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, August 12, 2022
Brews + Bears Summer Event Series
Aug 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Brews and Bears is an after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand. There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa!

Brews & Bears happens the second Friday of the month on May 13, June 10, July 8, and August 12, from 5:30 to 8 pm.

The events will feature beer from Highland Brewing; cider from Urban Orchard; food from Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Cecilia’s Food Truck, Blunt Pretzels, and KONA Ice; and music by Mix 96.5, 98.1 The River, and 105.9 The Mountain.

Tickets are $15 to $35, with options for members, non-members, and VIPs!

PATIO SHOW: The Pinkerton Raid
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: The Pinkerton Raid

Jesse James DeConto grew up in New England, with Dad’s guitar and Mom’s radio tuned to Soulsville, the Village, Liverpool and Laurel Canyon. Those inheritances mingle with foothills-folk in Durham, N.C., yielding songs Americana UK calls “anthemic.” Critics hear influences from Neil Young to The National. “You won’t be able to stop humming,” said No Depression.

 

The Pinkerton Raid has played with Illiterate Light, Ballroom Thieves, Lowland Hum and Noah Gundersen. Back-to-back releases in 2017 & 2018 brought them from Charleston to Chicago to Brattleboro, Vt., with slots at EnoFest, Shakori Hills and Daytrotter and acclaim from Paste, Popdose, Aquarian Weekly and more.

 

In 2020-2021, the band has been releasing a series of indie-rock singles. American Songwriter called “Dream the Sun” a “radiant … message of hope.” Glide Magazine said “Rebel Mama Blues” “purrs with the garage rock swagger of The White Stripes and the irritated kick of Cage the Elephant,” while The Big Takover called it “a blast of zeitgeist-capturing political garage-psych … Bowie-meets-Black Keys.” “Lisbet Cries” is “poignant,” according to Rolling Stone. Indyweek called “(Not All) The Boys Will Be Boys” a “bluesy, slow-burning rallying cry for a better version of masculinity.”

 

Their fifth full-length album is due out in 2022.

Becky Buller + Ned Luberecki
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall--Lounge

The 2016 IBMA Fiddler and Female Vocalist and the 2018 IBMA Banjo Player have combined their musical wit and whimsy with the aim to entertain you in a bluegrass duo sort of way!

Becky Buller has written songs for the likes of The Traveling McCourys, The Infamous Stringdusters, Special Consensus, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and many more. She heads up the Becky Buller Band (of which Ned is a member); she teaches private music lessons from her home studio in Manchester, Tenn.; she serves on the board of the IBMA Foundation; she’s Jeff’s wife and Romy’s mama. Her latest album, Distance And Time, was a 2021 IBMA Album Of The Year award nominee. She is a 10-time IBMA award winner and records for the Dark Shadow Recording label.

Ned Luberecki is one of our favorite voices on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s Bluegrass Junction, heading up Saturday’s “Derailed” show and “More Banjo Sunday”, which includes the ever- popular “Sunday Banjo Lesson”. The Bluegrass Junction team received a 2016 IBMA Distinguished Achievement award. Ned is an internationally recognized banjo guru: he teaches online lessons, has a series of banjo instructional videos with TrueFire and a series of books with Alfred Publishing. Ned is also the voice of the IBMA Award Show. He has two singles that are doing well on the radio airplay charts: “Back In Baltimore” and “Magrathea”; listen for them wherever you grab your music. Ned and his wife, Kelley, live in Nashville, Tenn.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at Isis Music Hall.  Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.

MORE ABOUT BECKY & NED:

beckybuller.com

nedski.com

Outdoor Movie Night: Luca
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dana Park

Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!

– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Coffee and Conversation
Aug 13 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
East Asheville Library

Coffee and Conversation

The purpose of Coffee and Conversation is to have productive talk and dialogue that build communities, foster ideas of growth, solidarity, and networking. In essence, no matter what we do in our daily living, our mission with “Enjoy Your Life”, is to promote others through positive action and empowerment. There are mothers out there who need our support. As we meet during regular coffee and conversation meetings, we want to continue bringing our communities together by giving back. During this event, we want to encourage each of you to join us by donating towards the Maternal Giving Back Initiative. On the last Saturday of the month, we will conclude with packaging all essential items. Our primary goal is to assemble five baby baskets a month. Afterwards, will then deliver each basket to local hospitals for mothers in need.

