Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, September 23, 2018
32nd ANNUAL MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FOLK FESTIVAL
Sep 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Burnsville Town Center

The Annual Music in the Mountains Folk Music Festival is coming to the Burnsville Town Center on Saturday, September 23 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. The Annual Festival, sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council and now in its 32nd year, includes bluegrass and traditional music, ballad singers, and dancing. Instruments range from fiddle to dulcimer to guitar. And this year, the Festival is recognizing Bruce Greene for his contribution to the preservation of traditional music.

The Burnsville Town Center, only a short, half-block walk from the Town Square, fills with friends, family, and folks interested in participating in an evening of melody and song.

Internationally known Appalachian dulcimer player and the night’s emcee, Don Pedi, will introduce traditional balladeer and storyteller, Bobby McMillon, and musician and dancer Carol Rifkin with Jeannette Queen and Mark Queen. Also, during the evening, another family favorite, Jonah Riddle and the Carolina Express, will take to the stage with bluegrass and gospel that will get the spirits soaring.

Bruce Greene will be recognized by Will Ritter. And with a few friends—Loy McWhirter, Rob Levin, and Don Pedi—will perform several mountain favorites which are being preserved by the wealth of regional musicians, singers, storytellers, and dancers.

Music In The Mountains Folk Festival is a tribute to our region’s diverse musical heritage. Our evening celebration of traditional performers is uncommon in diversity and artistic excellence.  Let’s bring in the Fall together! Come join us in September!

Tickets will be available at the both TRAC Galleries (Burnsville and Spruce Pine) in mid-September. Please check back for more information as the performance schedule is finalized.

IN ADVANCE (September 22 and before)

Adults: $12
Students/Seniors: $10*
Children 5 and under FREE
*65 and older

AT THE DOOR (September 23)

Adults: $14
Students/Seniors: $12*
Children 5 and under FREE
*65 and older

Tickets in advance may be purchased at either Gallery (102 W Main St, Burnsville or 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine) from 10:30 to 5 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

Pizza will be available for purchase by Hog Hollow Wood Fired Pizza

Monday, September 24, 2018
Cloven Hoof
Sep 24 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Black Masala CD Release Party
Sep 27 all-day
The Block Off Biltmore

You want to have a good time? You need brass.

This is what DC’s Black Masala blasts to the world, harnessing all the good times sunk in the Romany, second-line, bhangra, and funk horn parts that have gotten huge swaths of the planet up and dancing. With rock drive and a willingness to be as weird and wonderful as the party demands, Black Masala woos fans and new listeners with Trains and Moonlight Destinies (Release: October 5, 2018) tribute to the ins and outs of love, fate, and wanderlust.
21+ Venue
Doors open at 8PM
Show starts at 9PM

Friday, September 28, 2018
Family And Friends
Sep 28 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Sep 28 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Squirrel Nut Zippers @ Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts |  |  |

The Squirrel Nut Zippers began their musical journey in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the mid 1990’s, as a musician’s escape from the cookie cutter world of modern rock radio at the time. Jimbo Mathus along with drummer/percussionist Chris Phillips formed the band as a casual musical foray among friends and family in the area. It wasn’t long before the band’s quirky mix of jazz chords, folk music, and punk rock leanings spread out of the region and attracted a national audience. Between 1995-2000 the Squirrel Nut Zippers sold over three million albums. Their watershed album, Hot (1996) was recorded in the heat of New Orleans, fueled by a youthful hunger to unlock the secrets of old world jazz. This passion mixed with klezmer, blues and random bits of contemporary musical leanings became the bands signature style. At the time, there were few other bands inhabiting this space. The album would eventually break free of any “jazz” stereotypes and land on commercial radio, taking the band to remarkable heights for what was essentially an anti-establishment sound. Years later and through chronicles of every kind, the band has emerged from a lengthy recording hiatus, invigorated, invested, and rejuvenated. “It’s not a reunion, it’s a revival” has been the battle cry for Mathus since reforming the group in 2016. With an all-star cast of New Orleans musicians, the band breathed new life in to the old material, and inspired Mathus to return to the studio to reignite the band’s unique, enigmatic sound.

