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, May 11, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 11 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 11 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 11 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 11 all-day
various locations
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 11 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Work out for free at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
May 11 all-day
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Work out for free at Stephens-Lee Community Center
May 11 all-day
Stephens-Lee Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Bloom with a View
May 11 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Coming this spring! “Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!
For its introductory year, “Bloom with a View” will place vibrant bursts of colorful hydrangeas prominently, with appearances by elegant calla lilies, with oriental and Asiatic lilies forecasted! The ocean of color will provide an excellent avenue to wander meditatively, frolic among the flowers or take that uniquely perfect image or video. Be sure to tag your photos with #NCBloomWithAView and share the experience!
Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 1-14. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access!
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 11 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Let’s Try Fishing
May 11 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Azalea Dog Park
Each month, we’ll try a new activity that the whole family can enjoy. Activities are geared for people ages 5+ All children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration at AVLREC.com is required.
What better way to spend an evening than fishing? This is a introductory program to teach some basic fishing skills. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. Class size is limited due to equipment. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Thanks to NCWRC for providing a fishing license waiver for participants over age 16 to learn how to fish.
Amphitheater Concert Series: Fancy and the Gentlemen 
May 11 @ 6:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
Based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy and the Gentlemen brings an eclectic mix of honky tonk, blues, southern gothic, rock, and classical roots to this americana band. Sensitive and rich harmonies weave through the tapestry of original compositions and carefully curated covers that celebrate the roots of American southern music. Fancy Marie, Katie Leigh, and Craig Kellberg enjoy performing as a full groove-infused band, while staying true to the core that is the artistry that is the songwriting trio.

Spring 2023 Amphitheater Series  $45.00

An eclectic mix of music in TFAC’s popular Peterson Amphitheater awaits you this spring! From folk-rock to alternative country to bluegrass to jazz swing, TFAC’s lineup of 90-minute, outdoor concerts will fill the air with music and have you singing & dancing.

  • Smilo and the Ghost – April 27
  • Fancy and the Gentlemen – May 11
  • Darren Nicholson Band – May 18
  • Christian Lopez and Band – May 25
  • Queen Bee and the Honeylovers – June 1

All concerts begin at 6:30 PM. Beverages will be available for purchase.

Fancy + the Gentlemen
May 11 @ 6:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy and the Gentlemen brings an eclectic mix of honky tonk, blues, southern gothic, rock, and classical roots to this americana band. Sensitive and rich harmonies weave through the tapestry of original compositions and carefully curated covers that celebrate the roots of American southern music. Fancy Marie, Katie Leigh, and Craig Kellberg enjoy performing as a full groove-infused band, while staying true to the core that is the artistry that is the songwriting trio.

Friday, May 12, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 12 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

NOC Paddling School
May 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

PUSH Skate Camp Registration Open
May 12 all-day
Asheville Skate Park

Join us this Summer for PUSH Skate Camp at the Asheville Skate Park in downtown Asheville at 50 Cherry St N.

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 12-15, 19-22,

July 10-13, 17-20,

August 7-10, 14-17.

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

June 19-22,

July 17-20,

August 14-17.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 12 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 12 all-day
various locations
Work out for free at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
May 12 all-day
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Work out for free at Stephens-Lee Community Center
May 12 all-day
Stephens-Lee Community Center

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recently renovated fitness centers at Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers – and community members can enjoy use of cardio equipment, exercise machines, free weights, open gym time, and more through June 30, 2023. During this time, APR will waive membership and daily pass fees so more people can access the necessities for a regular fitness routine. Locals can sign up online or at either community center to receive a fitness center key fob that can be scanned at either location.

 

“Our team is committed to creating spaces in which everyone feels welcome,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “We are in the community building business. The gyms and fitness rooms at these two locations are filled with everything you’d expect from other top-notch fitness facilities and dedicated to body positivity and accessible wellness. By waiving the cost to use them for the first six months of the year, we hope more friends and neighbors will be able to connect with each other and maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Bloom with a View
May 12 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Coming this spring! “Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!
For its introductory year, “Bloom with a View” will place vibrant bursts of colorful hydrangeas prominently, with appearances by elegant calla lilies, with oriental and Asiatic lilies forecasted! The ocean of color will provide an excellent avenue to wander meditatively, frolic among the flowers or take that uniquely perfect image or video. Be sure to tag your photos with #NCBloomWithAView and share the experience!
Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 1-14. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access!
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 12 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Breakfast in Bed Mothers Day Brunch
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

No need to shake off your jammies! Take the morning off and join friends for games, prizes, and breakfast at this pajama party.

