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.

Thursday, July 19, 2018
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!

KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum Presents: Sub Zero Effect
Jul 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
902 Tunnel Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4738
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: Family – (children of all ages)
Location: 902 Tunnel Rd. – Asheville
Library: East Asheville

Space is limited. Please sign up for your free ticket at the East Asheville Library. Call 250-4738 or visit our branch for more information.

Bats!
Jul 19 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Museum of Science
Bats! @ Asheville Museum of Science | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Join Defenders of Wildlife for our summer Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout to learn about bats — which species live in our region, why they’re important, and how we’re addressing the conservation challenges they face.

Special guest presenter: Nina Fascione, Defenders’ Vice President of Philanthropy and former Executive Director of Bat Conservation International

At the workshop we will build bat boxes to install on the campus New Belgium Brewing Company, which abuts the west shore of the French Broad River and provides great bat habitat!

Because bats are nocturnal, our walkabout will start just before dusk when bats become active and will include the identification of other nocturnal creatures like moths and insects. You won’t want to miss it!

WORKSHOP
Thursday, July 19, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Asheville Museum of Science
43 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Light refreshments provided

WALKABOUT
Saturday, July 21, 8:00pm-10:00pm.
Sandy Bottom Preserve
Parkway Crescent, Arden, NC 28704

For questions and to register, please contact Tracy at [email protected].

PSABC Presents the History and Heritage of Fletcher
Jul 19 @ 5:30 pm

Before it was Fletcher, it was Murrayville. The Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County is pleased to host a program about the history of a small town with a colorful past, to say the least!

 

Our speaker and historian, Brenda Coates, tells of the 18th C founding Murray family that helped form what is now Fletcher.  Coates is the author of At the End of Road the Journey Begins: How the Murray Clan Shaped the Character of Western North Carolina.  She will bring the town’s rich history alive – starting from pioneer life and the stagecoach Inn, where Howard’s Gap Road intersected the Buncombe Turnpike. The tale turns tragic with a  limestone mine cave in, touches on a mysterious hanging and taps into what makes Fletcher special.

 

This presentation is scheduled for July 19th, starting at 5:30 at the old Feed and Seed store, located at 3715 Hendersonville Road in Fletcher.  The doors open at 5:00, and the program begins with a half hour of Appalachian and blue grass music by Brian Hunter and Friends.   Brenda’s talk begins at about 6:00 pm.

 

The old Feed and Seed store is an example of active and successful historic preservation. Now the home of the Feed and Seed Church, the site was the former Fletcher Supply Company, built in 1919 by the Youngblood family, and was the “heart of downtown Fetcher” for many years.  Pastor Phillip Trees of the Feed and Seed Church saw the site’s potential and appreciated its history.

 

Pastor Phillip recruited volunteer labor to rehabilitate the building for worship space, preserving the hardwood floors and hammered tin tiles on 12 foot ceilings.  The space now hosts community gatherings for family-friendly regional and bluegrass music, and also clogging dances on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

Everyone is invited to this upcoming PSABC event. While admission is free, a $10 donation helps support local preservation.

 

 

Friday, July 20, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 20 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 20 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!

School’s Out Story Time
Jul 20 @ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
1404 Sandhill Rd.

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

Kids who are usually in school are invited to join us on Fridays for stories and fun this summer! Fridays from June 22 to August 17, except July 6.

Saturday, July 21, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 21 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 21 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!

Preschool Story Time
Jul 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4700
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Preschool – (ages 3-5)
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

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

Baby Story Time
Jul 21 @ 11:00 am – 11:45 am
902 Tunnel Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4738
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Baby – (ages 4 mos.-18 mos.)
Location: 902 Tunnel Rd. – Asheville
Library: East Asheville

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

Sunday, July 22, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 22 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 22 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!

Monday, July 23, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 23 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 23 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!

Spanish Story Time
Jul 23 @ 10:30 am – 11:15 am
1404 Sandhill Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-4758
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.),Preschool – (ages 3-5),School Age – (grades K-5),Family – (children of all ages)
Location: 1404 Sandhill Rd. – Candler
Library: Enka-Candler

Spanish Story Time features rhymes, songs and books in Spanish and English. Children of all ages are invited to join the fun every Monday at 10:30am.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 24 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 24 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!

