Calendar of Events
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.
The band, led by the world famous Italian mandolin player and scholar Carlo Aonzo, presents a very interesting repertoire of Italian musics, chosen among the evergreens of the Italian national tradition, arranged with the unique personal ‘Carlo Aonzo Trio’ style.
The Trio, featuring Carlo Aonzo on the Italian mandolin, Lorenzo Piccone on the guitar and Luciano Puppo on the double bass, made a real trip around the world musical genres last year with the release of their first album “A Mandolin Journey”. This work celebrates the Mandolin as icon of the Italian culture in the world following its evolution through centuries and continents and was presented during a very intense musical tour through many Italian towns and the United States where it was warmly welcomed by both audience and critics.
The new project focuses now on the roots of the Italian music enriched by the flavor and uniqueness of the Carlo Aonzo Trio sound: swing, jazz, elaborated rhythms strongly influenced by North and South American elements interact here with classical, folk music and movie soundtracks.
The show is completed by stories and anecdotes, introducing the different musical pieces in a very lively and capturing atmosphere.
https://www.carloaonzo.com/trio
Photography by Stephen Houseworth
https://www.facebook.com/events/333301443905821/
LAAF is almost upon us and we are so excited! Last year’s fashion show was a major success and so much fun! We can’t wait to see all of the beautiful designs this year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/625017144564227/
Just announced! Opening for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band! In my home-state?! Can’t get any better than that! I’m on at 5pm! #CanaanitesForLife
https://www.facebook.com/events/230352947546594/
Introduction To Modeling The Human Figure with Leonid Siveriver
Thursdays, 6-9pm
August 30- October 4
You’ve asked for it, and this session we are pleased to announce that a live model, figurative sculpture class will be returning to Odyssey ClayWorks! Working from a live model each week, students will hone their understanding of basic anatomy, proportions and the mechanics of movement in 3 dimensions. After first creating multiple fast sketches in clay to work out technique, students will then advance to a longer-term sculpture based on a single pose, with more attention to detail. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to work with decorated sculptor, Leonid Siveriver.
Level: All Levels
Tuition: $255 + $75 Lab and live model fee
Thomas Yon is hosting on specific dates only, but the Open Mic at The Barrel House is every Sunday from 6pm-9pm so don’t be shy.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1832536570145418/
Plates and Mugs: Focusing On Surface and Form With Laurie Caffery Harris
Tuesdays, 6:30-9pm
August 28- October 2
These two popular forms offer endless possibilities of expression to the clay artist. In this intermediate level class, we will use the potter’s wheel to create our forms, then focus on creating a unique surface that reflects your individuality. Through demonstrations and practice on our own test tiles, we will cover surface design including mishima (slip inlay), painting, and sgraffito carving. There will also be a heavy emphasis on handle making, as we seek to create forms that are both beautiful, and easy to use.
Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Tuition: $255 + $35 Lab Fee

The Asheville Tourists are a minor league baseball team based in Asheville, North Carolina. They play in the Class A South Atlantic League and have been a farm team of the Colorado Rockies since 1994.
Asheville teams have played under the Tourists moniker in different leagues and classifications for decades, with the earliest dating to 1897. The current team has played continuously in what is now known as the South Atlantic League since 1976. They have won three league championships, first in 1984 and most recently in 2014. Previous Tourists teams won a total of four additional championships.
The Tourists play home games at McCormick Field. The park opened in 1924, renovated in 1959, and renovated again for the 1992 season. McCormick Field seats 4,000 fans, and is notable for the scoreboard which reads “Visitors” in the guest slot and “Tourists” in the home slot

Select Evenings, May 17–October 7, 2018
Biltmore House & Gardens opens to the public on Thursday–Sunday evenings for a special reservations-only viewing of Chihuly’s stunning large-scale glass sculptures. Chihuly Nights at Biltmore is an enchanting opportunity to witness the effects of dramatic nighttime lighting upon the luminous colors and graceful forms of these spectacular pieces. Sunset over the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, live music in the gardens, and a wine bar make the evening experience all the more enticing. Chihuly’s towering works of art illuminated against a night sky surrounded by the timeless beauty and magnificence of Biltmore House & Gardens: a truly moving, memorable experience
MY GRANDFATHER’S PRAYERS is a theatrical production based on the life of the famous Cantor Izso Glickstein (1889-1947), a Jewish Ukrainian prodigy who sings at the Great Synagogue in Budapest before settling in Boston where he records for Victor and Columbia records and mentors the young Leonard Bernstein. His life spans the Russian Pogroms, World War One, The White Terror in Hungary, and World War Two.
