theatrical show unlike any other. It is a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv that is as funny as it is insightful. Audiences go on a hilarious and interactive ride as a pair of married relationship experts attempt to help couples with their relationships but as the show wears on we see that they have more problems than their patients!

HOT IN HERRE: 2000S DANCE PARTY
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+

HOT IN HERRE: 2000s dance party

Hot In Herre DJs have no guilt about musical guilty pleasures. Neither do you. Don’t even deny it. They’re the DJs who bring you the NO SCRUBS: 90s Dance Party where 2Pac and Kurt Cobain exist side-by-side and work sold out venues up and down the East Coast, from New York to Atlanta into a sweaty mass of anthemic all night sing alongs.

HOT IN HERRE: 2000s dance party is your favorite hits of the first decade of the millennium including Missy, Luda, Destiny’s Child, Jay, Gwen, Akon, Britney, 50, The Killers, Maroon 5, Nelly (both of ’em), Rihanna, Outkast, Sean Paul, Shakira, Usher, White Stripes, Avril, T.I., Christina, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Kelis, Keri Hilson, Lil Jon, M.I.A., Drake, Rick Ross, Pharrell, T-Pain, Timbaland, Kelly Clarkson and more.

See you there!

Instagram: @hotinherre00s
Lizzy + the Triggermen
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Couples Therapy is a theatrical show unlike any other. It is a unique and clever combination of theatre, stand-up comedy, and improv that is as funny as it is insightful. Audiences go on a hilarious and interactive ride as a pair of married relationship experts attempt to help couples with their relationships but as the show wears on we see that they have more problems than their patients!

And fear not guys, this is not one of those beat down sessions on men. Instead we equally explore, appreciate, and laugh at the differences between men and women. The show offers endless humor packed with practical relationship advice rooted in science and psychology. So strap in and enjoy!

Peter Pan
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”“I Gotta Crow”“I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”PETER PANembraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Peter Pan‘s run time is 2 hours including intermission.

Ruston Kelly – The Too Chill to Kill Tour
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– ACOUSTIC SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE  (click here for 237Global legal disclaimer)

RUSTON KELLY

In the past few years alone, Ruston Kelly has established himself as an essential songwriting voice, capable of transforming his unsparing and often-painful self- examination into moments of sublime catharsis. With a lyrical sensibility that constantly shifts from candid to poetic, the South Carolina-born singer/songwriter/guitarist imbues his songs with equal parts nuanced confession and punk-rock irreverence, mining inspiration from such eclectic sources as the Carter Family, transcendentalist philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, and seminal emo act Dashboard Confessional. His third full-length album The Weakness – his most personal and intimate collection of songs to date — was released to tremendous critical acclaim in early 2023. The New York Times hailed it as his “most assured and expansive studio album.” NPR Music noted, “Ruston Kelly’s torn it all down on his new album, The Weakness, so he could build something better,” while Rolling Stone lauded it as an “emotionally daring statement.”

Based in Nashville, TN, Kelly first started playing guitar under the guidance of his dad, Tim “TK” Kelly, a pedal-steel guitarist who frequently performs and records with his son. Because his father worked for a paper mill and often changed job locations, Kelly grew up moving nearly every two years, residing everywhere from Alabama to Belgium. At 17, he took off for Nashville to live with his sister, and in 2013 landed a publishing deal with BMG Nashville. Along with penning songs for artists like Tim McGraw and Josh Abbott Band, he continued working on his own music and later made his debut with the widely praised EP Halloween (a 2017 effort produced by Mike Mogis, who’s also worked with Bright Eyes, First Aid Kit, and Jenny Lewis). Soon after signing with Rounder Records, Kelly released Dying Star: an album that closely details his experience with addiction—including time in rehab and a 2016 overdose—and ultimately captures all the chaos and heartbreak on the way to redemption. The follow-up to Dying Star, 2020’s Shape & Destroy arrived as an up-close look at his experience in getting sober and finally facing the demons that led him to drug abuse in the first place, each revelation presented with an unvarnished honesty.

