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, July 29, 2023
Vienna Light Orchestra Presents: A Tribute to Broadway + The Greatest Showman
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience cinema’s most iconic music performed by The New York Film Score Orchestra in a candle-lit setting.
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon.

Venue: First Congregational Church, Asheville NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance.

Saturday, July 29th
4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before showtime

Start time: 4:00pm
End Time: 5:15pm

Please note, the advisory age for this event is 5+ (no children under 3)

Programme:

E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof

Vienna Light Orchestra: MAGICAL FILM SCORES
Jul 29 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience performances by world renowned Vienna Light Orchestra as they play cinema’s most iconic music, surrounded by over 2,000 LED candles. An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon. “Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of the Vienna Light Orchestra, where timeless classics blend seamlessly with contemporary arrangements. Join us for an enchanting evening of symphonic brilliance that transcends time.”

Vienna Light Orchestra is privileged to perform at the historic First Congregational Church in Asheville, NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance. Step into the awe-inspiring sanctuary, where every whispered note reverberates with ethereal grace, as the divine acoustics transform each instrument into a symphony of celestial harmony.”

🕰 Date and Showtimes: Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 4pm (sold out), 6pm & 8pm

🕰 Runtime: 70 Minutes (an easy addition to your evening plans!)

📌 Venue: First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St Asheville, NC 28801

Programme:

Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof
… and More!

Highlights
🕯️ A spirited ambience bathed in magical candlelight.
🎼 Talented world-class orchestral musicians performing powerful favorites – Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom of the Opera, Hans Zimmer, John Williams…and MUCH more!
💃🏻 Performers are from the renowned Vienna Light Orchestra.
🏛 Stunning architectural intimacy awash in a parade of intimate candlelight and more.

Note: For the safety of our audience, all of the candlelight ambiance is provided through flameless candles.

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 29 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Montford Park Players: Treasure Island
Jul 29 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Written by Honor Moor
Directed by David Doersch
The second World Premiere of the season, Treasure Island is a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold, from local playwright Honor Moor. Fun for the whole family!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

New York Film Score Orchestra…Music of Hans Zimmer, John Williams + More by Candlelight
Jul 29 @ 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
First Congregational Church

Experience cinema’s most iconic music performed by The New York Film Score Orchestra in a candle-lit setting.
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Andrew Lloyd Weber and many more. The most iconic movie music performed by a live chamber orchestra in an enchanting candle-lit setting under a glowing moon.

Venue: First Congregational Church, Asheville NC – The century-old venue houses an elegant sanctuary dominated by stone and red doors. A venue of purpose, history and elegance.

Saturday, July 29th
4:00pm, 6:00pm and 8:00pm

Doors open 1 hour before showtime

Start time 8:00pm
End Time 9:15pm

Please note, the advisory age for this event is 5+ (no children under 3)

Programme:

E.T
Phantom of The Opera
Twilight
Romeo & Juliet
The Wizard of Oz
The Greatest Showman
Les Miserables
Titanic
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Sound of Music
Mary Poppins
Fiddler on The Roof

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert
Jul 29 @ 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as Harry, Ron, Hermione and all your favorite characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again.

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23)


PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Sinfonia

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

Sunday, July 30, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jul 30 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Blue Ridge Mountain Madness Festival- UKI Dog Agility Trial
Jul 30 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Foothills Nature Equestrian Center

Blue Ridge Agility Show

Free. Bring a chair.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 30 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Sunday Market at Rabbit Rabbit
Jul 30 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
 

Show & Tell returns to Rabbit Rabbit in for a monthly Sunday Market celebrating and supporting local + indie craft, design, and vintage. Gather with friends and family in the open air at this one-of-a-kind outdoor venue in Downtown Asheville and shop vintage clothes, housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel and more.

Enjoy music, special activities, coffee from Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Co, beer and cocktails by AVL Brewing Co, and bites from AVL Taco.

Asheville Tourists vs. Rome Braves
Jul 30 @ 1:00 pm
McCormick Field

Post Game Kids Run the Bases presented by Ingles.

Brevard Music Center Orchestra: Soloists of Tomorrow
Jul 30 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

Always the not-to-be-missed concert of the season! Celebrate BMC’s mission and the next generation of classical musicians as our most talented young students are showcased. Winners of the prestigious Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition will be featured, as well as the student composition winner from 2022 and a rousing performance of Respighi’s Pines of Rome.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Ken Lam, conductor
Concerto Competition Winners

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

Monday, July 31, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 31 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 31 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Outdoor Movie Nights – Back to the Future
Jul 31 @ 8:00 pm
Silverados

Silverado’s, located between Swannanoa and Black Mountain at 2898 U.S. 70, is hosting Family Movie Night under the stars every Monday night through August 21. Tickets are $5 per person, and are only available for purchase on the day of the movie. All movie nights are dependent on weather.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy a blockbuster outdoor movie on a 24 foot screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info, check the Events tab on the Silverado’s Facebook page.

