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.
Spend the afternoon playing fiddle tunes! Learn to comp harmonies while your neighbor takes a turn on the melody. We will learn & jam with classic Appalachian and Celtic fiddle tunes and cross over to other American styles of the fiddling tradition including blues and ragtime, establishing roots of musical joy that will last a lifetime.
Students must have a minimum of one month of prior experience. Lessons available.
Mixed-Media Collage: This class focuses on the art of collage with mixed-media applications. Students explore a range of media applications and processes throughout the week and stretch their creativity to combine multiple techniques into finished artworks.
Please note:
- Summer Art Camp is held primarily indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center.
- Space is limited to small groups of students; face coverings, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing/sanitization are required.
Join the Museum for Summer Art Camp in our bright and spacious studio! Camp is offered to rising kindergarten through 12th-grade students. All classes are age-appropriate. Sessions include drawing, painting, mixed-media, and more. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is required.
James Rosenquist, Mirrored Flag, 1971, color lithograph with Mylar foil on paper, edition 17/70, publisher: Graphicstudio, University of South Florida, Tampa, 29 × 22 1/4 inches. Museum purchase, 2013.23.60. © Estate of James Rosenquist / licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.
Free for Members or included with Museum admission
Small-group/in-person program
Visit our galleries on a scavenger hunt for inspiration before joining us in the Wells Fargo Art PLAYce to create! Each Friday afternoon for the month of July, we’re making 3D animals. Pick up a scavenger hunt anytime between 1:30 and 3pm at the welcome desk or in the Art PLAYce on level 2. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult); no reservations are required.
Mon-Fri from 2-5pm. You have access to high speed internet, work space and HALF-OFF pastries when you present your college ID.
Peer Support
Group meetings: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Please contact us for individual services at 828.388.7979, Option #2
Through the “lived-experience” of our peer support specialists, we will assist, encourage, empower and advocate with others on their journey to finding their own path to recovery. Recovery is possible but is not meant to do alone. We do recover together.
About Hope Coalition
Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change.
Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute
FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺
🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.
🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.
🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.
Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!
Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/
What we’re about
COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney
We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!
Acoustic Syndicate
Since 1994, Acoustic Syndicate’s unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through 7 albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Joe Lasher
Drawing inspiration from icons such as Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Jon Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, Joe’s music is influenced by a variety of genres ranging from traditional country to gospel and from rock to heavy metal, creating a sound that is all his own. Joe has been touring the country since the age of 16, where he is focused on creating a full-sensory show filled with big sound and bright lights giving his audience a reason to sing and dance.
Merry Wives of Windsor – July 9 – 18 at 5:30 pm
by W. Shakespeare
The first production of the year for MPP’s brilliant teenagers!
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.
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.
Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Musician Schedule
Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
- Thursday 7/8 – Juan Holiday (R&B/Soul) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Jackson Grimm (Folk/Bluegrass) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/9 – No Event
- Thursday 7/15 – Liz & Elizabeth (Folk/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/16 – Kevin Williams (Country/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Steve Newbrough (Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.Click here for the full schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
- Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
- Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of buildings.
- To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
- Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
vs. 
Ages Past, a bluegrass band best known for their powerful sound, original songwriting, and “traditional with a twist” style, has reunited after 25 years to bring you all-new music. Original band members Randy Gallion and Tony Williamson have joined forces with veteran musicians Jaime Carter, Chad Day, and Savannah Reed to form the new group.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.
The trajectory of Bumpin Uglies started over a decade ago, making music with friends, playing backyard parties and anywhere else they could get a gig. For Brandon Hardesty, lead vocals and guitar, it was a simple time, but one that taught him lessons that stay with him today as he leads the band into the 2020s. One was that he would do whatever it took for him and his band to be successful. Another was in discovering that doing it his way was the only way, which still applies today. Bumpin Uglies do things their way, free to play, think, and write however they feel, critics and the mainstream music industry be damned.
In the early days, Hardesty was hustling waiting tables while stoking his musical fire with every minute of free time he had. A point came years ago when he knew it was time to put up or shut up if he was going to make a career as a musician, so he dug into doing all of the things it takes to grow Bumpin Uglies from a grassroots local band into a nationally touring act. It took a tireless DIY ethic; and it still does, but if Brandon did not have the singular focus on breaking through and achieving his musical dreams, the story of Bumpin Uglies wouldn’t be what it is today.
Bumpin Uglies are a band that have hoisted themselves up and forged their own path, but even as they look around at where they are, how far they have come, it is clear to them that there is so much more work to do and they continue to do it every day. With the help of bassist Dave “Wolfie” Wolf and drummer TJ Haslett, they are doing just that.
Bumpin Uglies recently came off the road, having to cancel their spring tour due to COVID-19. Brandon and the boys have been keeping their rabid fan group “Uglies Nation” entertained with full band live streams, hosting socially distant concerts and even a few Drive-In concerts until the world slowly gets back to a place where Bumpin Uglies can tour once again.
Fresh off the successful release of full length, “Keep your suitcase packed.”, they are in the midst of a new project called “The Never Ending Drop.” The concept is simple, yet groundbreaking..
“For the last ten years, we’ve been on what feels like the never-ending tour. So in a year where the tour is forced to stop, we decided to double down on the music making portion of our job description,” Hardesty explains. The band released their first single, “Fear,” in October and plans to release a single per month indefinitely on the second Friday of each month. Be sure to check out the new material on Spotify or wherever you stream music.
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family-friendly seating will be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City at 7 pm, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9 pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with a hand-pulled pork slider, a couple of pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
Persephone is 29, unemployed, broke, and trying to figure out what to do next. She’s living with her mother, who’s driving her crazy. Enter Hades – the attractive bad boy who might just offer the escape she needs. The question is – what is Persephone willing to give up for her freedom?