ACMS Presents Aspen String Trio
Sep 28 @ 8:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville

“Degenerate” Composers (Jewish composers who suffered under the Nazi 3rd Reich during WW II)

Hans Krása: Passacaglia and Fugue for String Trio
Hans Gál: String Trio in F-sharp minor, Op. 104
Gideon Klein: Trio for Violin, Viola, and Cello
Hans Krása: Dance Tanec

Sold-out houses and standing ovations characterize the performances of the renowned Aspen String Trio. After more than 20 years of friendship and music-making, the Trio is an ensemble with magical synergy. These three world-class instrumentalists each have a long-time association as artist-faculty with the Aspen Music Festival; combined they have performed across the globe in the world’s most prestigious venues.

Saturday, September 29, 2018
Art On the Island
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Marshall NC

The Madison County Arts Council is pleased to present the 7th annual ‘Art On The Island’ Festival on beautiful Blannahassett Island in downtown Marshall on Saturday, September 29. Art on the Island serves as an economic and cultural celebration of creativity in Madison County and Western North Carolina. There will be special hands-on demonstrations for young and old. There will be live demonstrations of natural dyeing, batik dyeing, brick making and interactive sculpture building. There will also be a sculpture display area featuring work of various sizes. This all day affair presents artists, crafters, food, a beer garden, and kid’s activities from 10am until 5pm and is free and open to the public.

BOY SCOUTS & CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP/PACK 17 SPONSORS ANNUAL BAR-B-QUE DINNER FUND-RAISER
Sep 29 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Riceville Fire Department & Comunity Center

BOY SCOUTS & CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP/PACK 17
SPONSORS ANNUAL BAR-B-QUE DINNER FUND-RAISER

Asheville, NC – The third annual Cub Scout Pack 17 and Boy Scout Troop 17 bar-b-que dinner benefit will occur on Saturday, September 29, 2018. The event will be held at the Riceville Fire Department and Community Center, 2251 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The charge for dinner will be $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 12 and under. Reservations are not required.

Scoutmasters will serve as BBQ pit masters as they work through the night to smoke North Carolina raised Smithfield pork shoulders for 12 hours. Homemade BBQ sauce, baked beans, BBQ slaw, rolls, and non-alcoholic drinks are all included. An All Beef hot dog meal is $4.00 and homemade desserts are only $1.00. Take out dinners are available. To further benefit the Scouts raffle tickets will be sold and a silent auction will be presented.

This year the Scouts are offering a whole pork shoulder with a pint of BBQ sauce for $40.00.
Supplies are limited so place your order by September 20th by calling (828) 298-1452.

“Local Packs and Troops raise funds to provide support for Scouts in their service area,” said Committee Chairman Dan Little. “Funds are typically used to provide assistance for Scouts from economically challenged communities by sending scouts to summer camp, provide scouting handbooks, uniforms, “Boys Life” magazine and payment for the national Boy Scouts Of America annual recharter fee and purchase flags for our veterans’ graves.”

On Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop 17 honor our deceased veterans at Bethel United Methodist Cemetery by placing flags on their graves.

Boy Scouts Serving Others: Since 1910, over 4,000 young men in Western North Carolina have earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. Through their Eagle Scout service projects, thousands of community service hours have been conducted to benefit our communities. In addition, other Scouts from local Packs, Troops and Crews also perform thousands of additional service hours on an annual basis. Scouts in Western North Carolina performed over 40,000 hours of community service in 2016.

