Calendar of Events
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.
Did you know that data shows having active male role models in the life of children can breakdown stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment? With that in mind, Buncombe County public libraries is excited to introduce our new Saturday morning story time series, Reading MENtors. This reading initiative encourages men from our local community to celebrate that men love to read. “According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of early childhood educators, including preschool teachers and librarians, are men,” says Enka-Candler Library Branch Manager Erin Parcels. “That means that we have entire generations of children who grew up without a clear idea of what positive male educators are. To see strong literacy practices in children, adults need to model such behavior, which is why we are inviting men with different professions from the local community to share good reading habits to children.”
To help bolster the number of male reading role models, the Enka-Candler Library is inviting men with different professions from all over Buncombe County to share their joy of reading with young patrons. Data shows that having active male role models in children’s lives can break down stereotypical gender biases and lead to higher gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, teaching and modeling reading at an early age vitally important for brain development. “In the first few years of life, more than one million new neural connections are formed every second. Ninety percent of the brain develops by the age of five,” exclaims Librarian Kate Sprate, “Reading plays a pivotal role in setting children up for future social, emotional, and educational success because literacy helps build language, phonological awareness, and comprehension skills.”
This program is open to children of all ages and gender identities. We believe that positive literacy role models are for everyone! Story time will be every other Saturday beginning May 4 at 10:30 a.m., please join us for a story time followed by fun activities! See below for more MENtor story times.
Interested in being a MENtor?
If you know of someone in our community who would be a great Reading MENtor, let us know! Volunteers will read a book and be accompanied by Youth Services Librarian Kate Spratt, who will host a follow-up activity in line with the theme of the story or the person’s career. We love to collaborate, so ideas from volunteers and full participation are welcome. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy reading and sharing the love of reading, are patient, positive, and joyful. To submit a reading MENtor nomination, email [email protected].
Upcoming MENtor story time and acitivity schedule – all story times are at 10:30 a.m.
May 4: Read & Play!
- Jason Hyatt, Director of Buncombe County Public Libraries
- Play-Doh Club preview
- Free book prize
May 18: Music & Movement
- Mike Martinez, LEAF Global Arts #SparktheArtsNC Artist-in-residence, Announcer at Blue Ridge Public Radio, Artist Mentor for StoryCraft
- Musical instrument petting zoo, Build your own instrument, songwriting station
June 1: GOAL!
- Gregg Munn, Director and Head Coach of Mars Hill University Men’s Soccer Team & players
- Soccer obstacle course/warm-up stations
June 15: TBD
June 29: TBD
July 20: Building communities
- David McNair, Rector at St. James Episcopal Church
- LEGO free-build and giant foam block building
Aug. 3: Fun and games
- Mac Stanley and Matt Dixon, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
- Giant yard game stations and crafts
Aug. 17: Pizza party
- Jack Kirakossian, personal chef and food educator
- Create your own min pizza
Join us Saturday, August 17 at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery for live music at the vineyard with Jeff Michels!
Jeff will be performing at Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville on Saturday from 12-3 PM. It’s sure to be an afternoon of amazing music, fabulous wines, great food and good times! We can’t wait to see you here!
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
fletcher parks concerts
The annual Summer Concert Series at Fletcher Parks offers free, live music. Organized by the Fletcher Parks & Recreation.
Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available!
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2024 Dates
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Shindig on the Green
July 6, 13, 20, 27
August 10, 17, 24
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The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.
Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues returns to Hendersonville Theatre in August for HT’s Hometown Sound Music Series! Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano. He toured and recorded with the Muddy Waters Band and recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker. Mac moved to Los Angeles and produced Soul Train with his friend Don Cornelius. He even played bass on the Sanford & Son television show when he wasn’t playing bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. After retiring from show business to become an organic farmer, Mac is back with his band and a “plate full” of CDs, building a new foundation in blues, soul, and funk.
As part of the Muddy Waters Band, Mac helped shape the electric blues sound that inspired the rock and roll movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Regular guests of the band included Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop. The Muddy Waters Band (as a unit) shared the stage with the likes of Howlin’ Wolfe, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Big Joe Williams, and Big Mama Thornton just to name a few. During this time, Mac played on John Lee Hooker’s “live “album, Live at the Café Au Go-Go, as well as Otis Spann’s classic recording The Blues is Where It’s At.
