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 26, 2018
Merrell Adventure Dash
May 26 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoors Center

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult. All race participants will receive Merrell swag, but those who register before May 10th will also receive the official race t-shirt!

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Sunday, May 27, 2018
Guys and Dolls
May 27 all-day

 Gangsters and gamblers, missionaries and showgirls are in town and on the Main Stage at Hendersonville Community Theatre, May 18th through June 3rd. Yes, it’s Guys and Dolls – Broadway’s perfect musical comedy about gambling men and the women who long to tame them! Tickets are $15-$26 and are available online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City, Guys and Dolls features one of the greatest musical scores in the history of American theatre, with hits that include: “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Luck, Be a Lady.”

 

Hendersonville Community Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org

Shamanic Journey Retreat & Ceremonial Gathering
May 27 all-day
Homestead Retreat
Shamanic Journey Retreat & Ceremonial Gathering @ Homestead Retreat | Clyde | North Carolina | United States

Shamanic Journey & Medicine Wheel Sessions w/ Ayal Hurst; Sweat Lodge offered Sunday evening; Nature Hikes w/ Hawk Hurst. Limited to 14 (adult) participants. Cost: $180.00, includes lodging.

Monday, May 28, 2018
Shamanic Journey Retreat & Ceremonial Gathering
May 28 all-day
Homestead Retreat
Shamanic Journey Retreat & Ceremonial Gathering @ Homestead Retreat | Clyde | North Carolina | United States

Shamanic Journey & Medicine Wheel Sessions w/ Ayal Hurst; Sweat Lodge offered Sunday evening; Nature Hikes w/ Hawk Hurst. Limited to 14 (adult) participants. Cost: $180.00, includes lodging.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
May 30 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Thursday, May 31, 2018
Ledisi with special guests Melanie Fiona and Tweet
May 31 @ 12:00 pm
Ledisi with special guests Melanie Fiona and Tweet
Ledisi is a 12-time Grammy®-nominated vocal powerhouse who has wowed fans ever since she came onto the scene. She has headlined sold-out national tours and performed alongside Richie Sambora, Dave Matthews, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Jill Scott, and Maxwell. She’s appeared on Good Morning AmericaLate Show with David LettermanLate Night with Jimmy FallonThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and  VH-1’s Diva’s Live
 
Let Love Rule is her ninth Grammy-nominated studio album, and it features John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and B.J. the Chicago Kid. The album received three Grammy nominations: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Performance (“High”), and Best Traditional R&B Performance (“All the Way”).  
 
Having earned a place in the pantheon of the best soul singers of her generation, Ledisi’s fans include icons, legends, and chart-toppers like Prince, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Kehlani. A favorite of the Obamas, she has performed eight times at the White House.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Guys and Dolls
Jun 1 all-day

 Gangsters and gamblers, missionaries and showgirls are in town and on the Main Stage at Hendersonville Community Theatre, May 18th through June 3rd. Yes, it’s Guys and Dolls – Broadway’s perfect musical comedy about gambling men and the women who long to tame them! Tickets are $15-$26 and are available online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City, Guys and Dolls features one of the greatest musical scores in the history of American theatre, with hits that include: “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Luck, Be a Lady.”

 

Hendersonville Community Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org

Leicester Comm. Ctr Health Fair
Jun 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Community Health Fair  9-12

Carolina Shag
Jun 1 @ 6:02 pm – Jun 10 @ 7:02 pm

The Flat Rock Playhouse is ready to celebrate summer by transporting the beach to the mountains with upcoming Music on the Rock Concert, Carolina Shag!

Celebrating the musical phenomenon that developed in the early 50’s on the Carolina Coasts, Carolina Shag will feature upbeat beach music from artists such as The Embers, The Tams, Chairmen of the Board, The Drifters.

Join in the party and dance the night away with a “one-and-two” to hits including Carolina GirlsMy Girl, My GuyUnder the BoardwalkBe Young Be Foolish Be Happy…and of course I Love Beach Music!

