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.

Friday, July 2, 2021
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Jul 2 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 2 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jul 2 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Summer at Biltmore
Jul 2 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 2 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Forest Plants + Tree I.D. walk with Mason Oak!
Jul 2 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Location visible to members

Appalachian Forest Plants & Trees on the Mountains 2 Sea trail

A gentle introduction to the world of foraging
Join us for a walk through an Appalachian Oak Hickory Forest as we learn how to identify plants & tree around us and gain valuable experience, hands-on, with whatever we find on our adventure together! We will move at a steady pace & I am certain you will come away from this experience with valuable skills and lifelong plant allies.
Learn more about Mason Oak at http://www.friendofplants.com

DIRECTIONS TO LOCATION
From Asheville-
drive up the BRParkway until the BullGap Exit & sign for weaverville, turn left onto Elk Mountain scenic parkway. You will see cars off the road at the first switchback. Park here.
From Weaverville-
take Reems creek to right turn on ox creek, drive 4 miles up to the BRP. Once you make it to Elk MTN Scenic Parkway, turn left through the open gate towards the BRParkway. After the first switchback, you should see cars parked on the roadside – park here. If you get to the parkway you went too far.

EVENT DETAILS – please read!!

We will walk the Mountains to Sea (MTS) with Mason and Enjoy Your Life! He is an experienced forager and wild foods teacher. He will show you what kind of plants, trees & mushrooms are growing around you, if they are edible or medicinal, what they might teach us, and how they might be connected with the bigger picture of life on this beautiful planet, Earth.

Dress appropriately to walk and move around the forest.
Bring a basket or bag and knife if you’d like to harvest some tasty edibles.
Children are definitely welcome and encouraged!
Dogs are okay if well behaved.
I suggest bringing a notepad and pencil.
Having a camera/phone can help you remember what we identify on our walk.
You can take photos and video of plants and we ask that you might share them on the meet-up event page. Ask permission for photos of people.

Bring water if you need it.

Bring any medicine that you may need and bring ANYTHING you will need to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

Bring your curiosity, an open mind and a willingness to learn – I’ll see you there!

PATIO SHOW: Rob Leines
Jul 2 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Rob Leines makes his Grey Eagle debut on our patio stage on July 2nd! Reserve your table today for the ALL AGES, socially distanced show.

 

ROB LEINES

“It’s hard for me to sit still,” admits Rob Leines, the country-rock frontman and blue-collar road warrior who regularly spends more than 200 nights a year onstage, bashing out a mix of Telecaster twang, guitar-driven grit, and southern storytelling.

 

Long before he paid tribute to the touring lifestyle with albums like 2021’s Blood Sweat and Beers, Leines crisscrossed the country as a child. The son of a military man, he was born in Georgia and spent time in both Utah and California before returning to the motherland, where he graduated high school and began working as a whitewater raft guide. Leines loved the South — its waterways, mountains, and great outdoors — and although he’d eventually move back to California, those southern roots would always play a role in his music.

LITTLE STRANGER WITH HUMAN RESOURCES + LEISUREVILLE
Jul 2 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage
Little Stranger
LIVE ON THE OUTDOOR STAGE

GENRE: Indie Hip Hop
AGE LIMIT: All Ages are Welcome

RAIN OR SHINE; NO REFUNDS
SALIVA w/ CONTAGIOUS
Jul 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

Saliva with Contagious Live at Silverados 07 02 2021.jpg

Tickets $26.50 + Tax/Fees

We are thrilled to welcome Saliva with special guests Contagious to our Outdoor Concert Series.

Come and enjoy a night of rock n’ roll in the Swannanoa Valley.

Make sure to get your $1 membership to Silverados in advance for each ticket holder. (Required by NC Law for entry) – Available here: MEMBERSHIPS   

 

GATES OPEN:  5pm

SHOW STARTS:  7PM

LOCATION:  Silverados – 2898 US Hwy 70, Black Mountain NC  28711

AGE LIMIT:  All Ages Show

 

WEATHER:  Rain or shine – No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather.

