Explore the Grandfather Mountain after hours with your own naturalist guide. You’ll be escorted through the park, while stopping at its most significant sites. Watch the sunset in silence, and experience the mountain as never before!
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.
Friday, July
20, 2018
Introduction to Golf
Mend Piece for the World: A Participation Art Work by Yoko Ono
Historic Arts & Crafts Destination – Tours
History Tour at Grovewood Village
School’s Out Story Time
Pianist in the Great Hall
Book to Movie Film Series: “Life of Pi”
Wild Food Adventures with No Taste Like Home
Downtown After 5
Seafood Buffet at Blue Ridge
Instrumental Rock Guitarist Marq-Paul
Asheville Tourists Baseball Game
Best of Asheville Comedy Showcase to Benefit Family of Late Local Comedian Michael Roach
Chihuly Nights at Biltmore
Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
Grandfather by Night
HAIRSPRAY JR.
Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
GWAR
Rock of Ages: SLT Summer Fringe Musical
Live Music with Coco O’Connor at Asheville, NC
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: Golf Pro Shop ext. 1034
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/golf
Let our golf professionals open the world of golf to you. This introduction to the game of golf is a clinic that covers the basic rules, etiquette, and the PGA’s of golf (posture, grip, and alignment). Clubs will be provided. Proper golf attire is required. Please sign-up at least one (1) day in advance by calling (800) 438-5800 ext. 1034.
Sit at a table with others and mend broken ceramic cups and plates with glue, tape, and twine. Yoko Ono asks us to “Mend carefully. Think of mending the world at the same time.” This participatory work, first conceptualized in 1966 and recreated many times since (including here at BMCM+AC in 2002) is open to all with materials and supplies provided. FREE
Visitors to Grovewood Village will have the opportunity to learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November. The tour includes a visit to Biltmore Industries’ production facility (aka Dye House), where guests can peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun.
The tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. There is no charge to take the tour, but donations are appreciated. Tours begin at the Homespun Museum in Grovewood Village, where a docent will give a detailed overview of Biltmore Industries’ historic importance before leading guests into the 100-year-old Dye House (usually closed to the public).
Private group tours are also offered for a fee and should be scheduled at least one week in advance.
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Family
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: 828.253.7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/
Grovewood Village is housed in the historic weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Industries, a noteworthy enterprise in the history of American Craft and textiles, founded by Edith Vanderbilt and two inspired teachers, Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale. At the height of its success in the late 1920s, Biltmore Industries had a total of 40 looms in steady operation, producing bolts of some of the finest handwoven wool fabric in the country. Orders were shipped as far as China and Uruguay, and customers included the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Helen Keller, and several U.S. presidents and first ladies.
Learn the story of Biltmore Industries on a guided history tour, offered Wednesday – Saturday at 1pm during April – November. The tour includes a visit to our historic Dye House (usually closed to the public), where you’ll peek into the past and view the original looms, carding machines, spinning mule and dye vats used to make the famed Biltmore Handwoven Homespun. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, open to 25 people. Meet your guide at the Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum next door to Grovewood Gallery.
TOURS ARE FREE, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Private Group Tours
We gladly offer private group tours for a fee. These tours offer the exact same experience as the public tours, only in a private setting. Contact us for rates, and please schedule your group tour at least one week in advance.
Please Note: Our historic Dye House (Biltmore Industries’ production facility) is not handicap accessible or heated. Warm attire on cold days and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Phone: (828) 250-4758
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Story Time for Kids,Summer Reading Programs
Age Group: School Age – (grades K-5)
Location: 1404 Sandhill Rd. – Candler
Library: Enka-Candler
Kids who are usually in school are invited to join us on Fridays for stories and fun this summer! Fridays from June 22 to August 17, except July 6.
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment
Step back in time and relax in our Great Hall while our pianist plays vintage melodies for your enjoyment.
Phone: (828) 250-4750
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Film Screening
Age Group: Adult
Location: 942 Haywood Rd. – Asheville
Library: West Asheville
Join us for a book-to-movie film series at the West Asheville Library. Based on Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, this coming-of-age tale recounts the adventures of Pi, an Indian boy who is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Pi finds himself on a lifeboat with only some zoo animals for company. This program is free and the public is invited.
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Culinary,Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: http://notastelikehome.org/
Contact Phone: (828) 209-8599
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/resort-activities/wild-food-adventures
Learn how to safely gather, prepare, and serve wild mushrooms, plants, and other extreme cuisine with No Taste Like Home. Discover the bounty nature provides on the beautiful Sunset Mountain Trail, located adjacent to the Historic Main Inn. Deliver your found ingredients to our Guest Services desk upon returning to The Inn and our chef will create a personalized, complimentary appetizer just for you.
The 30th anniversary season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, kicks off Friday, May 18 from 5-9pm. Downtown After 5 takes place the 3rd Friday of the month May – September and is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public.
