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.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.
Whether you are a Love Shine Play veteran or are joining us for the first time, we hope the following information will answer many questions and ensure your weekend experience is smooth and easy.
Deep breath in, Deep breath out…Let’s Do This!!!
TICKET REGISTRATION
Be sure to bring your ticket confirmation (paper copy or electronic). If you forget, no worries, your name and ID will get the job done!
Thursday July 28th ~ 10AM to 5PM
The Venue 21 N Market St. Asheville, NC 28801.
(Immersion attendees can check in at 7am). Pick up your pass, pause at our Intention Alter to ground yourself for the weekend, and get your L♡S♡P merch before it sells out!
Friday – Sunday ~ 7AM to 6PM
Mountain Air Market Ticket & Merch Tent in Pack Square Park. See the festival map for location.
PARKING
There are multiple parking decks scattered throughout downtown Asheville all indicated on the festival map. Each of them provides easy access to the festival venues and they are an affordable way to keep your car downtown all day. There is also ample street parking available for shorter times (2-3 hour maximum). Asheville is busy in the summer so allow yourself plenty of time to park.
DOWNLOAD YOUR SCHEDULE TO YOUR PHONE
For ease of keeping up with your schedule and all festival happenings, download the Sched app to your phone and search for Love Shine Play Festival. Once you are on the festival page, you can view the full schedule or toggle to view “My Sched” at the top of the page. If you have wifi, you can also go to the LSP sched website here to access the full festival schedule. You can print your schedule as well if you do not have a smartphone.
CLASS ETIQUITTE & WAITLIST
Please allow the students from the last class to to clear out before you enter a classroom. Check in with our volunteers and allow yourself time to get settled. Some classes will be very full with very little space between mats, so be prepared to shuffle around and make space.
All sessions have a limited capacity. If you are on a waitlist for a class or are attending on a space available basis, you will be allowed admission 5 minutes prior to the session beginning if there is room.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
For your convenience and comfort, please bring your yoga mat, water bottle, comfortable clothing and any props you need for your practice (straps, blocks, bolsters). Other essential items ~ good walking shoes, a journal, sunscreen, hat, snacks, light jacket or wrap, joyful spirit and open heart!
ASHEVILLE WEATHER
We are blessed to live in a temperate rainforest which is both beautiful and unpredictable at times. While all of our venues are indoors for your comfort, be prepared for all the weather ~ heat, rain, perfectly pleasant ~ as you move between venues. An umbrella and cooling mist fan are great to have ~ we like the boy scout motto ~ be prepared!
GETTING AROUND
The festival is pedestrian friendly! We have done our best to create the smallest footprint possible, as well as allowing ample time between classes for easy transitions. Depending on your schedule, you will have anywhere from 30-90 minutes between sessions. Please familiarize yourself with the festival map for location of venues. If you have any questions about moving between venues, please let us know. Note ~ locations are subject to change ~ stay up-to-date on your SCHED app.
VENUES
The following are the festival venues in downtown; the distance of each venue from the market is clearly indicated on the festival map
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Mojo ~ 81 Broadway St.
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Circa 29 ~ 56 Patton Ave
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Skinny Beats ~ 4 Eagle St.
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Aloft Hotel ~ 51 Biltmore Ave
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The Serenity Lounge ~ in Mountain Air Market @ Pack Square Park
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The Venue ~ 21 North Market St. Mezzanine (downstairs) Balcony (upstairs)
MOUNTAIN AIR MARKET
Yoga is all about balance, so in a weekend full of movement, we invite you to take time to rest & restore as you take in the sights, sounds, smells & shopping at our festival hub ~ home to 50+ vendors, the Serenity Lounge, Ticket/Merch tent, Massage therapists and more. Our volunteers can be found throughout the festival in their bright pink LSP CRU T-shirts and are available all weekend long to assist with anything you need.
SUP & HIKES
The Van pickup location for SUP and all hikes is in front of the public bathrooms in Pack Square Park (S. Market st. & College st.) Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.
WATER
Thank you for helping us keep it green and clean by bringing your own water bottle. We will have filtered water and Superieur Electrolytes (one of our awesome sponsors) at all venues!
LOST & FOUND
Lost items will be held at the checkin table of the venue where the item is found or at the ticket/merch tent.
COVID
We are following current CDC and local government guidelines At this time, there are no social distancing requirements or mass gathering restrictions in NC. We will not require face coverings at the festival unless it has been mandated by the CDC and local government. We will not require vaccinations to participate in the festival. It is ultimately your responsibility to stay safe and do your best to protect those around you. If you are uncomfortable with the above, please consider joining us in 2023. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have recently tested positive, please stay home and join us next year.
GET SOCIAL
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and please tag us #loveshineplay and @loveshineplayfestival on any of your photos from the festival.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

About Southside Community Farmers Market
Southside Community Farm hosts a farmers market featuring all BIPOC vendors on the first Sunday of every month (except our July 17th market), May-Oct. from 12-3 PM. Come enjoy delicious patties, hot sauces, veggies, fruit, flowers, medicines, and more!

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
WELCOME TO THE HISTORIC MARION TAILGATE MARKET
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT THE TAILGATE MARKET!
No cash is not a reason to miss the Market!
Marion Tailgate Market accepts cards; credit, debit and EBT. EBT/SNAP users can use Market Fresh Bucks to double up to $40 to provide additional funds for fresh, seasonal items to supplement their Food and Nutrition Income.