Little Shredders at Richmond Hill Park
May 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Richmond Hill Park

Little Shredders

May be an image of 1 person, child, bicycle and outdoors

Come hit the trails and check out the beginner bike skills course while making new friends. This is a a social meet up for our littlest riders who are ready to take on trails and try basic obstacles while having fun with other young bikers. A great chance for grownups to meet other families with little shredders. Participants should be comfortable riding a balance or pedal bike. (Check out Tykes on Bikes for our learn to ride program) Participants should bring their own bike/helmet fit for the rider. A limited number of Strider balance bikes and helmets are available for use during program with advance notice.
Intuitive Shamanic Energy Healing: May 6 – May 12
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Asheville

Chloe Kemp is an award-winning, best-selling author and intuitive shamanic energy healer. Her inspirational teaching memoir, Wisdom Keeper: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within, has won multiple awards, including GOLD WINNER: Memoir by a Female—2022 Living Now Book Awards—Books for Better Living.

Chloe’s intuitive shamanic energy healing sessions last approximately 1-1/2 hours. Available appointments begin at 11 am. She prefers to only do one session per day. Chloe lives in Mexico and will only be offering in-person healing sessions in Asheville on May 6 – May 12.

Once you book your session, Chloe will give you information on how to prepare for it. https://www.chloekempwisdomkeeper.com/healing

HEALING TESTIMONIES

“I can honestly say my life has changed for the better in a blink of an eye. I can not begin to express how grateful I am to you for giving me the tools I’ve been looking for my whole life. My session with you was amazing!”—P.S., San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

You are a true healer. I always feel blessed to be in your presence; you continually remind me of the Divine. I definitely felt a shift during and after our session and there’s no doubt it had something to do with the positive results I received at my doctor’s appointment. Every little touch — from the music, crystals, rattle, feather, and even the cards for affirmations afterwards — created such a safe and sacred place for me. You are a beacon of light and love.”—K.M., USA

“The intense healing I received from Chloe helped to open me up to past life traumas and grief and to clear karma so that my current life can progress without continuing to carry burdens from the past. I feel lighter and free to better continue this life’s journey as a Lightworker. I felt surrounded by a healing golden light. In the days and nights after, I experienced vivid dreams and visions that helped to process past grief and prepare me for the work that is to come. I highly recommend this healing experience for anyone — especially all Lightworkers, Star Seeds and Indigos.”—C.P., Registered Nurse, USA

“Wow! Your ability to tap into my past life and clear the stabbing wound literally feels like you removed a knife from my stomach! I feel like I just had an amazing, empowering energy transformation. Thank you for providing a relaxing and safe environment for my energy soul healing. I am amazed that you could channel such powerful energy. I feel like I can now understand and move past my karmic struggle in that lifetime.” —A.J. USA

Mothers Day Lunch
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

Celebrate all mothers and mother figures a little early with a delicious meal.

Grove Street Community Center’s Breakfast in Bed Mother’s Day Brunch
May 12 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

All mother and mother figures – please join us for an early Mother’s Day meal celebrating how wonderful all of you are! Call 828-254-1942 for more information.

Free

PATIO: IMIJ OF SOUL (TRIBUTE TO JIMI HENDRIX)
May 12 @ 5:00 pm
The Grey Eagle Patio

IMIJ OF SOUL

ImiJ of Soul (pronounced image) is a celebration of all things Jimi Hendrix! A psychedelic juggernaut playing Jimi with authenticity and reverence. Already noticed by the man who played Jimi’s parts with Billy and Buddy in Band of Gypsys (Andy Aledort) and literally wrote the book on Hendrix, ImiJ brings the Jimi experience live to you.

 

“ImiJ of Soul play Jimi Hendrix’s music with a truly authentic vibe and attitude, check them out!”  – Andy Aledort…Guitar World Magazine, Band of Gypsys

 

“Some folks just get it, these guys GET it! ImiJ of Soul bring the music of Jimi Hendrix to life, no impersonations, no tricks just rockin the tunes we all grown to love, if you love Hendrix you need to see ImiJ of Soul”  – Dustin Brayley…Trans Siberian Orchestra‫

 

Bill Altman …guitar and vocal
Fatty Be …bass guitar and vocal
David Cohen …drums

Brews + Bears Summer Event Series
May 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand!

Yoga with a View
May 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance registration required.

Enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed at this outdoor class led by Namaste in Nature. Enjoy a practice suitable for all levels of expertise as you overlook Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. You won’t find a view like this in any studio! Lightweight yoga mats will be provided by your certified yoga teacher.

Movies in the Park: DC League of Super-Pets
May 12 @ 8:00 pm
Pack Square Park

A summer tradition returns to Pack Square Park, the popular FREE Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation.

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️ May 12 – DC League of Super-Pets, begins around 8:10pm
📽️ June 9 – Cruella, begins around 8:30pm
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.