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.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Youth Tennis Classes Ages 4-18
Aug 28 all-day
Hendersonville Racquet Club

Registration is now open for the next session of indoor youth tennis classes starting September 3rd at Hendersonville Racquet Club.  Kids are put in groups based on age and ability with seven levels available.  The session is six weeks long and is $79 for members or $99 for non-members for one class a week or $129/$149 for two classes a week plus a play day at the end of the session.  Each player also gets a half hour one-on-one session with one of our certified pros.

The format for this session is having classes once or twice a week for six weeks. Then the session concludes with a fun L6 Play Day where they can get match experience.  All classes are taught by certified tennis professionals and will be held on HRC’s outdoor or indoor courts.

 

Summer Fun Photo Contest
Aug 28 @ 12:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Summer is all about outdoor fun, spending quality time together as a family and taking in the wonderful sights of nature. Submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

Cost: No cost to enter contest.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2346811038665486/?event_time_id=2346811095332147

Valle Crucis Nature Walk
Aug 28 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Valle Crucis Community Park

Join the High Country Audubon Society for a bird walk at Valle Crucis Community Park every Wednesday. Enjoy an opportunity to see our beautiful birds in the area in a walk led by one of your community members. These walks will start on April 3rd and end on October 30th, 2019. Please note that the 4th Wednesday walk of every month will not be guided by any specific person; this walk will be a group-led walk.

https://www.facebook.com/events/650396048754175/?event_time_id=650396122087501

08/28/19 Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA)
Aug 28 @ 1:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 3:00 am

** Meeting agenda and materials will be posted when they’re available.

LINK: https://www.ashevillecvb.com/bctda/

“The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) oversees the Asheville area destination marketing and sales efforts which attract more than 3.8 million overnight visitors, providing a base of customers that spend more than $1.9 billion and generate a total $2.9 billion economic impact for the community. BCTDA has also supported 39 community capital projects with $44 million in Tourism Product Development Fund grants.

BCTDA Mission:
To be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by attracting and servicing visitors, generating income, jobs and tax revenues which make the community a better place to live and visit.

Vision Statement:
Asheville/Buncombe County will retain its unique, authentic and environmental charm while welcoming global visitors searching for personal enrichment and memorable experiences.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/1303098053204689/

Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 28 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Women’s Pathways to Prison & Their Needs Upon Returning Home
Aug 28 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

Bring your lunch and join WFW members and guests for our next Brown Bag Lunch and Learn: Women’s Pathways to Prison and Their Needs Upon Returning Home.

Over the past 20 years, women have been the fastest growing segment of the prison population. In comparison to men, women’s pathways to crime are more likely to involve histories of abuse and trauma, mental health and substance abuse.

Upon release, these needs in addition to poverty, parental stress, dysfunctional relationships, and inadequate childcare, place women at high risk for returning to prison. Unfortunately, criminal justice agencies, prisons especially, have been either unresponsive to these concerns or ineffective in their efforts to address them.

Dr. Patricia Van Voorhis, Professor Emerita of Criminal Justice, will discuss the unique needs of women offenders and recommend ways that non-criminal justice, community agencies might help.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2101058290196206/

Family Animal Encounters
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!

Cost: Included with Park admission.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1102692779911730/?event_time_id=1102692873245054

Family Animal Encounters
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!

https://www.facebook.com/events/714700392244282/?event_time_id=714700488910939

Voter Photo ID in 2020 Public Seminar
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
A-B Tech/Mission Health Conference Center

Members of the NC State Board of Elections will discuss the voter ID requirement going into effect in 2020. The seminar is free and open to the public.

For more information on the voter ID requirement in North Carolina, please go to https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voter-ID.

https://www.facebook.com/events/615632665514147/

Hometown Hump Day
Aug 28 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:00 am
Oskar Blues Brewery North Carolina

Head out to Oskar Blues every Wednesday to hang out with the families + locals of Brevard. We’ll feature artists, businesses, nonprofits, and other rad people that make this community so great. Each week will feature different events, live music, or activities, so check back here for what’s happening. Kids eat free with the purchase of a regular meal from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagon.

https://www.facebook.com/events/560723244441751/?event_time_id=560723321108410

Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Aug 28 @ 8:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 2:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748844386249

REGIONAL ARTIST PROJECT GRANT (RAPG) WORKSHOP
Aug 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

The Regional Artist Project Grant is an annual grant program that provides financial support to developing professionals by funding a project pivotal to the advancement of their careers as artists. The selection criteria include artistic merit, the potential of the project to contribute to the artist’s professional growth, and the feasibility of the project itself. The Asheville Area Arts Council, Toe River Arts Council, and the Madison County Arts Council are pleased to announce the 2019/2020 Regional Artist Project Grant application is open.

