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.

Sunday, July 21, 2019
Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Jul 21 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

Monday, July 22, 2019
The Blackout Diaries/Slice Comedy
Jul 22 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

TRUE stories from comedians who partied way too hard and lived to tell YOU the story. With photos from the events! Chicago comedy comes to it’s favorite mountain town to party.

Saturday, July 27, 2019
Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Jul 27 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Cool Summer Nights
Jul 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Guided Walking Tour (High Impact)
Jul 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

This tour goes exploring through our 80 acres of working farmland. Head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. You will get an overview of our farm history but a more in-depth look at our farming practices. We will be traversing over rough terrain, so suitable hiking attire is suggested.

Sunday, July 28, 2019
K-9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 28 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows and on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 1, 2019
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic
Aug 1 all-day
Pulp Lounge

https://www.facebook.com/events/387484835228031/

Thursday night 8/1
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Featuing Jess Cooley
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$5 members/$2 for year membership
Comics get in free
(+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials

[Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m) spot

Friday, August 2, 2019
The Carolina Mountain Group Sycamore Cove Extended – 8.3 miles Hiking
Aug 2 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
upon registration

Wide trails, mostly good footing through forests of hemlock, beech, and poplar. One fairly steep two-mile climb at the beginning, then six easy stream crossings. Includes parts of Sycamore Cove trail, Grassy Road, Thrift Cove, and Black Mtn. Type: figure 8 loop. Ascent: 1450’. Max elev: 2950’. Avg moving pace: 2.7 mph. Difficulty (1=effortless, 10=hard): 6. Dogs: welcome if well-behaved, subject to area restrictions. Trailhead: Pisgah Ranger Station / Visitors Center, 1600 Pisgah Hwy. Directions from Waffle House to Mills River Ingles (9.7 miles): Left (south) on NC-191 Brevard Rd for 9.4 miles; right on NC-280 Boylston Hwy for 0.3 miles. From Mills River Ingles to the Ranger Station (13.7 miles): Right (south) on NC-280 Boylston Hwy for 12.1 miles. Right on US-276 N for 1.6 miles. Meet in the back lot (first right entering from the south). Est. return to Waffle House: 2:00 p.m. PLEASE DON’T SIGNUP IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE DISTANCE, ASCENT, OR PACE. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP TO “NO” IF YOU SIGNUP, BUT CHANGE YOUR MIND

The Carolina Mountain Meetup Group was founded by the Carolina Mountain Club to access the Meetup platform. As long-standing hiking and trail maintaining club, the mission of the Carolina Mountain Club is • to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina and adjacent regions through its hiking trails and rivers, • to carry out the responsibilities we have been given by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to develop and maintain our assigned section of the Appalachian Trail and to act as its stewards, • to develop and maintain other hiking trails in Western North Carolina as approved by the Club Council, • to encourage the conservation of our natural scenery, • to foster in Club members knowledge and enjoyment of hiking, trail construction and maintenance, and fellowship and enjoyment of the out-of-doors.

Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on regular Carolina Mountain Club hikes. However, they may be permitted on Carolina Mountain Meetup hikes at the leaders discretion only if specifically stated in the hike description.

To view the Carolina Mountain Club website go to: http://www.carolinamountainclub.org/index.cfm/do/home.main

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Lace up! Register Now for LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 3 all-day
Pack Square

RUN YOUR ASH OFF for Cultural Arts Education!
Your run (or walk) 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets
Saturday, August 3rd @ 9am

Lace up your shoes for the LEAF ART DASH,
for an art filled family-friendly 5K in downtown Asheville.
Costumes Encouraged | Pets Welcome
Art Dash kicks off Saturday LEAF Downtown AVL festivities!

This 3.1 mi COURSE will travel through the city,
complete with live roaming Artists & interactive arts.
It feels like a LEAF Parade! 
#RunYourAshOff

THE EXTRAORDINARY WATAUGA Paddling
Aug 3 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
given upon registration

This meetup group gives paddlers of all skill levels a chance to meet other paddlers for flat water and mildwater paddling. We get together to share our love of water and the outdoors. We paddle mostly local/regional waters, and may also plan overnight, weekend, or longer trips farther away. We share tips, information, and knowledge. All members are welcome to post trips and/or discussions. All are welcome. We have NO RULES except be safe and have fun.

“Mildwater” means different things to different people. For new paddlers, mild may mean lakes and flat rivers. For those who have whitewater experience, Class 2+ or Class 3 whitewater may be mild. Meetup organizers provide descriptions of their outings. It is your responsibility to read those descriptions, ask questions if needed, and decide whether a given outing is right for you, given your skills and equipment.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 7 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Comedy Festival Launch Party/Famous Showcase #1
Aug 7 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Highland Brewing

We kick off the 13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival with a stellar lineup of comics from all over the country!

We are so glad to be returning, and what better way to kick off the 13th year of an amazing festival than by celebrating at Asheville’s best brewery?!