Kelly’s most full-realized work to date, The Weakness is a blisteringly honest but profoundly hopeful album revealing our vast potential to create strength and beauty from the most trying of experiences. Made with producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau (Sharon Van Etten, Leon Bridges, Maggie Rogers), Kelly’s third full-length album emerged as he began processing a number of life-altering changes he’d endured over the previous year, including a very public divorce as well as immense upheaval in his immediate family. A bold departure from the elegant simplicity of his first two albums, the resulting body of work matches its kaleidoscopic sound with some of Kelly’s most illuminating material to date.
Buoyed by recent stints opening for Maren Morris and Noah Kahan, Kelly is looking ahead to his headline acoustic tour in support of Weakness, Etc, an all-new EP collecting seven songs recorded in tandem with Kelly’s much-admired third studio album, 2023’s The Weakness. Weakness, Etc arrives via Rounder Records on Friday, March 22.
Are You Chill Too? Experience: $110.00 *

1 GA ticket, Meet & Greet, Photo w/ Ruston, Group Q&A, Request A Song, 1 Signed Postcard Designed By Ruston, 1 Custom Ruston Tote Bag, 1 VIP Laminate, Pre-Show Merch Shopping Opp, On-Site VIP Host / https://www.237global.com/disclaimer
The Pirate and The Princess
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

During his days in middle school, Roger’s favorite pastime is to daydream about life as a pirate. One day during history class, Roger notices outside that his crush, Lila, has gotten caught in a nasty storm that came out of nowhere. Roger’s knowledge of the confidence and bravery it takes to be a pirate leads him to run out and save her. The storm gets the best of him though, and he collapses on the ground. When he wakes up, he finds himself on a beach. Confused as to why he is here, he begins to investigate. He notices he is surrounded by people who an evil ruler seemingly leads.

Interestingly enough, this ruler looks a lot like his middle school principal. Still trying to grasp what is happening around him, he notices Lila has become a princess and has been captured by the evil ruler. He decides to try and rescue her and everyone under his rule. Suddenly, another storm breaks, and Roger finds himself once again back in his classroom. Confused by all that has happened, he wonders if it was all just a dream or if he really was a pirate saving his princess.

TimbaLive
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

The Timbalive project burst into the music scene in Miami in August 2008, created by Leo Garcia (Director, Timbals, Vocals), offering the best of Cuban Music with a mix of different rhythms from around the world and sophisticated production techniques, offering a spectacular live show.

Timbalive is a group of Miami, and all members are highly trained musicians from music schools in Cuba, some of them have played with the better known around the world as Amaury Gutierrez, Willy Chirino, Albita Rodriguez, Isaac Delgado, Manolin (doctor of Salsa), Group Afrocuba, Carlos Manuel, Luis Enrique, Rey Ruiz, Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Paulo FG, Clave y Guaguanco, Oscar de Leon … and have come together to realize their musical dream, the largest and most successful group of Timba United States and the world.

In May 2009 Timbalive began recording his first album with the musical production of Bayron Ramos (trombone / arrangements / music production) and executive producer Leo Garcia (Director, Timbales, Vocals / Executive production), with songs of their own inspiration and other composers such as Juan Formel and Amaury Gutierrez. The new album, “From Miami a la Habana” is available since November 2009.

This album was recorded in Miami, Spain and Cuba with the participation of Cuban musicians in and outside the Island.

The song called “From Miami to Habana, was attended by the four times Grammy Award winner, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Issac Delgado, Pedrito Calvo (Van Van) Cuba, Mayito Rivera (Van Van) Cuba, Manolin” Médico El Medico de la Salsa “, Alex Abreu (Havana D’Primera) Cuba, Rapper” The Mola “Br @ ily, Ivan” Melon “Lewis, Roberto Garcia (Cuba) and Norberto Rodriguez. All together musicians from Cuba for one reason, unity and harmony among Cubans, recalling old songs, new songs, and great times together.
Also the great composer and singer Amaury Gutierrez joined Timbalive to make this album even better, singing a song called, “Enredado en tu pelo” (“Tangled in your hair.”)
All these great artists joined Timbalive members to make this album unique and Timbalive one of the most unexpected success in the history of Latin music.

Since the release of his album, Timbalive established itself in the limelight of international music, featuring in the top of the Top 10 around the world, especially in Europe and South America, and ranks number three in sales in the Top 150 Latino. (Www.reyesrecords.com)

In March 2010, Timbalive presented his new work, “Como Miami no Na …” in response to the song of the band Charanga Habanera, “Gozando en la Habana”, playing on the radio and clubs of Miami and the world.

The Radio Station “El Zol 95.7” named Timbalive Song “Como Miami no hay Na”, a revelation of Phone calls, and top 1 song in April/May 2010.

Timbalive has been awarded for Album revelation of the year 2009 in France, and the best album of Timba in Peru.

Today, Timbalive is preparing “From Miami a la Habana European Tour” Starting November 5th and ending in December 20th, including Italy, France, Denmark, Germany and many other countries, then began his tour of the United (New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles), and end in the year 2011 with a tour in Japan and South America.

