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.
Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.
The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.
The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).
The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders). Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).
Three new works were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.
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 is be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and arrive 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 9pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple 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.
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 is be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and arrive 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 9pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple 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.

Asheville, NC—Momentum Gallery in downtown Asheville is pleased to participate in the Summer of Glass, a WNC celebration of glass art in conjunction with the Dale Chihuly exhibition at the Biltmore Estate, May-October 2018. The gallery exhibition, Reflections (July 1-August 25) nods to the Gilded Age, a period during the late 19th Century when the Biltmore Estate was conceived and constructed by railway tycoon George Vanderbilt. This curated exhibition features recent work by some of the country’s top contemporary glass artists with many of the works in the collection speaking to Vanderbilt’s aesthetic of opulence, grandeur, and beauty. Other conceptual pieces examine concepts of memory and history, referencing the “downstairs” or “behind the scenes” of the palatial mansion as well. Sophisticated sculptures and stylish wall pieces incorporate a variety of glass techniques and explore the intricate detailing, ornamentation, and drama indicative of the Gilded Age. This Exhibit is free and open to the public.
Reflections includes works by: Thor & Jennifer Bueno, Amber Cowan, Jennifer Halvorson, Alli Hoag, Joanna Manousis, Andy Paiko, Kit Paulson, Pablo Soto, and Tim Tate.
This exquisite, interactive exhibit is designed to inspire and educate visitors about the storied history and evocative power of scent while taking them on a full sensory journey, literally! Blending flora, fashion and science, Making Scents showcases some of Mother Nature’s most fragrant botanicals and unveils the plants and flowers behind some of the world’s most iconic perfumes. Visitors will explore the mysterious power of the sense of smell, learn about the artistry and science behind the fragrance industry and even compose their own basic fragrance.
From traditional harvest and extraction methods to chemical combinations of synthetic fragrances, Making Scents uncovers the technical processes behind fragrance creation through an immersive, multisensory experience. Art, passion and craft come together inside the exhibit’s iconic bottle display, which showcases the unique designs of more than 100 perfume bottles, some dating back to ancient the Greek and Roman eras. By integrating horticulture, history and pop culture, Making Scents is sure to enlighten the senses and engage the minds of visitors about the fragrance industry and the living world in a fun, dynamic way.
The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!
Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.
Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
This exhibit showcases the work of three leading fiber artists who explore Western North Carolina’s mountains, meadows and marshes using fabrics and fibers. Their quilted wall art offers a link to familiar images of this region, echoing the Arboretum’s role of connecting people with plants. Through their diverse styles, construction methods and subject matter, artists Mary Stori, Judy Simmons and Kate Weston add a contemporary twist to the area’s rich and storied quilt-making tradition. Their exhibit features pieces of varying sizes, from large focal-point wall hangings to medium-sized wall art to small work suitable for tabletop display. All pieces are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The North Carolina Arboretum Society.
About the Artists
Mary Stori
From her home in Clyde, N.C., Mary creates botanical and organic themed art quilts using artisian-made, hand-dyed cotton, linen, silk and rayon fabrics. She also utilizes hand-felted and hand-dyed wool as rich backdrops, offering texture and depth to her work. Bead embellishment is another one of her trademarks. Learn more on her website.
Judy Simmons
Judy creates her own fabric in her Fletcher, N.C. studio using surface design techniques, including fabric marbling, dyeing, color lifting and silk screening. Much of the imagery in her work utilizes her own photography printed on fabric. To learn more about Judy, please click here.
Kate Weston
From her home in Statesville, N.C., Kate focuses on the creation of complex cloth through the application of dye, paint and embellishment, such as fabric overlay or manipulation and the application of non-fiber materials. Coupled with skillful machine quilting, Kate’s works create and stunning interplay of color and texture. Please visit Kate’s website to learn more.
Pioneer Women Painters of the River District, curated by Sara Ledonne, is a group exhibit which will highlight five Warehouse Studio artists from the mid 90s. These adventurous, creative, inspirational women found themselves under one roof, painting energetic, extraordinary, thought provoking abstracts.
In the 80’s, Marie Hudson opened her studio in the RAD. She was one of the first artists to plant roots in what has become one of the most popular locations for artists in Asheville. Hudson’s art resonates in the community. Hundreds of locals have collected her art over the years.
Mary Charles Griffin, an abstract expressionist artist that goes by the name of Charlie, is a 91-year-old dynamo who graduated from Western Carolina University with her master’s in studio painting when she was 77. “I started painting professionally after my children left home in 1980. I can’t hear, see or speak, but otherwise I am in pretty good shape for my age.” -Charlie Griffin
“I moved again to a studio in the Riverlink building in 1991. With the leadership of Karen Cragnolian ( Riverlink) and Gayle McCarthy (Highwater Clay) I helped organize the first, soon to be River Arts District, Open Studios. There were five participating artists at that time.” – Betty Clark
“This building, these studios, these women were my first introduction to the artists of Asheville and the River District. It was not yet called the River ARTS District…there were no coffee shops, breweries, or restaurants like today…It was still pretty sketchy after dark if you ventured further down toward what is now Pink Dog… I moved into Warehouse Studios in the fall of 1998, right after I moved to Asheville from Seattle. At that time, there were only about 20 artists in the RAD, scattered in the old buildings. Marie Hudson, Betty Clark , Charlie Griffin and I had been working studios at Warehouse long before there was anything else down there. We became friends as well as critics for each other’s work.”- Barbara Fisher
This exhibit aims to recreate the experience of discovering this artistic hot bed, and pay homage to those early Asheville pioneer women painters. The opening reception for Pioneer Women Painters of the River District will be August 3, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Sara Ledonne will give a curator’s talk at 6:30.
