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.
Mayfest is the one of the longest running festivals in N.C., drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of springtime, family fun. Annual entertainment and traditions will be enjoyed including live music from Rutherford County Line and the Houston Bernard Band, a Car, Truck and Bike Show, and a variety of artisans and crafters showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. Youngsters will have a ball in the Kids Playland featuring inflatables and rock climbing walls, plus obstacle courses, face painting, and the Pinewood Derby Race. Local dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders will perform, a Doggie Kissing booth will be open, and friendly fur babies will take the spotlight during the 4 Paws Kingdom Pet Contest. No festival is complete without fabulous food vendors. Indulge yourself with delicious BBQ, turkey legs, roasted corn, stir-fry, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and much more.
Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!
Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!
Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:
* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!
PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.
Proceeds go to CHC’s Mission, which aims to find solutions to the nationwide affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.
Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!
Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!
Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:
* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!
PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.
Proceeds go to CHC’s mission, which aims to find solutions to the national affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Andy Cohen, Master Blues Musician, with Ash Devine in Concert at Flood Gallery
Andy Cohen rolls through Asheville, NC on a rare occasion. Join us for a special concert of piedmont blues, road worthy fingerstyle folk blues, and other heartfelt original tunes! Andy is a connoisseur of Rev. Gary David repertoire on guitar, and a general life long student of all blues style. Cohen has been on the road for almost 50 years, and at 72, still wanders the countryside with a car load of character and instruments. Ash Devine, friend, surrogate niece, and student of Andy Cohen, will accompany for a few originals, traditional songs from WNC, Carter Family repertoire, and more.
The concert is based on a sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Fingerstyle country blues guitar pickin workshop available the night before the concert! Limited spaces are available for this rare opportunity to study with Andy! For more info and to register, email Ash at [email protected].
Franz Schubert: Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major, D. 898
Franz Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, D. 929
The first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmoniker. A Grammy nominated cellist. A world-famous pianist. Join Asheville-native Noah Bendix-Balgley, Peter Wiley, and Robert Levin for a singular special event celebrating one of chamber music’s most legendary composers — Franz Schubert. This performance is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these three chamber music masters perform the Austrian composers only two piano trios, both composed late in life.
We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy our first of many musical evenings in Biltmore Park Town Square. Grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. Tuxedo Junction, WNC’s Premier Dance Band, will be joining us to play all of your favorite tunes! Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!
At 5’2″, comedian Jenn Snyder packs a whole lot of funny in her one-two punch style of comedy. Topics ranging from her days growing up as a lesbian in a “good ol’ boy” town, to her dealing with the public on a daily basis, this comedian will pull you in with her stories and leave you wanting more with her quick wit and hilarious observations. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, her ultimate goal is to unite all people through laughter.
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-jenn-snyder-tickets-61201280678
+ PAUL I. TOSH BAND with members of Dirty Dead
+ JLAD (JIMMI LANG’S ALMOST DOORS)
+ RIYEN ROOTS W/NIKI FOSTER
MOTHER’S DAY LEAF SUNDAY FUNDAY THE BLOCK 2-6pm
SUGGESTED $5-10 DONATION to support the end of Gordon Piland’s incarceration and **fingers-crossed** upcoming release and re-entry. This is NOT a political event, but a community gathering designed to raise money to assist now (commissary/phone expenses) and upon release and re-entry. All money will go to him and his family directly.
Can’t make it? Donate $5 $10 $20 through Venmo @lucysnow (Gordon’s daughter in Charlotte)
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Asheville’s monthly queer stand up comedy show, featuring Annick Adelle from San Francisco/ Germany!!!
ages 18+
Tickets $7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-annick-adelle-tickets-61326806128
VIP $10: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-annick-adelle-vip-ticket-tickets-61326865305
Geoff Tate is most likely watching “Cheers” right now. A Cincinnati-based comedian, he has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and regularly tours with Doug Benson and Doug Stanhope. He made his television debut on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, and is a regular on Doug Loves Movies, as well as Getting Doug with High. He has performed at music and comedy festivals like Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, Limestone and he has two albums available at the Doug Stanhope store and he’s the host of the popular geofftate’s MSHD PODCASTO, in which he discusses topical Cheers-related issues, gets his dad to try things, talks to people he graduated with, forces Emma Arnold to host her own show and just has a good time.
