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.

Monday, June 21, 2021
AniMonday! Anime Games, Music All Day
Jun 21 @ 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Retrocade

May be an image of one or more people and hair

Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!

Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Tickets On Sale Now for the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival!
Jun 22 all-day
Brevard Music Center

This year’s sensational summer season features an exciting, in-depth performance schedule spanning 5 weeks from July 9 through August 8. Highlights include Beethoven@251 “Festival Within a Festival,” the acclaimed BMC Presents series, performances by Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, esteemed Artist Faculty, and more!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jun 22 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Jun 22 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Summer at Biltmore
Jun 22 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Guided Trail Walk
Jun 22 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about the Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! In response to COVID-19, new safety measures have been put in place to protect our guests, members, volunteers and staff: Walks will be limited to 10 people, including the guide, and all participants will be required to wear face coverings for the duration of the walk.

This free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks depart from the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby every Tuesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. through the month of October. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours and are approximately one to two miles in length, and as such are recommended for guests 14 years or older. Walks are held rain or shine, so all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
PATIO SHOW: “ROTATIONS” DJ OTTO MADDOX X DJ WALL
Jun 22 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: “Rotations” DJ Otto Maddox x DJ Wall

FREE!! Rare groove and classic vinyl dj sets curated by DJ Arieh & DJ Otto Maddox every Tuesday on the GE patio. Weekly rotating guest DJs.

$2.50 Tecate cans + $2.50 hardshell tacos

Live Jazz Hour at the Enka-Candler Library
Jun 22 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Jazz Hour LIVE!

Join us at Enka-Candler Library for our first in-person monthly jazz hour on Tuesday, June 22 at 6:30 PM. This is a celebration of the “Great American Songbook” featuring music by Gershwin, Ellington, Porter, and more! Performers: Michael Jefry Stevens- Keyboard, Todd Wright- Saxophones, Zack Page- Bass

This program will be held outside by our community room. We have some picnic tables, chairs will be available, but also feel free to bring your own. For those not quite comfortable with sitting near people, put your windows down and lay back in your car/truck, we’ll be transmitting the performance on FM radio! We’re excited to announce in the following months Griff’s Kitchen and Bar will be open for seating and they’ll be transmitting the performance as well. Want a beverage or dinner while listening to live jazz? Soon you’ll be able to thanks to our little block in Candler.

This program is free and sponsored by the Friends of Enka-Candler Library.

Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Jun 22 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

OUTDOOR SHOW

Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Jun 22 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Primus – A Tribute to Kings Rescheduled to August 28, 2021
Jun 22 @ 8:00 pm
Harrahs Cherokee Center Asheville

Primus – A Tribute to Kings

Date of Most Recent Show Date Change: June 26, 2020 at 12:00pm. 
The upcoming “Primus: A Tribute To Kings” tour is being rescheduled.  Primus has been looking forward to celebrating this incredible Rush album, but want to ensure everyone’s health and safety is not at risk. New dates are being worked on at this time and information will become available the moment it’s able to be shared. Please hold onto your tickets as they will be valid for the new dates.  A majority of the shows will offer refunds when the new dates are announced up to 30 days.
Please reach out to your original point of purchase with questions regarding refund policies and any other ticket inquiries. Thank you for your understanding and support during this unprecedented time.
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Tickets On Sale Now for the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival!
Jun 23 all-day
Brevard Music Center

This year’s sensational summer season features an exciting, in-depth performance schedule spanning 5 weeks from July 9 through August 8. Highlights include Beethoven@251 “Festival Within a Festival,” the acclaimed BMC Presents series, performances by Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, esteemed Artist Faculty, and more!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jun 23 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Jun 23 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Summer at Biltmore
Jun 23 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jun 23 @ 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.

PATIO SHOW: 5J BARROW
Jun 23 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: 5j Barrow

5J BARROW

Inspiration seeped through the windows of apartment 5J on Barrow Street looking out over the Hudson River in NYC’s Greenwich Village, where singer-songwriters and Broadway performers, Eryn Murman and Jason Hite, soaked up the energy and passion of musicians, painters, poets and writers who created the Village vibe. Together, they paid tribute to those creative spirits and named their band 5j Barrow, writing music and lyrics with a unique folk/rock sound, touring as a duo, and often picking up Drew Jones on bass and Gerard Canonico on drums. The band has inspired audiences with soulful music, evocative imagery, and lyrics that touch the heart, from the historic Apollo Theater to the open air of Washington Square Park, from the streets of New Orleans to the Rocky Mountains, from California wine country to New England forests.