Izso’s remarkable story is told by his granddaughter, Lisa Sturz, using shadow puppets, scrolling backgrounds, marionettes, and mixed-media. Lisa is an award-winning puppeteer who has worked for Walt Disney Imagineering, Jim Henson Productions, Lucasfilm, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, PBS, and many more.
https://www.facebook.com/events/430659234107300/
MY GRANDFATHER’S PRAYERS is a multi-media performance that powerfully demonstrates the poignancy of ancestral connections. The performance focuses on the improbable life of Cantor Izso Glickstein (1889-1947), a fourth-generation Jewish Cantor, child prodigy, operatic tenor, and humanitarian.
His journey spanned the Russian pogroms, Hungary’s White Terror and two devastating World Wars. Izso was Uber-Cantor at the Great Synagogue in Budapest and New England’s Mishkan Tefila where he became Leonard Bernstein’s earliest musical mentor. His powerful golden voice expresses the miraculous passion and determination of a people holding on to faith and tradition, through the violent diaspora of the 20th century.
Izso’s remarkable ability to thrive despite adversity, is lovingly told by his granddaughter, professional puppeteer, Lisa Aimee Sturz. Lisa uses shadow puppets, scrolling backgrounds, marionettes, digital composites and poetic text to honor her maternal grandfather and explore her own Jewish ancestry, artistry, spirituality and social responsibility.
Lisa is an award winning puppeteer (California Emmy and UNIMA) who has worked with Jim Henson Productions, Lucasfilm, Walt Disney Imagineering, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, PBS, NBC, Julie Taymor and many more. Film and TV credits include Howard the Duck, Muppets from Space, Elmo in Grouchland, Ninja Turtles III, Flintstones, Murphy Brown, Roger Rabbit, and Puzzle Place. She recently filmed MY GRANDFATHER’S PRAYERS with JLTV in Los Angeles to air this Fall.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Tickets will go on sale in July.
https://www.facebook.com/events/613801015679789/
Panthers Two States. One Team. Tour
Calling all Panthers fans! It’s football night at the ballpark as the Tourists celebrate the start of the Panthers season with their neighbors from Charlotte! First 1,500 fans in the ballpark receive a Panthers T-shirt. Tourists players will also wear customized jerseys which will be available for auction after the game. Appearances by Sir Purr, the TopCats, PurrCussion, the Black & Blue Crew, Panthers Alumni and more!
Post-game Fireworks to follow!
https://www.facebook.com/events/324701341396191/
Come cheer on the Tourists!

Local jazz musician Janine Rose will play 2 sets at The Waterbird
https://www.facebook.com/events/2179390642313940/
Hustle Souls returns to Southern Appalachian Brewery. Come on out and enjoy a nice evening of great beer and great music!
https://www.facebook.com/events/181844495868243/
Join us every Sunday starting September 2nd at One World Brewing for Asheville’s Soul Jam! 8pm-11pm Musicians come out and shed those chops!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2070376059660934/
Wovenhand at The Grey Eagle
Winding dark, atmospheric lyrics with a fierce spiritual bent around elements of vintage folk and gospel music as well as rootsy rock & roll, Wovenhand was founded by David Eugene Edwards, formerly the frontman with brooding alt-country act 16 Horsepower. In 2001, 16 Horsepower went on hiatus, and as the group pondered a new creative direction, Edwards launched Wovenhand, built around similar musical and thematic frameworks but with a more powerful and personal approach. Edwards initially formed Wovenhand as a trio with multi-instrumentalist Daniel McMahon and guitarist Steve Taylor (also a member of 16 Horsepower), though soon the lineup would expand to include Ordy Garrison on drums and Paul Fonfara on cello. (For live work, Shane Trost subbed for Fonfara on cello.) Edwards played nearly all the instruments on Wovenhand’s first album in 2002, released by Glitterhouse in Europe and Sounds Familyre in the United States. In 2003, Edwards reworked several pieces from the Wovenhand debut for a Belgian dance troupe, and the results were released on the album Blush Music. For 2004’s Consider the Birds, Wovenhand contrasted Edwards’ solo material with tracks that featured a full band, while for live shows Wovenhand was a duo consisting of Edwards and Garrison.
