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.

Saturday, August 20, 2022
Public Tour: American Perspectives
Aug 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Jean-Marcel St. Jacques, Mother Sister May Have Sat in That Chair When She Lived in This House Before Me, 2014, wood, nails, and antique hardware on a plywood backing, 84 × 96 inches. American Folk Art Museum, NY, gift of Jean-Marcel St. Jacques, LLC, 2014.18.2. © Jean-Marcel St. Jacques.

River and Brews – Small Town Craft Brewers Festival
Aug 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Beer tastings at NOC

Just west of Asheville, you’ll find some hidden gems buried in the small mountain towns of WNC. From local breweries with unique and tasty pours, to creative artisans and quality craftspeople, these folks help make Western North Carolina as unique as the rivers that flow here.

Join us for a celebration of local breweries, music, and food! You’ll taste beers from over six local breweries, shop artisans and craftspeople, and enjoy sweet sounds from local bands and musicians, all in one magical place we call the Nantahala Gorge.

Come for the views and stay for the brews! Purchase a beer tasting ticket for only $25 or combine it with a morning rafting trip for only $79, for a savings of 15%!

  • Rafting Package Trips- 9-11:30 (select ticket & time)
  • 1-5 PM Beer Tastings
  • 1-5 PM Artisan Vendor Village
  • 1-4 PM Live Music – to be announced
  • 5-8 PM Live Music – Beer & Loathing

All attendees will receive a souvenir taster cup and lanyard.

You must be 21+ to purchase a ticket, but families are welcome to attend! Kid’s activities like treetop nets, Z-lap adventure park, and all our other adventures, restaurants, and lodging are open for business!

Playing for our Partners – Live Music at the Old Rock Cafe
Aug 20 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Old Rock Cafe

Live music returns to the Old Rock Cafe with our new music series: Playing for our Partners. Come enjoy an evening of good food and good music on the deck overlooking the Rocky Broad River and support a good cause, too. A percentage of proceeds from each event in the series will benefit one of our local non-profit partners. The August event will feature musician Mike Pauer and support Conserving Carolina.

 

*This event is at the Old Rock Cafe, not inside the Park*

Free concert at Firehouse Subs: Cruise + Groove
Aug 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Firehouse Subs

Super 60s performs a free concert at Firehouse Subs in Hendersonville. Classic cars will be on display from the Carolina Mountain Car Club. Free line-dance classes from Betty Busch from 5:30-6:30pm. Concert to follow from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note: no smoking, coolers or pets.

Summer 2022 Concert Schedule:
May 14 | Super 60s
May 28 | 3 Cool Cats
June 11 | Super 60s
June 25 | Fine Line
July 9 | Deano & The Dreamers
July 23 | Fine Line
August 6 | Sound Investment
August 20 | Fine Line
August 27 | 3 Cool Cats
September 10 | Deano & The Dreamers
September 24 | 3 Cool Cats
October 8 | Sound Investment
October 15 | Super 60s (Halloween event)

Sunday, August 21, 2022
17th Annual Come to Leicester Artist Studio Tour
Aug 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Leicester Community Center

17th Annual Come to Leicester Artist Studio Tour: 10 AM – 5 PM, August 20-21. Artists in the small community of Leicester, NC open their studios to the public for this free, self-guided tour. Visitors choose their own tour stops using detailed brochures with maps and signs along the route directing to the individual stops. Visitors will find many types of fine art and crafts, including brooms, pottery, paintings, iron work, jewelry, fiber, stained glass, mosaic, enamel, and mixed media. Visit our website to see the artists and print a map. http://www.cometoleicester.org

LOTS Burlesque Festival – Burlesque Brunch
Aug 21 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

This Summer the Land of the Sky Burlesque Festival in Asheville invites you for a night of combined Cabaret, Variety & Performance Art with Burlesque for a Festival unlike any other. Brunch/food/drinks not included.

3 NIGHT PASS AVAILABLE — CLICK HERE

Jazz Sunday Jam
Aug 21 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.

Monday, August 22, 2022
FREE SUMMER MOVIES TOP GUN (1986)
Aug 22 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Music Bingo Mondays
Aug 22 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Women’s Leadership Breakfast
Aug 23 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Highland Lake Inn - Grand Ole Hall

This breakfast organized by the ATHENA of Henderson County Award committee is a fantastic opportunity to explore your own development as a leader while encouraging future leaders to explore their potential!
The program will feature past recipients of the ATHENA Award, as well as our sponsor of our event, Cheryl Stuller in a panelist discussion on their experience with leadership and mentorship.
Established leaders are encouraged to invite an emerging leader to attend this event. Conversations will happen, lives will be touched, leaders will be inspired, and friendships will be formed.
No matter your level of professional/personal development, this event allows the space and time for introspection – an opportunity to celebrate the gifts we have, and the chance to learn more about the skills we would like to grow, all structured around building a supportive network and community. We hope you can join us!
Tours: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Aug 23 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Closed State Holidays

