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, May 17, 2025
CATS
May 17 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

April 25 – May 17

Cancelled last fall due to Hurricane Helene, CATS is back! An extravaganza of fantasy and theatre magic, CATS has enchanted audiences for decades with its fiercely energetic dancing, showbiz razzle-dazzle, and unforgettable lyrics drawn from T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. As one of the most popular Broadway blockbusters of all time and winner of seven Tony Awards, this certified classic has brought cheer to millions of theatre lovers of all ages! Don’t miss this all-new production! You and your family are sure to leave the theatre tapping your toes and ‘feline’ groovy!

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

Juked
May 17 @ 7:30 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Juked – RESCHEDULED

PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 have been rescheduled to May 1-18, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.

Thursday – Saturday, May 1 – 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis

Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023. 

King James
May 17 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

“King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise to a city in desperate need. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. Over twelve years the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball—and the endless amiable arguments that erupt from that love.

Performances of King James will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.

April 24 – May 18, 2025

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30

Sundays at 2pm

Friday 4/25 and 5/2 at 7:30pm

Friday 5/9 and 5/16 at 2pm

The Book of Will
May 17 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, May 18, 2025
Back to the Future
May 18 all-day
Peace Center

Great Scott! BACK TO THE FUTURE, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Greenville in 2025.

Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”

When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When BACK TO THE FUTURE hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.

BACK TO THE FUTURE is recommended for ages 6+ and contains the use of flashing lights, strobe effects, smoke, haze, and pyrotechnics.

King James at North Carolina Stage Company
May 18 all-day
North Carolina Stage Company

“One of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years”–TheaterMania

Set in a bar in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and spanning LeBron’s rookie season with the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA Championship, two unlikely friends navigate their turbulent relationship through a shared love of the game. From the first quarter to the final buzzer, King James comes in clutch as a riveting love letter to the passion that is sports fandom.

Discretionary content: strong language

Hadestown Teen Edition
May 18 @ 12:00 am – 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theater

Hadestown Teen Edition

May 16-18, 2025

Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 PM

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

King James
May 18 @ 2:00 pm
NC Stage Company

“King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise to a city in desperate need. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. Over twelve years the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball—and the endless amiable arguments that erupt from that love.

Performances of King James will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.

April 24 – May 18, 2025

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30

Sundays at 2pm

Friday 4/25 and 5/2 at 7:30pm

Friday 5/9 and 5/16 at 2pm

Juked
May 18 @ 7:30 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Juked – RESCHEDULED

PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 have been rescheduled to May 1-18, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.

Thursday – Saturday, May 1 – 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis

Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023. 

The Book of Will
May 18 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night at Oak & Grist
May 20 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

Everyone is welcome to share a few poems (3-5 min. each), or just sit back and have a drink for a good cause.

$1 from every classic cocktail will be donated to the Friends of the Black Mountain Library!

Friday, May 23, 2025
The Book of Will
May 23 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 23 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Guys and Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night
May 24 @ 5:30 pm
Asheville Junior Theater

Guys & Dolls Dinner Theater + Casino Night
Experience a fabulous night out with Guys and Dolls, the iconic Broadway musical that brings the glitz, glam, and charm of 1950s New York City to life! Enjoy a full evening of entertainment with a professionally catered dinner, welcome reception with hors d’oeuvres, and a decadent dessert grazing table.

After the show, try your luck at our lively Casino Night fundraiser—with blackjack, roulette, and more fun (just for play—no real gambling). It’s the perfect mix of theater, fine dining, and Vegas-style flair—all in support of Asheville Junior Theater!

Ideal for adults and mature kids who can enjoy a show with themes of love and chance. Nothing scary—just great songs, great food, and great fun.

🍽️ Dinner included: Two-course plated meal + hors d’oeuvres + dessert
🎰 Casino Night fundraiser after the show
📍 174 Bradley Branch Rd, Arden, NC 28704
🕠 Doors open at 5:30 PM | Show at 6:30 PM

Tickets must be purchased online – sales close 24 hours before each show. No door sales.

The Book of Will
May 24 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 24 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
The Book of Will
May 25 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 25 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Friday, May 30, 2025
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

The Book of Will
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Saturday, May 31, 2025
30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
May 31 all-day
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Award-winning, independent films from around the world in documentary, drama, anti-war, experimental and animation categories. Kickoff begins Friday with a full-length feature film and continues Saturday with back-to-back films throughout the day. This is truly an international film fest with 18 films from countries like France, Brazil, Iran, China, Spain, Malaysia, and the US, many of which are premieres!

Tentative Film Screening Schedule:
FRI, MAY 30
6:30 PM: Doors Open
7 PM: Feature Film & Discussions

SAT, MAY 31
10:30 AM: Doors Open
11-11:30 AM: Anti-War and Anti War Tax Films
11:30-12:30 PM: Animation
1-3 PM: Short Dramas
3-5 PM Documentaries + Discussions

Pre-buy tickets at https://filmfreeway.com/trmf/tickets or pay at the door. $10 Fri Feature Film; $15 Sat films all day (come in any time); $25 both days. Doors open half hour before start. Complimentary food & drink available.

At Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, River Ridge Business Center, Suite 1200, 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 (next to Asheville Dance Theater). For more information, call 828-273-3332.

The Sleeping Beauty – Ballet Conservatory of Asheville
May 31 all-day
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents ‘The Sleeping Beauty’, A beautiful full length production of this classic ballet. Choreography after Marius Petipa with music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky.

Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse at her christening, however, the Lilac Fairy intervenes, ensuring Aurora will only sleep until a prince’s kiss awakens her, leading to a grand celebration when the prince finds and kisses her after a hundred years of slumber.

Featuring Ballet Tucson dancers, Hunter Solomon as Prince Desire, and Jessica Lynn as Aurora, alongside the celebrated Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s pre professional company.

Dot (The Narrative)
May 31 @ 2:30 pm
Asheville Community Theater

Dot (The Narrative)

Written by Coleman Domingo

Directed by Stephanie Hickling Beckman

The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.

Located at ACT’s Mainstage.

Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
May 31 @ 3:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

The Book of Will
May 31 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE!

No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can.

The Book of Will
May 31 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Montford Park Players proudly presents “The Book of Will” follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death. Amid betrayal, heartbreak, and ambition, they work to compile his works into the First Folio, ensuring his immortality in the world of theater.

Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night.

And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
Jun 1 @ 3:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!

Friday, June 6, 2025
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Jun 6 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

June 6 – July 5

Step into the captivating world of “Beautiful,” a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the inspiring true story of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King. Journey through the life of this remarkable artist as she rises from a teenage girl with a passion for music to a groundbreaking icon whose songs have touched millions. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Carole King or new to her music, Beautiful is a celebration of love, friendship, and the universal language of song that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

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Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class
Jun 6 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By Dan Goggin
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

May 30-June 8, 2025

Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG (some material may not be appropriate for younger children).

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and pure entertainment as Sister Robert Anne takes center stage in Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class! After nearly 30 years in the beloved Nunsense series, this feisty, street-smart nun is finally getting her moment to shine.

In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously “teaches” the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series by award-winning composer Dan Goggin. With plenty of audience interaction, side-splitting humor, and toe-tapping tunes, this heartwarming show guarantees an evening of fun that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.

Don’t miss this divine night of comedy and music!