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, February 16, 2024
Registration for Tanglewood Youth Theatre Classes
Feb 16 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Tanglewood Summer has long been a successful and inspirational part of children’s creative education in Western North Carolina. Our theatre camp has been extremely popular and is well-suited for any young person interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre. Our faculty represents some of the finest talent in the area, and we are thrilled to have them at Tanglewood Summer.

We have something for every kid this summer – whether it’s your first or one-hundred-and-first time trying theatre, Tanglewood Summer is the place for YOU!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 16 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Baby Story Time with Ms. Kate
Feb 16 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

These early literacy programs for kids and their caregivers are designed to develop a joy for learning through books, songs, and activities.

Story time takes place in our library community room. This is not a ticketed event.

North Carolina Winery Tour Adventures
Feb 16 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
North Carolina Wineries

Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.

Included:

  • Round trip transportation*
  • Three vineyard visits
  • Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
  • Time commitment = up to 5 hours

Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!

Avery’s Creek Elementary School: Spring Musical Finding Nemo KIDS
Feb 16 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Avery's Creek Elementary School

Spring Musical

Finding Nemo KIDS

2nd-4th Grades

Fridays

2:30pm-4:00pm

2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10

No Class: 3/1 TWD, 3/29 Early Release, 4/5 Spring Break

Dress Rehearsal: 5/3 2:30-4:00pm

Performance: 5/10/2024 3:30pm

Tuition: $270

Students will learn all about teamwork as they work together with their classmates and a professional Teaching Artist to perform scenes and songs from a short musical. Each actor will receive their own part with lines and songs to learn. Class time will be used for rehearsal and a performance complete with costumes and props will take place on the final class day.

In Person at Avery’s Creek Elementary School

15 Park S Blvd, Arden, NC 28704

Acoustic Jam Session
Feb 16 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

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

Seasonal Program for Kids – Winter: Nature Reflections
Feb 16 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Leicester Library
  Environmental Educators from Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation are coming to celebrate the season with stories, songs, and a shelter building activity!
Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Feb 16 @ 7:05 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. South Carolina Stingrays

South Carolina Stingrays
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Saturday, February 17, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 17 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Registration open:The Summer Family Musical theatre camp style production
Feb 17 all-day
online

Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings of all ages are invited to participate in this family theatre camp style production! There are roles for kids, teenagers and adults of all ages. Current, past, and new Playground Stage Families are invited to join!

Show Title: To be revealed at the 5 Year Birthday Celebration!
Dates and Times
Info Sessions & Auditions:

(Participants must choose one date to attend an info session) (Speaking role auditions are optional)

June 12, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

or

June 19, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

Rehearsals:

Evenings July 22nd – August 2nd

Located at Avery’s Creek Community Center

899 Glenn Bridge Rd SE, Arden, NC

Evenings August 5th-8th

Located at Asheville High School Theatre

Performances: August 9th & 10th

Asheville High School Theatre

Optional music learning rehearsals will take place every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm throughout the summer starting June 26th 2024

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 17 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Great Backyard Bird Count Day
Feb 17 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
NC Arboretum

the Arboretum will celebrate its Great Backyard Bird Count Day with beginner bird walks, bird crafts and live bird demonstrations available to the public. This is in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count, an international effort to encourage people of all ages to report their observations of birds to help scientists learn about their populations.  This program is free; however, standard non-member parking fees apply.

Time Activity Location
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Indoor Exhibitors Education Center Lobby
10:00 a.m. Introduction to eBird Education Center Classrooms
10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Bird Crafts Education Center Lobby
10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Bird Mist Netting Demonstration Bird-Friendly Garden
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Live Streaming Mist Netting Demonstration Bird-Friendly Garden
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Beginning Bird Walk 1, Arboretum Staff Starting at Education Center Lobby
3:00 p.m. Live Raptor Demonstration Education Center Classrooms
1:00 p.m. Beginning Bird Walk 2, Ventures Birdwatching Tours Starting at Education Center Lobby
North Carolina Winery Tour Adventures
Feb 17 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
North Carolina Wineries

Join us for a North Carolina winery tour and celebrate a date night, bachelorette party, retirement, family, or a weekend away while sampling our favorite local beverages along the way. Our standard tour includes visits to three Asheville area vineyards. With safe and reliable transportation provided, you can sit back, relax and just have fun.

