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.

Saturday, September 10, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 10 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
West Asheville (WAGS) Garden Stroll
Sep 10 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Trinity United Methodist Church

Picture

The West Asheville Garden Stroll is an annual volunteer-organized community event that opens selected neighborhood gardens to the public, featuring a selection of beautiful, creative, and funky gardens. Participants can pick up a map guide, hear some announcements, and peruse the community tables at the Kickoff Location.
GreenWorks Bee City USA – Asheville will have a table with information on pollinators and pollinator habitats.

Map

Each year the Garden Stroll committee chooses a specific area in greater West Asheville to highlight.

Sign up for our mailing list or check our Facebook page for the latest news.

A detailed map is always available on the day of the stroll at the kickoff site and the
WEST ASHEVILLE LIBRARY

Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure
Sep 10 @ 11:00 am
Keeter Field - next to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Picture

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time  to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience  the  the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”

This year’s one-day  festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for  Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.

It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really  shake it down
​where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!


Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure  entry!
​More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!

Our committee is still in the planning stages,  so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.

Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure!
Sep 10 @ 11:00 am
Keeter Field - next to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa

 

Picture

Get into the spirit of the era and step back in time  to that unforgettable summer in the Catskills and join us where it all began in the breathtaking mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with excitement and nostalgia, fans can experience  the  the moves, music and memories from our all time favorite movie and fancy the chance to channel their inner “Baby & Johnny.”

This year’s one-day  festival showcases film-inspired entertainment and activities for all ages that will be treasured with friends and family for a lifetime. You’ll go crazy for  Swayze, enjoy some great entertainment, and weep with joy attempting the famous lake lift scene all while keeping the awareness on the fight against Pancreatic Cancer strong.

It’s time to dress up as your favorite character, dust off your Keds, and really  shake it down
​where Johnny & Baby once did the Mambo!
 The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is happy to announce the return of the   Dirty Dancing Festival  of Lake Lure!
This year’s  festival will  be a ONE-DAY event  certain to be “the time of your life!”

Start making your plans to attend the Festival AND participate in the various pre and post-festival activities
being offered at local establishments.



Only 2500 will be available for this year’s festival so get yours early to ensure  entry!
​More than 800 tickets were sold in the first week!

Our committee is still in the planning stages,  so check back frequently and visit our Facebook page for more information as it becomes available

Sunday, September 11, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 11 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
Monday, September 12, 2022
Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance Classes
Sep 12 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Asheville Irish Dance

For Beginners to Advanced Dancers

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy partners with the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance. Classes range from beginners to competition dancers.

We have a few important changes to our schedule this year (2022). Please note that your dancer’s class section must be approved by Ms. Heather. In order to keep class sizes small, we are dividing up classes by the following levels:

FALL SEMESTER DATES
  • Start: Monday, September 12th
  • End: Wednesday, December 14th
  • No Classes: December 5th & 7th
  • Workshops: October 1st & 2nd,
    November 5th & 6th
BEGINNERS
  • Beginner Class: Monday – 5:00pm to 5:45pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Soft Shoe: Monday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
  • Advanced Beginner/New Novice Hard Shoe: Wednesday – 5:45pm to 7:00pm
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
  • Monday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Wednesday – 6:00pm to 7:30pm
OIREACHTAS/COMPETITIVE
  • Dancers will be asked to stay late some class periods for extra time on their dances
ADULT
  • Please contact the studio for more information
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Greenway Pollinator Habitat Walk + Talk
Sep 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Wilma Dykeman Greenway on Riverside Drive

Picture

Meet up with Betsy and Florrie by the Bowen Bridge along Riverside (look for balloons) for a leisurely walk and informative talk about the first two pollinator habitats created by Bee City USA-Asheville committee members and friends along the Greenway. We’ll cover a brief history of the Greenway habitats as we walk around the River Arts District Habitat (RAD HAB) and then to the second habitat nearby, emphasizing good habitat characteristics, discussing shrubs and perennials there, and looking for pollinators. We’ll also talk about expansion plans, the difference in the RAD HAB and the pollinator meadow, and invasive plants along the way, finishing at the meadow.

Betsy Savely is co-chair of GreenWorks’ Bee City USA-Asheville Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to have her pollinator habitat certified by GreenWorks. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created many wildlife and pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.

Florrie Funk has been on the board of Bee City USA-Asheville for six years. She has had a life-long love of wildflowers and wild places. She has spent the last thirty years learning about native ecosystems and working as a volunteer in nature education, citizen science projects, plant diversity restoration, and removal of invasive species. Recently she has focused on native habitat gardening and photographing pollinators. She is of the opinion that in all creation, there are no insignificant pieces.

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 17 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bird gets the chance to spot more of our feathered friends before the excitement of Flock to the Rock. The early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of native and migrating birds. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 14th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike.

Sunday, September 18, 2022
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 18 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bird gets the chance to spot more of our feathered friends before the excitement of Flock to the Rock. The early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of native and migrating birds. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 14th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike.

