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.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
3rd Annual Spring Fling Ross Farm Nursery Greenhouses + Appalachian Standard
Apr 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ross Farm

3rd Annual Spring Fling with over 20 craft artists, live music & food truck. 22 Living Greenhouses full of exotic plants, annuals, perennials, veggie starts, bushes and trees. Our very own Appalachian Standard CBD products for purchase.
Raffle with proceeds benefiting Asheville’s very own Dementia Partners!

Mystery of George Masa Documentary Screening
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am
East Asheville Public Library

George Masa taking a photograph.

Join the East Asheville Library and Buncombe County Special Collections for a screening of the documentary The Mystery of George Masa followed by a Q&A session with the documentarian, Paul Bonesteel, founder of Bonesteel Films. This free event will be Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at the East Asheville Library.

The Mystery of George Masa details the life of Masahara Iizuka, a Japanese immigrant who came to the Asheville in 1915, where he focused his camera and his passions on preserving the beauty of the wilderness he discovered. Eighteen years after his arrival, his death left behind thousands of photographs and an impressive legacy that included a role in the founding of two great national treasures, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail.

Paul Bonesteel is a filmmaker from North Carolina with a commitment to telling stories that illuminate and inspire. His other documentaries include Muni, a story about Black caddies turned golfers during the Jim Crow Era, The Day Carl Sandburg Died, and America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experience.

After the film, please be sure to visit the exhibit Masa’s Mountains: An Exhibit of The Work & Legacy of Photographer George Masa on display throughout the month of May at the East Asheville Library.

To dive deeper into the story of George Masa and view even more of his photographs visit Buncombe County Special Collections in person at Pack Memorial Library or online.

 

The Mystery of George Masa: Documentary Screening
Apr 29 @ 10:00 am
East Asheville Public Library

George Masa taking a photograph.

Join the East Asheville Library and Buncombe County Special Collections for a screening of the documentary The Mystery of George Masa followed by a Q&A session with the documentarian, Paul Bonesteel, founder of Bonesteel Films. This free event will be Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at the East Asheville Library.

The Mystery of George Masa details the life of Masahara Iizuka, a Japanese immigrant who came to the Asheville in 1915, where he focused his camera and his passions on preserving the beauty of the wilderness he discovered. Eighteen years after his arrival, his death left behind thousands of photographs and an impressive legacy that included a role in the founding of two great national treasures, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail.

Paul Bonesteel is a filmmaker from North Carolina with a commitment to telling stories that illuminate and inspire. His other documentaries include Muni, a story about Black caddies turned golfers during the Jim Crow Era, The Day Carl Sandburg Died, and America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experience.

After the film, please be sure to visit the exhibit Masa’s Mountains: An Exhibit of The Work & Legacy of Photographer George Masa on display throughout the month of May at the East Asheville Library.

To dive deeper into the story of George Masa and view even more of his photographs visit Buncombe County Special Collections in person at Pack Memorial Library or online.

Peace Garden + Market Annual Spring Fling
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Peace Garden & Market

Our annual Spring Fling! is just a few weeks away (April 29th). We’ve got a great line up of performers and local vendors…and of course there will be loads and loads of plants!
Things kick off at 11am with the puppet show and will wind down sometime around 5 pm. As always, plants are available on sliding scale honor system – and all proceeds go to support our free CSA and youth programs.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
Kanopy Available Free
Apr 30 all-day
online

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free with a Buncombe County Library card.  Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, or Roku.

With the motto of “thoughtful entertainment,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie films, classics, and world cinema. Explore a world of movies with no wait, no fines, and no borrowing limits.

“Streaming video—and the Kanopy service in particular—is something our patrons have been asking for,” adds Library Director Jason Hyatt. “We’re excited to provide this service as part of our ever-growing digital library.”

To access Kanopy, visit the library website, or download the app to your phone, TV, or digital device. If you have any questions, contact your local library.

Friday, May 5, 2023
CINCO DE SSOLVR
May 5 @ 3:00 pm
DSSOLVR

This Cinco de Mayo at DSSOLVR brewery, we’re excited to celebrate with…
CINCO DE SSOLVR a Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Join us for the release of our new, Mexican-style lime lager, Ceni Cero Lime, and delicious tamales from Tortilleria Molina, a local Hispanic-owned company. And if you’re trying to get saucy! We’ll have a hot sauce bar on the patio! If it gets too spicy, we’ve got the cure! ….AND NOW INTRODUCING THE NEXT EVOLUTION of SELZTER INGENUITY… SELTZER COCKTAILS!!!! That’s right! We are adding a special patio popup seltzer bar to the mix, serving some killer Mexican inspired cocktails, and dressing our Lime Lager “Ashtray” style to heat things up!