PARKING:  Parking available at Appalachian Tool (One Minute Away) 121 Lytle Cove Rd for $10.

SHUTTLE:   Free shuttle service provided starting at 6pm.

THE GOOD STUFF:  Food trucks and full bar service available onsite.  Outside food & beverage is not permitted

SEATING:  Festival Style General Admission – we don’t provide seating.  Feel free to bring your favorite camping chair to enjoy the show. .  Bags are not permitted.

GUEST SAFETY: No Weapons of any kind allowed on the property.  Metal Detectors will be at the gates to ensure the safety of all guests.

REFUNDS:  Refunds only issued in the event of a cancellation.

 

Silverados is on the public bus route.

NC Covid Protocols will be followed

Montford Park Players: Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Jul 2 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Grimm’s Fairy Tales – June 25 – July 24

By Barbie Angell, Kathryn Langwell, Monica McDaniel & Honor Moor

Four local women playwrights take on the tales of The Brothers Grimm and create a World Premiere that is sure to delight the whole family!

Saturday, July 3, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Jul 3 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 3 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Jul 3 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rail + Trail
Jul 3 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.

Tarzan Train
Jul 3 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Tarzan Train

 

Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2 hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.

The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families.

After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included.

Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Jul 3 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Wild Art Sculpture Showcase
Jul 3 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.

The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.

The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jul 3 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Summer at Biltmore
Jul 3 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 3 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Free Yoga – The Park at Flat Rock
Jul 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Flat Rock Playhouse

Group of people with arms outstretched doing yoga in a park.Hendersonville yoga studio, YAM, is offering free outdoor yoga at The Park at Flat Rock on Thursdays and Saturdays. Get outside and get moving with these fun and refreshing classes. Click to learn more about YAM’s community yoga.

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Jul 3 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays through October from 12 to 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

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

Hit the trails and learn more about the Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! In response to COVID-19, new safety measures have been put in place to protect our guests, members, volunteers and staff: Walks will be limited to 10 people, including the guide, and all participants will be required to wear face coverings for the duration of the walk.

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, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks depart from the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby every Tuesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. through the month of October. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours and are approximately one to two miles in length, and as such are recommended for guests 14 years or older. Walks are held rain or shine, so all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
CHECK YOUR HEAD: A BEASTIE BOYS TRIBUTE
Jul 3 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage

CHECK YOUR HEAD: A BEASTIE BOYS TRIBUTE

 

 

Never got a chance to see the Beastie Boys? Damn. Well, Check Your Head pay tribute to their legacy by performing entire albums from front to back. Paul’s Boutique? They play it! Check Your Head? They do that, too! The illustrious trio of Josh Phillips, Eli Cramer, and Philo Reitzel, spearhead this live band and one DJ, featuring past and present members of Atmosphere, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty, Effigy Seed, and Josh Phillips Feel Good. This all-star lineup brings you as close to the real experience as you can get, faithfully recreating some of the most influential music of our time.

Summer Bonfire
Jul 3 @ 7:00 pm – 11:59 am
96 Glen Park Dr 96 Glen Park Dr · Hendersonville, NC

Summer has finally arrived, we all have been waiting to spend more time outside. The weather feels great to make this happen. Hops is hosting a super chill Bonfire at her Place July[masked]. You all are invited. Please bring snacks and drinks of choice to enjoy the night while making new friends. Please bring your own chairs. We look forward to seeing you all.

If you can’t make it please let us know there a waiting list!

Montford Park Players: Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Jul 3 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Grimm’s Fairy Tales – June 25 – July 24

By Barbie Angell, Kathryn Langwell, Monica McDaniel & Honor Moor

Four local women playwrights take on the tales of The Brothers Grimm and create a World Premiere that is sure to delight the whole family!

Sunday, July 4, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Jul 4 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 4 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Jul 4 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rail + Trail
Jul 4 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.