Featuring Lily Campbell, Andrew Rudick and Lee Michael Kimbrell
Hosted by James Harrod
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-geoff-tate-tickets-61202697917
The Montford Festival will celebrate its 16th year as the largest free street festival in Asheville. Held on the main street of the historic Montford district, it features food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and continuous music until 7pm. Free parking on neighborhood streets or at the Asheville Visitors Center.
5 th Annual Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser
Brought to you by the Polk County Film Initiative
Join us for the 5 th Annual, Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser, at Mountain Brook Vineyards
in Tryon.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, bell bottom jeans, tie-dyed shirts and free spirit, as we trip back to
1969 for a special screening of “Woodstock”.
Rap with all your friends and dig the music of Michael Baughman. Then munch out on the classic BBQ of
Bird Mountain and Tim Wright. Soak in the fabulous wines which are grown, bottled and produced on
Mountain Brooks’ spectacular seven-acre vineyard.
Asheville’s Power Band, “The Paper Crowns” will take the stage as the evening gets rolling. Then, as the
sun goes down, toss down a blanket let the Polk County Film initiative take you on a trip to
“Woodstock”. See how 50,000 tickets holders brought along 500,000 of their friends and turned
Woodstock into a pivoting point of the pop culture.
It will be a groovy evening to remember. Please support Year 5 of the Tryon International Film Festival.
In this family-friendly performance, longtime Candid Camera host Peter Funt’s hilarious stage comedy is blended with clips, quips, and behind-the-scenes tales from the show’s funniest moments. Incorporating the best of Candid Camera episodes in a fast-paced, laugh-filled romp through the decades, audience participation and special surprises make the show a great night of fun! Candid Camera Live is the ultimate fan book for those who grew up with Candid Camera–from the 1940s to the present. Filled with photos and stories never before published, and a tribute to Alan Funt, creator and original host, this is a true keepsake. It’s Allen Funt, Peter Funt and a cast of millions!
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
We are celebrating Memorial Day Weekend the most LaZoom way ever… with silliness!!!
Four nights, four very different and fantastic shows!
5/23 Home Groan Pun Battle with Kelly Morgan and Glenn Reed
8pm free
https://www.facebook.com/events/815196242197824/
5/24 Paul Ollinger, 9pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/304240486963098/
5/25 Tim Northern, 9:30pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/665380333912623/
5/26 Red, White & Boobs, Women of DC Comedy Showcase 9pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/757375191297128/
Click on the individual events for tickets or buy a pass for the whole weekend and get an awesome LaZoom koozie for keeping your beers cold through all four shows and a Modelface Comedy & Events button!!!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-weekend-tickets-61324208358
South Carolina singer-songwriter Lang Owen performs Thursday, May 23 at Odd’s Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, from 7 to 9 p.m. Music writer Kevin Oliver (Free-Times, Columbia) describes Owen as “a gifted songwriter … with songs that evoke classic ’70s storytelling artists such as Harry Chapin, Paul Simon, or Fred Neil, painting pictures with a voice and guitar … .” Owen, playing a Martin acoustic guitar, will sing all original songs with lyrics that offer intimate perspectives of everyday people and places. Odd’s Cafe is located at 800 Haywood Road in Asheville; no cover.
In June, Owen will sing at the Sentient Bean in Savannah, Georgia. Recent shows in the Columbia, SC-area include opening for North Carolina native musician Jonathan Byrd at the Tree of Life Coffeehouse, and solo performances at The White Mule music venue, Deckle Edge Literary Festival, among many other weekly performances at Columbia-area music venues. Owen also periodically performs with the Two Hats and a Ponytail trio, which features Owen’s music and the poetry of Tim Conroy and Al Black.