About the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts: The Cub Scouts program is for boys in first grade through fifth grade. Boy Scouts is a program for boys 11 to 18. Both programs are designed to develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Through the advancement program and peer group leadership scouting helps a boy develop into a well-rounded young man. The Eagle Scout Award, the highest rank in scouting, is recognized around the world as a mark of excellence.

In Boy Scouts, individual members take responsibility for the activities of the troop. By planning and organizing activities, they develop teamwork and learn to lead as well as follow.

_________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact: Dan Little, Committee Chairman
(828) 298-1452

Sunday, September 30, 2018
Joshua Hedley
Sep 30 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sep 30 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Monday, October 1, 2018
The Way Down Wanderers
Oct 1 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Saturday, October 6, 2018
2nd Annual Asheville Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Oct 6 all-day
Asheville Outlets

Food Truck Festivals of America (FTFA) is back for the 2nd Annual Asheville Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in Asheville, NC. The festival will take place at the Asheville Outlets on Saturday, October 6th from noon – 5 p.m. (VIP Hour from 11am – noon). In honor of all their hard work to keep the communities we love safe, Food Truck Festivals of America is pleased to offer free admission (with valid ID) to all first responders – police, fire and EMTs – during the 2018 festival season.

An Evening with Free Planet Radio
Oct 6 all-day
Isis Music Hall

Asheville’s premiere world-music trio, Free Planet Radio, celebrates the release of their latest album with a live performance featuring many of their most popular and danceable tunes, interspersed with several of the spacious and serene songs from their newest body of work. Enjoy the entrancing sounds of oud and dotar with stand-up bass and intricate rhythms from an array of exotic lands.

2nd Annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at Asheville Outlets
Oct 6 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets (www.shopashevilleoutlets.com) and Food Truck Festivals of America are excited to present the 2nd annual Asheville Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Saturday, October 6th, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (VIP hour 11 a.m. – 12 noon). While some of North Carolina’s most popular food trucks dish out fan favorites, craft ales and beers will be available for sale. There will also be music playing, lawn games to enjoy, and an artisan market where local artists will showcase their work.

Visitors will find the festival located next to Field & Stream. Tickets $5 in advance online and $10 day of. Children 12 and under are free. Food and Beer sold separately. For more information, or to purchase VIP or General Admission tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/asheville-nc. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

Sunday, October 7, 2018
Iris DeMent
Oct 7 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 7 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Monday, October 8, 2018
King Khan & The Shrines
Oct 8 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Great Lake Swimmers
Oct 10 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Murder By Death
Oct 11 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Friday, October 12, 2018
Asheville Choral Soceity Presents: The Deepness Of The Blue
Oct 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Central United Methodist Church

The Asheville Choral Society presents The Deepness of the Blue, a concert featuring the poetry and musical compositions of African-American composers. We will feature guest musicians and soloists, in addition to more than 100 ACS singers.

This concert’s music includes beautiful melodies, driving rhythms and powerful messages – an evening of engaging music that highlights underrepresented artists and composers of color. The central piece on the program is William Averitt’s Deepness of the Blue, a 5-movement setting of Langston Hughes’ moving texts on love and the struggle of the human experience. Other selections include Rosephanye Powell’s The Word was God, Anthony Trecek-King’s (current conductor of the Boston Children’s Choir) I’m Building Me a Home and the gorgeous Harry T. Burleigh arrangement of Deep River.

Muscadine Bloodline Concert
Oct 12 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Unapologetically Alabama. There’s a new force making major waves in country music. Natives of Mobile Alabama, Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster came together to form Muscadine Bloodline in early 2016. With three single releases under their belt and a schedule full of shows spanning from coast to coast, they’ve hit the ground running from day 1. Nashville took notice the first time these two stepped on the stage and it’s no surprise the rest of the music world is quickly catching on. Charlie’s [contemporary] vocals complimented by Gary’s harmonies and masterful guitar licks, MB is a powerfully refreshing mix of talent, passion and unfiltered authenticity. Infamously undaunted by the big stage, their sound intertwines the brash irreverence of early southern rockers with the seductive quality of 90s country love songs. Captivating hooks heard in songs like “Porch Swing Angel” and the aggressively anthemic “Shut Your Mouth” stand as a testament to MB’s wide ranging music-making capability. Every song and every show is a moving experience but at the same time, unmistakably Muscadine Bloodline.