Mac later formed the Soul Invaders which backed up many artists, including The Temptations and B. B. King. In the early 70’s, he moved to Los Angeles to work at ABC Television and LAFF Records (Redd Foxx). This led to working on the set of Soul Train from 1971 to 1975 and then working with Bill Withers (Lean On Me) before moving back to South Carolina in the 80’s.
Mac now resides in Pelzer, SC, where at the age of ten he got his first taste of the blues when he learned to play his brother Leroy’s homemade guitar. Going back to his roots. Mac is serving up a mess of Blues with his band, Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues. The band consists of Austin Brashier on guitar and vocals, Max Hightower on harmonica and vocals, Rick Latham on drums, Mike Frost on bass, and Mac Arnold on vocals and Gas Can Guitar.
The Blues Music Awards have taken notice of Mac Arnold over the past few years. Mac was on hand for the 31st annual Blues Music Awards held May 6, 2010, in Memphis. Mac accepted the award for Best Historical Album for his participation in the 1966 recording Muddy Waters – Authorized Bootleg: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium (Geffen Records). The recording was released in 2009.
You can learn more about Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues at www.macarnold.com.
ORDINARY DAYSA musical by Adam GwonDirected by Jeff Catanese Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape. |
Internationally renowned R&B singer-songwriter Kem has always been driven by music and the emotions involved in bringing it to life. Much of his inspiration comes from his personal life experiences, like his journey from homelessness and addiction to sobriety and prosperity.
In 2002, the Detroit-native independently released his first CD, KEMISTRY, and sold 15,000 units literally out of the trunk of his car. The success landed him a meeting with Motown Records and a five-record deal. He rereleased KEMISTRY on the Motown label in 2003 and his first hit “Love Calls” soared to #1 on Urban Adult Contemporary charts and continues to be played to this day as an undisputed classic. More albums and chart-topping hits followed.
Combined, KEM’s five albums have sold in excess of 2.9 million units. In recognition of his singing and songwriting talents, KEM has received three Grammy® nominations; two NAACP Image Awards; two NAACP Image Awards; two Soul Train Awards and a BET Centric Award.
In addition to his career as an artist, KEM is firmly committed to humanitarian work, founding Mack & Third, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is built on the premise that no basic human need should go unmet.
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.
Join us for a morning of wellness. Enjoy outdoor yoga + sound therapy in the beautiful Peace garden of Asheville Salt Cave. This 60minute class includes brain-nourishing breathwork, centering meditation, body opening posture flow and lengthy guided relaxation under a sound bath by Billy Zanski of Skinny Beats. Open to all levels. Bring your own mat if you are able.
After the session, enjoy a walk along the Salt Cave’s outdoor labyrinth and add on a Tarot Reading with Bobbi Rose. To schedule your reading, email Bobbi at [email protected]
For those interested in Tarot Readings: Reverend Bobbi Rose is an experienced tarot reader and spiritual guide with over 20 years of experience. She is passionate about helping individuals gain self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking through the power of tarot. Bobbi Rose’s expertise in tarot extends to both personal and business contexts, where she facilitates growth, empowerment, and practical life solutions. Her approach is warm, intuitive, and personalized, ensuring each reading is a transformative and memorable experience.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
ORDINARY DAYSA musical by Adam GwonDirected by Jeff Catanese Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape. |
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Mondays: Pickin’ in the Park
Enjoy performances by local singer-songwriters in an intimate and relaxed setting. Experience the rich musical heritage of Asheville as talented musicians share their stories and songs.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Tuesdays: Hoop Jam
Join the fun with hula hoops and a live DJ. Whether you’re a seasoned hooper or a beginner, this vibrant event invites everyone to dance, spin, and groove to the music in a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!
Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.
Karaoke Night at Hickory Tavern
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804
BLUEGRASS JAM
Hosted by Drew Matulich
Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.
This series, in collaboration with the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, explores novels, poetry, and historic nonfiction focused on Appalachian experiences and Swannanoa Valley history through discussions and visits from regional authors. This month’s book is McMullen Circle by Heather Newton.
Schedule:
10:00-10:30 a.m. Book club discussion
Short break
11:00 a.m. – noon Author reading and Q&A
Cost: Swannanoa Valley Book Club Series events are FREE to the public.
Accessing Books: The Black Mountain Public Library will order and hold SVM Book Club books ahead of time for checkout by book club members. Some books are available for purchase through the Swannanoa Valley Museum.
Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.
Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!
Summer Reading runs from June 1 to August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18. If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.
The Hop Ice Cream OUR LOCATIONS
640 Merrimon Ave
Asheville, NC 28804