For video and audio of Lang Owen performing, and more information, visit Facebook.com/LangOwenMusic.
For directions or more information on Odd’s Cafe, visit oddscafe.com, or call 828.505.7776.
Paul Ollinger is a nationally-touring comedian, podcaster and corporate refugee. After 15 years selling advertising for companies like Yahoo! and Facebook, Paul launched the comedy career that has taken him all over North America, opening for legends like Norm Macdonald, Dave Attell, Daniel Tosh and Roseanne Barr. He has performed in the Laughing Skull, Asheville, Cleveland, DC, and North Carolina comedy festivals. Earlier this year, he headlined the legendary Carolines on Broadway in New York City. Paul is the host of the Crazy Money podcast in which he interviews celebrities, authors, and everyday people to find out how they think about money. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and two kids.
Also featuring James Harrod and hosted by Kelly Morgan
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $14 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-paul-ollinger-tickets-58205311654
Tim Northern is 6’3″, 200 pounds of manly man with what is often described as an obscure sense of humor. He is articulate, smart and deceptively witty, but most importantly he’s funny. The combination of his gruff exterior and his easy on the ears style could be catastrophic, but this mixture works well.
His opening line ‘I love y’all’ leaves audiences wondering what’s next. They soon realize he’s sincere.
Tim is a regular performer on the national comedy club circuit. He performed as the opening act for Rodney Carrington in Honky Tonks all over the country from February 1999 through July 2000.
Tim performed at the Chicago Comedy Festival 2002 as part of the Fresh Mugs Showcase, and showcased for the 2003 Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. In the spring of 2003 Tim was chosen to appear on CBS’s Star Search where he advanced to the Finals.
Also featuring Cary Goff and hosted by Becca Steinhoff
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $14 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-tim-northern-tickets-61208984721
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
So excited for the very silly Dan Gill, David Venhuizen, and Eric Dadourian to come to Fleetwood’s!
Dan Gill is an actor and stand-up comedian originally from Coralville, Iowa. He performs infrequently and co-hosts the monthly stand-up show, Idiots, in Los Angeles. Gill is known for his work in films like The Wedding Ringer, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, and Creative Control. He has also appeared in The Office (NBC), The Comedians (FX), & two failed television pilots for FOX. Gill is also featured in dozens of national ad campaigns for companies like State Farm, DirectTV, Honda, and Amazon. Dan currently co-hosts the hit wedding podcast, Groomzillas, on the Forever Dog Podcast Network.
David Venhuizen is a Los Angeles based comedian originally from South Dakota. He has performed on the LA Riot, Moontower, SF Sketchfest, Green Gravel, Crom, Orlando Indie, and Hell Yes comedy festivals. He also runs a stand-up show called Idiots at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz every Wednesday and performs in the sketch group The Fringe Riders with Dan Gill and Colin McCormick. He drives a truck and has recently been trying to get into jazz.
Eric Dadourian is a comedian born and raised in Los Angeles. He has appeared on The Meltdown at Meltdown Comics, in addition to Holy F*ck at the Downtown Independent as well as SF Sketchfest. He is a beautiful boy and went to Julliard.
Hosted by Becca Steinhoff
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chips-a-drink-comedy-at-fleetwoods-tickets-61896891268
It’s AVL Beer Week and we are celebrating local beer the best way possible.. by pairing it with local comedy! Come enjoy a pint or three of Pisgah’s special Blonde Ale (brewed just for this event!) and all your favorite local Asheville comedians.
Featuring Jacob H. Koll, Bethany Kathleen Vance, Jess Cooley, Moira Goree, Blaine Perry and more!
Hosted by Lily Campbell
Tickets $10
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pisgah-ha-ha-comedy-showcase-tickets-61210212393
Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
Join us June 1st for a special concert event benefiting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity featuring Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats! 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.
