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.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Musician Schedule
Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
- Thursday 7/8 – Juan Holiday (R&B/Soul) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Jackson Grimm (Folk/Bluegrass) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/9 – No Event
- Thursday 7/15 – Liz & Elizabeth (Folk/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/16 – Kevin Williams (Country/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Steve Newbrough (Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.Click here for the full schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
- Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
- Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of buildings.
- To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
- Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
Opened in 1948 by Fred “Rabbit” Simpson, Rabbit’s Motel was a crown jewel of Black-owned
Tourist Courts for African-American travelers in the segregation-era South, and provided
lodging and soul-food dining for many Black travelers. Rabbit’s Motel sat in the heart of
Southside, a flourishing African-American community that was one of many early-Asheville
vibrant Black communities in Asheville. SoundSpace@Rabbit’s, opened in 2020, will create a
creative arts hub in Asheville including music rehearsal studio space, soul food kitchen and
artist studios, and will promote historic pride while embracing a model of diversity in the most
authentic way possible, through music, art, community, and food. Join us for a lively event
featuring music, drinks and bites inspired by the original Rabbit’s Motel and Cafe
Speed Connecting activities are fun, encouraging, inspiring and lead to opportunities for yourself and other women entrepreneurs. So join us at Focal Point in downtown Asheville, NC for some food, fun, and connection. And you just might meet your new business bestie! To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit plrconnectevents.com
This project receives support from NC IDEA.
In this eight-week virtual class, young artists will combine creative writing, improvisation, and acting skills as they write and perform original theatrical scenes. With engaging games and exercises that stretch the imagination and encourage collaboration, students will explore the foundational principles of storytelling as they follow the writing process from the first draft to the first read-thru! No previous writing or acting experience is required.
Instructor: TJ Simba-Medel
*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more below about payment plans and multi-student discounts.
Sallie Middleton, Trillium, not dated, watercolor on paper, 17 x 13 inches.
Gift of Mikell Middleton Howington, 2018.53.01. © Estate of Sallie Middleton.
Registration deadline: September 15
In this four-week, small-group/in-person class, explore techniques for painting plants. Begin with learning a representational style using pencil and watercolors, then take inspiration from artworks at the Museum to explore a more creative approach with mixed media to experiment with the many ways leaves and plants can be used as a subject for self-expression and design.
As a professional art educator for over 30 years, instructor Claire Simpson Jones is passionate about sharing the experience of creating art with others. Working in multiple media and techniques, she holds an undergraduate degree in fine arts, a certification in commercial art, and is a National Board Certified teacher. She is a member of the Southern Watercolor Society, a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, and shows her work at the Asheville Gallery of Art.
Please note:
- This Adult Studio is held indoors in the Museum’s John & Robyn Horn Education Center and outdoors, weather permitting.
- Space is limited to small groups of students.
- Students follow the Museum’s temporary COVID-19 safety precautions; click here for more information.
ADULT STUDIO
The Museum’s studio program for adults offers a core curriculum in drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional media, and also explores the intersections between them. Local and visiting artists help students of all levels and abilities develop skills in media that reflect techniques and themes featured in the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. Classes meet for 3–12 weeks, and are designed for anyone interested in exploring specific media in depth; daylong workshops introduce new media or processes. To add your name to our Adult Studio mailing list, email Kristi McMillan, director of learning & engagement, or call 828.253.3227 x122.
No cost due to sponsor support
We will explore the feature of well-known e-commerce sites such as an eBay Store, Shopify website, Amazon.com, and Etsy as well as creating your own website as an online store.
- One way to expand your small business is to sell products online.
- Developing a revenue stream from online sales is an easy way for small businesses to increase their profits.
- Learn what sites work best to sell your product or service.
At the end of this session, you will be able to understand whether:
- You need to sell online and what are the risks and costs.
- Have an understanding of your online store options such as eBay Store, Amazon web store, Shopify, Etsy, or your own website.
- Understand the differences between platforms and determine what is right for you.
Speaker(s): Nick Hawks
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration.
Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College offers FREE Seminars/Workshops to support Small Business
We will explore the feature of well-known e-commerce sites such as an eBay Store, Shopify website, Amazon.com, and Etsy as well as creating your own website as an online store.
- One way to expand your small business is to sell products online.
- Developing a revenue stream from online sales is an easy way for small businesses to increase their profits.
- Learn what sites work best to sell your product or service.
At the end of this session, you will be able to understand whether:
- You need to sell online and what are the risks and costs.
- Have an understanding of your online store options such as eBay Store, Amazon web store, Shopify, Etsy, or your own website.
- Understand the differences between platforms and determine what is right for you.
Speaker(s): Nick Hawks
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration.
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.
Jeremy Loeb plays piano in the Museum’s Windgate Foundation Atrium. Image Shira Zaid.