LAST CALL late nite comedy
Apr 27 @ 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm
DSSOLVR
Modelface Comedy presents LAST CALL! A late nite comedy show at DSSOLVR on the last Saturday every month.

LAST CALL comedy is a late nite showcase featuring the best comedians from all over the country and your local favorites! With a different show every month you never want to miss Last Call at DSSOLVR

featuring: Brandon Jarrell, Taylor Neely, and many more!

ages 21+
Doors at 10pm, show at 10:30pm

Sunday, April 28, 2024
2024 Drive For A Cause Car Raffle
Apr 28 all-day
online

TAKE THE WHEEL & WIN BIG

Mosaic Realty and United Way invite you to take the wheel
and win big while doing good in the 2024 Drive For A Cause Car Raffle

 

AAAOne lucky winner will walk away with the keys to a new 2024 Volkswagen Electric ID.4 (or its cash equivalent). Your purchase is both transactional and transformative with each ticket purchase going to support the work of 15 high-impact local nonprofits.

Don’t miss this opportunity to fuel community change! Purchase your ticket today (or come back and purchase additional tickets, you can purchase as many as you want up until the date of the drawing).

AAA

Benefiting Nonprofits

 

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Art Museum

Asheville on Bikes

Asheville City Schools Foundation

Asheville Humane Society

Beloved Asheville

Blue Ridge Orchestra

Bountiful Cities

LEAF Global Arts

MANNA Food Bank

Mountain Housing Opportunities

Sparc Foundation

Thrive Asheville

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

YMI Cultural Center

 

AAA

The drawing for the winner of the Volkswagen Electric ID.4 (or its cash equivalent) will be held at Mosaic Realty’s Art Walk & Benefit event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Asheville Art Museum at 9:00 PM. Raffle ticket purchasers do not have to be present to win. For more information about the Art Walk & Benefit, visit Mosaic Realty’s event page.

 

Adult Classes at the Wortham Center
Apr 28 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

Classes at the Wortham

Prioritize your health and wellness with a revolving series of ongoing classes for lifelong learners in yoga, dance, theatre, and more.

Classes are held in the Henry LaBrun Studio at the Wortham Center at 18 Biltmore Ave. Please access the front courtyard from the breezeway by White Duck Taco. Signs will then direct you to the studio door to the left. Parking information can be found here.

2024 Classes

Gentle Yoga - Open Level
Open Level Contemporary with Stewart/Owen Dance. Wednesdays, January 10–April 24, 8:15–9:30 a.m.
Intermediate Contemporary with Stewart/Owen Dance. Wednesdays, January 10–April 24, 6–7:30 p.m.
Art Walk + Benefit RAFFLE
Apr 28 all-day
online

TAKE THE WHEEL & WIN BIG

Mosaic Realty and United Way invite you to take the wheel
and win big while doing good in the 2024 Drive For A Cause Car Raffle

 

AAAOne lucky winner will walk away with the keys to a new 2024 Volkswagen Electric ID.4 (or its cash equivalent). Your purchase is both transactional and transformative with each ticket purchase going to support the work of 15 high-impact local nonprofits.

Don’t miss this opportunity to fuel community change! Purchase your ticket today (or come back and purchase additional tickets, you can purchase as many as you want up until the date of the drawing).

AAA

Benefiting Nonprofits

 

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

Asheville Art Museum

Asheville on Bikes

Asheville City Schools Foundation

Asheville Humane Society

Beloved Asheville

Blue Ridge Orchestra

Bountiful Cities

LEAF Global Arts

MANNA Food Bank

Mountain Housing Opportunities

Sparc Foundation

Thrive Asheville

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

YMI Cultural Center

 

AAA

The drawing for the winner of the Volkswagen Electric ID.4 (or its cash equivalent) will be held at Mosaic Realty’s Art Walk & Benefit event on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Asheville Art Museum at 9:00 PM. Raffle ticket purchasers do not have to be present to win. For more information about the Art Walk & Benefit, visit Mosaic Realty’s event page.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy Summer Musical Theatre Camps: Registration Open
Apr 28 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:

  • Younger Ages (Rising 1st – 3rd Grade)
  • Older Ages (Rising 4th – 10th Grade)

Camps run Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm

Finding Nemo Workshop

June 17-21, 2024

July 8-12, 2024

July 29- Aug 2, 2024

Moana Workshop

June 24-28, 2024

July 15-19, 2024

August 5-9, 2024

Pirate Palooza Workshop

July 1-5, 2024

The Little Mermaid Workshop

July 22-26, 2024

Our Musical Theatre Workshop camps center around favorite stage musicals, where students will learn musical numbers and perform a shortened production at the end of each week. Campers will not only perform in many dance numbers and scenes but will work on the technical aspects that all productions need, like sets, props, and costumes.