DSSOLVR believes in celebrating culture and supporting our community. That’s why a portion of our proceeds will benefit Pisgah Legal and be donated directly to the Together We Dream Fundraising Challenge. Providing Pisgah Legal with more resources to respond to the critical needs facing immigrant neighbors.
As we raise our glasses to cheers, let’s take a moment to honor the significance of this day.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, triumphed over French forces on May 5, 1862. This victory was a turning point in Mexico’s history and served as a symbol of Mexican resilience and determination.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture of Mexico while celebrating with our new Mexican lime lager, patio cocktails, and delicious food. We hope you’ll join us in supporting our community and raising awareness for immigrant rights. Salud!

Bloom WNC Summer Concert Series: Andrew Wakefield
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bloom WNC Flower Farm

We are delighted to welcome Andrew Wakefield to Bloom WNC Outdoor Summer Concert Series!

Andrew Wakefield is a guitarist, songwriter and singer based in Asheville, NC. He has an extensive and eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, old-time, newgrass, rock, american, and more!

Saturday, May 6, 2023
2023 SPRING FLING PLANT SALE
May 6 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Interchange Building

2023 SPRING FLING PLANT SALE, sponsored by the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County, the Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society, and The Men’s Garden Club of Asheville.

Extension Master Gardener volunteers will offer a huge selection of plants for any garden spot. Choose among perennials, ground covers, native plants, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs. Garden art, books and some hard goods will also be available. Master Gardeners will help you select the right plant for the right place and answer your gardening questions.

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will sell many varieties of roses, including own-root, fragrant, and miniature roses. Expert rosarians will be on hand to help you choose the perfect rose and to give practical advice on growing and caring for roses.

The Men’s Garden Club of Asheville will be selling popular annual flowering plants in a wide variety of colors including Sunpatiens, impatiens, geraniums, marigolds, begonias, non-flowering sweet potato vines, and several others.

A planting activity for children will be offered. Parental supervision required.

Rain or shine, we’ll see you there! Don’t forget to bring your wagon.

While the county mask mandate has been lifted, participants for all events and activities are welcome to wear a mask to feel more comfortable.

Monday, May 8, 2023
Music Movie Mondays Series: QUADROPHENIA
May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Grail Moviehouse

Special screening and moderated discussion hosted by Bill Kopp

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mission Hospital’s Hall Auditorium

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

Capers + Heists Costume Party + Film: Oceans 11
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The StingDoors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Burton Street Community Center’s Mother’s Day Lunch
May 10 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville High School

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

FILM SCREENING: Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV
May 10 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

Members Only Film Screening at BMCM+AC

“The George Washington of Video Art” … “Cultural Terrorist” … “Citizen Zero of the Electronic Superhighway”… But who really was Nam June Paik, pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century and arguably the most famous Korean artist in modern history? Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Thanks to social media, Paik’s future is now our present, and NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV shows us how we got here.

NAM JUNE PAIK: MOON IS THE OLDEST TV (Amanda Kim, 2023, 109 minutes, English, Color, Not Rated). A Dogwoof production. Presented by Greenwich Entertainment, in association with American Masters Pictures/PBS. Produced by Jennifer Stockman, David Koh, Amanda Kim, Amy Hobby, and Jesse Wann.

Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzhEUxmqGWs&t=1s

“A tantalizing portrait of a revolutionary Korean-born artist.” — Variety

“Essential viewing for anyone interested in the origins of video art, mass media and the internet.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Thursday, May 11, 2023
LGBTQ+ documentary: “You Belong Here”
May 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Banquet Hall at Harrah’s Cherokee Center

Based on research done by The Trevor Project, “LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.” The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. The hope is to promote collective growth in our communal understanding of the unique stories, adversities, and resiliency of LGBTQ+ people in the South.

This documentary is presented by The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program at ECU Health Medical Center in partnership with Mission Hospital and LA FLECHA FILM CO.

Funding for this project is provided by the NC DHHS Comprehensive Prevention Suicide Grant and Pitt County SADD.

Friday, May 12, 2023
Breakfast in Bed Mothers Day Brunch
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

No need to shake off your jammies! Take the morning off and join friends for games, prizes, and breakfast at this pajama party.

Mothers Day Lunch
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

Celebrate all mothers and mother figures a little early with a delicious meal.

Grove Street Community Center’s Breakfast in Bed Mother’s Day Brunch
May 12 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

Movies in the Park: DC League of Super-Pets
May 12 @ 8:00 pm
Pack Square Park

A summer tradition returns to Pack Square Park, the popular FREE Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation.

