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.
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to each show. The 2023 series is made possible by the following sponsors: Pisgah AVL, Mark Kleive DDS, Cup of Jomo, Dough House, LEAF Global Arts, Greybeard Realty, Four Sisters Bakery, Acoustic Corner, The Red Radish, and Sarah Sunshine Pottery.
Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.
An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.
Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!
Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz are Brevard’s newest and most exciting and entertaining jazz band with a sound that combines the funkiness of George Benson, the soulfulness of Ray Charles and the smoothness of Diana Krall all wrapped together in big Count Basie style arrangements of American and Latin jazz classics. If you are looking for an amazing live jazz experience then check out the hottest jazz band in the coolest city in North Carolina performing every Thursday at The DFR Lounge from 7pm to 9pm
A delightful evening of music and comedy by two local favorites, David Cody and Mike Lytle. David and Mike are talented musicians, published songwriters, and long-time favorites of friends and fans throughout Western North Carolina. Now they are teaming up to bring both music and comedy to audiences in our region and beyond.
David Cody and Michael J are a new musical comedy duo very much in the vein of The Smothers Brothers, who were talented musicians who also enjoyed bringing joy and laughter to audiences of all ages.
Tonight’s event will be rare opportunity to be part of a video shoot for the duo. You will get a behind the scenes look at the process of making a video, while also experiencing the hilarity and musical brilliance of the duo.
So, be prepared to see:
- camera men moving in and out to get just the right shot;
- multiple takes of segments to capture key moments from various camera angles;
- starts and restarts which are part of all videos, films, tv shows, etc
Plus, you will also be in the video yourself. Your smiles and laughter will be key parts of the final product.
So, come enjoy music, come enjoy laughter and come celebrate two of the Swannanoa Valley’s own as they launch a new phase of their careers.

So much happened before Dorothy dropped in.
WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good” and the other one “wicked.”
From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”
Trouble No More — featuring Brandon “Taz” Niederaurer, Daniel Donato, Dylan Niederauer, Jack Ryan, Lamar Williams Jr., Nikki Glaspie, Peter Levin, and Roosevelt Collier — will be performing LIVE on the Indoor Stage at Salvage Station on Thursday, August 10th, 2023! Doors open @ 7PM and the music starts @ 8PM. This is a General Admission, 18+ ONLY show (no exceptions)! FREE ON-SITE PARKING!
Tickets are NOW ON SALE: $31 ADV; $36 DOS (General Admission)!
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul Food and we’ll have our full bar open for you to enjoy!
Asheville Come sing, listen to stories, and dance to music performed on the fiddle, banjo, bagpie, and other folk instruments presented by local musician and storyteller Jennifer Armstrong.
Keg Release Party at Turgua Brewing Co. Welcome some of our seasonal favorites back to the taps! Enjoy great beer, live music by Detective Blind and food from Cecilia’s Kitchen and Blunt Pretzels. 3-9pm. Free entry

We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we’re hosting live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going just a bit longer! View our upcoming schedule below:
AUGUST 2023
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH: Clara New // Mother’s Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH: TBA // Cactus Rainbow Gourmet Grilled Cheese (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH: Spencer Cranfill // Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH: Billy Presnell // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH: Billy Presnell // Mothers Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH: TBA // TBA
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH: Color Machine Music // Sweet Cheesus Food Truck (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH: Dave Desmelik // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
For our third in-person meetup, we will meet at the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. The Meadow is the outside area at the far end of the Highland Brewing Co. (see photo); there is a bandstand and there are lots of picnic tables and benches. There are usually food trucks on the Highland Brewing Co. grounds, and, of course, plenty of drinks available.
We will meet at 6:00; the music starts at 7:00. Bring your dancing shoes!