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Culinary
Contact: Blue Ridge
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/blue-ridge
The Blue Ridge is a farm-to-table artisanal buffet overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t miss the award winning Friday night Seafood Buffet.
Adult Pricing:
Friday Night Seafood Buffet $44 plus tax
Child Pricing (6-12):
Friday Night Seafood Buffet $20 plus tax
Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.
Gratuity is included on parties of eight or more.
Attire: Resort Casual
Location: Vanderbilt Wing (Lobby Level)
Reservations: Recommended
2017 Parking Rates
Outdoor Self-Parking and Garage:
0-3 hours: Complimentary│4-6 hours: $10│6-24 hours: $15
Valet:
Day Guests: $15│Overnight Guests: $22
Phone: (828) 250-4752
Email: [email protected]
Event Type: Performance
Age Group: Family – (children of all ages),Adult
Location: 1030 Merrimon Ave. – Asheville
Library: North Asheville
Musician Marq-Paul will be performing at North Asheville Library on Friday, July 20 at 6pm. Marq-Paul is an instrumental guitarist in the style of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and Paul Gilbert. Marq-Paul melds many styles of music into a web of compositions, blending music from latin swing to drum & bass to arena rock to the avant garde. He is always trying to push the limits of what can be done in instrumental music while bringing a good show to his audiences.
As a result of his efforts, Marq-Paul was recognized and was a finalist for the “Instrumental Artist of the Year” Momentum Award 2008, “Rock Artist of the Year” Momentum Award, 2009 CIA Alliance, and also as a store finalist for Guitar Center’s “King of the Blues” competition.
This show is free, requires no tickets, and will be held outdoors. All ages welcome. No alcohol allowed. Rain location in the library community room.
The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994.
Asheville teams have played under the Tourists moniker in different leagues and classifications for decades, with the earliest dating to 1897. The current team has played continuously in what is now known as the South Atlantic League since 1976. They have won three league championships, first in 1984 and most recently in 2014. Previous Tourists teams won a total of four additional championships.
The Tourists play home games at McCormick Field. The park opened in 1924, renovated in 1959, and renovated again for the 1992 season. McCormick Field seats 4,000 fans, and is notable for the scoreboard which reads “Visitors” in the guest slot and “Tourists” in the home slot
On Friday, July 20th, the Asheville Comedy Community comes together to raise funds for the family of the late local comedian Michael Roach. The benefit will feature Asheville’s best comedians with shows at 7:00PM and 9:30PM
The Asheville Comedy Community comes together for the benefit of the family of local comedian Michael Roach. Michael passed away suddenly in April, leaving his partner, Genevieve, who is expecting their only child this summer. Please join us as the Asheville comedy community comes together to support this great cause with an evening of hilarious stand-up from Asheville’s best comics.
Featuring performances from Cary Goff, Tom Peters, Hilliary Begley, Ben Atkins, Blaine Perry, Art Sturtevant, Kelly Morgan, Chesney Goodson, Moira Gorey & Special Guests!
For more information or to donate directly, please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/michael-amp-gen039s-back-the-baby-fund
$10 advance / $12 at the door
Tickets @ http://www.ashevillefunnybusiness.com/best-of-asheville-comedy-benefit-tickets/
Buying tickets in advance is highly-recommended. Parking is available at the Grey Eagle’s parking lot and on Clingman Ave. and Haywood Road. The Grey Eagle offers full bar service, and food is available inside the club at The Grey Eagle Taqueria. http://www.thegreyeagle.com/
About Funny Business at The Grey Eagle: Funny Business at the Grey Eagle brings live, nationally-recognized stand-up comedians to Asheville on a regular basis. The Grey Eagle offers full bar service, food and a selection of Asheville’s locally-made craft beers.
Select Evenings, May 17–October 7, 2018
Biltmore House & Gardens opens to the public on Thursday–Sunday evenings for a special reservations-only viewing of Chihuly’s stunning large-scale glass sculptures. Chihuly Nights at Biltmore is an enchanting opportunity to witness the effects of dramatic nighttime lighting upon the luminous colors and graceful forms of these spectacular pieces. Sunset over the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, live music in the gardens, and a wine bar make the evening experience all the more enticing. Chihuly’s towering works of art illuminated against a night sky surrounded by the timeless beauty and magnificence of Biltmore House & Gardens: a truly moving, memorable experience
Come cheer on the Tourists!
You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold adaption of the Tony Award-winning musical about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance and change the world. Join us for our Summer student musical!
Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
Contact: (800) 438-5800
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/elaines-dueling-piano-bar
Join the non-stop, rock n’ roll, sing-along party show at Elaine’s! Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm.