Thursday, September 22, 2022
City Dance
Sep 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, September 23, 2022
WORTHAM CENTER STUDENT SERIES Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Sep 23 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Recommended for Grades 5-12

Experience how a groundbreaking mix of dance styles, music and cultures create an entirely new and exciting vision of human movement! With a diverse repertoire ranging from ballet in toe shoes to street dance, Complexions explores the intersections of the classical and contemporary. Enjoy a selection of their work and connect with the artists after the performance in an engaging Q&A.

Learn more about Complexions Contemporary Ballet here.

Prepare for your visit, learn about the theatre, and get the most out of each performance with this Guide to the Wortham Center.

Performance Length: 60 minutes

Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Sep 23 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This innovative New York City-based company combines remarkably gifted dancers, powerful choreography and the electrifying riffs of rocker Lenny Kravitz in LOVE ROCKS, part of a larger program that re-envisions ballet through technical precision, athletic prowess and sheer passion. “Companies like Complexions are game-changing: They’re forging a path for what ballet can be instead of what it historically has been” (The Guardian).

Connect with Complexions

  • Master Class: For intermediate and advanced dance students ages 16 and up. September 24 at 1 p.m. Henry LaBrun Studio. Learn more and register here.
  • Pre-show Discussions: September 23 & 24 at 7 p.m. Tina McGuire Theatre.
SILENT DISCO: NEX MILLEN
Sep 23 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Welcoming WNC Procession
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Blue Ridge Pride

On Saturday, September 24, we will renew our annual walk for a a vision of a community that welcomes and celebrates all.
This walk is open to everyone: individuals, families, friends, neighborhoods, churches, activist groups, social clubs, companies, sports teams.

We believe that the overwhelming majority of people and organizations in western North Carolina aspire to a community that is welcoming. We need to make ourselves seen and heard.

This is not your typical Pride Parade. This is a gathering of ALL in our community who share a vision of inclusivity.

Join us as we walk to Pack Square and into the heart of the festival. Whether you are a business, a group, a congregation, community, family, or a pack of friends join us on this half-mile walk. Let the world know that in WNC, we share a simple ideal: Inclusion, Ya’ll!

How to Participate
One person per team should register to walk. Estimate your number of walkers while registering (you can update later).

Gather your team. Wear your organization’s tee shirts, uniforms, hats, buttons. Create your own posters. Need ideas? Our team is eager to help. ([email protected]).

Bring a sign or banner with your logo or an aspirational message.

Show up at between 9:00 am and 9:30 am at the parking lot across from 23 Grove Street, Asheville

2022 Blue Ridge Pride Festival: Inclusion Y’All!
Sep 24 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Pack Square Park

It’s time for some Inclusion, Y’all! That’s the theme of this year’s Blue Ridge Pride Festival, taking place at Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Saturday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is Western North Carolina’s largest Pride event, typically attracting 14,000 to 18,000 people.

Two stages feature some of the most noted musical and DRAG talent in the region. Over 100 organizations that focus on social justice, community service, health care, faith, education, and the LGBTQ community will be on hand. Another 100 local employers, merchants, artists, food concessions, and service providers will round what may Asheville’s largest, most diverse collections of exhibitors to gather for a day of advocacy, service, education, and celebration.

WORTHAM CENTER PRESENTS Master Class: Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Sep 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Henry LaBrun Studio
Master Class: Complexions Contemporary Ballet

With a diverse repertoire ranging from ballet in toe shoes to street dance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet explores the intersections of classical and contemporary music and movement. In this master class for experienced dancers, students will learn a variety of exercises from the Complexions repertoire including center, adagio, and across the floor combinations, as well as jumps and turns.

Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Ages: 16+

Duration: 1.5 hrs.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This innovative New York City-based company combines remarkably gifted dancers, powerful choreography and the electrifying riffs of rocker Lenny Kravitz in LOVE ROCKS, part of a larger program that re-envisions ballet through technical precision, athletic prowess and sheer passion. “Companies like Complexions are game-changing: They’re forging a path for what ballet can be instead of what it historically has been” (The Guardian).

Connect with Complexions

  • Master Class: For intermediate and advanced dance students ages 16 and up. September 24 at 1 p.m. Henry LaBrun Studio. Learn more and register here.
  • Pre-show Discussions: September 23 & 24 at 7 p.m. Tina McGuire Theatre.
SILENT DISCO: DJ CAMARO
Sep 24 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Swing Nights at Continuum
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Continuum Art Gallery, Hendersonville

Join us in our new monthly social swing event on the 1st Saturdays of every month, The
music, open vintage space and wood floors and is guaranteed to have you dancing East Coast and/or Lindy all night long, A free
lesson is offered to kick things off and will include a different combination of moves each time, No partner or rhythm needed and
dress is casual, $10 for lesson and/or social dance.

Sunday, October 2, 2022
Guided Hendersonville History Walks on Main Street with Mary Jo Padgett
Oct 2 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories.  Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. All walks begin at 10am and begin at Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. East and King Street).

Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Peace Center SILENT DISCO
Oct 4 @ 6:00 pm
Wyche Pavilion

Silent Disco

Wednesday, October 5, 2022
West Coast Swing Night
Oct 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Continuum Art Gallery, Hendersonville

Come check out for yourself the popular West Coast Swing dance style that can be done to a
wide variety of music, including pop, country, blues, and contemporary music, come at 7pm for a group classes: intermediate
classes with Pflumm and Alain Rogozhin and beginner classes with Rachel Harris and Tola Sun, Followed by a social dance at
8pm, Dress is casual and no partner is needed, BYO wine or beer,

Friday, October 7, 2022
Kevin Spears teams with DJ Morphonic: A Transformational Evening of Ecstatic Dance
Oct 7 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

A Transformational Evening of Ecstatic Dance

World-renowned master of the African Kalimba, Kevin Spears teams with DJ Morphonic for an extraordinary evening of live musical artistry within a guided intentional experience. It’s a unique musical experience for listening and/or dancing.

Asheville’s own DJ Morphonic has become a highly sought-after Ecstatic Dance DJ due to his eclectic yet transformative mix of music from around the world. DJ Morphonic (Maurice Legendre) is known far and wide for his beautiful and incredible sacred art concert backdrops that must be seen to be believed. DJ Morphonic is truly a gifted soul in the field of transformative and regenerative art and music.

Kevin Spears the KalimbaMan is an internationally renowned kalimba player and one-man ensemble who designs and uses electronic musical gadgets to create a literal one-man ensemble right before your eyes and ears. He has performed extensively in the U.S and abroad and has done what was once thought impossible on the kalimba, the traditional African instrument he has studied and played since the age of 10.

 

Saturday, October 8, 2022
James Vester Miller:From Walking Trail to Website Launch
Oct 8 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium

The historic contributions and impact of renowned Black Architect James Vester Miller come to life in a new walking trail and website. Buncombe County Public Libraries and Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County are proud to present a program and walking tour on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.
The public is invited to this free program. Join us at Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium to hear Asheville photographer Andrea Clark speak about her grandfather, master mason James Vester Miller. Born in Rutherford County, NC to an enslaved mother and slave master father, James Vester Miller built many of the historic brick buildings in downtown Asheville. The program will focus on the launch of the new James Vester Miller website, designed by UNC- Asheville student AJ Jolly under the guidance of Professor Victoria Bradbury, chair of the Department of New Media. Participants are encouraged to walk the trail at will or join the guided tour that will take place following the program.
Learn more about James Vester Miller in the Preservation North Carolina sponsored traveling exhibit: “We Built This” Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in NC.” Miller is the sole artist from western North Carolina to be featured in the exhibit, which is currently on display through Oct. 10 at Pack Memorial Library
Saturday, October 22, 2022
October Barn Dance: Bluegrass + Barbecue
Oct 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

It’s time to kick off your shoes and dance in the Big Barn here at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in gorgeous Fairview, NC! Come out from 6pm-9pm to see West End String Band, a driving combination of Bluegrass, Americana and Honkytonk that have performed in the area for years, and fan favorites from many of our Barn Dances of the past decade.

What goes better with the banjo, strings, guitar and old school vocals than good ‘ol smokey, savory, locally crafted BBQ? We’ll have Asheville’s own Buxton Hall, who always serve up their own blend of Southern heritage and modern cooking.

Hickory Nut Gap will have a bar serving local beers, ciders, seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages to slake your thirst between jigs. We will have our good buddy Rob Elliott(some of you may remember him from his own band, the Cane Creek Hellbenders) calling some barn dances for this show, so wear comfortable shoes and don’t be shy!

A NOTE ABOUT SEATING: Our Big Barn has an official capacity of over 200- we do not have a seat for every single attendee but there will be picnic tables, cafe tables and benches available first come first serve. With this in mind, please feel free to bring picnic blankets or camp chairs. It’s gonna be a hootenanny y’all!

PET POLICY: While we normally allow leashed pets on the grounds, we ask you leave your furry friends at home for the Barn Dances.

Thursday, October 27, 2022
City Dance
Oct 27 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, October 29, 2022
Eblen Charities Walk, Run or Roll
Oct 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Carrier Park

Come out in a family friendly costume with your well behaved dog (costumes highly encouraged) and help raise funds for Eblen Charities work! All dogs will receive a treat, and all humans will be entered into raffles for prizes. All funds raised go to our work to keep people housed, with working utilities and other essential needs. Register by October 7th to be guaranteed a tshirt.

Jazz ’22 Jazz + Etiquette Masterclass for High School Students
Oct 29 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
  1. Tatia Adams-Fox, The New School of Etiquette
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Guided Hendersonville History Walks on Main Street with Mary Jo Padgett
Oct 30 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories.  Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. All walks begin at 10am and begin at Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. East and King Street).

Wednesday, November 2, 2022
West Coast Swing Night
Nov 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Continuum Art Gallery, Hendersonville

Come check out for yourself the popular West Coast Swing dance style that can be done to a
wide variety of music, including pop, country, blues, and contemporary music, come at 7pm for a group classes: intermediate
classes with Pflumm and Alain Rogozhin and beginner classes with Rachel Harris and Tola Sun, Followed by a social dance at
8pm, Dress is casual and no partner is needed, BYO wine or beer,