Maternal giving back initiative
We understand there is serious need for mothers who exit the hospital with newborn babies. Our approach is to ensure that these mothers have a few basics essentials as they depart the hospital and settle in. Our goal is not to spend an exorbitant amount of money. However, we want to provide practical things that are thoughtful and meaningful. We think a heartfelt survivor kit would be awesome.
Some Examples are:
• Baby Books
• Travel diapers bags with changing pads
• Pacifier
• Nursing cover
• Receiving blanket
• Bibs
• Bottles and nipples
• Milk storage Bag
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle brush
• Wipes
• Diapers
• Swaddle blanket
• One piece of outfit
• Pajamas
• wicker basket to place items

Free KID HOP HOORAY!
Aug 13 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Music from DJ Oso, ice cream from The Hop, face painting, fun for the whole family!

Introduction to Wet Felting Using a Resist Workshop
Aug 13 @ 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Wet felting, the process of applying water to layers of wool and repeatedly agitating them until the fibers weave together, has become very popular in the past few years. It’s fun, easy, and can be very useful!

In just a few hours, Camille Daunno will teach you how to make a beautiful wet felted vessel using only wool fibers, a plastic “resist,” soap, water, a few additional household items, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Once you learn how to wet felt—and especially after you get comfortable using resists—you’ll be able to make pretty much anything you can make using cloth: apparel, bags, and other accessories to wear or decorative your home.

Trial to Table: Summer Celebration
Aug 13 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
The Boathouse

Trial to Table: Summer Celebration

Food from our farm trials shared via the talented hands of chefs Caro, Gaines, Goff and Foster. Celebrate the tastes of summer.

The Utopian Seed Project is a local non-profit exploring and celebrating diversity in food and farming. Our summer event will be a casual but exciting showcasing of crops from our trials.

Trial to Table

We’re very happy to be working with a group of talented chefs, each of whom will be preparing two tapas-style plates for you to enjoy.

  • Chef Caro: Creator of Ayni51, Chef Caro creates delicious popups serving vegan Peruvian food for the Asheville community.
  • Chef Gaines: Serving up big flavor, a a lively personality and unparalleled experience, Executive Chef Rakim Gaines of AC Hotel Downtown Asheville and Capella on 9 cranks up the heat when it comes to creativity and talent in the kitchen. As an Asheville native, Gaines brings to the table a true passion for cooking and creating new dishes.
  • Chef Goff: Executive chef at Tastee Diner.
  • Chef Foster: Mallory Foster is the Pastry Chef for Chestnut and Corner Kitchen. She uses her eclectic background and passion for local food to develop desserts that showcases what this region has to offer, and shows how desserts can be a balance between sweet and savory.

Throughout the afternoon you can expect 8 small plates, 2 from each chef! Each chef will produce at least one vegetarian dish. Drinks inclusive of ticket-price.

Yard-Long Bean Tasting

This year we are trialing 9 types of yard long bean and invite you to join the taste testing. This information will help inform which varieties we continue to work with PLUS it’s lots of fun!!

Some previous tastings:

Trial to Table: Summer Celebration image

Drinks

We will have a selection of drinks available from local vendors.

Massive thanks to our board member, Chef Terri Terrell, for making this event amazing, and to Smokey Park Supper Club for hosting us at The Boathouse.

Our farm trials at Franny’s Farm:

Trial to Table: Summer Celebration image

Tags

Shindig On the Green
Aug 13 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Pack Square Park

The house band: Stoney Creek Boys and Rhiannon

Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets and join us for good times at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. In 2022 Shindig on the Green, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, continues at its original location — formerly known as City County Plaza, now transformed into the new Pack Square Park. Locals and visitors alike come together downtown “along about sundown,” or at 7:00pm for those who wear a watch, until 10:00p.m. Concessions are available. Come experience the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.

