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.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Jun 9 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 10 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 10 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jun 10 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 10 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 10 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Jun 10 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
Jun 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Downtown
Jun 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics EVERY THURSDAY at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof! Also, nonroof show option available

What we’re about

A great place to find live Asheville’s live comedy performances and other local comedy fans!

We’ll be posting all the Asheville-area stand-up comedy shows in the area (assuming I know about them). We’ve met several of you already, and we’d love to meet more of you!

Asheville has a lot of great comedy. There’s touring comics performing in larger venues. Asheville is also home to a thriving local scene with great local comics performing in smaller venues and opening for touring comics. There is also a great selection of open mics, so if you ever have the itch to try something out, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.

Friday, June 11, 2021
Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 11 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 11 @ 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
Jun 11 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online w/ Asheville Jewish Community Center

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jun 11 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

Psychedelic Jam Fest 2021
Jun 11 @ 7:00 pm – Jun 12 @ 2:00 am
Sly Grog Lounge
LIVE: Sandy and Richard Riccardi
Jun 11 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

WHITE HORSE LIVE: Sandy and Richard Riccardi

Rosie O’Donnell declared Sandy and Richard “MY105C Montreat Road FAVORITE NEW SINGING SONGWRITING TEAM” on Twitter. Comedy Cabaret Couple Sandy and Richard Riccardi are satirizing every thing within reach of a piano, specializing in progressive parody.

Sandy and Richard Riccardi have been taking on the political world with their patented blend of comedy cabaret and socio-relevant lyrics since their first viral video, “Hockey Mama For Obama” back in the simpler times of 2008. They have continued to entertain over 60 million viewers with hits like “Tiki Torch Nazis,” “The Boy From Mar-a-Lago,” and most recently Sandy was featured on the Roy Zimmerman mega-hit “The Liar Tweets Tonight.” Sandy and Richard are thrilled to be back in one of their favorite venues, the White Horse Black Mountain, to guarantee laughter in the midst of pandemic-monium.

Saturday, June 12, 2021
Fox Brothers Disco Pig Party
Jun 12 all-day
The Farm at Old Edwards

Warm southern nights in June beckon for southern barbecue! Enjoy a lip-smacking evening at the Farm at Old Edwards on Saturday, June 12 with pitmasters Jonathan and Justin Fox. They’re the tour de force behind the award-winning Atlanta restaurant Fox Brothers Barbecue. Get your taste buds ready for their unique Southern-style barbecue infused with their home state of Texas flair. Enjoy pulled pork, brisket, wings… you know – Bar. B. Que. That’s Saturday, June 12 at the Farm at Old Edwards.
$155 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Book online today: https://www.simpletix.com/e/fox-brothers-dinner-at-the-farm-tickets-65446
or call 855-421-2919 to book. 

Let’s Bring Summer Back Campaign
Jun 12 all-day
Online
NC YMCAs Join Efforts to Encourage Vaccinations
North Carolina YMCAs are joining forces with the NC Department of Health and Human Services and organizations across the state to educate people in the community about COVID-19 vaccines as part of a summer get-out-the vaccine campaign.
The Bringing Summer Back initiative is a community centered approach that creates a space for every organization and individual to roll up their sleeves and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. YMCAs across North Carolina will be participating in the initiative and elevating the importance of vaccinations.

COVID-19 vaccines are our best shot to bring back summer and get everyone safely back to the people, places and activities they love. So, we are launching the Bringing Summer Back initiative, a fun, flexible, community-centered approach to help every organization and individual stop the spread of COVID-19 by urging friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.

Bringing Summer Back will run during the following weeks:

  • June 6-12
  • June 20-26
  • Register your organization below. Registered partners will receive an introductory toolkit of resources and materials—from flyers to stickers—to help the people in your community bring summer back. Access a detailed guide for ways to participate and download the toolkit as well.

Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 12 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jun 12 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jun 12 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Spring Asheville Art in the Park
Jun 12 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Art in the Park

updated again to dates we now hope to be in Pack Square. This is still tentative and subject to change, again. . . . Spring Asheville Art in the Park in Pack Square! Asheville Art in the Park will once again be providing access to some of the finest artists in the region with it’s market series now in its second decade. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. Muddy Knees Design and Production proudly offers local artists the opportunity to connect with the public in Asheville‘s Pack Square Park.
We invite you to come out to Asheville Art in the Park. Take a stroll around the Vance Monument and Hoss Haley’s marvelous fountain and experience the textures and forms of a truly unique garden.
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jun 12 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!

Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.

Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.

Diesel $109.00 ($114.00 October) Not Permitted
Steam $119.00 ($126.00 October) Not Permitted
Locomotive Adult (21+ Only) Under 21

How to Purchase

You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.

VIRTUAL Mixed Level Pilates Mat Class for Beginners with Cisco Pilates AVL
Jun 12 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Online

VIRTUAL Mixed Level Pilates Mat Class for Beginners with Cisco Pilates AVL

Join Alexis from Cisco Pilates Asheville for free online Pilates mat classes! The class is beginner friendly.

Pilates is for every BODY…no matter your age, gender, or physical ability, give it a try in the comfort of your own home. Wake up and work out!

These classes are offered to the public free of charge thanks to the support of the Pack Friends of the Library.

LIVE: Blind Phoenix
Jun 12 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

WHITE HORSE LIVE: Blind Phoenix

As many bands do, Blind Phoenix (formerly The Second Civil War) started by accident. Chris Daniels and his wife Kim own a great little restaurant, The Silos, along the coast in North Carolina, and Rebekkah Hilgraves was in town helping a family member. She wandered in to the restaurant one night after a neighbor told her that there was a regular open mic night every Wednesday. They sat together, planned a couple of tunes and had a blast singing together the first time. Rebekkah kept visiting, got inspired to write a couple of songs, and an idea was born — let’s turn this into a Real Thing, and record an album. Over the next several months, both saddened and inspired by life events, more songs came to life. They planned recording sessions in Asheville, at White Horse Black Mountain and RadHaus. Truth or Dare was the result, and the rest, as they say, is history. They’ll bring back songs from the album, along with more new material they’re preparing for their next couple of albums!

Sunday, June 13, 2021
Donor Center Asheville: Critical Need Donate Blood
Jun 13 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Donor Center Asheville

KEY FACTS: 

  • In the past few days, hospital partners are reporting they are using blood at a much higher rate than normal. When demand is high, and the supply is critically low – that is a dangerous equation for the community.
  • Because of the critically low supply, The Blood Connection (TBC) is now having to back-order blood products. This has affected 12 hospital partners so far.
  • 48% of days this month, TBC DID NOT collect enough blood to cover hospitals’ needs. For comparison, in May of 2020 (during the pandemic) TBC collected enough to cover those needs 84% of the days.
  • There is a high likelihood that TBC will have to start rationing blood by the end of the weekend.
  • Heading into a holiday weekend – hospitals are stocking up their blood supply. TBC has already not been able to provide those products.
  • The community is the ONLY solution to this dangerous problem. The blood supply for local hospitals is in the community’s hands. 
Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jun 13 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bluegrass Brunch
Jun 13 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Jun 13 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Food Truck Sundays
Jun 13 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Psychedelic Jam Fest 2021 Community Day!
Jun 13 @ 3:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sly Grog Lounge