Participating artists: Betty Clark, Marie Hudson, Mary Charles “Charlie” Griffin, Barbara Fisher, Dawn Rentz
The Asheville Art Museum is excited to present Red Hot in the Blue Ridge, an exhibition being held in conjunction with Western North Carolina’s community-wide Summer of Glass celebration. On view at the Asheville Art Museum On the Slope at 175 Biltmore Avenue May 19 – September 30, 2018, Red Hot in the Blue Ridge celebrates Western North Carolina’s unique place in the history of American Studio Glass. Many other organizations and galleries across WNC are also hosting glass-focused events, programs and exhibitions during the region’s Summer of Glass celebration, which coincides with a new exhibition at Biltmore of multi-media artist Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures. Visit www.ashevilleart.org for details.

If you’ve recently built a structure from predominantly reused building materials, the Asheville Habitat ReStore wants to know. Projects can include garden sheds, artist studios, benches, chicken coops, playhouses and much more. Share your projects with the Habitat ReStore to help showcase innovative building projects made with reused materials and show off your creativity and talent for your chance to win in the 7th annual ReStore ReUse Contest. The contest runs July 1st through August 31st. For information and submission guidelines, visit ashevillehabitat.org
Perfect beer for the end of summer. Super small batch of Grapefruit Belgian IPA. Perfect blend of yeast, hops, and grapefruit.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1354183771379540/
We’re Doing It Again! It’s Our All In One Day Exclusive Getaway!
ITINERARY:
LEAVING OUT OF GREENSBORO, NC @ 7:00am (Bus Pick Up In The Burlington Coat Factory Parking Lot Right Behind Chilli’s Restaurant 3024 W. Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27403
What’s Provided…
It All Starts With Our Legendary Party Bus Ride & If You’ve Never Been On One Of Ours Then You Are In For A Treat. It’s An Event Within Itself! It’s A Luxury Motor Coach And A Ride Full Of Music, Movies, Dancing, Laughing, Games Etc. DRINKS & Snacks Will Be Provided And If You Drink Something That You Think We Don’t Have… Then Bring It!
Our Destination…
The Beautiful State Of The Art Harrah’s Cherokee Resort & Casino. Everything All In The Same Area/Building
The Casino… Has Over 4000 Games & All Of Your Favorite Games Including: Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, (All w/ Live Dealers), Slot Machines & More! Bonus: Everyone Gets $20 Back To Be Used For Slot Play
The Hotel/Resort…
Experience a Fabulous Meal at The Casual Dining Restaurant-Selu Garden Café`, Sizzling Prime Steaks at Ruth Chris Steak House, Savor the Flavors of Tuscany at BRIO Tuscan Grille, Food on The Go at the Food Court, and the Chefs Stage for Cuisine that offers Asian, Italian, Mexican, Barbecue, and Comfort.
River Shops- on the 2nd Floor of the Casino. Also Experience The Mandara Spa, a Full Service Spa and Salon
Note: Lunch & Dinner At The Restaurants Is Not Included In The Ticket Price And Also Note That The Mandara Spa Is Optional And All All Spa/Massage/Pedicure Appointments Must Be Made Separate & Are Your Responsibility (For More Info About The Spa Call 828.497.8550)
We Leave The Resort Get Back On Our Bus & The Party Continues..
All Of This In One Day & You Are Home By 11p
ALERT! We Only Have 50 Spots. This VIP Event Is Exclusive So Reserve Your Spot Today With Your Initial Deposit Of 50% OR You Can Go Ahead & Pay The Total Fee & Be Done & Waiting For The Trip (Dress is Casual/Comfortable & You Must Be At Least 25 To Attend) If You Don’t Want To Purchase On Line Email Us @ [email protected] To Make Other Payment Arrangements
Initial Deposits Due By July 9th. After That Only Full Payment & Final Balances Accepted (See Ticket Purchase/Description Info)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1339346182864775/
T-SHIRT DEADLINE IS AUG 9
4 person team competition
All Male, All Female, Co-ed
Rx and Scaled Divisions
4 WODS
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cLmHRbgj5MGURO4XTVrTPFYWzUWNrDYU
https://www.facebook.com/events/973997202768807/
We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!
It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:
There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.
Winners will be notified and announced at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].