Grimm’s Fairy Tales – June 25 – July 24
By Barbie Angell, Kathryn Langwell, Monica McDaniel & Honor Moor
Four local women playwrights take on the tales of The Brothers Grimm and create a World Premiere that is sure to delight the whole family!
Inspired by the “wild open spaces” of America, the New World Symphony represents one of the greatest triumphs of Dvořák’s career. Maestro Lockhart also welcomes pianist Lara Downes to perform the Brevard premiere of Florence Price’s Piano Concerto.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Lara Downes, piano
FLORENCE PRICE Piano Concerto
ANTONIN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 , “From the New World”
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
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Flat Rock Playhouse is proud to be nominated in the 2021 Best of Blue Ridge from Hendersonville Times-News!
FRP was nominated in the Seasonal Attraction Category. You can vote once per day until Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST.
Those who vote in more than 25 categories will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $250 Gift Card from the Hendersonville Times-News!
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
The Caldwell Arts Council announces its 35th Annual Sculpture Celebration in Lenoir, NC on Saturday September 11, 2021 at the Broyhill Walking Park in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Sculptors are invited to bring up to 3 sculptures for this one-day event to compete for $11,000 in cash awards, along with potential sales and commissions. Registration includes free camping, a Friday Night Sculptors’ Dinner, breakfast, and a meal voucher for the day of the event.
This annual family-friendly event attracts sculptors and buyers from the eastern United States to Lenoir, North Carolina and in past years, has attracted over 4,000 people. It is funded in part by generous sponsors and by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
A FREE book mailed to your child, every month!
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails an age-appropriate book monthly to enrolled children ages 0-5. Do you live in Henderson County and have a child younger than 5? Register today and your child can receive a free book in the mail each month until his/her fifth birthday!
How Do I Enroll My Child?
Enrolling your child is easy! You can register your child electronically (click for online registration) or call us at 828-693-1580 and we will mail you a hard copy of the registration form to complete and return to us.
When does the first book arrive?
If you enroll your child in person, we will give your child his/her first book. If not, your child will begin receiving books through the U.S. Postal Services six-eight weeks after the registration form has been received. If you move, please contact Smart Start at 828-693-1580 to notify us of your change in address so your child can continue receiving books.
Is there ever a cost to me?
NO! Through the generous support of the NC General Assembly and donations and grants from individuals and businesses in our community, this is a FREE program.
Annual Survey
Annually, some parents will be asked to complete a short survey. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete. Results will be used to make sure the program is getting results for families. If asked, please consider completing the short questionnaire. Thank you!
Do you have questions about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Henderson County? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions here. If you still have questions, feel free to contact Smart Start Partnership for Children using the contact information below.
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| The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.
This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house. |
A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE
2021 THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL LITERARY AWARD
The Western North Carolina Historical Association is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award. Originated by the Louis Lipinsky family and now supported by Michael Sartisky, PhD, the Award is a partnership between WNCHA and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. It has been presented by WNCHA since 1955. The award comes with a $2,500 cash prize.
The deadline for submission of nominated works is July 31, 2021. Anyone with knowledge of an author who meets the qualification criteria may nominate the author for the award. To be considered, an entry must be a published work of fiction, nonfiction, drama or poetry and meet the following criteria:
- It must be a first edition work; revised editions of published works will not be considered for the Award.
- The publication date must be between July 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021.
- The author must be a native of western North Carolina or a resident of western North Carolina for at least twelve months prior to the closing date for the Award.
- An author may also qualify if the work submitted has a focus on or setting in western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina includes the Qualla Boundary and the following 25 counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey.
The Award Panel this year consists of: Catherine Frank, Chair, Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville; Dee James, retired Director of the First-Year Writing Program at UNC Asheville; Tom Muir, Historic Site Manager, Thomas Wolfe Memorial; Gordon McKinney, PhD, former president, Appalachian Studies Association; Terry Roberts, PhD, Director, National Paideia Center; Jim Stokely, President, Wilma Dykeman Legacy.
Nomination letters must specify the following eligibility criteria:
- date of publication
- birthplace or residence of author
- setting of work
Nominators should submit a cover letter along with three copies of the work postmarked no later than July 31, 2021 to:
Wolfe Award Committee
℅ Anne Chesky Smith
WNC Historical Association
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
An awards ceremony and reception, in honor of the finalists and 2021 Award recipient, will be held in early December 2021.
The Association presented the first Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award to Wilma Dykeman in 1955 for The French Broad. The Award has continued to be funded, in part, by Mrs. E. Frank Edwin, a member of the Lipinsky family and for the last three years by WNCHA, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Board, both with support from Michael Sartisky, PhD. Other recipients of this prestigious Award include Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, Robert Brunk, Michael McFee, Lee Smith, Ron Rash, Wayne Caldwell, and Terry Roberts. Sandra Muse Isaacs was the recipient of the 2020 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award for her book: Eastern Cherokee Stories: A Living Oral Tradition and Its Cultural Continuance.
A year-long program
Individualized to meet you where you are
in your farm business journey
Starting a farm is a formidable challenge, but keeping a farm business going, growing and thriving is even harder! The Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years, and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region. This program will give you the space and time to work on your business while making connections that deepen your peer-to-peer support.
This 12-month program starts in November 2021 and ends in October 2022.
What is unique about this program?
Participants can use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals, and make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business to answer questions of: scale, market access, land access, risk management, understanding cash flow, and enterprise innovation. You will leave this program with a responsive, adaptable business plan to help your farm achieve long-term farm viability and resilience.