https://www.facebook.com/events/712705875590216/
Gringo Star w/ The Remarks, Art Wavey
at The Mothlight
September 2nd
Doors 8:30
Tickets: $8adv
Gringo Star are an Indie Garage Pop band from Atlanta, Georgia, founded by brothers Pete and Nicholas Furgiuele, and joined in 2016 by Josh Longino (featured on the new album) and Mario Colangelo. Their 5th album “Back to the City” is coming out Aug 24, 2018 via Nevado Music, an L.A. based label (Deap Valley, Eternal Summers, Yukon Blonde). The album was produced, written, recorded and mixed at Studio 234 in Atlanta by the brothers. Gringo Star are insouciant explorers, tossing the paddles overboard and drifting on the currents of their lackadaisical curiosity across a rippling sonic ocean, out to the far edges of rock & roll. Shots pulsing from a vintage Leslie speaker, their guitars, keys and vocals create the psychoactive ingredients of their echo-slathered, doo-wop-indebted indie gems; psychedelic garage bangers, gritty R&B shuffles and spaghetti western weirdness. Taking cues from Santo & Johnny, The Stooges, Ritchie Valens, Marc Bolan, The Kinks, Sam Cooke, they’re all here, their electric ghosts reaching across time, tapping Gringo Star on the shoulder like the crossroads devil to Robert Johnson, bestowing secrets, passing torches.
https://www.facebook.com/events/615558188803790/
Come out to the The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall Sept 2 for the official LAAF, Living Asheville Arts Festival After Party! Random Animals, the Asheville based Soul-Funk group, will keep the party going with other local musicians sitting in throughout the night! Donations will be taken at the door, which will go towards the Jeff Knorr Scholarship Fund. Come party for a good cause!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/375654539637072/
Who: Caldwell Arts Council, Lenoir, North Carolina
When: Labor Day Weekend: August 31, September 1 and 2, 2018.
Where: Jones Farm, 3590 NC-268, Historic Happy Valley, Caldwell County, NC
Cost: Friday $5, Saturday $10, Sunday $15
Experience a perfect Labor Day Weekend on the banks of the Yadkin River being surrounded by mountain music, dance, food and beautiful scenery. Festival music begins at 7:00 PM Friday featuring Pam and Brett Riggs, The Sunny Mountain Serenaders, and Jason Cade along with cakewalks and simple mountain dances ($5 adults, 15 & under free). Gates open for primitive camping on Thursday.
Saturday is packed with great entertainment! The music competition begins at 10:00 AM and includes 12 separate categories. The Youth Tent offers music performances by some extremely talented youngsters. Non-music and children’s activities include hayrides, storytelling, children’s crafts, and rock stacking in the river.
The weekend ends with a Sunday concert starting at 10:00 AM featuring an all-star lineup of folk, blues, gospel, old-time, Cajun and bluegrass musicians including the Kruger Brothers, The Harris Brothers, Strictly Clean and Decent, Irish folk music plus other performances and workshops. This fantastic weekend ends approximately 5:00 PM on Sunday. Friday $5, Saturday $10, Sunday $15, $25 for Weekend Pass, children under 16 free.
When was the last time you had the privilege of sitting on the banks of a mountain river with music echoing throughout the hills around you. So come for a day or camp for the weekend.
Check out the details and directions at www.happyvalleyfiddlers.org
Learn about the historic Happy Valley at http://explorecaldwell.com/
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Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.
The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.
The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).
The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders). Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).
Three new works were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.
This exquisite, interactive exhibit is designed to inspire and educate visitors about the storied history and evocative power of scent while taking them on a full sensory journey, literally! Blending flora, fashion and science, Making Scents showcases some of Mother Nature’s most fragrant botanicals and unveils the plants and flowers behind some of the world’s most iconic perfumes. Visitors will explore the mysterious power of the sense of smell, learn about the artistry and science behind the fragrance industry and even compose their own basic fragrance.
From traditional harvest and extraction methods to chemical combinations of synthetic fragrances, Making Scents uncovers the technical processes behind fragrance creation through an immersive, multisensory experience. Art, passion and craft come together inside the exhibit’s iconic bottle display, which showcases the unique designs of more than 100 perfume bottles, some dating back to ancient the Greek and Roman eras. By integrating horticulture, history and pop culture, Making Scents is sure to enlighten the senses and engage the minds of visitors about the fragrance industry and the living world in a fun, dynamic way.
This exhibit showcases the work of three leading fiber artists who explore Western North Carolina’s mountains, meadows and marshes using fabrics and fibers. Their quilted wall art offers a link to familiar images of this region, echoing the Arboretum’s role of connecting people with plants. Through their diverse styles, construction methods and subject matter, artists Mary Stori, Judy Simmons and Kate Weston add a contemporary twist to the area’s rich and storied quilt-making tradition. Their exhibit features pieces of varying sizes, from large focal-point wall hangings to medium-sized wall art to small work suitable for tabletop display. All pieces are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The North Carolina Arboretum Society.