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️ May 12 – DC League of Super-Pets, begins around 8:10pm
📽️ June 9 – Cruella, begins around 8:30pm
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Sip + Shop Mother’s Day Pop-Up
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for mom or somewhere to celebrate the occasion, shop Cloth’s Mother’s Day Sale at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “Sip & Shop” Pop-Up. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and up to 50% off multi-season men’s and women’s apparel and merchandise. The sale is from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in the Presidents Lounge of the Sammons Wing. Featured cocktails and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

Blazing Star Flowers Workshops at SAHC Community Farm: Designing Flower Arrangements
May 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Blazing Star Flowers SAHC Community Farm

Enjoy a visit to Blazing Star Flowers with an on-farm workshop.

We’ll begin with a tour of our small farm’s specialty cut flower fields, where we grow over 200 varieties of blooms using organic methods.  All materials and tools are provided. You are welcome to take photos. All levels, including beginners, are welcome! Please read all product details before registering.

Mother’s Day Wine Pairing with Plēb Urban Winery
May 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Plēb Urban Winery

NC Wine Academy will partner with Plēb Urban Winery to offer appetizers plus five food courses paired with six wines, including wines from Plēb as well as vintages from vintners in other regions.

Sunday, May 14, 2023
Mother’s Day at The Restoration Hotel Asheville
May 14 all-day
The Restoration Asheville

Impress your mom this Mother’s Day with an all-day brunch at The Exchange. Savor one of our signature brunch dishes or try our porkchop or flatbread special! Then leave a lasting impression with a trip to The Observatory where you can sip on our new ‘A Mother’s Love’ cocktail while taking pictures against the backdrop of the city and mountains.

Sip + Shop Mother’s Day Pop-Up
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for mom or somewhere to celebrate the occasion, shop Cloth’s Mother’s Day Sale at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s “Sip & Shop” Pop-Up. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and up to 50% off multi-season men’s and women’s apparel and merchandise. The sale is from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14 in the Presidents Lounge of the Sammons Wing. Featured cocktails and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

Ladies Who Brunch Mother’s Day Popup
May 14 @ 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Botanist and Barrel

Moms make the world go round so we are hosting a special Mother’s Day Pop Up with the Ladies Who Brunch!

We are taking reservations for the 11:30am seating only and then we are open for walk-ins from 12-3:00pm or until the food sells out.

Your reservation is held by a purchase of a carafe or a half carafe of cidermosa/mimosa mocktail.

Just select your party size during checkout to reserve your table or seats at the bar!

You will order food a la carte once you arrive.

About Ladies Who Brunch:

Chefs Terri, Beth, Michele are the three who brunch. For y’all that is.

Mother’s Day High Tea
May 14 @ 3:00 pm
Blue Spiral 1

Come join us for a delightful afternoon at Blue Spiral 1. Enjoy a glass (or two) of bubbly while gallery experts guide us through a teapot invitational exhibit that will feature forty functional and sculptural teapots in a variety of mediums. Next, a high tea featuring Asheville’s High Climate Tea Company will be served with a variety of delightful light bites and desserts. 

‘Fire In Her Soul: A Mother’s Day Concert
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Asheville

The Asheville Symphony Chorus is delighted to present a program of music composed by American women, honoring the talent and creativity of female composers in the United States. Featured composers will include Florence Price, Amy Beach, Sarah Quartel, as well as local composer, Jane Roman Pitt. The chorus will be accompanied on organ and piano by Tate Addis. We invite you to join us in celebrating Mother’s Day with the Asheville Symphony Chorus; don’t miss out on this special opportunity to experience the power of choral music and the strength of female creativity!


Monday, May 15, 2023
Beyond Walls
May 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Beyond Walls – 5 films for prison industrial complex abolition

Join the YWCA community on May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the multi-purpose room for a free screening of Beyond Walls, a series of five short documentary films about prison industrial complex abolition. The screening will be followed by a discussion period. This event wraps up the Advancing Racial Justice Challenge.

Friday, May 19, 2023
Black Mountain Garden Sale
May 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Black Mountain Town Square

Black Mountain Garden Sale, one of the most popular gardening sales in WNC, will be held on Friday, May 19, 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.

Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other specialty items.

The popular Members’ Market will have personal services and baked goods for sale. Purchase raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award, Community Improvement Award, and to keep the town beautiful!

Additional information at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!

Outdoor movie ‘Big Hero 6’
May 19 @ 7:30 pm
Grovemont Square

(adjacent to Swannanoa Library). Movie at dark. Arrive about 7:30 p.m. to secure your spot and enjoy pre-movie festivities. Popcorn and light refreshments available for purchase. Rated PG. Free.