Brevard Music Center’s 2024 Summer Festival Subscriptions
Apr 28 all-day
online

2024 Subscription Packages

One of America’s premier music festivals, Brevard Music Center’s 2024 summer lineup features a diverse offering of symphony, opera, chamber, jazz, bluegrass, and Broadway performances. The season will be highlighted by Legendary Artist Wynton Marsalis, who will appear with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in three extraordinary concerts in late June. Additional festival highlights include classical masterpieces Prokofiev 5Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in FStrauss’s Ein Heldenleben, and world premiere concertos by two of today’s top composers; Janiec Opera Company productions of The Threepenny OperaFlightLa Bohème, and An Evening of Jerome Kern and Friends; a family-friendly film with live orchestra presentation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back™ in Concertand BMC Presents lighter concert fare featuring Bryan SuttonDavid SanbornAoife O’Donovan, and Béla Fleck.

Led by Artistic Director Keith Lockhart, Brevard’s hallmark is the powerful sense of community that re-emerges every June as faculty and students work together to present over 100 performances and events to more than 40,000 enthusiastic fans from across the country. Primary BMC performance venues include the 1800-seat, open-air Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium and the 400-seat Parker Concert Hall.

Package List

  • Golden Ticket (Thursday)

    Description: Receive one ticket to all performances included in the Symphony Series, Opera Lovers Series (Thursday), and the Parker Concert Hall Summer Series. Also includes Opening Night and Season Finale.

    Save 25% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Golden Ticket (Saturday)

    Description: Receive one ticket to all performances included in the Symphony Series, Opera Lovers Series (Saturday), and the Parker Concert Hall Summer Series. Also includes Opening Night and Season Finale.

    Save 25% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Symphony Series

    Description: Receive all sixteen (16) symphony events at Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium.

    Save 20% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Compose Your Own

    Description: Purchase at least eight (8) eligible* events from our summer season.

    Save 15% on single ticket prices.

    *Opening Night, Season Finale, BMC Presents, and Legendary Artists Series are not eligible for inclusion.

  • Opera Lovers (Thursday)

    Description: Receive one (1) ticket to each of the following Thursday night events: FlightLa BohèmeThe Threepenny Opera, and An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends.

    Save 10% on single ticket prices.

    Please note that seating assignments for An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Opera Lovers (Saturday)

    Description: Receive one (1) ticket to each of the following Saturday afternoon events: FlightLa BohèmeThe Threepenny Opera. Includes one (1) ticket to the following Thursday evening event: An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends.

    Save 10% on single ticket prices.

    Please note that seating assignments for An Evening of Jerome Kern & Friends are on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Parker Concert Hall Summer Series

    Description: Receive all twelve (12) Parker Concert Hall Summer Series events.

    Save 15% on single ticket prices.

    BMC Presents and Legendary Artists Series are not included.

  • Flex

    Description: Purchase at least three (3) eligible* events, and receive a 5% discount off single ticket prices.

    Flex tickets cannot be purchased during the subscription renewal/purchase phase and will be available during the donor presale to qualifying purchasers.

    *Opening Night, Season Finale, BMC Presents, Legendary Artist Series are ineligible for this discount package.

    This discount will activate automatically once you add the required number of eligible events to your cart.
Code Purple: Emergency Weather Program
Apr 28 all-day
Asheville
Code Purple illustration
code purple

As cold weather moves into the region, many in our community turn their thoughts to the unhoused population and the additional hardships they face during winter months.

One of the most immediately responsive assets is the Code Purple program.

Driven by community organizations, this effort provides emergency shelter to people experiencing homelessness during freezing weather.

 

The Code Purple program kicks off this year on October 15, 2023 and runs through April 30, 2024. During that time members of the Homeless Coalition will determine when a Code Purple will go into effect. You can find details about the program in the Code Purple Manual

 

Exciting news about the expansion of services this year.

 

When a Code Purple Can be called. 

Code Purple emergency shelters and services are typically available at 32 degrees or below. A Code Purple may also be enacted this year when temperatures are 33-40 degrees with precipitation.

 

Additional Beds

ABCCM has 75 beds available between their Veterans Restoration Quarters and Transformation Village sites.

