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.
Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week we bring you Josh Bates and a gaggle of Charleston’s best comics!
Josh Bates is a Colorado native and retired military veteran who somehow ended up in Charleston, SC. His 2023 album, Pancake Carpet, debuted as the number 1 comedy album on Apple and Billboard. He has performed with the likes of Sean Patton, Shane Torres and Sam Tallent. Josh hosts Lowcountry Lowlifes Podcast with the Helium Podcast Network and owns Charlestons only soon to be comedy club, Wits End. He also is a fan of cheese.
Featuring
Sara Nichols, Hagan Ragland and Sarah Hartmann
ages 18+
Doors at 6:30, show at 7pm
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of
What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.
Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!
DATES: May 9-12, 2024
TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.
Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Join us Saturday January 27th for our Second annual WINTERFEST festival! An all day extravaganza hosted by the Warriors Of Ash and Fae Nectar, this exciting Axe & Sword Fighting Event will be accompanied by a roaring bonfire, working blacksmiths, live music, axe throwing, pony rides, and a village of Artisans from lands near and far.
Liven up the quiet winter months by watching some authentic medieval combat with the Warriors of Ash in our tournament arena. Or try your hand at axe throwing while you enjoy the mystical battle music of Chris Welsh and his Sun and Moon Dance band. And don’t forget to browse our Artisan Village which features live blacksmithing demos, handmade jewelry, leathercraft, fantasy garb, and more!
Artisan Market – 11am to 5pm
Sword Fighting & Viking Battle Music – 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Our festive mead hall will be serving delicious mead and cider aplenty, beer, hot cocoa, and delicious food options including turkey legs and Irish stew!
*Assembly Required, Asheville’s first and only Designer Toy Expo, celebrates its sixth year running at The Grey Eagle in the River Arts District! As the premiere destination for independent designer, bootleg and art toy artists and collectors from across the North America, *Assembly Required honors this melting pot of artistic expression, inspired by pop culture and street art.
What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.
Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!
DATES: May 9-12, 2024
TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.
Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
JLloyd & Jim Arrendell present: A Birthday Tribute to Bob Marley featuring musicians from Culture, Midnite, Mishka, Dubconscious, Cadillac Jones, Empire Strikes Brass & More!
JLloyd (of the JLloyd MashUp) and long time Asheville curator/ musician, Jim Arrendell, come together to present this amazing cast of musicians honoring the music of Bob Marley. Marley’s Birthday is February 6th and would be 79 this year.
The full casts is made up of:
Jim Arrendell (The Business) – Vocals
Jonathan Lloyd (JLloyd MashUp/Dubconscious/Cadillac Jones) – Vocals/ Trombone
Kneah Francois from St. Lucia (Midnite/Rocksteady Revue) – Guitar/Vocals
Ryan Wilson from St. Croix (Culture/Rocksteady Revue) – Bass/Vocals
Juhanis Darroux from Dominica (Mishka/Rocksteady Revue) – Drums/Vocals
James Keane (Dubconscious) – Guitar
Debrissa McKinney (Empire Strikes Brass/Free Radio) – Vocals
Reggie Headen (Artist at large) – Vocals
Will Scruggs (Cadillac Jones/Rocksteady Revue) – Sax
Lenny Pettinelli (Empire Strikes Brass) – Keys
Jonathan Cole (Dirty Logic/Electrolust) – Sax
“Sing your heart out every Sunday with Lyric Jones at our laidback basement bar. Whether you’re a classic crooner or want to relive your glam metal glory days, find your moment to shine between 8pm and 11pm. Remember: what happens at karaoke night, stays at karaoke night.
People in the biz get half off select appetizers and burgers all night!”
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Here’s the fine print: Micro Monday participants will recieve a passport punch card with the opportunity to try a different beverage each week for eight weeks. To earn a punch on your passport, you must order a full pour or 32 oz growler of the beverage of the week. We strive to have enough product to last all week, so if you can’t come on a Monday, that’s ok!
(hint: join us at our Kick-off Party on January 1st to get an extra entry into the grand prize drawing!)Hosted by the witty & sagacious Jason Mencer, our epic pub trivia night runs every Monday from 7:30-9:30pm! Plus $5.00 well drinks all night!
Come test your brain power with tasty pub fare, an adult beverage or two — and a team of your smartest friends! Win prizes each round and crow a little about what a smarty-pants you are!
