Calendar of Events

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Celebrate the season at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville, NC! Open daily August 15 through the end of October, enjoy u-pick apples, grapes, flowers, and pumpkins. Explore a 5-acre corn maze, take a weekend wagon ride, bounce on the jump pad, and launch apples from the apple cannon. Don’t miss fresh cider donuts, slushies, plus many more sweet treats and local goods from the Apple House. No admission fee—just pay for what you pick or do. Make it a fall tradition your whole family will love!
📍 steppapples.com | 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville, NC

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age, focuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Late Summer Tree ID

with Lauren Lampley

Thursday, September 4  |  1 – 4 pm

Join this class as we discuss how to use different characteristics and field guides to identify common trees of Western North Carolina found here at the NC Arboretum. We will look at using different characteristics including habitat, bark, buds, growth pattern, leaf shape, and fruit/nut shape to identify trees.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Biltmore Park’s Farmers Market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more. There’s always something to take home with you! It’s the perfect way to support local small businesses and celebrate community this summer. Visit biltmorepark.com for more information.

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays through September 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

**Please note: Outside alcohol is prohibited on the campus of The North Carolina Arboretum.**

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Unleash your creativity and enjoy a relaxing evening at our La Mer themed Paint & Pour event! Sample one of the many craft beers from New Groove Artisanal Brewery, a local favorite in Boiling Springs known for its inventive music-themed tap list. While you sip, channel your inner Impressionist during a guided painting session led by talented local artist Jennifer L. Bonner, who will walk you through each brushstroke in a fun, approachable style perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike. Your ticket includes one free drink to get you started, and the class will run from 6 to 9 PM, giving you plenty of time to create your own masterpiece while soaking in the laid-back, artistic atmosphere.

NEWSBOYS are a Christian rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, by Peter Furler and George Perdikis. Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, the band has released 17 studio albums, 6 of which have been certified gold. As of 2025, the band consists of bassist and vocalist Adam Agee (formerly of Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline), electric guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein, and drummer Duncan Phillips; no founding members are featured in the lineup. In addition to performing music, the band has appeared in the films God’s Not Dead, God’s Not Dead 2, and God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness.

Celebrate the season at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville, NC! Open daily August 15 through the end of October, enjoy u-pick apples, grapes, flowers, and pumpkins. Explore a 5-acre corn maze, take a weekend wagon ride, bounce on the jump pad, and launch apples from the apple cannon. Don’t miss fresh cider donuts, slushies, plus many more sweet treats and local goods from the Apple House. No admission fee—just pay for what you pick or do. Make it a fall tradition your whole family will love!
📍 steppapples.com | 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville, NC

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age, focuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

River Systems of the Blue Ridge

With Anton DuMars

Friday, September 5  |  12 – 4pm

Water is essential to life but is also a powerful agent of change. Rivers, through both daily processes and catastrophic floods, shape Earth’s surface through erosion and sediment transport. In River Systems of the Blue Ridge, we will investigate how the Broad River changes character and shapes the landscape along its course from the headwaters, through the Piedmont, and onto the Atlantic Ocean.

Come make this textured and riveted sterling silver ring in a hands on workshop at Ignite Jewelry Studios. A qualified instructor will safely take you through the steps until your piece is complete. You’ll use a variety of common metalsmithing tools including a torch, rolling mill, and more!

Choose from 4 textures: Hammered/ Striped/Boho/Smooth

All materials included! Make it to your size.

Also makes a unique wedding band, fabulous bachelorette event, or team building!

Mountain Song Productions presents the 19th Annual Mountain Song Festival.

Benefitting the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County. 

Friday:

3:00 • Gates Open
5:30-6:30 • Steep Canyon Rangers
7:00-8:00 • Shannon Whitworth & Woody Platt
8:30-10:00 • Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

Saturday:

12:00 • Gates Open
2:00-3:00 • Pretty Little Goat
3:30-4:30 • East Nash Grass
5:00-6:00 • Darrell Scott
6:30-7:30 • Peter Rowan
8:00-9:30 • Steep Canyon Rangers

All Day Darling, the all-day eatery in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, invites the community to enjoy live music from local musicians every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm on their patio. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner, drinks and good vibes as local musicians set the tone for the weekend.

Upcoming performance schedule:
Friday, August 29 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, August 30 – Brent Riddle
Friday, September 5 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 6 – Ryan Furstenberg
Friday, September 12 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 13 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
Friday, September 19 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Friday, September 26 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 27 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)

The rotating dinner menu features crave‑worthy offerings like the Thunderbird fried‑chicken sandwich with Harissa aioli and fermented vegetables, the Darling Burger with chop‑shop beef and house aioli, hearty salads and bowls, and seasonal specials – all served in a warm and laid‑back atmosphere.

Admission is free – no tickets or reservations required to enjoy Asheville’s live‑music scene alongside thoughtful, market‑driven fare.

Blue Ridge Drag Bingo is stampeding into September with “Barnyard Bingo,” a down-home hoe-down full of high heels, hog calls, and hootenanny hilarity! The first ball drops at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5th at the Hilltop Event Center. Tickets start at $20, include bingo cards, and are available at https://BeardedLadyProductions.org. Ages 21+.

Briar Branch Concert

Friday, September 5th • 7:30pm

BRIAR BRANCH is a homegrown, hometown string band. Long time Black Mountain residents, Julia Weatherford and Pearl Shirley, mother and daughter, have been singing and playing together since the 1980s. Expect to hear mountain music with sweet vocal harmonies, toe-tapping banjo songs, and hard driving Old Time fiddle tunes. Feel the pull of sweet sad ballads with rich cello accompaniment.

King Lear is a tragic tale of a king who divides his kingdom between his daughters, sparking betrayal, madness, and ruin. As Lear grapples with his decisions, he is betrayed by two of his daughters, while the loyalty of his youngest, Cordelia, leads to heartbreak and tragedy. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night by the Montford Park Players. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

MaxxMusic presents: KATIE PRUITT – The Time Wasn’t Wasted Tour