The story of GWAR is carved across the history of this barren and hopeless planet, but GWAR themselves are not of this world… their story begins in the deepest reaches of outer space. Long ago, the beings who would become the rock band GWAR were part of an elite fighting force, the Scumdogs of the Universe. For eons, they served as thralls to a supreme being known only as the Master. But one by one, each future member of the band earned a glaring reputation for being an intergalactic fuck-up. And so, they were banished, sent away on a fool’s errand to conquer an insignificant shitball floating in a dark corner of the universe; the planet Earth. Once here, GWAR shaped the face of the globe, destroying and rebuilding the natural world, and giving rise to all of human history. Aliens to some, gods and demons to others, our erstwhile Scumdogs fucked apes to create the human race, and this fateful unplanned pregnancy would prove to be truly disastrous!
Their new album, “The Blood of Gods” is nothing less than a sacred text chronicling the rise of humanity against their makers, and the massive battle between GWAR and the forces of all that is uptight and wrong with the world. Along the way, the band challenges the sins of their great mistake, from politics, pollution, and organized religion, to fast food, and factory farming. Humans are shown as what they are; a parasitical disease that must be eradicated before they suck the planet dry. Born of adversity, “The Blood of Gods” is a sonic scar…a question asked and answered…Death cannot kill GWAR. Nothing can. GWAR LIVES MOTHERFUCKERS!
gwar.net
Join singer-songwriter Coco O’Connor at 10:00 pm EST performing live at Asheville, NC
Coco O’Connor’s music is a smooth blend of vintage country, blues, and roots music. Heavily inspired from the time spent in the American Southwest as well as the best parts of the Nashville music scene, check out her new LP released June 8th, “This Ol’ War’ here https://open.spotify.com/album/6iUgaI9cNPnlmiCXdhBJJI
Follow Coco O’Connor on Spotify for new music here!
Link: https://spoti.fi/2HsqIfd
Saturday, July
21, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Best of 2018 by Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool
Bikes and Beers
Broadway on the Rock
BUGS! A Musical Spectacle
Chihuly at Biltmore
Contemplative Art in an Age of Distraction
Named by USA Today as one of the Top Twenty Festivals in North Carolina, Folkmoot is a ten-day event, held across the mountains of Western North Carolina in Waynesville, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Cherokee, Franklin, Hickory, Asheville, and Hendersonville. The 2018 festival dates are July 19 – 29 and feature cultural ambassadors/dance performing groups from Ghana, Italy, Czech Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Northern Cyprus, Thailand and local Appalachian and Cherokee dancers and musicians.
Tickets are now on sale for all performances and can be purchased at Folkmoot.org, in person at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, or by calling 828-452-2997.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.
While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 
These parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.
This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th. If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/
Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.
The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.
Bikes and Beers is THRILLED to be coming to Mills River and Asheville for 2 events this summer.
Bikes and Beers is hosting an event at Sierra Nevada in Mills River on July 21 that benefits the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club and an event at New Belgium in Asheville that benefits Asheville on Bikes. Both events feature a 15 and 30-mile ride that starts and ends at the brewery with an after party at the brewery. We host rides all around the country at some of the best breweries in the country. Our mission is to bring awareness to local cycling and local businesses!
Register online at www.bikesandbeers.com
You liked last year’s hit production of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Music of the Night? You’ll love this celebration of top Broadway Blockbusters from Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Wicked, Newsies as well as classic hits from the Golden Age of the Great White Way.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
BUGS! is a new musical exploring the insect world. Through a series of funny and uplifting vignettes, this immersive spectacle asks us to pause, look closely, and consider the little things.
Public performances are Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 1pm and 3:30pm, and Sundays at 1pm, with added performances Sunday July 22 at 3:30pm and Thursday July 26 at 7pm. Visit Asheville Creative Arts’ website for information on tickets: $12 (July 19-22); and $12/students and $23/adults (July 26-29).
The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).
The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders). Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).
Three new works were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.
The Asheville Area Arts Council is excited to announce Contemplative Art in an Age of Distraction, a new exhibit curated by local photographer Susanna Euston.
Contemplative Art in an Age of Distraction will consist of large, fine art photographs paired with three-dimensional works to create a unified whole—an artistic gestalt. Euston aims to provide a meditative and contemplative atmosphere to transport the viewer from today’s turmoil to a place of peace. Seating will be made available in the large gallery to allow viewers to sit and meditate on the scenes before them.
Participating artists include four photographers—Susanna Euston, Matthew Kraus, Bonnie Cooper and Rick Daley—joined by potter, Steven Forbes-deSoule; Ikebana artist Lynn Forbes; glass artist, Rob Levin; and fiber artist, Paige Houghton.
Join them on Friday, July 6, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Asheville Area Arts Council’s Thom Robinson and Ray Griffin Exhibition Space to celebrate the opening of the exhibit. Artist talk will begin at 6:30 pm.