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
The Asheville Comedy Festival presents comedian, actor, and writer Tom Segura, one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently toured the world with more than 300 shows on his “I’m Coming Everywhere” tour. He is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016), and “Completely Normal” (2014). His fifth Netflix special “Sledgehammer,” was released in July 2023 and debuted at No. 1 on the
streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book, “I’d Like to Play Alone, Please,” to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.” Paste Magazine described him as, “… having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in
hilarious ground.”
Segura’s, Your Mom’s House (YMH) Studios is home to his hit podcasts “Your Mom’s House,” which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. Additionally, YMH Studios was one of the first networks
to create wildly successful Livestream Podcast Events as an outcome of the pandemic.
Segura will open the annual festival as the headlining act on August 7th, 2024, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. The laughter-inducing extravaganza kicks off at 7:30 PM, promising an evening of unforgettable comedy.
The Asheville Comedy Festival, renowned for showcasing the nation’s fastest-rising stars in comedy, will run from August 7th to 10th, featuring multiple shows that spotlight over 30 of the country’s most promising comedic talents.
Known for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and smooth stage presence, TOM SEGURA has solidified his status as a comedy superstar. His unique perspective and fearless approach to comedy have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.
Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!
DATES: May 9-12, 2024
TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.
Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!
The Asheville Comedy Festival presents comedian, actor, and writer Tom Segura, one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently toured the world with more than 300 shows on his “I’m Coming Everywhere” tour. He is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016), and “Completely Normal” (2014). His fifth Netflix special “Sledgehammer,” was released in July 2023 and debuted at No. 1 on the
streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book, “I’d Like to Play Alone, Please,” to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.” Paste Magazine described him as, “… having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in
hilarious ground.”
Segura’s, Your Mom’s House (YMH) Studios is home to his hit podcasts “Your Mom’s House,” which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. Additionally, YMH Studios was one of the first networks
to create wildly successful Livestream Podcast Events as an outcome of the pandemic.
Segura will open the annual festival as the headlining act on August 7th, 2024, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. The laughter-inducing extravaganza kicks off at 7:30 PM, promising an evening of unforgettable comedy.
The Asheville Comedy Festival, renowned for showcasing the nation’s fastest-rising stars in comedy, will run from August 7th to 10th, featuring multiple shows that spotlight over 30 of the country’s most promising comedic talents.
Known for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and smooth stage presence, TOM SEGURA has solidified his status as a comedy superstar. His unique perspective and fearless approach to comedy have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Join us to meet primary candidates, have good conversation, and enjoy fellowship with Democratic and like-minded people! We will meet in the indoor dining area so that we can hear a few words from the candidates when they arrive. Wear Blue so we can spot you!
Who should attend: All Democratic and left-leaning voters in Black Mountain and elsewhere are encouraged to attend. Unaffiliated voters are welcome!
BLUEGRASS JAM
Hosted by Drew Matulich
Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.
With over 500 shows performed since its inception in 2014, Runaway Gin is the World’s Most Notable Phish Tribute Project. They have been voted the Best Phish Tribute in the World two years in a row and 2022 Charleston Jam Band of the Year. On July 4th, 2015, after the second show of the Grateful Dead GD50 run, Runaway Gin sold out the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago and catapulting them from a Southeastern regional act onto the National scene. The band has also made numerous festival appearances including Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival, Resonance Music and Arts Festival, the Woodlands Music and Arts Festival, Nextival (headliner), Hidden in the Hollow Festival and has headlined top national venues such as: the Norva, the National, Jannus Live, and the Georgia Theater.
The members of Runaway Gin have united with the goal of creating musical moments inspired by Phish. The band’s song list is constantly growing and their improvisational and communication skills are constantly developing independently and together. Like Phish, Runaway Gin will never play the same show or jam the same way twice making every show a unique experience and every moment pure artistic creation.
The Asheville Comedy Festival presents comedian, actor, and writer Tom Segura, one of the biggest names in the comedy business. He recently toured the world with more than 300 shows on his “I’m Coming Everywhere” tour. He is best known for his Netflix specials “Ball Hog” (2020), “Disgraceful” (2018), “Mostly Stories” (2016), and “Completely Normal” (2014). His fifth Netflix special “Sledgehammer,” was released in July 2023 and debuted at No. 1 on the
streamer. In July 2022, Segura released his New York Times Bestselling book, “I’d Like to Play Alone, Please,” to wide praise with Forbes calling it “laugh-out-loud funny.” Paste Magazine described him as, “… having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in
hilarious ground.”
Segura’s, Your Mom’s House (YMH) Studios is home to his hit podcasts “Your Mom’s House,” which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, “2 Bears, 1 Cave,” which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that draw millions of listeners each week. Additionally, YMH Studios was one of the first networks
to create wildly successful Livestream Podcast Events as an outcome of the pandemic.
