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.

Monday, July 16, 2018
Summer Clay Camp 2018 — Animal Pots Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Jul 16 @ 2:00 pm – Jul 20 @ 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Summer Clay Camp 2018 --  Animal Pots Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   |  |  |

Animal Pots Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

July 16-20
Monday- Friday 2-5pm

What’s your favorite animal? This week will be all about creating flowerpots and bowls on the potter’s wheel. We will bring our pots to life by adding animal characteristics such as eyes, beaks, tails, ears, wings and more. The finished pieces will be both functional and playful.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 17 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 17 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 17 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

In the Gallery
Jul 17 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

Summer Sizzle
Jul 17 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 17 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Baby Story Time
Jul 17 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
1 Taylor Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6484
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Baby – (ages 4 mos.-18 mos.)
Location: 1 Taylor Rd. – Fairview
Library: Fairview

Mother Goose Time is a lively language enrichment story time serving our youngest folks–the 4 month-old to 18 month-old set.

Mineral Detectives with AMOS
Jul 17 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
1404 Sandhill Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4758
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5)
Location: 1404 Sandhill Rd. – Candler
Library: Enka-Candler

Asheville Museum of Science presents a hands-on geology program that rocks! Age 6 and up. Space is limited, please sign up for this free program at the library.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Manna Food Bank Distribution
Jul 17 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Manna Food Distribution every third Tuesday at 2:30pm

Let’s Dance! Introduction to Modern Dance
Jul 17 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4700
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Classes,Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5)
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

Free dance class for ages 7-10 years. This class will be Introduction to Modern Dance.

Use the “sign up” link to register starting June 1.

Please Note: You may pick and choose which dance classes you’d like to attend all Summer, based on your interest & availability.

You DO NEED to sign up for each class individually. 

You DO NOT NEED to attend all classes within a series. You DO NEED to cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend.
This class is designed for ages 7-10.  For younger children see the Creative Movement Inspired by Modern Dance class.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 18 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 18 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
Jul 18 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

In the Gallery
Jul 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Art in Bloom – Plein Air Paintings

Summer Sizzle
Jul 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Cool Summer Nights at Tweetsie Railroad
Jul 18 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

LEGO Animation
Jul 18 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
1030 Merrimon Ave.

Phone: (828) 250-4752
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5),Teen – (grades 6-12)
Location: 1030 Merrimon Ave. – Asheville
Library: North Asheville

Learn how to make a LEGO animation! Participants will sign up for a 20min time slot between 12:30-3pm and 4-6pm. Kids will be guided through the process of animating a walk cycle using a LEGO person. Sign up at the North Asheville Library or call 828-250- 4752. Please arrive 10 minutes early to set up. Age 8-14. No groups please.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 18 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am
749 Fairview Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4754
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 749 Fairview Rd. – Asheville
Library: Oakley / South Asheville

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
105 N. Dougherty St.

Phone: 828-250-4756
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 105 N. Dougherty St. – Black Mountain
Library: Black Mountain

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
1561 Alexander Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6480
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Library: Leicester

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

Toddler Story Time
Jul 18 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
260 Overlook Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6488
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.)
Location: 260 Overlook Rd. – Asheville
Library: Skyland / South Buncombe

Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
1030 Merrimon Ave.

Phone: (828) 250-4752
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 1030 Merrimon Ave. – Asheville
Library: North Asheville

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities.

Preschool Story Time
Jul 18 @ 11:00 am – 12:45 pm
902 Tunnel Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4738
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 902 Tunnel Rd. – Asheville
Library: East Asheville

Preschool story times are geared towards 3-5 year-olds and include singing, stretchers, and creative activities

Toddler Story Time
Jul 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
942 Haywood Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4750
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.)
Location: 942 Haywood Rd. – Asheville
Library: West Asheville

Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.

Toddler Story Time
Jul 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
749 Fairview Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4754
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.)
Location: 749 Fairview Rd. – Asheville
Library: Oakley / South Asheville

Toddler Times are interactive story times for children ages 18 months to 3 years.

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Jul 18 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Thursday, July 19, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 19 all-day
Folkmoot Friendship Center
2018 Folkmoot Festival @ Folkmoot Friendship Center | Waynesville | North Carolina | United States

Named by USA Today as one of the Top Twenty Festivals in North Carolina, Folkmoot is a ten-day event, held across the mountains of Western North Carolina in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Cherokee, Franklin, Hickory, Asheville, and Hendersonville. The 2018 festival dates are July 19 – 29 and feature cultural ambassadors/dance performing groups from Ghana, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Northern Cyprus, Thailand and local Appalachian and Cherokee dancers and musicians.

Tickets are now on sale for all performances and can be purchased at Folkmoot.org, in person at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, or by calling 828-452-2997.

7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 19 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 19 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!