Eats and Treats: Concessions are provided by The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, and there are plenty of other establishments nearby for food and drinks.

Parking: Parking is available in marked and metered spaces throughout downtown Asheville (free after 6pm) and the city’s municipal decks (evening rates vary). Very convenient to Shindig, Buncombe County’s Charlotte Street Parking Deck is directly across College Street from Pack Square Park and the Buncombe County Courthouse. Parking for buses is available at the Asheville Public Works Building parking lot at 161 S. Charlotte Street. This lot is vacant on Saturday nights. It is recommended that passengers unload at Pack Square Park before the bus is parked in the lot.

Dogs or Other Pets: Please leave your pets at home (unless it’s a service animal). The City of Asheville restricts pets from being present at outdoor special events. Pets, even the best behaved ones, are not allowed at Pack Square Park during Shindig.

Public Transit: There is a major transfer point on College St. for public transit. Check www.ridetheart.com for maps and schedules.. Route E1 provides Saturday evening service to and from the ART Station.

Umoja Midsummer Night White Party
Aug 13 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
AB Tech Conference Center

Umoja Midsummer Night White Party

Join us to celebrate the power of collective healing through culture and connection. A showcase of Umoja’s youth and programs in Asheville, NC.

Featuring:

  • The Hypnotic Band,
  • The Free Flow Band,
  • Cooking with Comedy,
  • Beer City Sisters Silent Auction
  • Urban Arts Institute Eternity Dance Group Reunion
  • performances from the H.O.P.E. 4 the Future youth & more

Main Event Ticket: $50

  • Hors d’ouvres provided by Chef Clarence Robinson of Cooking with Comedy and dessert provided by Brandy Mills of Smallcakes

VIP Event Ticket: $100

  • 6:00 PM VIP Networking Event
  • Exclusives prior to the main event include dinner by Chef Clarence Robinson & an exclusive musical performance by David LaMotte plus admittance to the Main Event.

Dress in all white for the Midsummer Night White Party!

Abbey Road Live!
Aug 13 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Jazz Sunday Jam
Aug 14 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.

Monday, August 15, 2022
Textile Collage Using Altered Fabric Workshop
Aug 15 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Purple Crayon

Are you drawn to textiles but aren’t interested in creating garments or quilts? Does the idea of creating your own, custom fabric sound intriguing? If so, you’ll love this exciting, two-part workshop taught by mixed media artist Christy Ammerman.

In the first class, you’ll learn how to alter fabric by “rusting,” tea dying, and painting it. You’ll be surprised and delighted with the results!

The fun continues, however, in the second class, where Christy will show you how to turn your altered fabric into a unique textile hanging. She’ll demonstrate how to pick a focal piece and weave a story around it by carefully selecting, positioning, and layering your “new” fabric and incorporating trim and other embellishments.

After you create your design, Christy will give you options for assembling your piece and teach basic hand-stitching techniques. Finally, you’ll learn how to finish and display your one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

FREE SUMMER MOVIES THE BIG LEBOWSKI
Aug 15 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Music Bingo Mondays
Aug 15 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Music Bingo Mondays

Join us every Monday night for Singo (Musical Bingo)!

Singo will run from 7-8:15 pm.

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Be Part of a Community: Open Mic Night
Aug 16 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

White Horse’s legendary Open Mic re-starts after a year off for bad behavior (COVID, really). Host Bill Altork will help us present wonderfully talented folks on their way up. The signup sheet is placed on the bar at 6:30 and the first ten to sign in are the performers for the evening. Each gets 15 minutes or three songs. It’s a lot of fun… especially since it’s free!

We’ll be following all COVID-19 protocols and we ask that you wear your mask when you’re not singing or enjoying a beverage from the bar.

Join us to share your music or just enjoy an evening in the audience!

Trivia Tuesday
Aug 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Trivia Tuesday

No reservations needed, just get ready for a good time and a chance to win some Down Dog prizes!

Trivia Tuesday
Aug 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Trivia!

