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.

Friday, May 9, 2025
Annie the Musical
May 9 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide
phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The
beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and
Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written,
including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s
hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to
find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City
Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the
other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure
after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations… and even
befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in
billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable
mutt named Sandy.

The R&B Invitation Tour
May 9 @ 8:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

 

Saturday, May 10, 2025
Descendants: The Musical
May 10 all-day
Valley Springs Middle School Theatre

Valley Springs Middle School proudly presents Descendants: The Musical. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films! Four family-friendly shows guaranteed to make you Rotten to the Core. Get tickets while they last!

An Evening With Chris Thile and Asheville Symphony
May 10 @ 7:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

An Evening with Chris Thile features a true array of genres. You’ll hear Thile’s new work ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra, the third movement of Barber’s masterful Violin Concerto – which he will play on mandolin – and more.

MacArthur Fellow and Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter Chris Thile, who the Guardian calls “that rare being: an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical,” and NPR calls a “genre-defying musical genius,” is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek. For four years, Thile hosted public radio favorite Live from Here with Chris Thile (formerly known as A Prairie Home Companion). With his broad outlook, Thile creates a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike, giving the listener “one joyous arc, with the linear melody and vertical harmony blurring into a single web of gossamer beauty” (New York Times).

Darko Butorac, conductor

Chris Thile, mandolin

BADBADNOTGOOD
May 10 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

BADBADNOTGOOD in concert with Baby Rose on Saturday, May 10 at The Orange Peel.

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

Ages 18+
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mother’s Day Brunch at Kanuga
May 11 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Kanuga

Celebrate Mother’s Day with this special brunch event! Join us for a delicious meal surrounded by beautiful scenery. Treat your mom to a day she won’t forget with a variety of dishes to choose from. Show your appreciation for all that she does with a lovely meal in a charming setting. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make her day extra special!

The Greenville Symphony presents Season Finale: Beethoven and Brazil
May 11 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Peace Concert Hall
Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 11 at 3:00 pm

PROGRAM
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
João Guilherme Ripper: Cinco Poemas de Vinicius de Moraes
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F major, “Pastoral”

Join us for the grand finale of our season with a captivating concert that celebrates the enduring legacy of Beethoven alongside the vibrant rhythms of Brazil. From the cosmic brilliance of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst to the lyrical beauty of João Guilherme Ripper’s Cinco Poemas de Vinicius de Moraes, this is a journey of musical exploration and cultural fusion. Our season finale culminates with the timeless majesty of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, transporting you to the serene landscapes of the countryside.

GUEST
Tess Altiveros, soprano

Of Mice & Men
May 11 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Of Mice & Men and Until I Wake in concert

Sunday, May 11

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Exodus
May 13 @ 6:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Exodus with special guests Havok and Misfire

Show: 7pm | Doors: 6pm

The Orange Peel
Ages 18+
Rising Stars Concert with Cristian Makhuli
May 13 @ 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

This event is a collaboration between the Asheville Chamber Music Series and the Asheville Art Museum featuring North Carolina musicians embarking on a major concert career.

Season Finale with Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet • Curtis on Tour
May 13 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Conclude the Parker Concert Hall 2024-25 Series with a triumphant performance by Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet from the famed Curtis Institute of Music. The concert embodies our aspiration for excellence and collaboration featuring world-class artists working alongside outstanding students. Curtis on Tour showcases the finest talents in the country, providing an unforgettable season finale.

Season Finale with Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet • Curtis on Tour
May 13 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Season Finale with Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet • Curtis on Tour

The Bones of JR Jones
May 13 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Bones of JR Jones with Henry (of Ruen Brothers)

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$20.91

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
THE BONES OF JR JONES
Growing up, Jonathon Linaberry was obsessed with the radio.
“I remember sitting there at night, glued to the boombox, cassette player ready to record whenever my favorite songs came on,” he recalls. “There was something so thrilling about it, something romantic that I think we’ve lost now that everything’s available at our fingertips. I wanted to find a way to get back to that place, to recapture those feelings of excitement and anticipation and possibility.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Slice Standup Comedy Contest
May 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Pulp Lounge

The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest Series: ROUND 2

Thursday May 14, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)

These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do 3-1/2 minutes of comedy. Audience votes for their favorites of the night thru ballot voting. Comics are separated in 3 groups of 7 contestants. This show’s 3 top comics from each category will be paid and be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBA.