Woody Platt of the Steep Canyon Rangers says his interest was piqued when he came across their live show at the Asheville Regional Airport of all places.

“I checked out 5J Barrow and was totally impressed; killer vocals, cools songs and overall great energy, vibe.”

The duo of Eryn Murman and Jason Hite who originally formed the band in 2011, forged an even stronger bond when they married in 2017. Since then, they’ve toured the country and discovered new inspiration in the mountains of Asheville, NC, a supportive artistic community that resembles the old Village vibe that sparked 5j’s values in independent artistry, community and collaboration. They still travel and tour, a favorite of Sofar Sounds in dozens of cities, and play diverse music venues, house concerts, and festivals all over North America.

5j Barrow was named “Best Band in NY” after winning The Greene Space WNYC/WQXR’s Battle of the Boroughs 2014. 5j Barrow released their debut album ‘From the Dim, Sweet Light’ in 2014, and their EP trilogy of The Journey Volumes 1, 2, and 3 were released from 2017-2019.

Thursday, June 24, 2021
Tickets On Sale Now for the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival!
Jun 24 all-day
Brevard Music Center

This year’s sensational summer season features an exciting, in-depth performance schedule spanning 5 weeks from July 9 through August 8. Highlights include Beethoven@251 “Festival Within a Festival,” the acclaimed BMC Presents series, performances by Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company, esteemed Artist Faculty, and more!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
Jun 24 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Jun 24 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Summer at Biltmore
Jun 24 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

See the source image

Summer at Biltmore offers an abundance of opportunities to explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard and create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Wander through historic gardens, along winding trails, and within the spacious halls of America’s Largest Home®. Enjoy extraordinary experiences and peace of mind in one spectacular setting: only at Biltmore.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Jun 24 @ 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.

PATIO SHOW: HOTEL FICTION
Jun 24 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW:  Hotel Fiction

HOTEL FICTION

Hotel Fiction is an Athens, Georgia-based band consisting of best friends Jade Long and Jessica Thompson. Both women have been playing music for over ten years and began writing, performing, and playing together in January 2019. In August, Hotel Fiction released their debut single “Astronaut Kids” to all streaming platforms which received a warm welcome from local audiences and several major U.S. cities. Hotel Fiction’s sound has often been described as genre-fluid, with indie, pop, and rock influences. With Jade’s dynamic vocals and piano and Jessica’s complementing lead guitar and harmonies, the two create a unique experience for listeners. In quarantine, the two finished an album and are expecting to release it in 2021.

Thursday Night Live: Patrick O’Neil
Jun 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Patrick O’Neil loves to harness that power with a broad audience of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike. Ever since the age of 5, O’Neil has found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with fans and people all over the world. He was awarded a grant at the age of 12 for his musical proficiency, and was accepted at the age of 12 into his pre-college program at the University of South Carolina for cello. He went on to win first place in his youth orchestra’s concerto competition and performed with the orchestra on two separate occasions at the age of 13. He was  accepted into the Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities for his high-school education, during which he led the ensemble Concertato to win a national award for best high-school orchestra. After graduation he attended USC where he studied with distinguished professor of cello Dr. Robert Jesselson. O’Neil majored in music performance as well as focusing on music pedagogy. During his studies he participated in music festivals such as Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, where he was invited to perform with the music faculty in one of the festival’s featured public performances. His chamber group was chosen to perform throughout the Vermont area presenting Schumann’s Death and the Maiden as a part of the festival’s outreach program. He also went on to win two titles in high school and in college in the Music Teachers National Association’s statewide solo strings competition. O’Neil has performed in masterclasses and private-lesson settings for such acclaimed cellists as Matt Haimovitz, Edward Arron (New York University), Melissa Kraut (Cleveland Institute of Music), and the Juilliard Quartet. O’Neil currently performs with the Asheville Symphony and recently recorded the soundtrack for The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020) with members of the Asheville Symphony.

Lawn Concert with Honey Magpie
Jun 24 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Honey Magpie is an indie-folk band from Chapel Hill, NC whose sound is both traditional and modern, blending classical string instruments and three part harmonies with pop, rock, and indie influences.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
Jun 24 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
The Greenville Chorale Lakeside Patriotic Concert
Jun 24 @ 7:30 pm
Furman Amphitheater

The Chorale joins the Furman Lakeside Band for an uplifting, entertaining music in celebration of America’s Independence Day.

Friday, June 25, 2021
2021 Brevard Music Center Raffle
Jun 25 all-day
Online

Official 2021 Raffle RulesAudi

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Jun 25 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Private Caboose Party
Jun 25 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.