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.

Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Miss Malaprop’s Storytime LIVE STREAM
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am
Live Stream

Due to Covid-19, we are live streaming Storytime in lieu of an in-store event. Join us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/malapropsbookstore/ to tune into Miss Malaprop’s Storytime from your home.

Join us with your wee ones every week on Wednesdays at 10 am for classic and contemporary stories sure to enchant and entertain. Together, we’ll introduce children to the wonderful world of books! Recommended for ages 3-9.

Event date:
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 12, 2020 – 10:00am
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 – 10:00am
Event address:
West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 29 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Rise Up and Read Together Book Club
Jul 29 @ 7:00 pm
The Event Space at Hi-Wire Brewing

Join us for a socially-distanced, mask-on discussion of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You in The Event Space at Hi-Wire Brewing. Hi-Wire is donating its large event space for this book club. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on site. We want to make sure we have plenty of room to spread out, so please RSVP here.

When you purchase the hardcover of Stamped below, enter the code HIWIRE at checkout to receive a 10% discount on the book.

You can also purchase an e-book from Kobo or audiobook from Libro.fm. (We can’t offer a discount on those, but a Libro.fm membership is only $14.99. And don’t forget your local library! They also offer e-books.)

West Side Story POSTPONED until 2021 Season
Jul 29 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Thursday, July 30, 2020
The Trojan Women, by Euripides
Jul 30 all-day
Online

Considered the author’s greatest work and one of the best plays of Classical Literature. This one is going to be a “can’t miss!”

STREAMING PERFORMANCE Montford Park Players
Additional Library Curbside Service
Jul 30 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 30 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Live Stream: Lara Prescott presents The Secrets We Kept
Jul 30 @ 7:00 pm
Live Stream

We’re pleased to be part of the Reader Meet Writer series of online events hosted by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.

The event is free but registration is required and attendance is limited. Please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Once registered, we will email you on the day of the event with the link and password required to attend on Zoom. If you decide to attend and to purchase the author’s book(s), we ask that you purchase from Malalprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work and keeping more dollars in our community. Thank you!

THE SECRETS WE KEPT

At the height of the Cold War, Irina, a young Russian-American secretary, is plucked from the CIA typing pool and given the assignment of a lifetime. Her mission: to help smuggle Doctor Zhivago into the USSR, where it is banned, and enable Boris Pasternak’s magnum opus to make its way into print around the world. Mentoring Irina is the glamorous Sally Forrester: a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit, using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Under Sally’s tutelage, Irina learns how to invisibly ferry classified documents–and discovers deeply buried truths about herself. The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story–the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who inspired Zhivago’s heroine, Lara–with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. Told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail, this is an unforgettable debut: a celebration of the powerful belief that a work of art can change the world.

Lara Prescott received her MFA from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas, Austin. She was previously an animal protection advocate and a political campaign operative. Her stories have appeared in The Southern Review, The Hudson Review, Crazyhorse, Day One, and Tin House Flash Fridays. She won the 2016 Crazyhorse Fiction Prize for the first chapter of The Secrets We Kept. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Listen To This Hosted by Tom Chalmers
Jul 30 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Listen To This

Hosted by Tom Chalmers

Usually the last Thursday of the month!

7:30 pm

Performed in 35below. There are some stories that are just so good they need to be shared with an assembled audience. Local actor/comedian Tom Chalmers invites you to take part in what is quickly becoming one of Asheville’s most popular series, Listen to This. A storytelling format in the vein of “This American Life,” Listen to This is an evening hosted by Chalmers with stories and songs from some of Asheville’s most interesting writers, performers, and citizens. Each installment features a central theme (past shows have featured stories about everything from gluttony to mistaken identity). Real people. Real stories. Real good times.

 

West Side Story POSTPONED until 2021 Season
Jul 30 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Friday, July 31, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Jul 31 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Introducing Bookfix: Custom Reading Recommendations
Jul 31 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries curbside pickup

Photo of typewriter

 

 

Miss browsing the library’s shelves? Let us help with Bookfix. Call or email your local library to have a librarian put together a bundle of books tailored to your specific interests. You can pick up your personal Bookfix bundle at our curbside hold pickup service. Our Ask a Librarian line is available Monday-Saturday at (828) 250-4700 or you can email [email protected].

The Trojan Women, by Euripides
Jul 31 all-day
Online

Considered the author’s greatest work and one of the best plays of Classical Literature. This one is going to be a “can’t miss!”

STREAMING PERFORMANCE Montford Park Players
Library Computer Appointments Available
Jul 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries
The Perfect Turkey

Buncombe County Public Libraries will begin offering appointments for computer use on July 1. Forty-five minute appointments are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at all library locations except the Oakley/South Asheville branch.

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 31 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 1 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
The Trojan Women, by Euripides
Aug 1 all-day
Online

Considered the author’s greatest work and one of the best plays of Classical Literature. This one is going to be a “can’t miss!”

STREAMING PERFORMANCE Montford Park Players
Virtual Pop-Up Book Sale
Aug 1 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Online

No photo description available.

www.facebook.com/SmartStartPFC

Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 1 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Aug 1 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Transition
Aug 1 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

The tumultuous world of college athletics can strip one of all normalcy and self identity. Mali, a collegiate basketball star, is trying to navigate her sudden want to withdraw from the limelight and walk into the light of who she truly is; the problem is, she doesn’t know who that is. This premiere tells the story of her life, her acceptance, her trials, and most importantly, her triumphs. Will the journey break her, or will she emerge stronger than ever, ready to conquer life and all it brings?

Transition is presented as part of Asheville Community Theatre’s Artistic Horizons program, a program that gives local artists the opportunity to pursue new creative paths in the theatre. In the 2019-20 season, Artistic Horizons will feature four productions created by new, emerging, or established writers who are expanding their craft to include playwriting, or are helmed by first time directors who want to workshop a piece before committing to a full performance run.