June 1st through June 10th at the Playhouse Downtown in Hendersonville.

Click on the link below to get your tickets, or call 828.693.0731.

Saturday, June 2, 2018
Guys and Dolls
Jun 2 all-day

 Gangsters and gamblers, missionaries and showgirls are in town and on the Main Stage at Hendersonville Community Theatre, May 18th through June 3rd. Yes, it’s Guys and Dolls – Broadway’s perfect musical comedy about gambling men and the women who long to tame them! Tickets are $15-$26 and are available online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City, Guys and Dolls features one of the greatest musical scores in the history of American theatre, with hits that include: “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Luck, Be a Lady.”

 

Hendersonville Community Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org

Sports Park Shelter Not Available
Jun 2 all-day
BC Sports Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: BC Sports Park – 58 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC

Leicester Comm. Ctr. 3D Mammography Bus
Jun 2 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

3D Mammography Bus providing free mammograms with insurance or reduced cost without insurance.  9:30am-4:00pm  Call 828-774-3000 to schedule an appointment.

Outdoor Pools Open Weekends Only
Jun 2 @ 12:00 pm – Jun 3 @ 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Link: http://buncomberecreation.org

Cane Creek Pool
Erwin Pool
Hominy Valley Pool
Owen Pool
North Buncombe Pool
Open for weekends:; $3.00 per person
Saturday Hours: 11:00am-6:45pm
Sunday Hours:  1:00pm – 6:45pm

Harvest Moon Folk Society Contra Dance At River Falls Lodge
Jun 2 @ 7:30 pm
River Falls Lodge

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.

Sunday, June 3, 2018
Guys and Dolls
Jun 3 all-day

 Gangsters and gamblers, missionaries and showgirls are in town and on the Main Stage at Hendersonville Community Theatre, May 18th through June 3rd. Yes, it’s Guys and Dolls – Broadway’s perfect musical comedy about gambling men and the women who long to tame them! Tickets are $15-$26 and are available online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City, Guys and Dolls features one of the greatest musical scores in the history of American theatre, with hits that include: “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Luck, Be a Lady.”

 

Hendersonville Community Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org

Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Adult Sand Volleyball – Lake Julian Park
Jun 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: Lake Julian Park – 406 Overlook Extension Arden, NC

Leicester Comm. Ctr. Art Night
Jun 5 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Community Art Nights – First Tuesday of each month. Different project each month.  For Children and Adults.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Leicester Comm. Ctr. Welcome Table FREE Meal
Jun 6 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 774-3000
Link: http://www.leicestercommunitycenter.com

Welcome Table Free Meal every Wednesday 11:30am-1:30pm

Friday, June 8, 2018
Day Out With Thomas™ at Tweetsie Railroad
Jun 8 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Toot! Toot! Experience Day Out With Thomas like never before at Tweetsie Railroad. Ride the train behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hat, play in Imagination Station, and enjoy storytelling and live music! PLUS have a full day at Tweetsie Railroad with amusement rides, deer park zoo, panning for gold, live entertainment and more!
This event takes place from June 8 to June 17, 2018. Tickets include one ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends themed activities and admission to the theme park. Free for children age 2 and under, $30 for children age 3-12, and $45 for adults age 13 and older.

Saturday, June 9, 2018
Day Out With Thomas™ at Tweetsie Railroad
Jun 9 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Toot! Toot! Experience Day Out With Thomas like never before at Tweetsie Railroad. Ride the train behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hat, play in Imagination Station, and enjoy storytelling and live music! PLUS have a full day at Tweetsie Railroad with amusement rides, deer park zoo, panning for gold, live entertainment and more!
This event takes place from June 8 to June 17, 2018. Tickets include one ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends themed activities and admission to the theme park. Free for children age 2 and under, $30 for children age 3-12, and $45 for adults age 13 and older.

Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jun 9 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.

Asheville Adventure Play POP UP Playground
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
BC Sports Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: BC Sports Park – 58 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC

Pop Up Playground – OPEN Play sessions at the Buncombe County Sports Park.