Included:

  • Round trip transportation*
  • Three vineyard visits
  • Tastings at two of your three stops. Let’s just say that the pours at the first couple of locations are generous so we like to leave the third-stop beverage choice up to you.
  • Time commitment = up to 5 hours

Want to include specific vineyards on your Asheville wine tours? If you have “must-see” wineries in mind or want to craft a full day catered to your group’s interests, we’re always happy to create a custom experience. Reach out any time!

Swannanoa Winter Art Series: Figurative Portrait Collage (Age 8-12)
Feb 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Swannanoa Library

Join us again for part one of our Winter Art Series at Swannanoa Library! Local artist Nora Mosrie will lead six sessions over the winter where kids can learn about different types of art and materials. For our February sessions and in celebration of Black History Month, we’ll learn about Romare Bearden, an African-American artist from WNC, and his medium of collage! This class session is for ages 8-12. Please register for this event so we can predetermine the amount of materials needed.

Sponsored by the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League and funded by the The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of WNC.

Beyonce Themed Drag Brunch for Tranzmission
Feb 17 @ 11:00 am
Banks Ave Bar
Ring the Alarm – it’s time to get in Formation! Put on your Freakum Dress and join us on Saturday, February 17th at 11:00am and 1:00pm at Katarina’s Saturday Cabaret at Banks Ave. Bar. Your $25 ticket
includes admission, a delicious brunch by Biscuit Head, donation, and a professional drag show. All proceeds support the non-profit organization Tranzmission. Tickets are available at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Let us see your Halo!
Free Community Meal
Feb 17 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday Sanctuary
Join the downtown community for a free meal in a warm and safe space. Charge your phone, use the restroom, watch videos, eat popcorn, play cards and games, engage in conversation. Come feel the love.
Begun on a Code Purple day in January of 2009, this warming shelter and fellowship afternoon has been running in some capacity during Asheville’s cold months ever since. Visitors and volunteers can expect a warm meal, a non-judgemental, safe space, movies, card games, conversation and grace. In order to allow for this to happen in an organized, safe manner, a team of at least 20 volunteers is needed every weekend. The vision of Saturday Sanctuary is to be a place of welcome for all who enter. This hospitality extends to our unhoused neighbors, for whom this ministry was begun, as well as anyone else who seeks fellowship and a warm meal.
Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Feb 17 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
Home Barista Workshop
Feb 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Coffee Curious Workshops

A 2 hour hands-on experience with a Barista learning about espresso on a pro espresso machine. Anyone who has a home espresso machine and wants to learn their way around the machine, make better espresso, steam latte better, or is looking to get a machine would enjoy taking this workshop and learn a lot! We use only locally roasted beans in all our offerings. 4 people per class. $125 a person.

Swannanoa Anime Club
Feb 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Swannanoa Library
  Come join the Swannanoa Library Anime Club! We’ll meet the 3rd Saturday of every month to watch anime, discuss manga, create crafts, and even try some fun snacks!

For ages 13 to 18.

Questions? Please contact Olivia at [email protected]

Melanie DeMore An interactive singing experience
Feb 17 @ 3:30 pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville

Join us for an all-ages Community Singing Session led by the inspirational Melanie DeMore, which promises to be a feast for the soul and a joyous celebration of music for all ages.
Melanie DeMore is a 3 time Grammy nominated singer/composer, choral conductor, music director, and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. In her presentations, DeMore beautifully brings her participants together through her music and commentary. DeMore facilitates vocal and stick-pounding workshops for professional choirs, and community groups as well as directing numerous choral organizations across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

For tickets please visit http://tinyurl.com/uucamdm
Adv – Adult $20/ Youth $0
Door – Adult $25/ Youth $5

“Til Death Do We Part” – Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner
Feb 17 @ 5:00 pm – Feb 18 @ 11:00 am
SKYLARANNA Resort

Step into the enigmatic world of “Til Death Do We Part” – an enthralling Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner, presented by SKYLARANNA in collaboration with JJ Brown Productions

 

Whether you yearn for an unforgettable evening of dinner alone or desire the full immersive experience, including an overnight stay, the choice is yours to make.

 

Price: From $349 to $449 Per Couple (Excludes tax and gratuity)

For any inquiries, call (828) 919 – 7777

 

TIL DEATH DO WE PART Valentine Weekend Package:

Continental Breakfast

Lodging for 2 guests

Cocktail Reception

Five-Course Dinner

Interactive Murder Mystery Show

Bonfire and S’mores Kit

 

Date: February 17 – February 18, 2024

SKYLARANNA Resort and SPA

 

February 17 – Hotel check-in @3pm, Cocktail Reception @5pm, Dinner + Show @6pm, Bonfire @9pm.