Venardos Circus Livestream, Broadway-style animal free
Aug 1 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Online/Livestream

The Venardos Circus, a touring Broadway-style animal free production, is thrilled to announce it will return with a brand-new live online-only show via livestream on Saturday, August 1, 2020 . Venardos Circus will perform one show at 4pm CDT. No live audience seating will be available near the performance site, just via the Internet. Access the livestream will require a ticket which run $16.50 per person available at their website here. Multi-pack discounts are available. Venardos Circus has pivoted from its usual format in response to COVID-19, and this livestream offers as great opportunity for audiences across the country and around the world to join the live event and enjoy a little circus magic from anywhere in the world.

Transition
Aug 1 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

The tumultuous world of college athletics can strip one of all normalcy and self identity. Mali, a collegiate basketball star, is trying to navigate her sudden want to withdraw from the limelight and walk into the light of who she truly is; the problem is, she doesn’t know who that is. This premiere tells the story of her life, her acceptance, her trials, and most importantly, her triumphs. Will the journey break her, or will she emerge stronger than ever, ready to conquer life and all it brings?

Transition is presented as part of Asheville Community Theatre’s Artistic Horizons program, a program that gives local artists the opportunity to pursue new creative paths in the theatre. In the 2019-20 season, Artistic Horizons will feature four productions created by new, emerging, or established writers who are expanding their craft to include playwriting, or are helmed by first time directors who want to workshop a piece before committing to a full performance run.

West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Aug 1 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Aug 2 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
The Trojan Women, by Euripides
Aug 2 all-day
Online

Considered the author’s greatest work and one of the best plays of Classical Literature. This one is going to be a “can’t miss!”

STREAMING PERFORMANCE Montford Park Players
West Side Story POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Aug 2 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Monday, August 3, 2020
“Apprentices Plugged-In”
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm
Online

Ranging from the Class of 1960 to 2019, tune in from the comfort of your home for an inspirational performance featuring past Apprentices. For almost 70 years, the Apprentice Program has offered rising arts professionals a unique educational and career development summer intensive that leads the way from education to employment. Enjoy a cabaret-style performance in an evening of entertainment, heart, and the chance for the Vagabond Family of patrons and performers to stay connected. Featuring special guests Lisa K. Bryant, Scott Treadway, Paige Posey, Dennis C. Maulden, and more!

Proceeds directly support Flat Rock Playhouse by maintaining our iconic 14-acre historic property, safeguarding the return of Broadway-quality entertainment, and ensuring future access to arts education in our community. Together, let’s keep the lights on and Vagabonds at the ready until we can once again open our doors to the public.

$50 / household – Includes a viewing link. Registration is 100% tax deductible.

$75 / household for Henderson County Residents – Includes a viewing link as well as a gourmet vegetarian dinner box which will be delivered to your door on the day of the event by a representative of FRP. Contactless delivery guidelines observed.

1. Click the link to register online today.

2. Mail a check made out to Flat Rock Playhouse with “Apprentices Plugged-In” in the memo line. The deadline to mail in payment is July 24th. Please provide your best email address for follow up information.

Attn: Development Office Flat Rock Playhouse

PO Box 310

Flat Rock, NC 28731

3. Call our box office at 828.693.0731 between 10 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Thursday. Thank you for your understanding and patience with our reduced hours during this time. Please note, registration confirmations will be sent via email from [email protected]Reminders will be sent via email the day before and the day of the event.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Additional Library Curbside Service
Aug 4 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

Live Stream: Ron Rash Launches In the Valley
Aug 4 @ 6:00 pm
Live Stream

We’re thrilled to host the virtual launch for Ron Rash’s new story collection! This event is free but registration is required. Please click here to register. On the day of the event, registrants will receive the link required to attend. Pre-order In the Valley below to receive a bookplate signed by Ron Rash.

From bestselling and award-winning writer Ron Rash comes a collection of ten searing stories and the return of the villainess who propelled Serena to national acclaim, in a long-awaited novella.

In these ten stories, Rash spins a haunting allegory of the times we live in–rampant capitalism, the severing of ties to the natural world in the relentless hunt for profit, the destruction of body and soul with pills meant to mute our pain–and yet within this world he illuminates acts of extraordinary decency and heroism. Two of the stories have already been singled out for accolades: “Baptism” was chosen by Roxane Gay for inclusion in The Best American Short Stories 2018, and “Neighbors” was selected by Jonathan Lethem for The Best American Mystery Stories 2019. And in revisiting Serena Pemberton, Rash updates his bestselling parable of greed run amok as his deliciously vindictive heroine returns to the North Carolina wilderness she left scarred and desecrated to make one final effort to kill the child that threatens all she has accomplished. “A gorgeous, brutal writer” (Richard Price) working at the height of his powers, Ron Rash has created another mesmerizing look at the imperfect world around us.

RON RASH is the author of the PEN/Faulkner finalist and New York Times bestselling novel Serena, in addition to the critically acclaimed novels The Risen, Above the Waterfall, The Cove, One Foot in Eden, Saints at the River, and The World Made Straight; four collections of poems; and six collections of stories, among them Burning Bright, which won the 2010 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award, Nothing Gold Can Stay, a New York Times bestseller, and Chemistry and Other Stories, which was a finalist for the 2007 PEN/Faulkner Award. Twice the recipient of the O. Henry Prize and winner of the 2019 Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature, he is the Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University and lives in Clemson, SC.


Like most of our events, this online event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the author’s book(s), we ask that you purchase from Malalprop’s. When you do this you are supporting our work, keeping more dollars in our community, and telling publishers they should continue sending your favorite authors to Malaprop’s. Thank you!