The Regional Artist Project Grants awarded range from $400 – $1,200. Full or partial cash match is not required but is preferred. Artists currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program and artists who have received a Regional Artist Project Grant within the last two funding cycles are not eligible.

Each year the three arts councils hold grant workshops. These are highly recommended. If you’ve never applied for funding or are unsure of your project, please try to attend one of these:

  • Wednesday, August 28, 5:30-6:30 pm | Black Mountain Library: 105 N Dougherty Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
  • Friday, September 13, 4:00-5:00 pm | Asheville Area Arts Council: 207 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
FBVMA Mountain Music Jam
Aug 28 @ 10:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:00 am
Sanctuary Brewing Company

The French Broad Valley Music Association: FBVMA jam session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs. Carol Rifkin and John Mitchell cohost weekly, bring an instrument to play or just enjoy the music, its free, kid friendly, donations encouraged. Key Players are intermediate to advanced but beginners are most welcome and encouraged to attend to listen, learn/quietly play along. More experienced players sit in the inner circle and take turns choosing fiddle tunes or songs. Guests, families and kids are invited to listen and often sing along. This style of community play has been used to entertain and pass down music to kids for generations.

The French Broad Valley Music Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization formed to celebrate local musical heritage. “Our community. Our music. Our sense of place.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/231970501048591/?event_time_id=231970614381913

WNC Declassified: Local History Discoveries in Secret Documents
Aug 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

WNC Declassified:Local History Discoveries in Secret Documents

Join WNC Magazine senior editor and Friends of the North Carolina Room board member Jon Elliston as he recaps his yearlong written series with a multimedia presentation in the Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library.

Learn more about:

**Asheville’s Fascist: William Dudley Pelley’s obscure but infamous Silver Shirt movement lives on in his paper trail

**Swannanoa’s Superspy: Carl Duckett’s unlikely journey from small-town roots to top CIA official

**Rosman’s Spy Base: When the National Security Agency set up a mountain espionage station, it was a hard secret to keep

**Senator Sam Ervin’s Secret Wars: He stuck to the Constitution through clashes with McCarthy, the Army, CIA, and Nixon

**School Under Scrutiny: The FBI’s files on Black Mountain College tell a little-known story of art, politics, and surveillance

WNC Declassified: Local History Discoveries in Secret Documents
Aug 28 @ 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Join WNC Magazine senior editor and Friends of the North Carolina Room board member Jon Elliston as he recaps his yearlong written series with a multimedia presentation in the Lord Auditorium at Pack Memorial Library.

Learn more about:

**Asheville’s Fascist: William Dudley Pelley’s obscure but infamous Silver Shirt movement lives on in his paper trail

**Swannanoa’s Superspy: Carl Duckett’s unlikely journey from small-town roots to top CIA official

**Rosman’s Spy Base: When the National Security Agency set up a mountain espionage station, it was a hard secret to keep

**Senator Sam Ervin’s Secret Wars: He stuck to the Constitution through clashes with McCarthy, the Army, CIA, and Nixon

**School Under Scrutiny: The FBI’s files on Black Mountain College tell a little-known story of art, politics, and surveillance

https://www.facebook.com/events/953815421677573/

Jus’ Running Pub Run
Aug 28 @ 10:30 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:30 am
One World Brewing West

Join us every Wednesday at 6:30PM at One World Brewing (520 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC) in West Asheville for a community run around West AVL. https://www.facebook.com/groups/988486641322045/ Hang around and grab a drink afterwards. All paces welcome. Well behaved, leashed furry friends welcome.
We will begin with one 4-ish mile route (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2424498334) through West Asheville, though will expand to include various options in the future.
Food options nearby, including on-site food trucks during warmer weather.

https://www.facebook.com/events/516081612251742/?event_time_id=516081668918403

SCB Trivia Night
Aug 28 @ 10:30 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:30 am
Sweeten Creek Brewing

Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels.

Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!