A native of Durham, NC, Jeremy Loeb embraced his lifelong love of piano when he launched his second career as a musician. Now living in Asheville, Loeb specializes in French and Chinese piano music.
Generous support for Thursday Night Live is provided by Andrew Glasgow.
THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE
On select Thursdays, local musicians enliven our spaces with music to complement your visit. As you stroll the galleries, a variety of tunes adds new dimensions to your viewing experience.
This division is Machine Pitch for kids ages 7 & 8 years old. Age is determined their age as of December 31, 2019.
A league age 6yr old or 9yr old may be permitted by league approval.
For more information contact Maria Young at 251-4026 or Kim Turner 232-4526.
For ages 6 to 18. Divisions include T-ball and coach pitch through junior and Senior leagues. Registration is open now through July 27. Practices begin August 16 and games start September 7
Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.
Fall ’21 Men’s Softball League – aa21030201
Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)
Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376
Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)
Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376
Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue
Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian
Instructor: TJ Simba-Medel
“You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.” In this class, teen artists will discover how to create theatrical work in any environment. Using devising philosophies that inspire installation and site-specific performances, students from across the country will explore a series of creative prompts that awaken their imaginations and empower their own unique artistic voice. We invite artists of all mediums (writers, dancers, filmmakers, visual artists, designers, musicians, and more) to connect and collaborate in this explorative online course. Journalling and sharing will be fundamental to the process.
*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more about payment plans and multi-student discounts below.
Our virtual component will include speeches from our honorees, moving musical performances, and a speech from our very own Executive Director Rick Glazier. We hope to see you on Zoom!
Every year we come together to celebrate the inspirational work of outstanding leaders in our community who are leading the fight for justice. These few exemplify our mission—they are working to eliminate poverty in North Carolina to ensure the creation of an economy that works for everyone. They are at the front-lines of advancing progressive and inclusive policies that advance equity and opportunity in our state. Please join us in celebrating their numerous achievements!
Like most of our events, this event is free, but registration is required. Click here to RSVP for this event. Prior to the event the link required to attend will be emailed to registrants. For 10% off What the Eyes Don’t See, use the coupon code JUSTICEFORUM during checkout.
If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!
Join bookseller Patricia Furnish on Zoom for a discussion of What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Mona Hanna-Attisha. Dr. Hanna-Attisha will be the featured speaker at Pisgah Legal Service’s Virtual Justice Forum on October 7th. Learn more and register for the Justice Forum here: https://www.pisgahlegal.org/2021-justice-forum/
What the Eyes Don’t See is a riveting account of a shameful disaster that became a tale of hope, the story of a city on the ropes that came together to fight for justice, self-determination, and the right to build a better world for their—and all of our—children.
Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a physician, scientist, and activist who has been called to testify twice before the United States Congress, awarded the Freedom of Expression Courage Award by PEN America, and named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
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Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.
Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio
In late 2011, Matt Myers, Zak Appleby and Shane Cody started playing music together in a historic home in New Albany, Indiana dubbed “The Green House.” Its rooms were adorned with relics from times past, so it was no surprise that songs such as “Penitentiary” bounced off the walls. Nostalgic sounds from their first album seemed to serve as a welcome escape for listeners from the relentless demands of the digital age. But if you asked any one of the guys, they were ‘just having fun.’
Houndmouth signed with legendary indie label Rough Trade Records in 2012. From The Hills Below The City landed them on several world-famous platforms such as fellow lovable Hoosier, David Letterman’s stage. When vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Matt Myers first spoke with big-name producer Dave Cobb prior to working together on their sophomore LP Little Neon Limelight, the two laughingly agreed to “not make another fucking boring Americana record.” A natural sounding album captured in a familiar fashion came together, except this time with a #1 adult alternative radio single in “Sedona.” “I never once thought of us as an Americana band,” says drummer Shane Cody. “The four of us were just a rock band, but some of us had Southern accents,” he laughs. Cue Golden Age, the third album featuring some of the band’s most innovative and experimental songs yet. Coining the term “retro future”, Houndmouth combined creative songwriting with avant-garde instrumentation like the synthesized roar of an actual black jaguar on the track “Black Jaguar”.
The band finds themselves recording and also touring their upcoming untitled fourth album expected to release in 2020. From their humble start, genre-defining hits, and experimentation, Houndmouth has and continues to make their impactful felt with the unique take on storytelling through music.
Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza
Featuring:
Asheville’s Hottest Standup Comics
What:
Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: :
Thursdays Sept 2,9,16, 23
8p (doors 7:30p)
Where:
Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave
Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too!
Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.
About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.
What we’re about
COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney
We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!
Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.
Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+
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| 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. |
Western North Carolina has a rich assortment of county historical societies, archives, and museums. The Western North Carolina Historical Association seeks to help researchers, historians, genealogists, and the general public take full advantage of these resources.
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| 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). |