The Salvation Army will also participate this year, adding 16 new Code Purple beds for  people who are unhoused to seek shelter in extreme weather

A recorded message will be available at 828.398.6011 confirming that Code Purple is operational and providing information about shelter locations.

How is the City continuing to support this community-driven initiative?

  • The City of Asheville, once again, agreed to fund 50-thousand dollars of the Code Purple from this year in their annual budget.
  • ART buses will continue to over free rides to shelters for those in needs
  • Community Responders will assist in the transport of individuals on an “as needed” basis
  • The marquee at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center will post messaging indicating when a Code Purple will be or is in effect.

 

Stay Connected

To join the Homeless Coalition’s distribution list to receive notifications about when Code Purple is called, email [email protected].

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free Books for Children ages 0-5
Apr 28 all-day
online w/ Literacy Together

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

Hey Asheville: City Comedy Tour • Ages 13+ Only
Apr 28 all-day
LaZoom Room Bar & Gorilla

Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!

Duration

1 hour and 30 minutes

About

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!

Historical and hysterical, The Hey Asheville tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits complete with special appearances and loads of Asheville information. You’ll get to see the best of downtown Asheville and the rarely seen but stunningly beautiful Montford neighborhood, not to mention the burgeoning River Arts District! You’ve never had a ride like this. It’s like a vaudeville show on wheels!

Find out what makes Asheville so unique on LaZoom’s City Comedy Tour. It’s the perfect mix of history, comedy, and entertainment. Our guides are trained professional actors working with an original script. It’s like a theatre on wheels! The tour highlights downtown Asheville, historic neighborhoods, the South Slope, and the River Arts District.

Age Restrictions

13 and up. No exceptions.

Stops

10 minute beer & bathroom break at Green Man Brewery

What’s Included

Guided tour of Asheville on a Purple Bus
Funny actors, fun bits
Actual History about Asheville
Green Man Brewery Stop

What’s Not Included

Beer/Wine (Must be purchased from LaZoom or the Brewery Stop)
Cash! You’ll want to tip the guides for changing your life for the better.

Hop-on/Hop-off SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Apr 28 all-day
Asheville Area

There is no better way to DISCOVER and EXPLORE Asheville!  Hop-on board one of Gray Line’s nostalgic trolleys for a fully narrated day tour, highlighting the history, homes, hang-outs and hot spots of this “city of surprises.”

Tour Highlights include  .  .  .  Downtown Asheville  |  Montford Historic District  |  The Grove Park Inn and Grove Park Historic District  |  Thomas Wolfe District  |  Pack Square and Asheville Art Museum  |  Grove Arcade  |  River Arts District  |  Biltmore Village

Hop-On and hear the story of a city rich in architecture, history and the arts  . . .

Hop-Off and experience its eclectic shops and galleries; its world class culinary and craft brew scenes.

Tour Duration:  The complete tour (one loop) lasts approximately 90 to 100 minutes.  There is an additional 15 minute stop at the Asheville Visitor Center.  The Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour ticket is valid for TWO consecutive days.

Departure Points: Join the Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour at any of the 10 stops.  If you’re driving in to join the tour, Stop 1, the Asheville Visitor Center may be your best option.  The Visitor Center, located at 36 Montford Ave. just off I-240 at Exit 4C, offers free parking (on a first come-first served basis) and restrooms. The Asheville Visitor Center is the ONLY place to join the Overview Tour.

LEAF SUMMER CAMPS registration open
Apr 28 – Apr 27 all-day
LEAF Global Arts

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!

Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.

SUMMER CAMPS

• June 17-21 – World Dance

• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food

• July 8-12 – Blues

• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti

• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*

• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation

• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*

• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art

*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

Registration Open: Summer Camps at the Wortham Center
Apr 28 all-day
Diana Wortham Theatre

Imaginative kids can createexplore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts.

Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited.

A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply.

Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected].

2024 Creative Arts Summer Camps

CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024
 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades

JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.

$185 in February ($205 after March 1)


CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)


PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades

JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  

Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.

$290 in February ($310 after March 1)

The Disney Cruise Raffle
Apr 28 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Here’s your chance! Asheville Community Theatre is thrilled to offer you the opportunity to win a magical 4-day Disney Cruise for four. By purchasing a raffle ticket, not only do you get a shot at an unforgettable family vacation, but you also support the arts in our community.