Bourbon to the Rescue
Aug 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The 2nd Act

Blue Ridge Humane Society presents Bourbon to the Rescue

sponsored by Hunter Subaru and We Sell WNC

Blue Ridge Humane Society’s Bourbon to the Rescue
Aug 23 @ 6:30 pm
The 2nd Act

A curated event to benefit the purchase of a BRHS Veterinary Mobile Unit. Limited seating is available

Be Part of a Community: Open Mic Night
Aug 23 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

White Horse’s legendary Open Mic re-starts after a year off for bad behavior (COVID, really). Host Bill Altork will help us present wonderfully talented folks on their way up. The signup sheet is placed on the bar at 6:30 and the first ten to sign in are the performers for the evening. Each gets 15 minutes or three songs. It’s a lot of fun… especially since it’s free!

We’ll be following all COVID-19 protocols and we ask that you wear your mask when you’re not singing or enjoying a beverage from the bar.

Join us to share your music or just enjoy an evening in the audience!

Trivia Tuesday
Aug 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Trivia Tuesday

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Trivia Tuesday
Aug 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Trivia!

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for a good time and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Tours: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Aug 24 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Closed State Holidays

Gay Men’s Coffee Group
Aug 24 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
City Bakery Charlotte Street Cafe

Gay men’s coffee group meets every Wednesday at 88 Charlotte St.

We gather at 9:30a for stimulating conversation.  Come join us!

Wine Wednesday
Aug 24 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Wine Wednesday

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!

French Broad Valley Jam
Aug 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Oklawaha Brewing Company

Join us for a weekly mountain music JAM with players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs! You are welcome to come and listen or to learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program. Free but donations are accepted. Weekly event takes place at Oklawaha Brewing Company.

BETWEEN TWO STILLS: An evening with Dalton Distillery + Oak and Cask Distilling
Aug 24 @ 6:30 pm
The Pulp

Ages 21+
Join us for flights, craft cocktails, and a learning experience with two local distillers, Adam Dalton and William Goldberg. They will share their passion, knowledge, and craft of the spirits they create here.

Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewing
Aug 24 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing RAD

Game Night at Hi-Wire Brewing

It’s time again for EYLA to host our ever popular Game Night! We are proud and excited to have Hi-Wire Brewing RAD, in its newest location, to host our group.
Please bring your favorite games to share and your competitive spirit to make it a fun and exciting evening of game play.
Please be aware that this and all future Game Nights will be held at the River Arts District location. Please Venmo Norque Smith for fees (1.00) or pay in person Cash to the host.

Music and Community: Irish Music Circle
Aug 24 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Hosted by Richard and Melinda Halford

Sessions are in many ways the heart and soul of Irish traditional music, a place for players to share tunes and socialize. It’s not a performance, but rather an informal situation in which listeners are welcome to participate, whether offering encouragement, singing along on a chorus, or asking questions about the music and instruments. White Horse sessions regularly draws players from as far away as Waynesville, Cullowhee, Rutherfordton and even Clayton, Georgia.

The sessions are hosted by Richard and Melinda Halford. Drop by for a beer or a cup of tea and get uplifted by some great traditional tunes and a few new songs.

Come join us in a long musical tradition spanning hundreds of years.

Thursday, August 25, 2022
Tours: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Aug 25 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Closed State Holidays

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Aug 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Aug 25 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Pint Night
Aug 25 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

East Asheville Welcome Table
Aug 25 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Groce United Methodist Church

The East Asheville Welcome Table is an engaged and committed partner of ours who host and serve free weekly dinners.

The East Asheville Welcome Table is run by a group of volunteers who love interacting with their community. In the past 6 months, The East Asheville Welcome Table has distributed 3,623 pounds of food, while serving an average of 500 meals each month.

East Asheville Welcome Table’s weekly meals include live music performed by community members, games of cards, and knitting.

The Welcome Table’s dedication to creating a food secure community, however, goes beyond their walls. At the beginning of the pandemic, Welcome Table volunteers leapt into action and served meals to folks staying at the Ramada Inn.

We are thankful to have such a remarkable partner like East Asheville Welcome Table, who consistently do all they can to ensure their neighbors have access to food with dignity. If you or anyone you know lives near East Asheville and could benefit from a free dinner, be sure to stop by the East Asheville Welcome Table from 5:00-6:30 PM on Thursdays.

Luella’s Celebrates 15 Years
Aug 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Luella's Bar-B-Que

Luella's BBQ

Luella’s Bar-B-Que will be celebrating their 15-year anniversary this Thursday, August 25th with a smoker event featuring whole hog BBQ, new merch, and the release of “Luella’s Lager” made by Green Man Brewery! Stop by the Luella’s Biltmore Park location between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday and help them celebrate this fantastic milestone.

ArborEvenings
Aug 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens 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 September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

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.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

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, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! 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.

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.