Segura will open the annual festival as the headlining act on August 7th, 2024, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena. The laughter-inducing extravaganza kicks off at 7:30 PM, promising an evening of unforgettable comedy.
The Asheville Comedy Festival, renowned for showcasing the nation’s fastest-rising stars in comedy, will run from August 7th to 10th, featuring multiple shows that spotlight over 30 of the country’s most promising comedic talents.
Known for his sharp wit, irreverent humor, and smooth stage presence, TOM SEGURA has solidified his status as a comedy superstar. His unique perspective and fearless approach to comedy have earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
A special prix fixe dinner for two is now available for preorder online until Feb. 12 or while supplies last. Pickup is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14. Orders will be picked up chilled with complete reheating instructions included. The meal features lobster bisque with creme fraiche and brown butter croutons, port wine-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, dark chocolate lava cake with blueberry-lavender whipped cream.
Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio
Empire Strikes Brass is a dynamic BrassFunkRock band hailing from Asheville, North Carolina. Their music resonates with a powerful message delivered through a captivating and larger-than-life sound. Fueled by a thumping rhythm section that sets the groove, the band’s rich horn arrangements, performed by a robust horn section, add an extra layer of depth to both their original compositions and compelling covers, showcasing the evolution of ESB.
Formed in 2012, Empire Strikes Brass started as a group of friends who loved playing New Orleans-inspired second-line and funk tunes infused with elements of rock and jam. Over time, they have transformed into a collective of incredibly talented musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers. The result is a fresh and authentic sound that seamlessly combines their diverse musical influences while staying true to their roots.
The band boasts a remarkable lineup of artists, each bringing their own unique contribution to the table. From the rich vocals, and harmonious saxophone of Grammy Award-winning artist Debrissa McKinney (known for her work with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo) to the masterful keyboard and production skills of Lenny Pettinelli, the thunderous beats of drummer Nik Hope, the solid bass lines of JP Furnas, the melodic guitar riffs of Chris Porter, the soulful trumpet sounds of Alex Bradley, and the sky high notes of Tim Morgan on trumpet, the smooth trombone of Jacob Bruner, the vibrant saxophone of Pauly Juhl, and the versatile keyboard and percussion talents of Sean Donnelly, every member of ESB plays a crucial role in the band’s success.
Since their inception, Empire Strikes Brass has become a staple at various festivals across the USA, leaving a lasting impression with their infectious energy and electrifying performances. Their horn section has also had the honor of sharing the stage with esteemed acts like Shpongle Live Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Papadosio, and many more iconic names in the funk and jam scene.
Whether performing live or working on their studio recordings, Empire Strikes Brass emanates a strength and cohesiveness that is undeniable. Their debut album, “Theme For A Celebration,” was recorded at the renowned Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville and received acclaim as one of the top 100 releases of the year by WNCW 88.7 radio in 2017. Following that success, their fierce follow-up release, “Brassterpiece Theatre” (2019), was also recorded at Echo, showcasing their continued growth and artistic prowess. Both albums are available on all major music distribution, streaming, sales, and listening platforms, allowing listeners to experience the band’s exceptional musicality.
As they continue to tour and captivate audiences, Empire Strikes Brass is diligently working on their highly anticipated third studio album. Between shows, they are crafting and mastering new sounds that will undoubtedly leave their fans craving for more. Keep an eye out for this remarkable band on the road and at festivals near you. Their unforgettable performances are not to be missed.
with Willy Mason
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEEVAN DANDO (OF THE LEMONHEADS) SOLO
Evan Dando is currently at work in São Paulo, Brazil on the first album of original songs from The Lemonheads since 2006. After playing anniversary tours for It’s A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads, Evan is embarking on a US solo tour in Spring 2024 to play shows with an eclectic mix of Lemonheads classics, new material, and covers.
A new single from The Lemonheads, “Fear Of Living”, which was co-written by the late Dan Lardner (of QTY) and Evan, was just released digitally on November 14th, 2023 via Fire Records, and will be available for sale on 7” vinyl at the upcoming February and March shows.
“For most writers, it’s extraordinarily difficult to catch and hold feelings of pathos, idleness, hunger, a kind of hazy but manageable melancholy. Dando’s songs are short (many are under or around two minutes), with choruses and hooks so easygoing, so suffused with nonchalance, that it feels as though they must have arrived fully formed and without struggle.” – The New Yorker