 

February 18 – Breakfast between 9am-11am, Hotel check-out @11am.

 

Reserve your spot now for a weekend that will linger in your memory!

 

Act fast, as our exclusive packages are selling out quickly!

Secure your spot now before it’s too late!

Dungeons + Dragons at the Weaverville Library
Feb 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Calling adventurous tweens/teens! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons at the Weaverville Library! This program is open to tweens and teens ages 12+.

All skill levels are welcome.

Space for this program is limited. Registration is required. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482 to reserve your space!

Star Wars Night: Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Atlanta Gladiators
Feb 17 @ 7:05 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Greenville Swamp Rabbits vs. Atlanta Gladiators

Star Wars Night

Sunday, February 18, 2024
2024 Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is open with a theme of “Memory”
Feb 18 all-day
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Carl Sandburg wrote countless words in an array of different genres, including poetry, children’s stories, journal articles, as well as a biography and autobiography! He wrote of love and nature, dreams and struggles. This year’s theme of “Memory” is echoed in much of his works. ““Under the summer roses, when the flagrant crimson, lurks in the dusk, Of the wild red leaves, Love, with little hands, comes and touches you with a thousand memories, and asks you beautiful, unanswerable questions.” Carl Sandburg

Poems submitted for the 2024 contest should reflect the theme of “Memory.” By definition, “the process or power of recallling something learned or experienced from the past” Note: Poems do NOT need to be titled Memory, as long as the poem itself relates to the theme.

Students are invited to submit a poem to Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site’s annual Student Poetry Contest. The contest encourages youth to explore writing their own poetry and is open to students nationwide!

  • Submissions are accepted from grades 3-12 and must be submitted by email by Monday March 4, 2024. See below for submission rules.
  • Winners will be notified by April 7, 2024, and will be invited to participate in a virtual celebration program on Sunday, April 28.
Registration open:The Summer Family Musical theatre camp style production
Feb 18 all-day
online

Dads, Moms, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings of all ages are invited to participate in this family theatre camp style production! There are roles for kids, teenagers and adults of all ages. Current, past, and new Playground Stage Families are invited to join!

Show Title: To be revealed at the 5 Year Birthday Celebration!
Dates and Times
Info Sessions & Auditions:

(Participants must choose one date to attend an info session) (Speaking role auditions are optional)

June 12, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

or

June 19, 2024 – Summer Family Musical Info Session & Speaking Role Auditions

Rehearsals:

Evenings July 22nd – August 2nd

Located at Avery’s Creek Community Center

899 Glenn Bridge Rd SE, Arden, NC

Evenings August 5th-8th

Located at Asheville High School Theatre

Performances: August 9th & 10th

Asheville High School Theatre

Optional music learning rehearsals will take place every Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm throughout the summer starting June 26th 2024

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Feb 18 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Feb 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Family Sessons at Asheville Salt Cave
Feb 18 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Asheville Salt Cave
Spend some quality time with your family Sundays @ 10AM
We have designed this special session, held every Sunday at 10am, so you and your young ones can enjoy the salt cave together. Some benefits, especially useful for children, include mental clarity for distracted youngsters as well as immune boosting, respiratory relief, and relief from skin conditions. Little ones, ages 0 to 11 years can only be registered for the Kids Quiet Play Sessions on Sundays at 10am, or you may buy out the room for a Private Session for you and your family. Accompanying adults must register as an Adult. In consideration of all our guests, PLEASE help children to be quiet and calm while in our space so we can keep these sessions open to our family friendly times. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. Adults must be present and attentive to their child, as we have other spa/wellness services going on and do our best to have children in a calm and quiet setting. What to expect : We have a cave host who will help you enter the space and then once everyone is settled they will leave and you may enjoy the time together to chat and connect. They will return after about 40 minutes and have you all help pick up toys and books so kids learn how to be helpful with resetting the space. We have books, sand toys and some toys for kids to play with. You may bring additional toys or books as well, just please no food or liquids. To help maintain the atmosphere for all guests, we are having family sessions enter and exit though our lower entrance to help keep noise levels at a minimum so to not interrupt other guests services. If you are wanting to shop in our retail space please make sure children are mindful of their voice volume as noises drift easily in our space. . Adults $25, 4-12 years old $15, 3 and younger FREE!