Buncombe Outdoors HIKE Sleepy Gap Averys Creek
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Link: https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/short-hikes-near-asheville/

Sleepy Gap

Distance: 3.4 miles out and back

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate,Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Trail Description: https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/short-hikes-near-asheville/
Meetup Location: Walnut CoveOverlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

Hike Leader: Buncombe CountyRecreation Services, 828.250.4260, [email protected]

Outdoor Pools Open Weekends Only
Jun 9 @ 12:00 pm – Jun 10 @ 1:00 pm

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Link: http://buncomberecreation.org

Cane Creek Pool
Erwin Pool
Hominy Valley Pool
North Buncombe Pool
Owen Pool
Open for Weekends
Saturday: 11am-6:45pm
Sunday: 1:00pm – 6:45pm
$3 per person

Antibalas and Lee Camp
Jun 9 @ 7:45 pm – Jun 10 @ 12:00 am

Join us for an evening of amazing music and stand up comedy to benefit Brother Wolf Animal Sanctuary during Asheville VeganFest weekend! Featuring Antibalas, an American, Brooklyn-based afrobeat band and Lee Camp, comedian and independent news reporter!
About the Festival:
Asheville VeganFest is a celebration of compassionate living in one of the country’s top-rated vegan-friendly cities. Now in its fourth year, Asheville VeganFest is better than ever, with a broad and diverse mix of A-list speakers and a great line-up of night time entertainment! Over 15,000 visitors from all walks of life are expected to attend this free, family-friendly, inspiring (and not to mention delicious) 3 day long celebration!
About Antibalas:
The musical collective known as Antibalas (Spanish for bullet-proof or anti-bullets) was conceived of in Mexico City and formed in Brooklyn New York. The early nucleus of the group was composed of the band’s founder Martín Perna and included several members from the Soul Providers / Dap Kings band, performing their first show in May 1998 in Harlem, NY. Soon after, Lagos, Nigeria native Amayo joined the band after seeing the band at a neighborhood concert. Fluent in the afrobeat music of Fela, he began composing and performing lyrics and assuming the role of the group’s lead vocalist / frontman.
The band began rehearsing and composing at Desco 41st street studios and later at the first Daptone Studios at Amayo’s Afro Spot venue. They spent their first year performing exclusively in noncommercial spaces in lofts, community centers, parks, art galleries. In August 1999, they created a weekly residence called Africalia at Tribeca club NoMoore that ran for 18 months, where the band and repertoire expanded. In 2001, following their debut record (reissued independently, then licensed to Ninja Tune) they began touring internationally, from Glastonbury, Montreux to Newport Jazz and other renowned rock, jazz and world music festivals. Around 2003, following their third album “Who Is This America,” the Dap Kings and Antibalas both became very busy, each group developed its separate full-time lineup although the groups would remain close, later reuniting with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Charles Bradley for the 2014 Daptone Super Soul Revue across summer festivals and theaters in Europe and culminating in a three night run at New York’s Apollo Theater. The group toured heavily performing over one hundred shows per year spread across North America and Europe between 2002 and 2007 with the releases of their third album, “Who Is This America”, and fourth, “Security”.
From 2007-2012 many members and former members of the Antibalas participated in the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical FELA!, including the show’s musical director Aaron Johnson, lead saxophonist Stuart Bogie, and assistant MD trumpeter Jordan McLean. In 2011, the group returned to the Daptone House of Soul to record their most recent album, “Antibalas” produced by emeritus member Gabriel Roth. The group toured heavily throughout the US and Europe, and later that year, performed songs from the album live on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Antibalas has recorded five studio albums on the Daptone, Ninja Tune, Anti-, and Ropeadope labels as well as a number of singles and EPs. The band is currently finishing their sixth studio album due out in mid-2017. Though recognized for their fluency in Afrobeat and funk music, the band is known to collaborate with diverse groups and artists, from Angélique Kidjo to Jovanotti to Medeski Martin & Wood to Public Enemy, and served as the house band at Carnegie Hall in 2014 (Music of Paul Simon), 2015
(Music of David Byrne & Talking Heads) and most recently 2017’s Music of Aretha Franklin. The Antibalas horns have performed on Grammy award-winning albums by Angelique Kidjo, and Mark Ronson and dozens of albums, sound tracks and live guest appearances with artists including The Roots, My Morning Jacket, TV on the Radio, Santigold, Jovanotti, Nneka, Ed Sheeran, Alabama Shakes, The String Cheese Incident and numerous others. Former Antibalas members have gone on to record and perform with The Dap Kings, Arcade Fire, Mark Ronson, the Black Keys, the Arks, Menahan Street Band, the El Michels Affair, Iron and Wine, Bat For Lashes, and Imogen Heap.
antibalas.com