Saturday, October 13, 2018
Asheville Choral Society Presents: The Deepness Of The Blue
Oct 13 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Central United Methodist Church

The Asheville Choral Society presents The Deepness of the Blue, a concert featuring the poetry and musical compositions of African-American composers. We will feature guest musicians and soloists, in addition to more than 100 ACS singers.

This concert’s music includes beautiful melodies, driving rhythms and powerful messages – an evening of engaging music that highlights underrepresented artists and composers of color. The central piece on the program is William Averitt’s Deepness of the Blue, a 5-movement setting of Langston Hughes’ moving texts on love and the struggle of the human experience. Other selections include Rosephanye Powell’s The Word was God, Anthony Trecek-King’s (current conductor of the Boston Children’s Choir) I’m Building Me a Home and the gorgeous Harry T. Burleigh arrangement of Deep River.

Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
Oct 13 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Six Row Field, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest returns to Mills River, North Carolina to gather thousands of beer lovers to unanimously declare, “Prost like a Pro!” It’s that time of year when all of our lederhosen-clad and dirndl-sporting friends travel from far and wide to hoist a stein in celebration. Join us for a fanciful evening of Sierra Nevada festbier, feasting, costumes, dancing, raucous music, live glassblowing, and more! Dress your best and brush up on your Chicken Dance skills! Dinner and your first beer included in ticket price.

Sunday, October 14, 2018
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 14 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Big Thief
Oct 16 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Friday, October 19, 2018
The Garcia Project (Recreating Jerry Garcia Band shows from 1976-1995)
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Salvage Station

The Garcia Project will perform a full, classic Jerry Garcia Band show setlist!

The Garcia Project is the only nationally touring Jerry Garcia Band tribute that performs full, classic Jerry Band set lists from 1976-1995. We have been called by many, “the DSO of JGB”. With proper, era-specific equipment and arrangements, The Garcia Project brings the fans back in time to relive the classic Jerry Garcia Band concerts in their entirety.

“I spent a lot of nights in a lot of places with the Jerry Garcia Band, and I’m here to say that I really enjoy what The Garcia Project does with those memories. Mik’s guitar and his and Kat’s vocals stir up some very sweet vibes…some times they almost make me feel like I’m back in, say, 1992 at the Warfield. Check ‘em out.”
— Dennis McNally, former publicist for the Jerry Garcia Band

The Moonbees live @ Jack of the Wood
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

The RVA/Charlottesville Space-Folk Jam band The Moonbees will be bringing their fresh and funky grooves and hot honey melodies to Jack of the Wood for a night of good times and great vibes! The Moonbees brand new upcoming release (Now That’s What I Call The Moonbees) will be availble as a part of a three night only special pre-release promotion.

Sunday, October 21, 2018
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Oct 21 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Bob Log III
Oct 24 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Thursday, October 25, 2018
En La Calle Special Dia De Los Muertos Menu
Oct 25 – Nov 4 all-day
En La Calle

En La Calle’s Dia de los Muertos menu will honor the international holiday by offering traditional food and drink items alongside the restaurant’s signature twist on classic dishes. Available for a limited time, the holiday-inspired menu will feature:

Roasted quail, with mole negro & tejocotes

Chiles en nogada, with housemade walnut sauce & fresh pomegranate

Banana leaf tamales, with Hoja Santa & Oaxaca cheese

Roasted membrillo, featuring piloncillo, canela & mezcal

Pan de muerto, served with masa atole

Café de Olla, Mexican coffee brewed in clay pots with canella, piloncillo & tequila Añejo