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.

Thursday, July 4, 2019
Independence Day 5K at Asheville Outlets
Jul 4 @ 6:30 am – 9:30 am
Asheville Outlets

Start off your 4th of July with a BANG and join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for a fun, flat and fast 5K at the Asheville Outlets. Choose from the timed 5K run/walk or a 1 mile untimed walk.

Event Schedule:
July 4 – 6:30 a.m. – Race Day Packet Pick-Up and Registration Begins
July 4 – 8:00 a.m. – 5K Adult and Youth Race Begins
July 4 – 8:05 a.m. – 1 Mile Walk Begins
July 4 – 9:00 a.m. – 5K Awards

$5 from every registration will go towards Wounded Warrior Project or Veterans for Peace. To register, visit: https://raceroster.com/events/2019/22665/asheville-independence-day-5k. All runners will receive a drawstring goodie bag courtesy of Asheville Outlets.

Asheville Independence Day 5k
Jul 4 @ 8:00 am
Asheville Outlet Mall

Asheville’s Independence Day 5k will get you starting your July 4th with a bang! This is a flat, family friendly course that starts and ends at the Asheville Outlet Mall.

Dear Evan Hansen
Jul 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Peace Center

Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

Dear Evan Hansen has struck a chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says Dear Evan Hansen is “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, made an extraordinary debut at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek, and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window (Grand Central Publishing / Melcher) is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors.

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony, and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

https://www.facebook.com/events/1726179034112627/?event_time_id=1726179067445957

Friday, July 5, 2019
Dear Evan Hansen
Jul 5 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Peace Center

Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

Dear Evan Hansen has struck a chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says Dear Evan Hansen is “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, made an extraordinary debut at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 – the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 – and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A special edition coffee table book authored by Levenson, Pasek, and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: through the window (Grand Central Publishing / Melcher) is now available, offering an in-depth, all-access look at the musical, including never-before-seen production photos and cast portraits, behind-the-scenes stories, and a fully annotated script by the authors.

Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony, and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

https://www.facebook.com/events/1726179034112627/?event_time_id=1726179070779290

Saturday, July 6, 2019
Cool Summer Nights
Jul 6 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Guided Walking Tour (High Impact)
Jul 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

This tour goes exploring through our 80 acres of working farmland. Head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. You will get an overview of our farm history but a more in-depth look at our farming practices. We will be traversing over rough terrain, so suitable hiking attire is suggested.

Thursday, July 11, 2019
Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 11 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Friday, July 12, 2019
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Jul 12 – Jul 14 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo will be appearing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Extra appearance during Cool Summer Night, Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 12 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Saturday, July 13, 2019
Cool Summer Nights
Jul 13 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

ACT Theatre: Jack’s Adventures in Space
Jul 13 @ 10:00 am
Asheville Community Theatre

Performed on the Mainstage

Jack, a young student, puts his imagination to work to take him on an out-of-this-world adventure through the solar system! Learn about all the planets that circle the sun in this fun, interactive show presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre. Best for Grades Pre-K – 6th.

Part of our Saturdays at ACT series – so after the show, we’ll have free milk, cookies, and juice in the lobby! Stick around!

Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 13 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Summer Cycle at New Belgium
Jul 13 @ 3:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing

Summer Cycle is This Saturday!

HOSTED BY: Asheville on Bikes and the event sponsors.

This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and includes easy-to-follow route options for bike riders of all ages and abilities, followed by a celebration at New Belgium Brewing. Summer Cycle is perfect for the new or returning bike rider to get started and meet new friends to ride with in Asheville. Volunteers needed too!

Pick your Summer Cycle route! 

Summer Cycle ’19 Schedule:

  • 3:00pm – Gather at New Belgium Brewing
  • 3:30pm – Kick off with all-ages balance bike loop, then all rides depart
  • 4:30pm (ish) – Return to New Belgium Brewing for post-ride celebration.

Participants are asked to have their bicycle in good condition and bring a water bottle, lights, and bike bell. Costumes are encouraged, helmets are required!  There is lots more info at AoB’s Facebook page, where you can RSVP and even VOLUNTEER to help make it happen.