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for a good time and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Awaken: An Online Shamanic Healing Experience
Aug 16 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
online

Awaken: An Online Shamanic Healing Experience

Hosted by Jissel Ravelo
Are you looking to feel more present, empowered and purposeful?

About this Event
In this virtual experience, we pave the way to establish more authentic, profound and lasting transformation on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels, through coming together as a community. These ancient practices, teachings and inner journeys are designed to connect you back to nature, open your heart and help understand your potential. Come ready to reflect, visualize, write and share (if comfortable).
Other benefits include:
• Supporting your ability to create positive life changes
• Increasing inner power and confidence
• Expanding your sense of wholeness and well-being
• Promoting a stronger connection to a spiritual source and soul purpose
• Changing limiting or negatives beliefs
• Balancing the mind for clarity and enhanced intuition
• Helping to feeling more present and stable in life
The following is recommended: a quiet and comfortable space, a blanket and pillow, water, and a journal. Optional tools (if available): sage, palo santo, florida water, favorite essential oil, crystals, stones and a candle.

Any donation amount is appreciated, we accept donations up to $30 per group session.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Gay Men’s Coffee Group
Aug 17 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
City Bakery Charlotte Street Cafe

Gay men’s coffee group meets every Wednesday at 88 Charlotte St.

We gather at 9:30a for stimulating conversation.  Come join us!

YMCA Mobile Market Leicester Library
Aug 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Leicester Library

YMCA Mobile Market

The YMCA Mobile Market will be set up in the library parking lot from 1 -2 pm. Bring your grocery bags and get fresh food for your family.  All are welcome, regardless of income or family size. Distributions are free and no paperwork is required.

The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and a Community Engagement Table with valuable services such as cooking demonstrations.

While you’re in the lot, stop in to get a free library card if you don’t have one, pick up a cookbook or two to experiment with your bundle of groceries, or grab a DVD to watch while snacking.

Wine Wednesday
Aug 17 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Wine Wednesday

Enjoy a $6 glass of wine and 1/2 off bottles every Wednesday night!

French Broad Valley Jam
Aug 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Oklawaha Brewing Company

Join us for a weekly mountain music JAM with players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs! You are welcome to come and listen or to learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program. Free but donations are accepted. Weekly event takes place at Oklawaha Brewing Company.

Pulp presents THE BY GODS / HER PILOTS / SAFETY COFFIN
Aug 17 @ 7:00 pm
The Pulp
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Joint Leads Breakfast
Aug 18 @ 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Cascades Mountain Resort
Whether you’re a small one-man shop or a corporate giant, one of the challenges facing all businesses is continually acquiring new clients or reaching new markets with their goods and services.
  The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce offers two Leads Groups and now is your chance to see what these groups have to offer you and your business! Join us for this joint networking event and see if your industry is represented in either Leads North or Leads South. Find out from participating members that have been there from the start, all the benefits from increasing your sales efforts to developing personal friendships.
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Aug 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Aug 18 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Pint Night
Aug 18 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

East Asheville Welcome Table
Aug 18 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Groce United Methodist Church

The East Asheville Welcome Table is an engaged and committed partner of ours who host and serve free weekly dinners.

The East Asheville Welcome Table is run by a group of volunteers who love interacting with their community. In the past 6 months, The East Asheville Welcome Table has distributed 3,623 pounds of food, while serving an average of 500 meals each month.

East Asheville Welcome Table’s weekly meals include live music performed by community members, games of cards, and knitting.

The Welcome Table’s dedication to creating a food secure community, however, goes beyond their walls. At the beginning of the pandemic, Welcome Table volunteers leapt into action and served meals to folks staying at the Ramada Inn.

We are thankful to have such a remarkable partner like East Asheville Welcome Table, who consistently do all they can to ensure their neighbors have access to food with dignity. If you or anyone you know lives near East Asheville and could benefit from a free dinner, be sure to stop by the East Asheville Welcome Table from 5:00-6:30 PM on Thursdays.

ArborEvenings
Aug 18 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.