Prizes awarded each week for the 1st place team!

https://www.facebook.com/events/277072849778679/?event_time_id=357420425077254

Trivia Night
Aug 28 @ 10:30 pm – Aug 29 @ 1:00 am
Legends on the Lake

Trivia Night is every Wednesday Night at Legends on the Lake starting at 6:30pm. Arrive early to secure your seats and ensure that you do not miss any of the action! Compete as a team or individually for prizes each week. Trivia is free to all who would like to compete. Prizes will be distributed by team, one prize per team. The certificates are good for any following visit. We ask that teams be limited to a maximum of 8 players for the sake of seating and space.

https://www.facebook.com/events/254689012071408/?event_time_id=299382897602019

¡InterActive TriskaTrivia!
Aug 28 @ 11:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:30 am
Triskelion Brewing Company

¡TriskaTrivia! is Evolving!

It is now ¡InterActive TriskaTrivia!

Instead of one theme for the entire night, each round will have it’s own topic/theme… and you get to decide what it is!!!

In between each round, we will vote on a selection of topics, and the next round will be based on the one with the most votes! So… that means, the more people on your team, the more votes you get… and you’ll steer what direction the questions take.

Don’t like sports? Vote for Classic Movies… Don’t like movies? Vote for Comic Books or World Geography…

Top two teams still get Triskelion Gift Certificates (ie Glorious Prizes)…

You can still only have up to 6 people on your team…

There are still six rounds with ten questions each, and there is still a Very Hard Questions round… the only difference is that you get to decide what the topics are…

We start at 7pm promplty and proceed to rapid fire questions that usually last until 8:30…

Come on out and test yer brainz!!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2020001851418998/?event_time_id=2020001961418987

An Evening with SHEL
Aug 28 @ 11:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 12:30 am
Isis Music Hall

$15 Advance / $15 Day of Show

SHEL is a dynamic force of harmony and bewitching song craft. Wrapped in the folds of sisterhood, audiences are lead from dark realms of intimate confession to soundscapes bursting with color.

Seated Lounge Show – Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/events/326849011591133/

Biscuit Head Beer Dinner
Aug 28 @ 11:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 1:00 am
Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop

Join us for a guided three course dinner with Biscuit Head in which our in-house brewery Fermented Nonsense will pair beers with each course. Tickets are $50, gratuity is included in the ticket price! Tickets available online or at the bar until 7 days before the event. The meal is pescatarian friendly.

Courses:
Welcome beer.

Appetizer: Dry hopped yogurt, NC apples, blackberries, cold smoked salmon, crispy carrot w/ Jelly Donuthead sour

Main Course: NC grits, biscuit breaded oysters, bloody mary mignonette, kale chips and pickled okra w/ Common (Non)Sense ale

Dessert: Smoky bacon ice cream, chocolate porter sauce, and orange candied walnuts w/ Orange is the New Chocolate stout

https://www.facebook.com/events/2303505306399478/

Local Author Launches Debut Novel at Malaprops Pop-Up
Aug 28 @ 7:00 pm
Malaprop’s Pop-Up in downtown Hendersonville

My name is Meagan Lucas and I am a Hendersonville-based writer. I’m having a book launch for my debut novel, Songbirds and Stray Dogs, at the new Malaprop’s Pop-Up in downtown Hendersonville.

In Songbirds and Stray Dogs, 21 year old Beaufort waitress, Jolene, has spent the majority of her life living in the shadow of the pain her mother caused, and trying to prove herself worthy of her Aunt’s stingy love. Unintentionally pregnant and abandoned again, Jolene tries to outrun her shame in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Penniless, alone, and chased by demons from her past, she is forced to confront her mother’s legacy, and her own fear. Song Birds and Stray Dogs is a Southern story, born of sweet tea and the Bible Belt, chow-chow and cornbread, shot guns and porch rocking. But it is also a universal story of escaping the burden of your past and finding yourself at home in a strange land.

Open Mic with Tommy Yon
Aug 28 @ 11:00 pm – Aug 29 @ 1:00 am
Twin Leaf Brewery

Music, poetry, comedy – we’d love for you to share or just come be entertained and sip some great brews, while supporting your local scene. See you at 7 pm tonight! Sign up starts at 6:30 pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/402200357200372/?event_time_id=402200457200362

Asheville Tourists vs. Charleston RiverDogs
Aug 28 @ 11:05 pm – Aug 29 @ 2:05 am
Asheville Tourists Baseball Club

Goodwill Wednesday
Bring in 3 gently used clothing items and receive a free general admission ticket. | Presented By Goodwill

https://www.facebook.com/events/376604926495448/

Electric Hot Tuna plus Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Aug 28 @ 11:30 pm – Aug 29 @ 3:00 am
The Orange Peel

Electric Hot Tuna
plus Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
Show: 7:30pm
Doors: 6:30pm
$35 – $48
Partially seated show
Ages 18+

Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/event/electric-hot-tuna/

Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, perform with a well-honed and solid power – always in the groove from their years of experience and mutual inspiration. Started as a side project during Jefferson Airplane days, the constant, the very definition of Hot Tuna, has always been Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. The two boyhood pals have never wavered in one of the most enduring friendships in Rock history.