Prize Details:

  • A Dream Cruise: The winner and three guests will embark on a 4-day journey to the Bahamas aboard a Disney Cruise ship. You’ll stay in a Veranda Cabin with breathtaking views and top-notch amenities.
  • Customized Experience: Work with our travel agent, David Lloyd of Foothills Travel, to tailor your trip to perfection. Whether it’s exciting onboard activities or exploring the ports, your adventure will be exactly what you’ve dreamed of.
  • Travel Support: We’ve got you covered with an additional $500 to help with transportation to and from Port Canaveral, ensuring a smooth start and end to your magical journey.
  • Complete Assistance: From the moment you win to the end of your cruise, you’ll have personalized support to ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.
  • Tickets are just $50 each, making this the perfect opportunity to potentially win a trip valued at $8,800, while supporting Asheville Community Theatre’s mission to enrich our community through the arts.

Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get your tickets now!

Click here to view the complete set of rules.

XP League Summer Camps
Apr 28 all-day
XP LEAGUE ASHEVILLE

XP League Camps are designed to engage kids at many different levels. Not only do kids get to meet new friends and improve their skills in the games they love to play, but they will learn about teamwork, communications, sportsmanship, esports health, nutrition, esports psychology, stretching and exercise, mindset and motivation, boosting focus, and so much more.

Led by trained coaches and staff

Designed with on-screen and off-screen activities that focus on teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership, and critical thinking

Open to all gamers regardless of skill level

Open to gamers ages 7 to 17

CHOOSE XP LEAGUE

WE BUILD CHARACTER, NOT AVATARS.

XP League’s professional coaches teach important skills such as sportsmanship and strategic thinking. Our gamer athletes experience all the benefits of being a part of a youth sports team. XP League is the first esports program to partner with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to ensure that our coaches set the highest standard for competitive youth gaming.

ALL ABILITIES WELCOME

Our programs are designed to fit athletes at all levels. From recreational players to advanced competitive teams, all athletes receive the positive influence and guidance of our experienced coaches.

DOUBLE-GOAL CERTIFIED COACHES

Our coaches aren’t just focused on winning. They want their teams to learn important life lessons as well. Our partnership with PCA, and XP League’s proprietary coach training certification process, equip our coaches with the tools to coach better play while being positive role models for our athletes.

PLAY LIKE THE PROS

All our programs include pro-level game training on professional equipment. We’re the real deal even down to our jerseys.

ACCOUNTABLE, NOT ANONYMOUS

Our athletes are coached to respect the rules and their fellow players. Forget about that anonymous player hiding behind their avatar. We compete hard AND compete fair.

THE HOTTEST GAMES. EPIC EXPERIENCES.

OUR CAMPS

ESPORTS ENTRPRENEUR: RUN YOUR OWN ESPORTS EVENT

Run your own esports event from plan to production and learn how to organize brackets, plan events, create marketing materials, and stream!

MINECRAFT REDSTONE ENGINEERING

Learn how redstone works in Minecraft and how it connects to electrical engineering in real life by building devices!

GAME DESIGN WITH FORTNITE CREATIVE

Learn game design concepts like collision, functions, and conditionals by building games using Fortnite’s Creative mode.

CONTENT CREATION FOR YOUTUBE & TWITCH

Learn how to record and edit video, create your own stream overlays, and learn how to write a script to turn your awesome video ideas into reality!

ESPORTS BOOTCAMP: BETTER PLAYER, BETTER PERSON

Learn the psychology behind rapid improvement and growth while gaining confidence in your skills in your favorite game.

DATES

JUNE 17-21 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Fortnite)*

JULY 8-12 = Esports Entrepreneur: Run your own Esports Event*

JULY 15-19 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Rocket League)*

JULY 22-26 = Game Design with Fortnite Creative*

AUGUST 5-9 = Content Creation for YouTube & Twitch*

AUGUST 12-16 = Esports Bootcamp: Better Player, Better Person (Featuring Fortnite)*

AUGUST 19-23 = Minecraft Redstone Engineering*

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO DEMAND

$199 for 5 days of a HALF-DAY morning camp: 8am-12pm

$199 for 5 days of a HALF-DAY afternoon camp: 12:00pm-4:00pm

$349 for 5 days of a FULL-DAY camp – save $50! 8am-4:00pm, bring their own lunch!

Call for Artists: Art Deco Masterpiece Redesign
Apr 28 @ 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ The City of Asheville

Call for Artists for a New Art Deco Masterpiece –
Part of the Urban Trail

Issue Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Deadline: Monday, May 13, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. 

