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.
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
Sponsored by Blue Ridge ENA + Mission Emergency Dept + Mission Trauma Services.
Cost is $57.50 in advance and includes Lunch!
Registration link is listed above under location.
If you would rather use snail mail to register, send us a message!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1760563677586563/
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].
Yoga has become synonymous with asanas, however the entire practice of Yoga is based on practices of awareness (Kriyas). Pranayama, Mudra and Bandhas are the three most important kriyas that lead to the state of meditation. When these three practices are done with awareness, knowledge and preparation, Yoga becomes sadhana. In this journey to self, pranayama leads to the purification of senses, prana and mind. With a consolidated state of mind one attains Mudra and maintains bandhas in order to maintain one pointed awareness.
Learn these three important practices in Yoga and let your practice be to attain the state of Yoga itself.
Day 1- Pranayama
Pre-practices, practical hints, seasonal considerations, technical considerations, benefits and modifications of main pranayama
Day 2 and 3 – Mudras
Types, benefits, philosophy, science, therapeutic application, pre-practices of Mudras
Day 4 – Tri-Bandhas
Tri-Bandhas, history, benefits, technique, textual reference, integrations in asana and pranayama
Day 5
Integration of Pranayama, Mudra and Bandhas into practice
Pre-requisites (Any one of the following):
Current student in a Yoga teacher training program
Completed a Yoga teacher training program
3 years of Yoga practice
https://www.facebook.com/events/215958572339137/?event_time_id=215958582339136
Brew Theology in Asheville for Homebrewed Christianity’s 10th Birthday Edition: Theology Beer Camp! The pre-gaming festivities begin at 9AM as Brew Theology kicks off this brewtastic gathering at Habitat Brewing Co. We’ll start the day sipping on some local coffee, unpacking our hopilicious religious/ theological/ spiritual “labels,” and diving into what it takes to cultivate a healthy, Brew Theology community. We’ll focus on how our theological stories create meaningful, interfaith communities. Your hosts, Ryan Miller & Janel Apps Ramsey (Co-Directors of BT), will guide you through this fun-filled, interactive day; you’ll glean tidbits of wisdom, get to know some new, nerdy friends, finally see what Joel Osteen and Tripp Fuller have in common (Shhhhh… Don’t tell him!), and even do this transformative, life-changing endeavor: brewing some zesty theology in community!
P.S. And the answer is YES! Good beer will be served at this awesome, local brewery.
https://www.facebook.com/events/446160492509081/
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,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 Inn, our Arts and Crafts style furniture, and some of our most notable guests.
Sign-up at the Concierge Desk.
Garden Helpline Open for Calls
Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County are ready to answer your
gardening questions.
Beginning March 1, the Garden Helpline is open Monday through
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during the gardening season—March through September. Our
Master Gardener volunteers are available for phone calls, walk-ins, and emails.
Call 828-255-5522 or visit the Extension office at the location shown below. If you bring a plant
sample to the office, please be sure it is large enough for plant identification. You can also email
your questions and plant photos to [email protected].
Each year, Extension Master Gardener volunteers answer hundreds of gardening questions.
From October through February when the Helpline is not open, your questions will be
answered by Alison Arnold, Extension Agent, Consumer Horticulture. The Extension office and
our Helpline are closed on N.C. state holidays.
Chihuly at Biltmore represents the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens, and the first garden exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. The world-renowned American artist’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, and now, for a limited time only, they can be seen at Biltmore.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this unique visual experience, an absolute must-see presentation of unparalleled artistic expression.
Dazzling in daylight, the exhibition takes on an entirely new dimension when viewed after nightfall; experience the brilliance and beauty of these awe-inspiring marvels of color, form, and light.
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: Golf Pro Shop ext. 1034
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/golf
Let our golf professionals open the world of golf to you. This introduction to the game of golf is a clinic that covers the basic rules, etiquette, and the PGA’s of golf (posture, grip, and alignment). Clubs will be provided. Proper golf attire is required. Please sign-up at least one (1) day in advance by calling (800) 438-5800 ext. 1034.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com
Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm
Visitors to Grovewood Village will have the opportunity to learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November. The tour includes a visit to Biltmore Industries’ production facility (aka Dye House), where guests can peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun.
The tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. There is no charge to take the tour, but donations are appreciated. Tours begin at the Homespun Museum in Grovewood Village, where a docent will give a detailed overview of Biltmore Industries’ historic importance before leading guests into the 100-year-old Dye House (usually closed to the public).
Private group tours are also offered for a fee and should be scheduled at least one week in advance.
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Family
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: 828.253.7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/
Grovewood Village is housed in the historic weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Industries, a noteworthy enterprise in the history of American Craft and textiles, founded by Edith Vanderbilt and two inspired teachers, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. At the height of its success in the late 1920s, Biltmore Industries had a total of 40 looms in steady operation, producing bolts of some of the finest handwoven wool fabric in the country. Orders were shipped as far as China and Uruguay, and customers included the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Helen Keller, and several U.S. presidents and first ladies.
Learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November. The tour includes a visit to our historic Dye House (usually closed to the public), where you’ll peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. Meet your guide at the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum next door to Grovewood Gallery.
TOURS ARE FREE, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Private Group Tours
We gladly offer private group tours for a fee. These tours offer the exact same experience as the public tours, only in a private setting. Contact us for rates, and please schedule your group tour at least one week in advance.
Please Note: Our historic Dye House (Biltmore Industries’ production facility) is not handicap accessible or heated. Warm attire on cold days and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
We are inviting everyone to celebrate National Relaxation Day with us! We will have cocktail and food specials avaialble from 2 pm on into the night, plus live tranquil tunes for your ear holes. Because it’s also Onam (the national rice harvesting day) we will be serving curry over rice and rice pudding. Yes. Come eat rice & feel relaxed, only at your favorite neighborhood bar, The Waterbird.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1180639205411862/
Seating is limited – Registration Required!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1800139240067250/
The Collider is the world’s first innovation center for climate startups that help business and society adapt to intensifying climate change. Collider Discover Day will feature five lightning-round presentations from members who are building scalable climate solutions.
Come learn what it means to launch a climate company at the convergence of big data, tech, and entrepreneurship and discover why Asheville is building a global reputation as Climate City.
Free & open to the public. Doors open at 4:30pm. Brief pitches will begin at 5:00pm, followed by time for Q&A with Collider members. Refreshments will be provided – including Hi-Wire Brewing, our official beer sponsor, and Roots Hummus! Suggested donation of $10/person or $20/family.
https://www.facebook.com/events/198878047619332/
To kick off our Add $1 Campaign for August, Asheville Fire Fighters will be bringing a Fire Engine and their Pipe and Drum band to perform for us at 5pm. After the performance, come inside for a pint of Lorelai IPA- we’ll be donating $1 from each one sold from August 15th-September 14th to their Asheville Fire Fighters Association Foundation. Cheers!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1784445224996164/
As summer winds to a close, join Green Built Alliance for an extra-happy hour where $2 will be donated for every beer purchased to help complete fundraising on our nonprofit’s Appalachian Offsets solar project at Isaac Dickson Elementary School.
• Already a member? Come to catch up with friends.
• New to green building? Bring a question and pick the brain of one of our builders or other members.
• Interested in getting involved? Learn more about our nonprofit and becoming a member.
Thanks to our nonprofit’s leadership circle members at JAG and Associates Construction and Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty for sponsoring this event by each committing a $1 donation to Appalachian Offsets for every beer sold.
https://www.facebook.com/events/258334241636555/
On August 15th we’ll have the awesome opportunity to tour H&K Farms Hop Yard and learn a little bit more about my favorite beer ingredient!
Afterwards, we’ll go down the road to BearWaters Brewery in Canton for beers and bites.
Tour: 5pm
BearWaters: Approx. 6:30-9pm.
Ladies only
https://www.facebook.com/events/1766015246852709/
FREE PATIO SHOW :: Shane Parish at The Grey Eagle
https://www.facebook.com/events/2052663831439920/
Come out for a fun night with fellow Gamecocks, Wednesday, August 15 from 6 – 9 pm at The Casual Pint. Columbia, S.C. based brewery, River Rat will be at The Casual Pint for tastings and a pint night. This event is a great opportunity to connect with Gamecock friends and make new ones in Asheville! Come taste the beer you’ll find this fall at the stadium!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1863352197057294/
Susan Anderson presents Paul’s Prayers: A Mother’s Account of Raising an Autistic Son
Paul’s Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul’s mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family.
The first of six children, Paul’s early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known.
Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul’s parents to refer to his condition as “The Marauder.” The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul’s eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul’s speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college.
Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family’s experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.
This book is available for purchase in-store, by phone, or online by visiting https://www.malaprops.com/book/9781680993479
We ask that you purchase the books you want to be signed at our events from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are not only supporting the work it takes to run an events program, you are also telling the publishers that they should keep sending authors here.
Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1063959153770449/
DIY River Rock Trivets & Mini Pallet Coasters
Wednesday, August 15th at 6:00 PM in the Morganton Public Library
Free Adult Program. All supplies provided. Registration required. Sign up starts 7/30/2018. Call 828-764-9260 for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/events/211986082990936/
Join us Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a playful and relaxing yoga class with local yoga teacher and personal trainer Amber Anderson. Refresh your body and renew your mind, while enjoying the vineyards breathtaking views. We can’t wait to see you there!
$10 for class. All humans welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2168541140048102/
Join us Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a playful and relaxing yoga class with local yoga teacher and personal trainer Amber Anderson. Refresh your body and renew your mind, while enjoying the vineyards breathtaking views. We can’t wait to see you there!
$10 for class. All humans welcome.
https://www.facebook.com/events/273012773480159/
ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”
“This is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get.” ABBA The Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life…
https://www.facebook.com/events/428976367541138/