Clan Destiny Circus presents TROUPE
Jul 13 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theater

On July 13th, 2019 at 7pm, Clan Destiny Circus, an Acrobatic Theater based in Asheville, will debut it’s newest feature show TROUPE at Diana Wortham Theater. It tells the story of a group of survivors at the edge of a nameless battle who come together and form a ‘Circus Troupe’, traveling the war zone and performing for food and other supplies. Self produced with the help of SBA loan from Mountain Bizworks; TROUPE is written, directed and choreographed by Jeff ‘Tree’ Anderson. This show features world-class local acrobats and musicians. Blending classic circus with our unique style of acrobatic theater we create never before seen acts that leave our audiences both amazed and moved.

Sunday, July 14, 2019
Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 14 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 17 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Thursday, July 18, 2019
Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 18 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout
Jul 18 @ 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm
Defenders of Wildlife

In this free, fun and educational event, you’ll have a chance to learn about the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel and build nest boxes to aid in its recovery!

Join Defenders and special guest presenter U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Sue Cameron on Thursday, July 18th to learn about the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel. Ms. Cameron coordinates efforts to recover the squirrel, and you’ll learn what makes it special and why it is endangered, as well as effective strategies aimed at helping it recover. You’ll also hear from Anna Norton – live and on location at Southern Highlands Reserve – about the unique role the Reserve is playing in the squirrel’s recovery.

Following the presentation, you’ll have the chance to help these critters in the wild by assembling flying squirrel nest boxes that the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will install as part of their monitoring program. Refreshments will also be provided.

Then, join us on Saturday, July 20th for a walkabout along Flat Laurel Creek Trail, Pisgah National Forest, NC. We’ll enjoy this cool, high elevation spruce-fir forest – an endangered ecosystem in our region and home to several other rare species – while we explore what makes this squirrel habitat unique. We’ll also examine previously installed nest boxes in the area for upgrading through the Resource Commission’s programs and a collaborative red spruce restoration project underway.

Sponsored by weilerwoodsforwildlife.com. Nest boxes made possible by deltechomes.com.

Wildlife Workshop: Carolina Northern Flying Squirrels

Thursday, July 18th, 2019, 5:15pm – 7:00pm
Defenders of Wildlife’s Southeast Office
1 Rankin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

-AND-

Wildlife Walkabout

Saturday, July 20th, 2019, 8:00am – 1:00pm
Flat Laurel Creek Trail, Pisgah National Forest
Route 215
Canton, NC 28716

For more info, contact Tracy at [email protected].

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force Meeting
Jul 18 @ 5:30 pm
City of Asheville Public Works Building A-109

Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force

Vision: For Asheville to be a community of connected pathways that is healthy, safe and accessible for people of all ages.

Mission: To educate the public about bicycle and pedestrian transportation; to advocate for the development and maintenance of safe, convenient and inter-connected facilities; to promote the benefits of walking and biking for individuals and community health.

 

Friday, July 19, 2019
Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 19 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Summer Concert Series: Jesse Barry and The Jam
Jul 19 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Jesse Barry, known for her soulful blues pipes and contagious enthusiasm on stage, began her music career at the tender age of eight years old. Influenced by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Etta James, and Susan Tedeschi, Jesse has created her own, unique blues sound. She is often described as an “old soul” and audiences are stunned by the huge voice that comes out of her small body. Popularly known as “Skinny Legs” from Skinny Legs and All, a band she created as a teenager, Jesse has placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best Of” blues band category three years in a row, and has performed at B.B. King’s Club for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and at the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jesse competed on the popular TV show “American Idol” in season 9 and has made a lasting impact on her hometown, Asheville, North Carolina. She has recorded 3 albums with Skinny Legs and All and is currently working with her blues, funk, and soul group Jesse Barry and The Jam, special events band A Social Function, and her new Steely Dan tribute band Dirty Logic.

Join us at Hickory Nut Gap to see Jesse Barry and The Jam perform, eat farm-to-fork food, and prepare to dance!

LaZoom Comedy: Casey Balsham
Jul 19 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Casey Balsham is a comedian and cheese lover out of New York City. She has been seen on Gotham Comedy Live, Tidal’s No Small Talk series and can be heard as one of the co-hosts of the popular Not Another True Crime Podcast by Betches. Casey was also the lead in the Off Broadway musical HA! and wrote and starred in her own one woman show called “Casey Balsham Does A Thing”. She has an album coming out this summer and would really like you to follow her on Instagram @casefaceb.