Baby Story Time
Jul 24 @ 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.

Summer Baby Gym!
Jul 24 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4700
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: Baby – (ages 4 mos.-18 mos.),Toddler – (ages 18 mos.-2 yrs.)
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

Join us for free play time for children ages 0-3.  Come for an hour of active play with small climbing toys, manipulatives, tunnels, balls and more!  We will have Baby Gym on Tuesdays from 11am-12n.

(Baby Story Time is at 10:30am and Baby Gym will follow that.)

Baby Story Time
Jul 24 @ 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
105 N. Dougherty St.

Phone: 828-250-4756
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids
Age Group: Baby – (ages 4 mos.-18 mos.)
Location: 105 N. Dougherty St. – Black Mountain
Library: Black Mountain

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

Mending Workshop: Bring a Garment to Repair, Embellish or Alter
Jul 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4718
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Arts & Crafts,Family Fun,Informational
Age Group: Teen – (grades 6-12),Family – (children of all ages),Adult
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

This workshop will provide a space to make a mini mending toolkit to take home with you, you can also feel free to bring in a garment to repair or re-work. The instructor will help establish repair plans with participants to suit their practical needs and aesthetic desires, with the hope that these tools will increase the longevity of our garments we love and curb the consumption of more articles of clothing!

Children with parental supervision, teens and adults are welcome. This program is free and sponsored by The Friends of the Library!

Homeschool Book Club
Jul 24 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
1030 Merrimon Ave.

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

Come join the Homeschool Book Club! Meet new people while having snacks and discussing an awesome book! Come by the North Asheville Library to sign up and check out a copy of our book of the month. Age 9 to 12. No groups please.

Computer Skills Class for Adults
Jul 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
67 Haywood St.

Phone: (828) 250-4717
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Classes
Age Group: Adult
Location: 67 Haywood St. – Asheville
Library: Pack Memorial

Every Tuesday at 6 PM, we’ll be having basic computer skills classes in our computer lab downstairs. Come and improve your email skills in a patient and understanding environment.

All library events are free. No registration is required for the class, all are
welcome. Computers may be limited based on capacity.
Contact Sam at [email protected] for more information or call 250-4717

Groovin’ on Grovemont: The Wonderful Nobodies
Jul 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
101 W. Charleston Ave.

Phone: (828) 250-6486
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Performance,Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: Family – (children of all ages),Adult
Location: 101 W. Charleston Ave. – Swannanoa
Library: Swannanoa

Come to Grovemont Park for great local bands, good music, fun and great food. Bring camp chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the free concert. We’ll have a half-price book sale each day starting at 5 PM.

TONIGHT: The Wonderful Nobodies – a Nashville-based group all hailing from the Appalachian region of Virginia and NC.  A unique blend of bluegrass, pop, soul & country.

Rock Art
Jul 24 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
260 Overlook Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6488
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Arts & Crafts
Age Group: Teen – (grades 6-12),Adult
Location: 260 Overlook Rd. – Asheville
Library: Skyland / South Buncombe

Enhance rocks with colorful designs. Sign up at circulation desk or call 828-250-6488. Class limited to 10 participants. Adults and teens welcome.

Writing Workshop: Is There a Children’s Book In You?
Jul 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
1561 Alexander Rd.

Phone: (828) 250-6480
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Classes
Age Group: Adult
Location: 1561 Alexander Rd. – Leicester
Library: Leicester

Join us for an evening with children’s book editor, Joy Neaves. Explore elements that make up great stories and learn ways to get your own story ideas onto the page. We’ll look at strategies for developing strong characters, engaging action, and compelling ideas. Learn how using a storyboard can help you develop the framework for a picture book text or a longer work of fiction.

Joy Neaves is a freelance editor of children’s books at namelos who gained experience as an editor of children’s picture books, poetry, middle grade, and young adult fiction at Front Street Books, an award-winning imprint of books for children. Joy is passionate in her approach to talking about both children’s literature and the craft of writing for children, and enjoys helping writers hone their craft, with an eye toward publication. This workshop is designed for adults and older teens. Advance registration preferred. Please call 250-6480 to register.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 25 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.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 25 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!

Toddler Story Time
Jul 25 @ 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.