About the Artists
Mary Stori
From her home in Clyde, N.C., Mary creates botanical and organic themed art quilts using artisian-made, hand-dyed cotton, linen, silk and rayon fabrics. She also utilizes hand-felted and hand-dyed wool as rich backdrops, offering texture and depth to her work. Bead embellishment is another one of her trademarks. Learn more on her website.
Judy Simmons
Judy creates her own fabric in her Fletcher, N.C. studio using surface design techniques, including fabric marbling, dyeing, color lifting and silk screening. Much of the imagery in her work utilizes her own photography printed on fabric. To learn more about Judy, please click here.
Kate Weston
From her home in Statesville, N.C., Kate focuses on the creation of complex cloth through the application of dye, paint and embellishment, such as fabric overlay or manipulation and the application of non-fiber materials. Coupled with skillful machine quilting, Kate’s works create and stunning interplay of color and texture. Please visit Kate’s website to learn more.
The Asheville Art Museum is excited to present Red Hot in the Blue Ridge, an exhibition being held in conjunction with Western North Carolina’s community-wide Summer of Glass celebration. On view at the Asheville Art Museum On the Slope at 175 Biltmore Avenue May 19 – September 30, 2018, Red Hot in the Blue Ridge celebrates Western North Carolina’s unique place in the history of American Studio Glass. Many other organizations and galleries across WNC are also hosting glass-focused events, programs and exhibitions during the region’s Summer of Glass celebration, which coincides with a new exhibition at Biltmore of multi-media artist Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures. Visit www.ashevilleart.org for details.
Enjoy the last holiday weekend of summer experiencing what makes Chimney Rock the ideal place to play. Hike on one of the Park’s many trails or join Fox Mountain Guides for a real rock climbing experience.
It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our Smiles of Spring Photo Contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes. 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.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:
There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 21, 2018- Sept. 21, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.
Winners will be notified and announced at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].
The 2018 Tour d’Apple is Western North Carolina’s Premier Cycling Tour and an exciting ride through apple orchards, waterfalls, and mountains to benefit the charitable projects of the Hendersonville Four Seasons Rotary Club. It includes a Century (100 miles), a metric-century (100km), as well as 45 and 25 mi options.
The ride takes place on Labor Day, and features an exciting course (no matter which length you choose) complete with plenty of rest stops. The ride begins at 8:00am from Blue Ridge Community College.
Also, be sure to check out our kids ride!
T-shirts in men’s and women’s fitted styles, are complimentary for participants registered as of August 15th, after this deadline, shirts will be limited and can be ordered for an additonal $10 online until sizes run out.
All participants registered by August 15th are guaranteed a pair of DeFeet Cycling Socks!
Tour d’ Apple jerseys, custom-designed by Giordana Cycling are available for $75 and bib shorts are available for $95. Size charts can be found on our registration homepage.
https://www.facebook.com/events/168311517115418/
The Tour d’Apple is an exciting ride through Western North Carolina’s apple orchards, waterfalls, and mountains to benefit the charitable projects of the Hendersonville Four Seasons Rotary Club. It includes a Century (100 miles), a metric-century (100km), as well as 45 and 25 mile options.
The ride takes place on Labor Day, and features an exciting course (no matter which length you choose) complete with plenty of rest stops.
We’re celebrating the apple harvest with tents filled with special buys! Everything under the tents will be 50% OFF suggested retail prices. The tents are located in the First Citizens Plaza, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Hendersonville Mast Store.
50% off Women’s Merchandise from:
• Andree by Unit
• Lulu-B
• Columbia Sportswear
• Patagonia (small selection)
• Honeyme
• Sherpa Adventure Gear
• Outdoor Research
50% off Men’s Merchandise from:
• Columbia Sportswear
• Patagonia (small selection)
• Sherpa Adventure Gear
• Outdoor Research
50% off Footwear from:
• Pikolinos
• Jambu
• Sperry Top-Sider
• Merrell
• Keds
• Teva
• El Naturalista
• Born
• Acorn
• Spring Step
Salesman Samples (limited sizes)
• Kühl
• Columbia
Accessories
• Socksmith
Hours:
Friday – Sunday – 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking:
There are multiple parking lots throughout Downtown Hendersonville surrounding the festival. Some are free and others have fees. Many of the parking lots are operated by local non-profits that charge a small fee to underwrite their community activities.
More info to plan your visit:
You can always visit the Hendersonville page (https://www.mastgeneralstore.com/cms/index.cfm/visit/visit-hendersonville/) to learn more about the area. Here’s where you can find information about the The North Carolina Apple Festival.
https://www.facebook.com/events/533961377061493/
