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, August 1, 2019
Ponderers Cafe – Liberation Meet Up
Aug 1 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church

Meet and greet at 6pm, Pondering starts at 6:30.

Please enter the church through the front door. There is ample parking on the street in front of the church. There will be a $2 per person offering for the use of the church facilities and I think this is very fair. This is in addition to any donation you may wish to give for the expenses of the meetup itself. Feel free to bring any reasonable food or drink for yourself or to share.

RSVPs go live every Friday at 5pm.

Broadway in Brevard: An Evening of Frank Loesser Favorites
Aug 1 @ 7:30 pm
Porter Center at Brevard College

From the Pulitzer Prize to the Tony Award to the Academy Award, Frank Loesser has won them all! Join us in celebrating the legendary American songwriter with this special evening of his favorite melodies, including Broadway’s Guys and Dolls, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Most Happy Fella, among others acclaimed works.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Dean Anthony and Marla Berg, directors
Neill Campbell, piano
Josh Quinn, piano

Please note: All seating is reserved.

Friday, August 2, 2019
Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

New Music at Searcy Hall Brevard Music Center
Aug 2 @ 12:30 pm
Searcy Hall at Brevard Music Center

Throughout our summer festival season, Brevard Music Center is delighted to present the following free events, which are held at Straus Auditorium and Searcy Hall (on the BMC campus) and Transylvania County Library (TCL) in downtown Brevard. All seating is general admission

Student Piano Recital Brevard Music Center
Aug 2 @ 2:30 pm
Searcy Hall

Throughout our summer festival season, Brevard Music Center is delighted to present the following free events, which are held at Straus Auditorium and Searcy Hall (on the BMC campus) and Transylvania County Library (TCL) in downtown Brevard. All seating is general admission.

Piccolo Opera Brevard Music Center
Aug 2 @ 4:30 pm
Straus Auditorium

Throughout our summer festival season, Brevard Music Center is delighted to present the following free events, which are held at Straus Auditorium and Searcy Hall (on the BMC campus) and Transylvania County Library (TCL) in downtown Brevard. All seating is general admission.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 2 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
UNCA Lipinsky Hall

Folk music and dance of the southern appalachians

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.

Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:

Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.

At the Door:

Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Saturday, August 3, 2019
Lace up! Register Now for LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 3 all-day
Pack Square

RUN YOUR ASH OFF for Cultural Arts Education!
Your run (or walk) 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets
Saturday, August 3rd @ 9am

Lace up your shoes for the LEAF ART DASH,
for an art filled family-friendly 5K in downtown Asheville.
Costumes Encouraged | Pets Welcome
Art Dash kicks off Saturday LEAF Downtown AVL festivities!

This 3.1 mi COURSE will travel through the city,
complete with live roaming Artists & interactive arts.
It feels like a LEAF Parade! 
#RunYourAshOff

Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 3 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
UNCA Lipinsky Hall

Folk music and dance of the southern appalachians

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.

Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:

Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.

At the Door:

Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

FIREBIRD
Aug 3 @ 7:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium Brevard Music Center

Angular rhythms and vibrant orchestral colors abound in Stravinsky’s entrancing ballet score composed for Diaghilev’s famed Ballets Russes. Young violin virtuoso SooBeen Lee makes her Brevard debut in Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Sinfonia
Ken Lam, conductor
SooBeen Lee, violin

LIADOV From the Apocalypse
SIBELIUS Violin Concerto in D minor
STRAVINSKY Song of the Nightingale
STRAVINSKY Firebird Suite

Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

This program was previously named Sibelius Symphony No. 1. In addition, the PROKOFIEV Violin Concerto No. 2 has changed to the SIBELIUS Violin Concerto in D minor.

Ticket holders may attend The PreConcert, a free recital in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance. 

Sunday, August 4, 2019
60th Annual NC Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 4 all-day
The Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center

For the last 60 years, Spruce Pine has welcomed rockhounds and gem and mineral enthusiasts to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Welcome to the North Carolina Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Festival website! Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Celebrating our Diamond Year!
August 1-4, 2019

One of the oldest & most popular mineral and gem shows in the country!

Admission $5 adults, $3 Seniors, Kids 10 & under free

Festival Times:
Thursday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Aug 4 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

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

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Brevard Music Festival Finale Weekend Features Rachmaninoff 2, Stravinsky’s Firebird, and Mahler 2
Aug 4 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium Brevard Music Center
On Friday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m., BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart takes center stage with the Brevard Concert Orchestra in a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. The evening’s program also features Maslanka’s Hymn for World Peace and Mackey’s Aurora Awakes, performed by the Brevard Symphonic Winds under the direction of Kraig Alan Williams. 
 
On Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m., BMC Resident Conductor Ken Lam leads the Brevard Sinfonia in Stravinsky’s vibrant and rhythmic Firebird Suite, composed for Diaghilev’s famed Ballets Russes. Additional works include the composer’s Song of the Nightingale, as well as Liadov’s From The Apocalypse and the Brevard debut of violinist SooBeen Lee in Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor.
 
On Sunday, August 4 at 3:00 p.m., BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and hundreds of artists fill the WPA stage for the season finale performance of Mahler 2. Mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, soprano Ilana Davidson, and the Brevard Music Festival Chorus, under the direction of chorus master David Gresham, are also featured in Mahler’s impassioned and apocalyptic Resurrection Symphony.

ams. 