Performer Lineup

Andrew Orolfo

Max Fine

Natalie McGill

Ben Bryant

Lace Larrabee

Dro Knows

Hobert Thompson

Dan Carney

Spencer Dobson

Lindsay Glazer

Jeremy Alder

Thursday, August 8, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Famous Showcase #2
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 2 2019.jpg

Kyle Mara – Grisel Cabrera – Carter Deems – Zack Chapaloni – Scott Eason – Becca Steinhoff – Piers Moreton – Dan Drees – Nariko Ott – Ian Aber – Maddie Wiener – Rafe Williams –

Friday, August 9, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 9 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #3
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 3 2019.jpg

Maya May – David Sitrick – Janet McNamara – Jimmy HVD – Olivia Cathcart – Mike Feeney – Chey Bell – Nat Baimel – Caitlin Checkeroski – Dylan Vattelana – Aviva Siegel – Jeff Zenisek –

Saturday, August 10, 2019
13th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
varies--see details

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 7 at Highland Brewing Company
Thursday, August 8 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Friday, August 9 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, August 10 at Diana Wortham Theatre
Late shows at Lazoom Room Wednesday – Friday
Tickets on Sale now at www.ashevillecomedyfestival.com

Asheville Comedy Festival Showcase #4
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

LYAO WEB BANNER SHOWCASE 4 2019.jpg

Pedro Gonzalez – Lucia Whalen – Ken Garr – Curtis Cook – Linda Belt – Gianmarco Soresi – Pauline Yasuda – Wellington Ojukwu – Gracie Canaan – Chris Flanagan – Winston Hodges – Courtney Gilmour –

Sunday, August 11, 2019
Lake Lure Olympiad
Aug 11 all-day
varies upon race

Sign up for the bundle and take the ultimate challenge by combining 3 races in 3 days. Turn your competition into a destination race weekend and enjoy the amazing backdrop of the Hickory Nut Gorge, serving as both a place to compete and a fun summer getaway with views that will take your breath away!

We love where we live and we always want to give back to those that sacrifice everyday to make our community a better place to live.  Many times local heroes get forgotten; this is our way of supporting them.

Over the past 13 years, the Lake Lure Olympiad has given back over $315,000 to area charities and service organizations

Monday, August 12, 2019
40th Annual Shut-In Ridge Trail Race Lottery Open
Aug 12 all-day

Entries – NEW LOTTERY SYSTEM FOR 2019

Current-Course Records:
Women – CHERI ROSENBLATT – 2:41:24
Men – SHILOH MIELKE – 2:16:55

Entry fee for the race is $100.00. Lottery will open at 12:00AM on August 1st and close at 11:59PM on August 14th. Runners must be 19 or older to participate. For the first time and NEW for the 40th Anniversary, we will be operating from a LOTTERY SYSTEM this year. All prospective entrants will be required to use Ultrasignup to enter the lottery. There will be NO in-store entries.
Priority will be given to previous winners, those who have completed the race the last five years consecutively, eight or more times cumulatively, and previous race volunteers. ***It is still imperative that these runners still enter the lottery***
Race numbers may be picked up on the day of the race at the arboretum from 8:30 until 9:45
AM, November 2rd.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019
40th Annual Shut-In Ridge Trail Race Lottery Open
Aug 13 all-day

Entries – NEW LOTTERY SYSTEM FOR 2019

Current-Course Records:
Women – CHERI ROSENBLATT – 2:41:24
Men – SHILOH MIELKE – 2:16:55

Entry fee for the race is $100.00. Lottery will open at 12:00AM on August 1st and close at 11:59PM on August 14th. Runners must be 19 or older to participate. For the first time and NEW for the 40th Anniversary, we will be operating from a LOTTERY SYSTEM this year. All prospective entrants will be required to use Ultrasignup to enter the lottery. There will be NO in-store entries.
Priority will be given to previous winners, those who have completed the race the last five years consecutively, eight or more times cumulatively, and previous race volunteers. ***It is still imperative that these runners still enter the lottery***
Race numbers may be picked up on the day of the race at the arboretum from 8:30 until 9:45
AM, November 2rd.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019
40th Annual Shut-In Ridge Trail Race Lottery Open
Aug 14 all-day

Entries – NEW LOTTERY SYSTEM FOR 2019

Current-Course Records:
Women – CHERI ROSENBLATT – 2:41:24
Men – SHILOH MIELKE – 2:16:55

Entry fee for the race is $100.00. Lottery will open at 12:00AM on August 1st and close at 11:59PM on August 14th. Runners must be 19 or older to participate. For the first time and NEW for the 40th Anniversary, we will be operating from a LOTTERY SYSTEM this year. All prospective entrants will be required to use Ultrasignup to enter the lottery. There will be NO in-store entries.
Priority will be given to previous winners, those who have completed the race the last five years consecutively, eight or more times cumulatively, and previous race volunteers. ***It is still imperative that these runners still enter the lottery***
Race numbers may be picked up on the day of the race at the arboretum from 8:30 until 9:45
AM, November 2rd.

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 14 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Thursday, August 15, 2019
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Aug 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The One Stop

Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.

Friday, August 16, 2019
Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 16 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Saturday, August 17, 2019
Douglas Falls Hike
Aug 17 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Douglas Falls
Distance: 2.5 Miles out and back
Degree of Difficulty: Some Obstacles, Moderate Climb
Trail Description: https://www.hikewnc.info/trails/big-ivy-coleman-boundary/douglas-falls

Meetup Location: Take 19/23 North (Future I-26 West) about 12 miles to exit 15. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right toward Barnardsville and drive NC Highway 197 about 6 miles. When you enter the tiny town, turn right on Dillingham Road past the fire station. Follow the paved Dillingham Road 5 miles. This road will end at Pisgah Forest (Big Ivy sign) and the unpaved FS74 begins. It’s 8.8 miles to the end.

Pine Tree & Explorer Trail Lollipop Hike @ Bent Creek
Aug 17 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
TBA upon registration

Register with group for more details.

Sunday, August 18, 2019
Riders In The Sky
Aug 18 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Come hear America’s favorite Cowboys, as this Grammy Award-winning quartet sing and entertain audiences “the Cowboy Way”. Performances at Noon and 3:00 p.m.

-Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.
-Reservations are not required for the shows.
-Shows included with regular park admission.