Featuring Robby Slowik
Hosted by TBA

ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-casey-balsham-tickets-64181881736

Saturday, July 20, 2019
Cool Summer Nights
Jul 20 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 20 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Friends of the Smokies Stomp
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HIckory Nut Gap Farm

Put on your dancing boots and join Friends of the Smokies for the 2nd annual “Smokies Stomp” Barn Party just outside of Asheville, NC. The Smokies Stomp supports projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park like Parks As Classrooms, which brings thousands of schoolchildren into the Smokies every year. Folks will be treated to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, live music, drinks, square dancing, and the opportunity to visit with rangers from the National Park Service. So come on out for fun and fundraising at the Smokies Stomp Barn Party!

Brevard Music Center “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert”
Jul 20 @ 8:30 pm
Brevard Music Center Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
Indiana Jones comes to three big screens at BMC—with live orchestra—

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

 Brevard Music Center (BMC) will present Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert at its open-air, lakeside Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (WPA). Relive the magic of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster 1981 adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra, under the direction of conductor Nicholas Buc. Movie screens will be situated on both the WPA main stage as well as the WPA lawn for this BMC concert. Popcorn, beverages, and casual concessions fare will also be available, plus there will be an appearance by Indiana Jones at the BMC photo booth that evening! (*The 8:30 PM timing reflects a special late start due to the movie.)

“The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before—with live orchestra!” said Brevard Music Center President & CEO Mark Weinstein. “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert, with its glorious score by John Williams, is the perfect way to introduce classical music to a young audience and one of the many family-friendly events featured at our 2019 summer festival season. Please join us for an unforgettable evening of film, music, and memories!”

Sunday, July 21, 2019
Auditions! Wizard of Oz ACT Theatre
Jul 21 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
ACT Theartre

July 20-21, 2019

Skip down the yellow brick road to auditions for next season’s opener, The Wizard of Oz! Mark your calendar for these dates (and make sure you note the ages for each time slot).

Director Jerry Crouch is seeking a large cast of children, teens, and adults! All roles are open to actors of all races and ethnicities:

Saturday, July 20: 12:00-3:00 pm – Auditions for children (ages 6-11)
Saturday, July 20: 3:00-6:00 pm – Auditions for teens (ages 12-18)
Sunday, July 21: 1:00-5:00 pm – Auditions for adults (ages 19+)

MUSICAL

By L. Frank Baum with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Directed by Jerry Crouch; Music Direction by Sarah Fowler; Choreography by Alexa Edelman

PRODUCTION DATES: October 4-27, 2019; Performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm, plus 2 Thursday night performances 10/17 and 10/24 at 7:30 pm. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.

REHEARSALS: August 11-October 3, 2019; Rehearsals generally held Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 pm. All actors will not necessarily be needed for every rehearsal or for the entire rehearsal. Full rehearsal calendar available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.

AUDITION INFO: Please bring your own sheet music (prepare 32 bars; not a song from Wizard of Oz) in the key in which you will sing it

Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Jul 21 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

Thursday, July 25, 2019
Storytelling on Stage! ACT Theatre
Jul 25 @ 7:30 pm
ACT Theatre 35below

Performed in 35below

There are some stories that are just so good they need to be shared with an audience! Local actor/comedian Tom Chalmers invites you to take part in one of Asheville’s most popular series, Listen to This. A storytelling format in the vein of “This American Life,” Listen to This is an evening hosted by Chalmers with stories and songs from some of Asheville’s most interesting writers, performers, and citizens.

Friday, July 26, 2019
Flat Rock Playhouse Presents All Shook Up July 26-Aug.18
Jul 26 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse Leiman Mainstage

Performances Wednesday and Thursday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Celebrate hit songs made famous by Elvis Presley at the Flat Rock Playhouse in the upcoming production, All Shook Up! A famous Broadway musical hit, All Shook Up combines the hilarity of Shakespearean comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with the rock & roll music of Elvis Presley. In a musical presentation akin to Godspell and Footloose, this jukebox musical tells the story of a small-town girl with big dreams, a stick-in-the-mud mayor who has squashed any fun in her town, and the surprise visit of a leather-jacketed, guitar-playing, hip-swinging stranger. Experience the magic of rock & roll, gospel, romance, mistaken identities alongside Broadway-caliber musical numbers and hits such as, “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.