PLEASE WEAR A HAT, A CAP, ANYTHING AT ALL ON YOUR HEAD, SO THAT WE CAN FIND YOU AND YOU CAN FIND US! :)
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Los Angeles-based instrumental supergroup Circles Around the Sun is a contemporary instrumental rock band, initially formed with the purpose of creating music for “Fare Thee Well”, a series of reunion concerts played by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. Those shows celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary and served as their official send-off, while Circles Around the Sun was designed to reflect the Dead’s overall spacy and groove-laden feel. After the tour, the group released a self-titled album from the Fare Thee Well gigs, supporting the record with their own road trip. The response was so positive that they continued on with a follow-up project, Let It Wander, in 2018. This record was less influenced by the Dead and more free-form, delivering on the roots influence of jazz-funk, soul, and fusion. The band underwent a fundamental transition in 2019. After completing the Meets Joe Russo EP and a third album, their guitarist Neal Casal committed suicide on August 26, 2019. He left his bandmates a note asking for them to continue in his absence– to continue recording, touring, and playing together. The band decided to carry on with a rotating cast of guitarists, landing on John Lee Shannon as the permanent replacement.
In this metamorphosis, Circles Around the Sun spans both heartbreak and hope. Doors close; windows open; new directions extend themselves in mysterious ways. But sometimes you know it’s real from the first beat. It just clicks. It’s just how Neal would want it. It’s Circles Around The Sun.
These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.
Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.
Here in Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 14th annual season will start on Friday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 15 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek, with the Fireworks Festivities and concert on Tuesday, July 4 sprinkled in for good measure.
- Friday, July 28: Lua Flora, folk/reggae (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 4: Tuxedo Junction, classic hits, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 11: TLQ+2, classic rock and pop hits, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 18: Get Right Band, psychedelic indie rock originals, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Aug. 25: Maggie Valley Band, Appalachian/Americana folk rock, (7-9 p.m.)
- Friday, Sept. 1: PMA, roots/reggae/dub/fusion, (7-9 p.m.)
These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. We will have food trucks available on select nights.
For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.
The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.
Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18
Born blind and weighing only one pound, Jordan Scheffer defied the odds from the moment she entered the world. Growing up in Asheville, NC, her deep love for music became evident at an early age. By the age of six, she was already captivating audiences with her musical talents, performing with the YMI Jazz Band in Asheville.
In 2017, Jordan achieved a significant milestone by winning the Blind American Idol Competition, impressing judges with her rendition of “Jailer” by Asa. Her success continued when she was invited to perform at the iconic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, a remarkable feat for a young singer from the mountains of North Carolina. Jordan’s journey led her to enroll at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, where she pursued her passion for African culture and music through her self-created interdisciplinary major in Afro-musicology.
Throughout her academic journey, Jordan showcased her musical prowess as a member of the UNCA Afro Music Ensemble, playing the djembe and other percussion instruments. She further honed her skills with memorable performances at the Diana Wortham Theater and the LEAF Music & Arts Festival, where she shared the stage with renowned musicians such as John “Papa” Gros and the Naughty Professor Horns.
Jordan’s dedication culminated in the recording of her debut album, “Until We Try,” a collection of covers that resonated deeply with her. To celebrate this milestone, she headlined her first show at the esteemed Isis Music Hall, captivating a sold-out audience and solidifying her newfound confidence on stage. Her musical journey continued to flourish in 2022, with performances at renowned venues like the Grey Eagle Music Hall, LEAF Downtown, and the main stage of the 50th anniversary LEAF Festival.
Jordan Scheffer’s poignant story is a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.
Tickets are $25 online advance and $30 day of show.
All Ages Welcome
TOO MUCH SYLVIA has the ability and desire to please and play something that everyone will enjoy. Their onstage antics and personalities will touch all. Whether it’s a low-key dinner setting, an energetic party, or a festival with all ages attending, the band easily adapts. By NOT working from a “setlist”, 2MS has the ability to pace the song selection and provoke audience interaction to reach a peak at the right moment.