Call Summary:

  • The City of Asheville and Public Art and Culture Commission (PACC) seek a qualified artist(s) or designer(s) to submit their qualifications for a piece of public artwork that reimagines and replaces Station #7, the Art Deco Masterpiece, part of Asheville’s Urban Trail.
  • Responses to this Call for Artists (CFA) will be reviewed by an Artist Selection Panel and up to three semi-finalists will be asked to submit proposals. Semi-finalists will be paid a $500 honorarium.
  • Artwork will be integrated into the existing Outdoor Dining Area in front of the historic S&W Building, located at 56 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC.
  • The budget is $80,000 to engage with community stakeholders, design, fabricate and install the piece.

To Apply:

  • More information and the Call for Artists can be found on the City of Asheville’s Bid page at ashevillenc.gov/bids under “Other”.
    • Project Number: 298-CFA-ArtDecoRedesign-24
Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design
Apr 28 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Baker Exhibit Center

In an age of complex environmental challenges, why not look to the ingenuity of nature for solutions? The forms, patterns, and processes found in the natural world—refined by 3.8 billion years of evolution—can inspire our design of everything from clothing to skyscrapers. This approach to innovation, called biomimicry, is becoming increasingly popular.

Nature’s Blueprints is supported in part by The North Carolina Arboretum Society, The Laurel of Asheville, RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide, and Smoky Mountain Living Magazine.

New Park Pavilion Reservation Software
Apr 28 @ 8:00 am
online

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is announcing the launch of its new online reservation system for park pavilions.

ACTIVENet, the new online reservation system, allows for a hassle-free user experience for Buncombe County park visitors. With just a few clicks, visitors can make and cancel reservations from the comfort of their home, in addition to checking real-time availability of the pavilions. Park pavilions are located at Lake Jullian, Charles D. Owen, and the Buncombe County Sports Park. Field rental is also available through this new portal.

Key takeaways of the new reservation system include: 

Seamless Interface: The user-friendly layout of the reservation system allows for hassle-free bookings and cancelations.

Real-time Park Pavilion Availability: Users are able to check the availability of the park pavilions at their favorite park, and on their preferred date and time.

Secure Payment: ACTIVENet’s secure payment portal ensures data protection and encryption with Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant technology.

Email confirmations: Once a reservation is made or canceled, users will receive a confirmation email with the details of their booking.

Click here to view a tutorial on how to book a park pavilion. 

To access the new park pavilion reservation system, please visit www.buncombecounty.org/parks. There is a “Reserve & Register” button that will take users directly to the reservation portal. Please note that users must create an account prior to booking a park pavilion. For any inquiries or additional information, please contact [email protected] or call (828) 250-4260.

Barn Yoga
Apr 28 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

A Hickory Nut Gap tradition, back by popular demand! Bring your mat and mindfulness to the Big Barn to get centered.

Mary Beth believes yoga should be potent, but playful. She strives to deliver fluid, well balanced vignettes that offer physical expansion and mental restoration. She teaches gentle and vinyasa flow, all levels welcome! Variations encouraged, feel free to bring blocks, blankets or straps.

Make a day of it! Class lets out when the Farm Store opens, come shop the Farm Store for local meats and grocery goodies, grab a beer or beverage and wander the farm grounds to see the animals. Yogis get 10% off meat and eggs on class day.

Time: 9am-10am

Dates: April 28th | May 26th | June 30th | July 28th | August 25th | September 29th | October 27th

Price: $18/class OR Full Season, 7 classes for $100!

Less Plastic Asheville Challenge
Apr 28 @ 9:00 am
Asheville Area
 

This City of Asheville is launching the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge to encourage residents to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics. The campaign has two key features, a social media challenge called Less Plastic Bingo and a Pass on Plastic Pledge. The City will provide information on the impacts of single-use plastic on our community and tips for how our residents can understand and reduce their consumption of single-use plastics at tabling events around town and on our social media platforms. Those participating in the social media challenge can post photos and videos of themselves taking action to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

Those who take the pledge will make commitments to sustainable lifestyle choices such as using reusable grocery bags and refusing single-use plastics. Residents who participate in either the Less Plastic Bingo Challenge or Pass on Plastic Pledge will win great prizes!  The Less Plastic Asheville Challenge will begin in February 14, 2024 and end May 31, 2024. Follow the link at the top of the page to learn more about how you can participate and win these great sustainable items.

 


Background

In October 2022, Asheville City Council directed the Sustainability Department to take a phased approach to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic.

The first phase included an update to Chapter 15 of the City Code to prohibit the use of plastic bags in curbside brush and leaf collection. This ordinance change was approved by City Council on January 10, 2023 and was implemented August 1, 2023. For more information about this change and resources available check out this sanitation webpage.