WHEN: Saturday June 1st, 2019
WHERE: Ambrose West | 312 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806
TICKETS:
– $20 General Admission
– $30 General Admission Seated
– $40 VIP 1st 3 Rows Seated | VIP Mixer with light appetizers | Swag Bag
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is an organization that transcends politics, race, gender and other things that often divide us. Thanks to thousands of supporters united in the shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, 1,600 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future through Habitat homeownership and home repair programs. On the foundation of stable housing, more of our neighbors experience greater educational achievement, better health, increased safety and security, and the opportunity to age in place. Get involved at ashevillehabitat.org.
Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats formed in Asheville NC as a street busking project in late 2011. Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship & Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the band has continued to craft their hard driving style of rock n roll and are dedicated to building their musical family. Consistent studio recordings, year round touring, earnest songwriting & sharing show bills with legends such as Sonny Landreth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Drivin N Cryin and Bettye Lavette has made Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats one of the industry’s fastest growing rock n roll bands.
Buy Tickets Here: https://avlhabitatbenefit.eventbrite.com/
Shari Diaz is a Bronx, NY native who switched up her stomping grounds for Raleigh, NC in 2014 where she got her feet wet in standup comedy. Her crossover appeal, crowd working skills, and Latin flavor has quickly built a platform and a diverse following ranging from hipsters to moms screaming for a night out. With all the positive feedback, she founded Boogie Down South Productions as an avenue for local comedians to collaborate and bring forth gut wrenching shows. Shari Díaz is also a Co-Producer for the first official Raleigh comedy festival called, Oak City Comedy Festival. In 2019, she moved back to the Bronx to pursue comedy where she has been booked consistently on some of the hottest comedy shows in the NYC Comedy scene and produces a monthly comedy show in the Bronx called, “Bodega Comedy”.
Her accolades include opening for one of the original “Latin Kings of Comedy”, Joey Medina. In addition, she has set the stage for comedic geniuses, the Lucas Bros and Maria Bamford. Shari has been performing at comedy festivals around the country, such as, North Carolina’s Comedy Festival 2018 & 2019 in Greensboro, NC, Big Pine Comedy Festival 2018 in Flagstaff, AZ where she won “Best of Fest”, BTF Comedy Festival in Philly 2019 and Dallas Comedy Festival 2019, DC’s Comedy Festival 2019, and will be performing at the Midwest Queer Comedy Festival in August 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Shari Díaz was also a Finalist on 2018’s NC’s Funniest Contest at the legendary Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh, NC.
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-shari-diaz-tickets-61213868328
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Chris Charpentier is a stand up comic born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He was a “New Face” at the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs in 2015 and was named “One to Watch” at the LA Riot Comedy Festival. Chris has also been in the Bridgetown, High Plains, OddBall and Aspen Comedy Festivals. You can often catch Chris opening the for hilarious Josh Blue, whom he met at their home club, the world famous Comedy Works.
Chris has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has a recurring role in TruTv’s “Those Who Can’t”. He also appeared on Viceland’s “Flophouse” and FuseTV’s “Uproarious”.
Featuring Andrew Michael
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-chris-charpentier-friday-tickets-61764597574
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-chris-charpentier-saturday-tickets-61765027861
We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy a musical evening in Biltmore Park Town Square. Grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. We will be hosting the Marsha Morgan Band – MMB plays a variety of music including beach, dance, rock, country and more. Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!
Chris Charpentier is a stand up comic born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He was a “New Face” at the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs in 2015 and was named “One to Watch” at the LA Riot Comedy Festival. Chris has also been in the Bridgetown, High Plains, OddBall and Aspen Comedy Festivals. You can often catch Chris opening the for hilarious Josh Blue, whom he met at their home club, the world famous Comedy Works.
Chris has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has a recurring role in TruTv’s “Those Who Can’t”. He also appeared on Viceland’s “Flophouse” and FuseTV’s “Uproarious”.
Featuring Andrew Michael
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-chris-charpentier-friday-tickets-61764597574
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-night-chris-charpentier-saturday-tickets-61765027861
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445