ABOUT WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET
• We accept SNAP EBT + Credit Cards •
At the West Asheville Tailgate Market, vendors’ tables are abundant with an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, milk, meat, poultry, and fish. You will also find plant starts for gardens, locally made specialty items, natural beauty products, herbal medicine, and locally made art and crafts. We have live music and free kids activities so there’s fun for the whole family.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market, 3-6pm, On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market,
which showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold here are
made by or grown by the vendor, Free, Etowah Lions Club, 252-495-2808, EtowahLions.com


Located in the River Arts District, and surrounded by art galleries and breweries, come find out about Asheville’s favourite mid-week market!
Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009
Welcome to the 63rd NC Mineral & Gem Festival in Spruce Pine. The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

List of Supporters (Discounts, donations, or in-kind support)
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Small Business Center at A-B Tech, Enka Campus
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Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)
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Anthony Brickner, for creating our wonderful logo.
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Henco Printing
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Signs Express
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Griffin Waste
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Enka-Candler Business Association
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The Sutton Firm, P.A. and Emily Sutton Dezio, P.A.
- HomeLight

Find fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through
October in Flat Rock. This market is made of a diverse group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and
merry makers. You will love the friendly, informative, creative vendors that set up for the market. Be sure you stop by each one to
introduce yourself and ask questions, Free, Pinecrest ARP Church, Hendersonville, [email protected],

Are you ready to be part of the 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 4, 5, 6, 2022, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
This 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.
A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.
The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.
Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cary Goff, featuring Ryan Cox, Cameron Davis, John Hawley & Julia Macias
8p, $13
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, performers get free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info
Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cary Goff, featuring Cameron Davis, John Hawley & Julia Macias
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info
Welcome to the 63rd NC Mineral & Gem Festival in Spruce Pine. The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget.

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week
The Saluda Tailgate market features growers from both Polk and Henderson counties. It is an agriculture-only market meeting every Friday from May through October, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the city’s West Main Parking lot. Local producers are connected with consumers to keep food dollars in the community and support regional fresh food and family farms, thereby protecting the flourishing of beautiful ridges, fertile fields and clean watersheds. Cash, credit/debit, and EBT cards are all accepted with a Polk County Community Foundation grant often doubling EBT value.
The market has been a spring to fall Saluda tradition since 2010, with neighbors gathering to meet growers and purchase a complete and balanced array of meat, fish, poultry, eggs and cheese, seasonal vegetables and fruit, baked and preserved goods, flowers, herbs, and plants for the home gardener.

Are you ready to be part of the 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 4, 5, 6, 2022, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
This 95th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.
A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.
The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.
Listen. Dance. Feel the music and that will answer, “Why the “Legends of Africa?” Africa is the core and essence of where so much of humanity and music has originated. It has forever influenced music and cultures throughout the world with the diaspora of its people. Over the years, LEAF has connected deeply with many African artists and presented artists from 32 of the 54 countries on the continent. These bonds and our love of Africa, bring us back the magic of not just the continent, but its people, our family. So join us for a true gathering of friends and the rekindling of traditions that have made the past 27 years of LEAF memorable.
“The shortest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.”
Masankho Banda from Malawi.
Who is an African Legend you admire? Chinobay of Uganda said he’s been inspired by the music he listened to during Apartheid. He spoke of Miriam Makeba (nicknamed Momma Africa) a South African singer, songwriter and activist whose music was socially responsible and carried so much power for the people. What makes you a Legend is the MESSAGE you carry to the world.
In flow with Chinobay’s reflection, the artwork is a masterpiece created by legendary artist Trek 6 inspired by his work in South Africa while producing a documentary. Trek spoke about how the sunrises and sunsets in Africa were surreal, thus he began with a beautiful sun design. A wall of drums in South Africa, where they host people from different tribes bringing food, song and art inspired the drums. In Trek’s own words, “Africa is cosmic, colorful, and the center to our past. From it we radiated.”We are honored by his artistic vision.
Acorns’ Annual Season of Trunk Shows highlights the talented creators of fine art, designer jewelry, and home goods.
Nancy’s appreciation of nature, and love of horses and other animals began in her early childhood. She loved watching the animals interact with each other, as she rode through the pastures. The seasonal beauty of the pastures and surrounding mountains made a lasting impression on Nancy. This is what she has tried to capture in her drawings. Nancy’s oil paintings feature horses, dogs, and rural landscapes.
Welcome to the 63rd NC Mineral & Gem Festival in Spruce Pine. The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget.
The NC American Legion 7th Inning Stretch Festival is held annually prior to the American Legion World Series. The event was created to thank the community for all the work they do to prepare for and during the American Legion World Series.
7:30 AM: Road to Hope Shelby 5k registration
8:00 AM: Road to Hope Shelby 5k at 130 W. Graham St., Shelby, NC
10:00 AM: Little Miss American Legion World Series at Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter St., Shelby, NC
3:00 PM Festival opens; visit the festival website for a schedule of events
Main Stage opens at 7:00 pm with Dirty Grass Soul, and the headliner Josh Turner takes the stage at 8:30 pm. The stage is located at the intersection of S. Lafayette St. and W. Warren St., Shelby, NC
This is the 43rd year for this weekly tailgate market, where vendors sell fresh-picked seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and more!
Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!
Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.
The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.


The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.
House of Operation:
WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week






