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 27, 2018
Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 27 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Jul 27 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 28 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

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.

Saturday, July 28, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 28 all-day
Folkmoot Friendship Center
2018 Folkmoot Festival @ Folkmoot Friendship Center | Waynesville | North Carolina | United States

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.

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 28 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Alex Cameron
Jul 28 @ 1:00 am – 2:00 am
Heather Gillis Band on Tour, Plays Sierra Nevada
Jul 28 @ 2:00 pm
Sierra Nevada Taproom Amphitheatre
Heather Gillis Band on Tour, Plays Sierra Nevada @ Sierra Nevada Taproom Amphitheatre |  |  |

(ASHEVILLE, NC) – Heather Gillis, a young guitarist-vocalist at the vanguard of today’s quickly-growing blues-rock Jam Band movement, is touring nationally, with a local performance at Sierra Nevada Taproom Amphitheater, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Saturday, July 28. Showtime: 2:00pm. Free. Info: (828) 708-6176 or visit https://sierranevada.com/events/mills-river-brewery?page=2.

Gillis previously co-fronted Butch Trucks and the Freight Train, formed by the late Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks, who discovered her in Florida in 2015 and personally recruited Heather to play in the Freight Train until Trucks’ passing in January, 2017. “(Gillis) proves to be the perfect touch to the band with her stage presence, energy, and tremendous talent,” wrote American Blues Scene. The Tallahassee Democrat states, “anytime Heather Gillis plugs in an electric guitar and starts to play, you know immediately it’s her. She has a distinct tone and muscular sound that usually takes other, older guitarists many more years to develop. You should hear her belt out ‘Whipping Post.'”

Formerly from Florida and now residing in Atlanta, Gillis has played alongside and befriended members of The Allman Brothers Band, Col Bruce Hampton, The Lee Boys, North Mississippi All-Stars, and Matt Schofield, to name a few. Heather’s live shows are high-energy and consist of her originals as well as some choice cover tunes.

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Jul 28 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 29 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
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 8pm, pianos begin at 9pm. 

Sunday, July 29, 2018
2018 Folkmoot Festival
Jul 29 all-day
Folkmoot Friendship Center
2018 Folkmoot Festival @ Folkmoot Friendship Center | Waynesville | North Carolina | United States

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.

Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 29 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Jane Kramer, Ben Phan and the Soul Symphony
Jul 29 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Monday, July 30, 2018
Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 30 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

JD Wilkes w/ The Legendary Shack Shakers (Unplugged)
Jul 30 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Hops for Hunger: Beer City Comes Together in July to Help Feed WNC
Jul 31 all-day

Throughout the month of July, you can enjoy a great local craft beverage and help support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families across WNC.

Many of us are busy planning summer vacations, gatherings, and picnics ahead of July. But for over 100,000 Western North Carolina residents busy trying to make ends meet to provide for their most basic needs, that kind of celebration is out of the question.

That is why the nationally recognized WNC beer scene is collaborating again, and raising the stakes, to bring awareness to the issue of hunger in Western North Carolina. Over twenty local breweries are joining forces to help support MANNA FoodBank’s mission to end hunger for thousands of families across WNC through the 2nd annual Hops for Hunger campaign, July 1st – 31st.

Hops for Hunger is made possible through support from Asheville Ale Trail, and MANNA’s annual sponsors: Preserve Communities, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Anurja Interactive, The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village, Mast General Store, and Lamar Advertising.

 

Erin Rae
Jul 31 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Yelawolf
Jul 31 @ 9:00 pm – Aug 1 @ 12:00 am

Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha in Gadsden, AL, grew up bouncing around America with his single mother. His deep appreciation for the lyricism of hip hop along with a love for outlaw country and classic rock grew naturally during his childhood, leaving an immense impact on the artist he would become. The drive to express his experiences and relate to others that have felt or lived like him became the story he continues to tell.
Since making his major label debut with Eminem’s Shady Records (Interscope) in 2011, Yelawolf has released new music relentlessly and travelled around the world performing sold out shows in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. His four full-length albums and various side projects have featured collaborations with a wide variety of top artists including Juicy J, Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, A$AP Rocky, Lil Jon, Kid Rock, Action Bronson, Big Boi, Killer Mike, Wynonna Judd, and many more.
Following the recent opening of hisown Slumerican Made flagship store, two new albums are set for release with extensive international touring planned for the coming year. Yelawolf and the Slumerican brand have cultivated a global community that will continue to expand in 2018.
yelawolf.com

Wednesday, August 1, 2018
The Dollyrots
Aug 1 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Thursday, August 2, 2018
The Paper Crowns Band
Aug 2 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Aug 2 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 3 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

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.