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 1 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Aug 1 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Monday Imagination Day w/ Asheville Parks + Rec
Aug 1 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Various Parks

Monday Imagination Day Our mobile recreation team will be offering a special day of open play geared for younger children to engage and explore. Giant building blocks, tunnels and fun games await. Ages 1-5 years with an adult. Drop in, no sign up required. 10am-12pm FREE
June 13th Weaver aArk
June 27th Hummingbird Park
July 11 Jake Rusher Park
July 18 Kenilworth Park
July 25th Hummingbird Park
August 1 West Asheville Park
August 8 Jake Rusher Park

Guided Trail Walk
Aug 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Summer Animal Encounters
Aug 1 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Hoop + Flow Jam Tuesdays
Aug 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

We are honored to host the Asheville Community Hoop and Flow Arts Jam in Pritchard Park, located in the heart of our beloved city. This event began in 2008 and we are honored and thrilled to bring you this FREE event open to all ages and all levels of experience! Asheville Hoops provides jammin’ tunes, demo props for all to use and a positive event that promotes movement, creativity, dance and FUN!

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 2 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Aug 2 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Invasive Plant Removal Workday
Aug 2 @ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
Guion Farm Parking Lot

Join DuPont Management Forester, Jordan Luff and volunteer crew leaders for removal of non native invasive plants in DuPont!

Become part of a crew of volunteers working to combat the spread of NNIPs in our public lands. Expect to learn best practices, some identification, get to work and have fun! This group aims to meet every other Wednesday but repeat attendance is not required to join us on a workday.

Meet us in the Guion Farm Parking Lot at 8:45 for an introduction. We will work the perimeter of the parking lot and Skyland Road, then move across Skyland to Farmhouse Trail. All tools and PPE will be supplied, but if you prefer to bring your own pruners, hand clippers or gloves you are welcome to. All ages are welcome.

Participants should wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, hat, and sturdy footwear such as hiking boots. Bring water to stay hydrated. PPE that will be provided includes safety glasses, nitrile gloves, and leather gloves.

Any cancellations will be communicated by email by 3pm the day before the event. If you need to cancel after registration, please email [email protected] the day before the event.

Animal Enrichment Day
Aug 2 @ 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Grandfather Mountain

 

On Animal Enrichment Day, guests will see firsthand how Grandfather Mountain cares for its resident animals. Visitors can enjoy watching demonstrations, talk directly with keepers and participate in family-oriented games and crafts. Included with admission.

Summer Animal Encounters
Aug 2 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Summer of Science with Asheville Museum of Science
Aug 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Pritchard Park

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Thursday, August 3, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Aug 3 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Aug 3 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Rootabaga Express! Summer Plays
Aug 3 @ 10:15 am
Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg created his own version of American fairy tales when he published Rootabaga Stories (1922) and Rootabaga Pigeons (1923). He replaced the European fairy tale cast of princes, princesses, castles and kingdoms with icons American children would recognize — taxi-drivers, movie actors, skyscrapers, prairies and automobiles. Rootabaga Express! brings the stories of the Five Rusty Rats, Bimbo the Snip and more to life.You’ll meet new characters and journey farther into the Village of Liver and Onions and Sandburg’s imagination than ever before.

The 30-minute shows are appropriate for all ages and held rain or shine.These shows are supported by the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Park Store, operated by America’s National Parks.

For young visitors who attend the plays, there is a Rootabaga Junior Ranger program available. Activity sheets will be available at the amphitheater after the play and can be turned in at the Sandburg Home for a limited edition “Rootabaga Ranger” badge.


Apprentice actors from the Flat Rock Playhouse have performed adaptations of Sandburg’s works for park visitors since 1974. Using Sandburg’s own words from his collections of children’s stories, poetry, collected music, biography of Abraham Lincoln and his own autobiography, the performances provide visitors with a sense of the scope of his work and imagination. Sandburg was an expert storyteller, and easily wove important messages of fairness, empathy and social justice into his writings. Whatever play you are able to attend you will walk away with a smile on your face and a better understanding of the legacy of Carl Sandburg.