Comics on the show:
Aiden Lamb, Andy Frampton,
Art Sturtevant, Austin Elfers,
Becca Steinhoff, Ben Jennings,
Clay Jones, Cloud Hudson,
Evelyn Pekarek,
Foster, Issac Truman, James Burks,
Jason Reel, Jordan Ballard, Julia Macias,
Justin Blackburn, Makenzie Manent,
Roman Fraden, Sam Arrowood, Sully

Tedeschi Trucks Band
May 14 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Tedeschi Trucks Band(TTB) is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse that holds the well-deserved reputation as one of the best live acts touring today. Led by husband & wife, guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi – hailed as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation” (NPR), the 12-piece Tedeschi Trucks Band is known globally for their unmistakable sound and world-class musicianship that seamlessly blends distinctive genres of American music.

Since forming in 2010, Tedeschi Trucks Band’s caravan has traveled countless miles to bring their music to audiences around the world. With a large catalog that spans rock, blues, jazz and even country, no setlist is ever the same, leaving their ever-growing fan base of all-ages returning again and again for electrifying performances. In the fall of 2023, Tedeschi Trucks Band played a pair of career-defining arena shows at TD Garden in Boston and a sold out Madison Square Garden in New York City. Dubbed “The Garden Parties” the pair of gigs saw praise from Relix who raved of the group’s “seasoned grace and artistry.”  From sold-out multi-night residencies across America to tours through Europe and Japan, to their flagship annual summer amphitheater tours, the band’s shows are an eagerly anticipated highlight of the live music calendar and “nothing short of exhilarating” (Salon).

 

Thursday, May 15, 2025
Sunami / Pain Of Truth
May 15 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Sunami / Pain Of Truth

PeelingFlesh
Ends Of Sanity

Show: 7pm | Doors: 6pm

The Orange Peel

Ages 18+

WNC Songwriter Sessions featuring Mare Carmody, Charlie WIlkinson & Nikki Talley
May 15 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Brandy Bar + Cocktails

An evening of original songs in the natural acoustics and listening room atmosphere of the beautiful and historic Brandy Bar, 504 Seventh Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Featuring MARE CARMODY, CHARLIE WILKINSON & NIKKI TALLEY
Hey Neighbors! We have a delightfully talented group of songwriters for our May session at the coolest bar in Hendo. Founders of this very series – Mare Carmody and Charlie Wilkinson – will be joined by local favorite Nikki Talley for an evening celebrating creativity, humanity, community, and delicious brandy and/or cocktails. Come join us!
Mare Carmody is a voice of Southern storytelling, in both songs and prose. She believes life indeed is a song. Or a series of songs.
Charlie Wilkinson has been writing and performing since a time before junior high schools, from the Washington, D. C., area to Florida and other foreign lands, and has always seemed to get dropped into the middle of special places and special folks.
Powerhouse vocals deliver Nikki Talley’s award-winning songwriting about life’s simple pleasures: travel, motherhood, fishing, rhododendron & moonshine.
With hosts Annie Wenz and Todd Hoke
The Brandy Bar 504 Seventh Ave. East, Hendersonville, NC 28792. 828-845-0546
For more information: [email protected]

Friday, May 16, 2025
Candlelight Spring: Rings and Dragons
May 16 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Candlelight Spring concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Rings and Dragons at Asheville Masonic Temple bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring.

General Info
Venue: Asheville Masonic Temple
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: Balcony seating is not ADA compliant

Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone

Real Friends
May 16 @ 6:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Real Friends with New Aesthetic, The Indoor Kids

Doors: 5:30pm // Show: 6:30pm
$30.75

 

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
The Crane Wives
May 16 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Beyond Beyond Beyond Tour presents:

The Crane Wives

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
May 16 @ 8:45 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Asheville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen and more at The Asheville Masonic Temple under the gentle glow of candlelight.