For more information, visit: https://www.toomuchsylvia.com/
NO COOLERS
NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
SEATING IS AVAILABLE, BUT YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. SPACE FOR PERSONAL CHAIRS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
GATES OPEN AT 6:00PM
“Blending honkytonk & gritty cowboy seclusion, Americana/Country artist Andy Buckner’s music embodies a balance of party anthems & instantly relatable heartache healers. Andy’s grainy, soulful voice embraces his North Carolina roots & shares authentic songs inspired by his upbringing.”
Grammy nominated, American Song-Writer featured, NBC’s “The Voice” alum, songs recorded with & by; HARDY, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Charlie Starr of (Blackberry Smoke), Elizabeth Cook, Lillie Mae, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas, Matt Daniel, Casey Kristofferson, & many more, songs featured on FX’s “Justified” & “Sons Of Anarchy”, former lead vocalist & guitarist of award winning bluegrass band “Sideline”, & East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Pride Band alum.
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If an artist is described as playing Southern music it’s fair to ask what kind. Southern Rock? Outlaw County? Rock and Roll, Blues, Bluegrass? In the case of Andy Buckner, the answer is “all of the above” in one talented musical package.
Buckner absorbed his influences honestly. Born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, he’s from a long line of musicians and started singing in church at age 4. He knew he wanted to be a performing musician after seeing David Holt play with Buckner’s first cousin Josh Goforth, and became obsessed with trying out every instrument he could find. By the age of 16 he was a multi-instrumentalist playing bass, banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and more. During this time he discovered his calling as a songwriter, while maintaining a busy schedule competing at festivals, touring and performing with many established artists and bands. After graduating from high school he attended East Tennessee State University while establishing an identity as a solo artist. While there, he became the first freshman since Kenny Chesney to earn a spot in the prestigious ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.
Grammy winner and Mountain Heart member Jim VanCleve characterizes Andy Buckner as “truly the next generation of country music personified, in my opinion. He’s writing his own material, and he’s playing his own instruments… and excelling at both. He has what it takes to become a household name in country music.”
Revolve is proud to present Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Weston Olencki who will be presenting a new percussion piece for computer-controlled woodblocks and drums. Local experimental maestro Vaina will be opening with a drone and projection extravaganza.
WHO: Weston Olencki (Berlin) and Vaina (Asheville)
WHERE: Revolve, 821 Riverside Drive, Asheville
WHEN: Saturday, August 12 at 8pm
DETAILS: $10 suggested donation, all ages
More information about Weston can be found here: http://www.westonolencki.com/
More information about Revolve can be found here: http://www.revolveavl.org/
Voted #1 WNC festival in 1977, Black Mountain transforms four streets into a two day festival filled with handcrafted artisan products, two music stages, a petting zoo, food, demonstrations, and of course – Honey!
Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.

We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we’re hosting live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going just a bit longer! View our upcoming schedule below:
AUGUST 2023
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH: Clara New // Mother’s Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH: TBA // Cactus Rainbow Gourmet Grilled Cheese (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH: Spencer Cranfill // Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH: Billy Presnell // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH: Billy Presnell // Mothers Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH: TBA // TBA
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH: Color Machine Music // Sweet Cheesus Food Truck (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH: Dave Desmelik // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Dress Code: Black Tie & Black Formalwear
Join us for:
Gourmet Dinner
Drinks
Live Music
Entertainment
Exclusive Booking Opportunity

The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.
Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.
The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.
Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
The 4th installment of the 4-part concert series with The Julie McConnell Quartet returns to The DFR Lounge on Saturday, August 12th, 7-9:30pm! Featuring some fun and interesting new tunes, as well as fan favorites, with the second set featuring jazz harmony duets with Ruth Cooney on 2 songs!
-Julie McConnell, vocals
-Michael Jefry Stevens, piano
-Bryan McConnell, bass
-Bill Berg, drums
*special guest appearance: Ruth Cooney, vocal harmonies
-doors open at 6:00pm
-music starts at 7:00pm
-total of 88 seats

