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.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 2 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Guided Trail Walk
May 2 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, 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 and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
AVL on Bikes Spring Out
May 2 @ 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Wedge Brewery at Foundation

here’s a link to the event for more info: https://ridewithgps.com/events/205172-spring-out-23#routes/41972013/preview

Join Mark & I for the Main Ride (you may also choose to do the short ride, 3.3 miles and meet up with us after!): 8.8 miles of a mix of bike lanes, greenways, and protected bike lanes plus a variety of neighbor slow streets and active urban streets with a few climbs.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 2 @ 6:00 pm

Get BOGO GA Adult Tickets with promo code INGLES when you buy online.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 3 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 3 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 3 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Bloom with a View
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Coming this spring! “Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!
For its introductory year, “Bloom with a View” will place vibrant bursts of colorful hydrangeas prominently, with appearances by elegant calla lilies, with oriental and Asiatic lilies forecasted! The ocean of color will provide an excellent avenue to wander meditatively, frolic among the flowers or take that uniquely perfect image or video. Be sure to tag your photos with #NCBloomWithAView and share the experience!
Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 1-14. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access!
Passholder Experience: Late Spring Birding Hike
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park
 Advance Registration Required.

Enjoy this intimate spring birding walk with a local bird expert and get to know your fellow passholders, too. Scope out some of our many resident species as they enjoy the late spring weather from our spot on the NC Birding Trail. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 3 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

ecoEXPLORE Family Herpetology Day
May 3 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Owen Park

Celebrate the warmer weather and bask with the frogs and turtles! Join us as we walk you through the web-based program, ecoEXPLORE. You’ll learn how to submit photos and complete nature themed challenges to earn badges and prizes!

This initiative by the NC Arboretum includes a different challenge each season that will keep children engaged in learning about nature year-round while also contributing to citizen science. The theme this spring is herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. We’ll explore shores of the fishing ponds and woods for a variety of scaly and slimy friends! Stick around after the program to continue your exploration of the nature trails and playground.

Click here to learn more about ecoEXPLORE

 

Ages: 5-10 yrs; families welcome

Where: Owen Park; Picnic shelter at the far end of the parking lot by the dock

For more information, contact Rose Wall and Jen Knight by email: [email protected]. Please reach out in the case of inclement weather to learn if the program will still take place.

Look out for more ecoEXPLORE Family Days one Wednesday every other month.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 3 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Your four-legged friends love baseball too! Be sure to join us for Doggies at the Diamond presented by Patton Ave. Pet Co.

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 4 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 4 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 4 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Bloom with a View
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Coming this spring! “Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!
For its introductory year, “Bloom with a View” will place vibrant bursts of colorful hydrangeas prominently, with appearances by elegant calla lilies, with oriental and Asiatic lilies forecasted! The ocean of color will provide an excellent avenue to wander meditatively, frolic among the flowers or take that uniquely perfect image or video. Be sure to tag your photos with #NCBloomWithAView and share the experience!
Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 1-14. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access!
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 4 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Re-wild your Space with Buncombe County Environmental Educators
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Whether you live in a rural, urban or suburban environment, nature is everywhere!
Join us to learn practical tips on how to re-wild your land (or balcony!) to support a healthy habitat for butterflies, birds, native plants – and your family.
We will also discuss yard foraging and share recipes for delicious spring greens that many folks have in abundance this time of year.

Waverly Front Porch Series
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Waverly Inn

Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.

May 4: Jess Jocoy, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 1: Letters to Abigail, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series

July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series

September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series

October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 4 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Join us for Thirsty Thursday presented by Catawba Brewing Co. and 105.9 The Mountain. $1 Domestic Beer, $1 Coca-Cola and $3 Craft Beer.

The String Cheese Incident
May 4 @ 6:30 pm
Salvage Station

The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.

Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show.  And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!

Friday, May 5, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
May 5 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

NOC Paddling School
May 5 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
May 5 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 5 all-day
various locations
Bloom with a View
May 5 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
NC Arboretum
Coming this spring! “Bloom with a View,” is an immersive floral installation on the grounds of The North Carolina Arboretum. Throughout the gardens, colorful and festive planters will elevate thousands of blooms to eye-level. Wander, explore and even lose yourself among the flowers!
For its introductory year, “Bloom with a View” will place vibrant bursts of colorful hydrangeas prominently, with appearances by elegant calla lilies, with oriental and Asiatic lilies forecasted! The ocean of color will provide an excellent avenue to wander meditatively, frolic among the flowers or take that uniquely perfect image or video. Be sure to tag your photos with #NCBloomWithAView and share the experience!
Special Event Daily Parking Fees apply to all vehicles entering the property May 1-14. Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enjoy Bloom with a View.
Includes all-day access to gardens, trails and indoor exhibits
Members: FREE
Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $30
Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $75
Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $150
Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society will have free access!
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
May 5 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower OVERNIGHT Experience
May 5 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 am
PARI

Have you ever wished upon a star? Now is your chance! Enjoy camping under the stars or relax in the comfort of our cabins and observing the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower at our historic, mountaintop, Internationally certified Dark Sky Park.

Grab a picnic blanket or bring your own lawn chair and sit back and relax while enjoying the show that space provides as meteors rain down throughout the night from Halley’s Comet!  This meteor shower is expected to produce 10 to 30 meteors per hour.  PARI astronomers will also be on hand with telescopes for you to experience the night sky.

PARI is offering two overnight options for your enjoyment.  *** All overnight packages include dinner, a tour,  observing the meteors, night sky observing with telescopes, accommodations and breakfast.

REGISTER HERE –  CABIN PACKAGE

REGISTER HERE – CAMPING PACKAGE

The Chamber Challenge
May 5 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge! Join in virtually or sign up for the in-person event on May 5th.

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2nd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive — Fireworks Night
May 5 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5

Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Ingles!