Come join TCL David Knupp and help with some heavy corridor trimming of undergrowth along Wash Creek Trail in the North Mills River section of the Pisgah District, PNF. We will meet at 8 a.m. and will use gas powered hedgers/trimmers to clear the salad back. Meeting at the concrete low water bridge on Wash Creek Red, just off FS5000. The usually PPEs, plus ear protection is required.
https://www.facebook.com/events/896861653830352/
If you’re near Asheville, join us for our Saturday morning prayer services in person during the 21 Days of Prayer! We can’t wait to worship and pray with you. Childcare is provided!
https://www.facebook.com/events/224182504928179/?event_time_id=224182511594845
One day Lamaze based childbirth class. The class covers anatomy, labor, delivery, comfort measures, immediate postpartum period, medical procedures, basic newborn care, and breastfeeding. This a fun and informative class of 6 to 12 couples. Class is taught by a Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in a professional setting. You will love it. Please join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2030363960548816/?event_time_id=2030363970548815
Pawpaws are the largest edible tree fruit native to North America, yet they are still relatively little unknown. Due to their delicious, creamy taste, they are making a resurgence. Craig Mauney, Area Specialized Extension Agent, pawpaw aficionado and farmer will talk about the Pawpaw, how to cultivate it and use the fruit. There will also be a taste testing of various fruits. $25
Please call to register or register online!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1790257427934761/
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Couples,Entertainment,Family
Contact: Concierge Desk
Contact Phone: 828-252-2711
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/tours
Our guided history tour covers the history of E.W Grove, the construction and early years of the resort, our Arts and Crafts style furniture, and some of our most notable guests.
Sign-up at the Concierge desk.
Join us on Saturday, August 18 for the Hot Nights Cool Rides Car Show as over 400 cars, trucks, and motorcycles line historic Main Street! Registration is just $25 per car and includes a commemorative t-shirt! Register on Friday, August 17 from 2pm-8pm at 108 East Main Street and on Saturday, August 18 from 9am-2pm. Live music from Jack Roper and the Weatherman Band, Wiregrass, and Night Move! This is an alcohol free and pet free event.
https://www.facebook.com/events/254007525150085/
1 mile, 16 obstacles, family/team obstacle run. 16 unique team based obstacles, rope crawls, big mud hills, river tube section, huge sprinklers, inflatables, team based challenges and tons of fun. Dress up as a family too ! Prizes for best dressed, music and more.
Event takes place in Morganton NC on a private moto track with super slick muddy hills that make the course super unique. High powered sprinklers add to the fun. They spray water over 100ft and do a good job of ” cooling things down ”
Earn medals, shirts and memories that last a lifetime.
Proceeds go back to local kids and families in aiding with food assistance in the Morganton/ Burke county
community.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1882285402063174/
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/
See art in it its natural habitat, the studio. On May 19, our resident artists will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. Tours are free and self-guided and take place from 11am – 4pm. Meet makers who work in a variety of media, and browse original works of art ranging from jewelry to pottery to sculpture.
Please Note: Many of our resident artists spend time away at shows and working on commissions. If you really want to see a particular artist, please call us before you visit to make sure their studio is going to be open (828) 253-7651.
One day Lamaze based childbirth class. Class covers anatomy, labor, delivery, comfort measures, immediate post partum period, medical procedures, basic newborn care and breastfeeding. This a fun and informative class of 6 to 12 couples. Class is taught by a Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in a professional setting. You will love it. Please join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/365838843899951/
USA SOFTBALL (ASA) BATTLE FOR THE BORDER –
ASHEVILLE, NC – BOB LEWIS BALLPARK
ONE DAY TOURNAMENT – AUGUST 18TH
Girl’s Fast Pitch Tournament. $235 entry, $100 FOR 8U.
3GG, 2 pool games & single elimination bracket.
Come play with the best at beautiful BOB LEWIS BALLPARK in ASHEVILLE, NC!!
CHECK OUT the WEBSITE: http://usawnc.com/
SEE WHO’S PLAYING http://usawnc.com/whos-playing/
Contact info:
Bobby Gosnell (828)215-1909
[email protected]
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/2147806385544642/
The Southeast Game Exchange is the premier 2-day video game convention located in Greenville, SC. Bring your used video games to buy, sell, and trade with vendors and collectors for all things video games! Come check us out for door prizes, video game tournaments, cosplay, and panels! Visit our webiste (www.SoutheastGameExchange.com) for more details!
Saturday, August 18th, 2018 10AM – 4PM
Sunday, August 19th, 2018 10AM – 4PM
$10 at the door for a single day pass
$17 at the door for a 2-day pass
$15 for a preordered 2-day pass online (purchased here at Eventbrite – also enters you into an EXCLUSIVE drawing for a Nintendo NES Classic Edition!)
https://www.facebook.com/events/184126232172695/
Vendors from the outdoor industry will be on site offering great deals on gear. Everything from hunting to hiking and all in between. They’ll be gear giveaways, gun and bow raffles plus a youth hunt and a fully guided fishing trip giveaway. $5 admission is good for both days
https://www.facebook.com/events/1189222947886609/
The grand opening of the Asheville Cat Weirdos Cat Pantry.
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville’s Thrift Hound will be open for shopping, and they will also have adoptable animals!
Come get a some lunch! We’re going to be serving hot dogs (vegan dogs too) chips and drinks!
Cat food donations are welcome during this time!
https://www.facebook.com/events/241204553197467/