General Info
Venue: Asheville Masonic Temple
Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Accessibility: please contact us for more information on accessibility
View the FAQs for this event here
Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone
If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here
Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Asheville

Saturday, May 17, 2025
Saluda Arts Festival
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Saluda

The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art media is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metal work, woodwork, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more. Live music, Children’s Tent, Family Fun. Event is held on Historic Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, May 17, 2025, 10am to 4pm.

Breaking Benjamin + Staind – Awaken The Fallen Tour
May 17 @ 7:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Breaking Benjamin + Staind – Awaken The Fallen Tour With special guests Wage War, Lakeview. 

Songs from the Road Band
May 17 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theater

Hendersonville Theatre is excited to present Songs From The Road Band as part of May’s Hometown Sound Music Series. This award-winning Asheville-based bluegrass ensemble is redefining the genre with their exceptional musicianship and heartfelt performances. Featuring Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo), the band has an impressive six-album catalog, including their latest release, Pay Your Dues. Known for their energetic live shows, they seamlessly blend tight three-part harmonies, improvisational jams, and a mix of original tracks with fan-favorite covers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

Mat Kearney
May 17 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Headlights Home Tour presents: Mat Kearney

Augustana (solo)

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
The Orange Peel
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval
Sunday, May 18, 2025
PAN HARMONIA: Siempre Amigos
May 18 all-day
First Presbyterian Church

PAN HARMONIA’s Season 25 continues with a joyful reunion of friends and founding musicians Liz Austin, Dewitt Tipton and Kate Steinbeck.

Join us for a fun and beautiful afternoon of chamber music for flute, cello and piano featuring Trios by Bohuslav Martinu, Ondine Smith-Moore and GP Telemann.

Kate Steinbeck flute
Elizabeth Austin cello
Dewitt Tipton piano

Sunday, May 18, 3 pm · First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, 40 Church Street, Asheville 28801

Pay-as-You-Can

Livestream Option

Reserve in advance and receive parking info too.

Brevard Philharmonic presents All-American Finale
May 18 @ 3:00 pm
Porter Center

The Season of Wow concludes with Brevard Philharmonic’s All-American Finale, featuring violinist William Shaub, on Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Porter Center, Brevard College.
The Season of Wow comes to a triumphant close with All-American Finale, a concert celebrating the brilliance of American orchestral music. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the Brevard Philharmonic will take the stage at the Porter Center at Brevard College for a stirring program featuring music that captures the heart and soul of America. Joining us for this unforgettable performance is the extraordinary William Shaub, a world-class violinist known for his dazzling technique and expressive artistry. Shaub will bring to life Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved American violin concertos, filled with lyrical beauty and breathtaking virtuosity.

Liz Longley with special guest Jesse Ruben
May 18 @ 4:00 pm
Olivette Farm

Join us in the beautiful Asheville neighborhood of Olivette for an outdoor concert by critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Liz Longley and special guest Jesse Ruben.

$25•KIDS ARE FREE•BYOB•BYOC (chair)

Best known for her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice, Liz Longley is an accomplished singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. With her deeply emotional songs, Longley has earned accolades from some of the most prestigious songwriting competitions in the country and cultivated a following that enthusiastically supports the creation of her music.In 2020, Longley’s “Funeral For My Past” received widespread acclaim, with Forbes hailing it as a “stunning new album.” Billboard described it as spanning genres from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems.

Jesse Ruben is a singer/songwriter living in Brooklyn, NY. Best known for his lyrical storytelling and engaging live shows, his songs have been heard on more than a dozen TV shows in the US and abroad . His most recent single “This Is Why I Need You” reached the top 10 in 12 different countries, and has been streamed more than 60 million times across all platforms. He has recorded live sessions for NPR and MTV Asia, and has been featured on CNN and in Esquire Magazine.

Brett Dennen & River Whyless
May 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Brett Dennen & River Whyless

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel
Ages 18+
Kishi Bashi
May 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present Kishi Bashi with Oshima Brothers

Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$32.81

Grey Eagle Music Hall
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
KISHI BASHI

The latest full-length from Kishi Bashi, Kantos is a work of exquisite duality: a party album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeply unsettling and sublimely joyful.