About Lee Camp:
From Redacted Tonight, Comedian & Writer Lee Camp comes to The Orange Peel to perform during Asheville VeganFest to Benefit Brother Wolf Animal Sanctuary. Lee is the head writer and host of the national TV show Redacted Tonight with Lee Camp on RT America. He’s a former contributor to The Onion, former staff humor writer for the Huffington Post, and his web series
“Moment of Clarity” has been viewed by millions. He’s toured the country and the world with his fierce brand of standup comedy, and George Carlin’s daughter Kelly said he’s one of the few comics keeping her father’s torch lit. Bill Hicks’s brother Steve said Lee is one of only a handful with Bill’s “message and passion.”
For more go to leecamp.com

“An incredibly funny man.” –John Oliver
“An amazing writer and a great political thinker. He’s the change you and I want to see.” -Janeane Garofalo
“Imagine Jon Stewart if he gave a damn. He’s like Howard Zinn after 12 beers.” -David Swanson

Sunday, June 10, 2018
Day Out With Thomas™ at Tweetsie Railroad
Jun 10 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Toot! Toot! Experience Day Out With Thomas like never before at Tweetsie Railroad. Ride the train behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hat, play in Imagination Station, and enjoy storytelling and live music! PLUS have a full day at Tweetsie Railroad with amusement rides, deer park zoo, panning for gold, live entertainment and more!
This event takes place from June 8 to June 17, 2018. Tickets include one ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends themed activities and admission to the theme park. Free for children age 2 and under, $30 for children age 3-12, and $45 for adults age 13 and older.

Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jun 10 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.

Sports Park Shelter Not Available
Jun 10 all-day
BC Sports Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: BC Sports Park – 58 Apac Cir, Asheville, NC

Monday, June 11, 2018
Day Out With Thomas™ at Tweetsie Railroad
Jun 11 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Toot! Toot! Experience Day Out With Thomas like never before at Tweetsie Railroad. Ride the train behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hat, play in Imagination Station, and enjoy storytelling and live music! PLUS have a full day at Tweetsie Railroad with amusement rides, deer park zoo, panning for gold, live entertainment and more!
This event takes place from June 8 to June 17, 2018. Tickets include one ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends themed activities and admission to the theme park. Free for children age 2 and under, $30 for children age 3-12, and $45 for adults age 13 and older.

Falling- Solo Exhibition by Michael Francis Reagan
Jun 11 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Falling, a solo exhibition of contemporary paintings by Michael Francis Reagan, opens at Grovewood Gallery on Saturday, June 9, with an artist’s reception from 2-5pm (free and open to the public). This show will feature acrylic paintings on canvas from Reagan’s popular Falling Series, inspired by a haunting memory of a childhood encounter with a mourning dove that had fallen from the sky. This exhibition will remain on view through Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Reagan received a degree in art and American literature and an MFA in painting from the University of Arkansas. Aside from his paintings, Reagan has established himself as one of American’s leading mapmakers. As a freelance illustrator, he has been employed by major publications such as National Geographic, The New Yorker, Smithsonian magazine, Travel and Leisure, and The New York Times. Reagan’s bird paintings and environmental maps continue to be commissioned by Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, The National Parks of America, and other conservation organizations.