From their days playing together as teenagers in the Washington, DC area, through years of inventive Psylodelic rock in San Francisco (1996 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees), to their
current acoustic and electric blues sound, no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders and continuing core
members of Hot Tuna. At the 2016 Grammys, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

“Jorma Kaukonen is a force in American music, equally adept at fingerpicked acoustic folk and blues as he is at wailing on an electric.” – Acoustic Guitar

Guitarist and vocalist, Jorma Kaukonen is a highly respected interpreter of roots music, blues, Americana, and popular rock-and-roll. Jorma’s repertoire goes far beyond psychedelic rock; he is a music legend and one of the finest singer-songwriters in music. Jorma tours the world bringing his unique styling to old blues while writing new songs of weight and dimension.

“Jack Casady is virtually unparalleled–and yet he has one of the most truly unique electric-bass voices in rock…he can melt into a supportive role but when opportunity knocks, he bursts forth with creative lines–both simple and ornate–that are unlike any you’ve heard” – Premier Guitar

One of the most unique innovators in the sixty-year history of the bass guitar, Jack Casady made his sweeping melodic mark helping to create the “San Francisco Sound” with legendary rock group Jefferson Airplane. Jack went on to track with Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Warren Zevon, members of the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, and Gov’t Mule. Casady, regarded as one of rock’s greatest bassists, is certainly one of its most original.

“Hot Tuna is a Psychedelic-Blues Institution” – Rolling Stone Magazine

www.hottuna.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/328666701191110/

The Band’s Visit
Aug 28 @ 11:30 pm – Aug 29 @ 1:30 am
Peace Center

Part of the 2019 – 2020 Broadway Season. Learn more about subscribing: http://bit.ly/2J6KMcs.

The Band’s Visit is the winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history. And now it’s also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album.

In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that’s way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue. Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways. Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever.

With a Tony-and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, The Band’s Visit rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.

https://www.facebook.com/events/669877793415194/?event_time_id=669877800081860

West Marches At Dry Falls
Aug 28 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Dry Falls Brewing Co.

Dry Falls Village has been isolated for as long as anyone can remember. Her inhabitants grow weary and thirst for adventure. Now, they decide, is the time to venture into the wilderness and explore!

Do you have what it takes to brave the dangers of the unknown? Will you steel yourself and venture to uncover sights unseen? Can you handle what lies beyond the borders of the village?

This is West Marches!

The Bearded Dragons Inn hosts their weekly West Marches game. This is a drop in game for all to join. If you have never played before come and join us. Our amazing community will teach you all you need to know. If you have years, or even decades of experience stop on by as well as you’ll experience a whole new style of play. For more information check out our website: https://sites.google.com/view/west-marches-at-dry-falls/home

Please note that this game is family friendly but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

https://www.facebook.com/events/401870287020606/?event_time_id=401870400353928

Fringe Summer Night at the Crow & Quill The Call For Artists
Aug 28 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Crow & Quill

To highlight the Call for Artists we are hosting our third and final
Fringe Summer Night.

This free event will feature 3 Fringe artist performances:
Amanda Levesque, Jenni Cockrell, and Alli Marshall
who will present performance art, butoh dance, and spoken word. Fringe Festival organizers will be also encouraging proposal submissions and answering questions about the process.

To apply for the 2020 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival, go to our all new website: http://www.ashevillefringe.org/apply-2020  Artists should read our Performer Guidelines, then submit an online application and tech form by Monday, September 23 at 9:23pm.

As always, we seek to create a festival line-up that includes dance, puppetry, storytelling, performance art, theatre, and things that blur the lines. Artists are encouraged to bring their most daring work, and will find full support from the Asheville Fringe Family.

Thursday, August 29, 2019
Brad Heller and The Fustics + Jangling Sparrows at The Grey Eagle
Aug 29 @ 12:00 am – 3:00 am
The Grey Eagle

Brad Heller and The Fustics + Jangling Sparrows w/ The New Rustics at The Grey Eagle

https://www.facebook.com/events/406423693476293/