The second phase included further analysis and stakeholder engagement with area businesses, residents and city staff to inform a recommendation on additional single-use plastic reduction strategies surrounding plastic bags at point of sale and expanded polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) disposable foodware products. To see the results of this engagement read this blog post.

On September 22, 2023 the North Carolina General Assembly approved the state budget that included a law prohibiting local governments from banning single-use plastic products. Due to this regulation, the City cannot adopt an ordinance banning plastic bags or expanded polystyrene (StyrofoamTM) takeout containers. Instead, the City is providing information and resources to residents and businesses to reduce single-use plastic consumption voluntarily through the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge. For more information on the previous plastic-reduction projects go to this webpage.

 


Less Plastic Asheville Challenge

To reduce single-use plastic consumption and litter in our community it will take all of us! We invite you to join us, have a little fun and earn some prizes in the process!

There are two ways to participate in the Less Plastic Asheville Challenge. You can take the Pass on Plastic Pledge and/or play Less Plastic Asheville Bingo. The pledge asks for you to commit to changes in your life to reduce your own plastic footprint, and the Bingo Challenge asks you to spread the word and help educate and inspire others about the issue through social media.

The Pass on Plastic Pledge

The Pass on Plastic Pledge asks you to look at your own habits regarding single-use plastics and commit to practices that cut down your consumption, simple acts that improve our community and the environment. By taking this pledge, you are taking the charge to reduce your own plastic consumption. You can do this in a number of ways and the City of Asheville is here to inspire, support and cheer you on!

When you commit to any one of the sustainable practices in the pledge, you will win plastic reducing prizes from the City.  Your actions alone can reduce hundreds of pounds of plastic waste every year! By taking this pledge, you are showing that you care about the health, cleanliness, and pristine environment of our home in Asheville. It’s a big deal, and the City of Asheville thanks you.

Take the Pass on Plastic Pledge

 

 

Less Plastic Asheville Bingo

This bingo game is a social media challenge. It’s a fun way for you to help spread the word about single-use plastics, and to inspire the people around you to make changes and support sustainable businesses and habits. When you sign up, you will be emailed a bingo card. Once you have your card, follow the steps below in order to earn your swag.

  1. Take videos or pictures to create social media content that matches the descriptions on the bingo card. You can choose any five pieces of content that form a complete bingo row. Content that does not form a straight line bingo will not count.
  2. Post this content on your own social media page (Facebook or Instagram Only) and include the hashtag #LessPlasticAsheville and tag @CityofAsheville.
  3. Copy the links from all five of your posts and send them in a single email to [email protected]. After we check out your great posts we will send you an email with our appreciation letting you know how you can collect your prizes!
  4. If you chose to take the Less Plastic Pledge as one of your bingo items (the center square) please include the email you used to take the pledge as one of your five email items.

Sign up below to receive your Less Plastic Bingo Card.

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Apr 28 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

REPTICON
Apr 28 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center

reptiles and exotic animals show

The Weaverville Art Safari
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Area

About The Art Safari

(Our SPRING Art Safari is April 27 & 28, 10AM to 5PM)

The Weaverville Art Safari is one of the longest-running studio tours in Western North Carolina.  And, was one of the first in the Asheville area!

Twice-a-year, this juried studio tour takes place the last weekend of April and the first weekend of November.  Widely recognized for the quality of the artistry work, our Art Safari also gives guests the unique opportunity to meander through this beautiful area. You’ll enjoy meeting our artists and seeing the spaces where they work and live. The Weaverville Art Safari is a favorite of both locals and visitors; drawing thousands of art lovers to our area each year!  

The Weaverville Art Safari appreciates the diversity of human beings and does not discriminate based on race, age, religion, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, sex or gender identity.

WNC Herb Fest
Apr 28 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center
Friday-Sunday, April 26th-28th, 2024.
Friday & Saturday 8:30-5
Sunday 10:00-3:00
  • Free admission
  • Free parking
  • Free workshops
We welcome LEASHED SERVICE DOGS ONLY, please.
Drought-tolerant planting
In part because of changes in international climate patterns, the availability of sufficient water is often irregular in western North Carolina: rainfall can be abundant one year and almost nonexistent another. Some years have early, heavy rainfall, others are dry until mid-summer. But many popular herbs, having developed around the Mediterranean, are drought-tolerant, and experienced gardeners know that xeriscaping with drought-tolerant herbs and using captured rainwater is always a wise budgetary move as well as ecologically important.
Come celebrate the
FOURTH DECADE
of the Asheville Spring Herb Festival