Friday, August 3, 2018
Nahko And Medicine For The People
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – Aug 4 @ 12:00 am

Over the last 5 years, Nahko And Medicine For The People have continued to gather dedicated members of their global tribe of like minded fans as they spread their powerful musical message.They incorporate a variety of sounds, ranging from alternative roots to acoustic rock while promoting social change.Their album HOKA debuted at #10 on Billboard’s Rock Album Chart and #6 on the Alternative Album Chart.
Nahko’s solo album,My Name is Bear, debuted on a number of Billboard charts including Independent Albums (#11), Tastemakers (#14), Emerging Artists (#19), Top Album Sales (#43), and Top 200 Albums (#170). The album also premiered at #1 on iTunes and the headline tour in support of it boasted multiple sold-out dates both stateside and in Europe.My Name is Bear is a 16-track collection that reflects the soul, authenticity, and spirit that Nahko’s fans have come to know. It predates Nahko’s rise to mythos among die hard fans of Medicine For The People.As he puts it, the album serves as a “prequel,” that artfully merges rustic acoustic guitars, upbeat energy, tribal flavors, fiery percussion, and ponderous lyrics. At the end of the day,My Name is Bear,sets the stage for a whole lot more from Nahko.
nahko.com
RAIN OR SHINE
Remember, all outdoor shows at The Meadow are RAIN OR SHINE. Please plan according. Follow the forecast here! In the event of rain, umbrellas are allowed and a limited number of ponchos will be available for purchase.
PARKING
All on-site parking is first come, first served, unless you have purchased a Preferred Parking Package (see info below). Overflow parking is available at River Ridge Shopping Center.
In an effort to encourage carpooling, parking at the Highland Brewing facility is $10 per car with 3 or less people – CASH ONLY. Parking is FREE for cars with 4 or more people. Parking is also FREE for cars with any number of passengers at the overflow parking lots at River Ridge Shopping Center (more info below).
PLEASE CARPOOL / UBER / LYFT / TAXI if possible. The drop-off / pick-up area is located to the far left of the Highland Brewing facility.
Parking is available at Highland Brewery and River Ridge Shopping Center on Fairview Rd. Buses will begin running from River Ridge at 5:45pm – 9:00pm, and again from 9:40pm through 11:30pmto accommodate After Party attendees.
We ask in advance for your patience regarding parking and shuttles – as those who attend large sporting events or festivals know, some wait time and lines are to be expected when the show is over. We will do our best to get you to and from the show as quickly and efficiently as possible.
REMOTE PARKING & SHUTTLES
The lots at River Ridge Shopping Center will be open for FREE remote parking with FREE shuttle buses running beginning at 5:45pm. Please try not to park in front businesses that are still open. You can enter River Ridge at the traffic light at McDonald’s/CVS and then park on the left or right side of the shopping center – both sides of the lot will be pick up stops all evening from 5:45 until 9pm. Shuttles will pick up and drop off on the AC Moore side of the lot, and in the Hamrick’s / Gabe’s side of the lot, the pick-up location will be in the small circle, behind CVS.
PREFERRED PARKING PASS HOLDERS
Click here to learn more! If you have purchased a Preferred Parking Package, please have your “print-at-home” ticket or eTicket ready to show a parking attendant. If you have Will Call parking tickets, please have your confirmation email with you. The parking attendant will give you a parking pass to display in your car and direct you to your preferred parking spot!
IDs & TICKETS
Remember to bring a VALID ID if you’re over 21. Accepted ID’s include NC Driver’s License or ID, Passport, Military ID, and Out of State Driver’s License (Out of State ID cards will NOT be accepted)
Please have your print at home or digital tickets ready when you arrive. Will Call tickets can be picked up at The Meadow the day of the show or at the Orange Peel Box Office any day leading up to the show during normal business hours.
If tickets are still available on the night of the show, the box office will be open for sales at the Highland Brewing Tasting Room.
ATMs
Most of the bars are cash only. Only a few beverage stations may accept cards. ATMs will be available inside the event space.
FOOD TRUCKS
We’ll have a variety of delicious food from local food trucks on site to take care of those hunger pains! Yum!
RULES
No chairs or other camping furniture.
No professional photography, cameras, or flash.
No outside food of beverages.
No pets or animals (except legal service animals).
All bags subject to search.
No fireworks, weapons, or other dangerous items.
No illegal substances.
No re-entry.
Smoking is discouraged. If you must smoke, be respectful to the people around you.
AFTER PARTY
Come to our AFTER PARTY in the Highland Brewing Tasting Room! The party will start right after the show ends. Shuttles will continue to run to the remote parking lot until the set ends. There will be limited capacity, so hurry over to the Tasting Room to keep the party going!

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Aug 3 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 4 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

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.

Sunday, August 5, 2018
Deep River, Bill Mattocks & The Strut
Aug 5 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Aug 4 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 5 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
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 8pm, pianos begin at 9pm. 

Monday, August 6, 2018
Alexa Rose, Austin Quattlebaum
Aug 6 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 8 all-day
Camp Daniel Boone

Our weekend gathering is held in Canton, North Carolina less than one hour West of Asheville. Camp Daniel Boone is a summer Boy Scout Camp that has opened it’s facilities and camp to us after it’s closed for the season. The camp sits nestled at the base of Cold Mountain, bordering the Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness Area with thousands of acres and endless hiking trails.