Monday, August 5, 2019
Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 6 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 7 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

Asheville Chamber of Commerce Regional Business Expo Registration Open
Aug 7 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WNC Agricultural Center

With 120+ local companies offering business solutions at the WNC Regional Chamber Business Expo, you can solve your business issues in one fell swoop. Take this opportunity to share ideas, make connections and learn about products and services from local, trustworthy companies. The expo will include Health & Wellness, Financial Services, Insurance, Professional Services, Printing and more!

 

Tools For Schools Supply Drive
Aug 7 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Ingles

These dollars have been used for valuable learning tools and equipment. Public schools, private schools and home school associations are welcome to participate in this program, grades K-12. Ingles and our Tools for School program are committed to helping thousands of schools and students achieve their education goals.
Building our City Speaker Series with Kristen Jeffers
Aug 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Collider

 

 

 

 

Asheville is changing again. From becoming a major urban area in the North Carolina mountains to becoming a major tourist destination, one can’t deny that the growth has brought a lot of good. However, too much of a good thing can turn to bad. Kristen will take her method of sharing her personal story of migration and change and resilience as it relates to the places she’s inhabited and encourage Ashevillians in attendance to embrace everything that makes Asheville Asheville and continue the path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Kristen E. Jeffers is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Urbanist multimedia platform, author of A Black Urbanist (second edition forthcoming), creator of the public speaking course Plan to Speak and 1/2 of the podcast Third Wave Urbanism, as well as a freelance writer, urban planner and advocate.

Thursday, August 8, 2019
THIS WEEK’S PRESALE Orange Peel
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Motionless In White
Tuesday – October 1

Use Code “DISGUISE

Code valid 8/8 10am – 10pm

 

Big Freedia
Saturday – October 26

Use Code “OPBOUNCE

Code valid 8/8 10am – 10pm
Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
Aug 8 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

One of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers, Lyle Lovett breaks down barriers with a distinct fusion of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues.

Lead Sponsor: Platt Architecture

Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

ZOSO – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
Aug 8 @ 9:00 pm
Orange Peel

This Thursday, we’ve got the BEST Led Zeppelin tribute band, Zoso! Called “The best of the best of Led Zep tribute acts” by the LA Times, each individual member of Zoso was selected to portray both the image and playing styles of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. Together the quartet pays homage with its powerful and unmistakable Zeppelin sound.
Friday, August 9, 2019
Clemson August graduation ceremony
Aug 9 all-day
Littlejohn Coliseum

CLEMSON — Clemson University will confer more than 1,000 degrees during the summer graduation ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9, in Littlejohn Coliseum. Visitors should plan extra time for travel and prepare for metal detectors at each entrance and the enforcement of the clear bag policy as well.

Students from the university’s seven colleges will participate in Friday’s ceremony. A doctoral hooding ceremony for approximately 85 prospective Ph.D. candidates will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, in the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

Thursday’s doctoral hooding and Friday’s graduation will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Allow extra time for travel

Families and guests should plan extra time for travel due to the presence of construction at various parts of the main campus. Please visit the university’s interactive map for up-to-date areas impacted by construction and resulting alternate traffic routes.

Police officers will be directing traffic to help visitors get to the coliseum for the ceremonies. Parking is available in several lots near the coliseum. The lot directly north of Littlejohn is reserved for vehicles with handicap access, while the Avenue of Champions and C-9 parking areas will be reserved for event staff.

All lanes of Highway 93 (Walter T. Cox Boulevard) will be open Friday. Doors open for the event at 7:30 a.m.

Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Aug 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

Strolling Through History: Active Bodies, Active Minds
Aug 9 @ 10:30 am
Pack Library

You can’t beat a walk with a friend over good conversation. So, why not take a walk with lots of friends and a history expert to boot? Buncombe County Libraries is excited to announce its Strolling Through History program focused on getting you moving while taking in some experiential history. “Each one of the strolls is a little different. We’ll talk about the evolution of the architecture, famous (or not quite so famous) residents, important events, and more,” explains Pack Memorial Librarian Katherine Calhoun Cutshall. “On our Haywood Street stroll, we talked about how the street has seen two major rebirths and discussed the careers of two WWI nurses who grew up on the street while it was mostly residential.”

Pack Librarians are always looking for innovative ways to showcase the library’s portfolio of initiatives and resources. “The North Carolina Room is a hidden gem in our library system, so programs like Strolling Through History bring the collection to the streets of downtown while showing off resources and programs in a fun new way,” notes Katherine. And of course, exercising your muscles and social skills are important at any age

So, how can you get involved with the monthly Strolling Through History? There are two versions: one for elder adults and one for babies and their caregivers. If you’re interested in participating, the elder adults strolls are the third Friday of every month, and the babies and caretakers strolls are the third Wednesday of every month (except July). All strolls will meet at Pack Memorial Library at 10:30 a.m., and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. Registration is required. 

MJ Live: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
Aug 9 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

MJ LIVE features all the biggest hits of the legendary music of Michael Jackson, including Bad, Billie Jean, Beat It, Dangerous, Smooth Criminal, Black & White, I Want You Back and many others. Relive the energy, excitement, spectacle and pure joy of this one-of-a-kind superstar and his chart-topping music, signature dance moves and award-winning showmanship. With awesome sound and lighting effects, the MJ LIVE band and the energy of the mega talented MJ LIVE dancers, the audience is invited to sing, dance and celebrate the one and only King of Pop to some of the greatest songs of all time.
Ticket Prices: $22, $27, $35, $38 Priority Seating