Earth Based Skills are the heart of what we offer in our workshops, while also cultivating the opportunity for deeper connection to each other and nature. Fire, Fiber Arts and Stone Tools are where we begin, with Core Skills Sessions on Thursday morning, as these help weave the rest of the skills together. Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning will have a variety of morning and afternoon classes you can choose to take, or you may prefer to visit our Healing Arts area and sign up for a massage or body work.

Since we are gathering to further our growth, knowledge and experience with mother nature, we also feel it is important to support local, natural, healthy, humane food. We will be working with local farmers and producers to acquire as much of the food we use for our meals as possible. We will enjoy two all natural, local, omnivorous and gluten free meals per day to nourish our bodies in the large Dining Hall, complete with a front porch and rocking chairs overlooking the lake and valley!

We have some special “creature comforts” with this site as well. There are sizable 8’x8′ platform tents and tiny cabins with camping cots available for your use and everyone gets their own tent. There are many drinking water spigots, showers, flush and latrine style toilets available for your needs located throughout camp.

Mary Chapin Carpenter
Aug 8 @ 7:30 pm – Aug 9 @ 12:00 am

In celebration of her 30 year recording career, Mary Chapin Carpenter released Sometimes Just The Sky on March 30 on Lambent Light Records via Thirty Tigers. The landmark record features new versions of twelve of Carpenter’s most beloved songs as well as one newly written song, the title track. Produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Paul McCartney, Ray LaMontagne), the album was recorded entirely live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios outside Bath, England. Joined by long-time collaborator Duke Levine on guitar and a handpicked band of Johns’ favorite musicians, Carpenter reimagined one song from each of her twelve studio albums along with “Sometimes Just The Sky.”

David Cross “Oh Come On”
Aug 8 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 9 @ 12:00 am
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Women’s Wilderness Workshops
Aug 9 all-day
Camp Daniel Boone

Our weekend gathering is held in Canton, North Carolina less than one hour West of Asheville. Camp Daniel Boone is a summer Boy Scout Camp that has opened it’s facilities and camp to us after it’s closed for the season. The camp sits nestled at the base of Cold Mountain, bordering the Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness Area with thousands of acres and endless hiking trails.

Earth Based Skills are the heart of what we offer in our workshops, while also cultivating the opportunity for deeper connection to each other and nature. Fire, Fiber Arts and Stone Tools are where we begin, with Core Skills Sessions on Thursday morning, as these help weave the rest of the skills together. Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning will have a variety of morning and afternoon classes you can choose to take, or you may prefer to visit our Healing Arts area and sign up for a massage or body work.

Since we are gathering to further our growth, knowledge and experience with mother nature, we also feel it is important to support local, natural, healthy, humane food. We will be working with local farmers and producers to acquire as much of the food we use for our meals as possible. We will enjoy two all natural, local, omnivorous and gluten free meals per day to nourish our bodies in the large Dining Hall, complete with a front porch and rocking chairs overlooking the lake and valley!

We have some special “creature comforts” with this site as well. There are sizable 8’x8′ platform tents and tiny cabins with camping cots available for your use and everyone gets their own tent. There are many drinking water spigots, showers, flush and latrine style toilets available for your needs located throughout camp.

Craft After Dark
Aug 9 @ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Center for Craft

Save the date for the Center for Craft’s annual benefit celebrating the future of making! Join us for multiple floors of super craft fun!

Featuring:
-Dance party with DJ Marley Carroll
-Photos by Massive Booth
-Bar and signature cocktails with The Waterbird Asheville and Buchi Kombucha
-Burgers, dogs, and charcuterie by Foothills Local Meats
-Dessert station by French Broad Chocolates and Ultimate Ice Cream Company Asheville
-Silent auction of work by 2017 Windgate Fellows

AND MORE

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
Aug 9 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 10 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

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.

Friday, August 10, 2018
Rhythmic Gymnastics Open House/Information Session
Aug 10 all-day
The Academy at Terpsicorps

Wind and Sand Dance is happy to announce the start of Asheville’s first rhythmic gymnastics program. Rhythmic gymnastics is a form of gymnastics emphasizing dancelike rhythmic routines, accentuated by the use of hoops, ribbons, balls, ropes, and clubs. With an emphasis on stretching, conditioning, and ballet technique, this activity is a great way to get in shape and have some fun! Two recreational programs will be offered – one for kids ages 7-12 and one for teens and adults ages 13 and up.

Please join us on Friday, August 10th at our Open House and Information Session at The Academy at Terpsicorps. Drop in any time between 3pm and 5pm to meet the instructor, get information about the classes and curriculum, and register for our Fall Session! If you would like more information before the Open House, please visit www.windandsanddance.com/programs-for-kids or www.windandsanddance.com/programs-for-teens-adults.

If you cannot attend the Open House, but would like more information, please email [email protected] with any questions.