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.

Saturday, May 3, 2025
Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourist
May 3 @ 6:45 pm
Fluor Field

Head on out to the ballgame at Fluor Field. Greenville is taking on Asheville Tourist. Game starts at 6:45pm.

Juked
May 3 @ 7:30 pm
Wortham Center for Performing Arts

Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective presents Juked – RESCHEDULED

PLEASE NOTE: Performances of DS!PAC’s JUKED originally scheduled for February 6–23, 2025 have been rescheduled to May 1-18, 2025. Ticket holders will be contacted with more information.

Thursday – Saturday, May 1 – 17, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

WORLD PREMIERE written by Mildred Inez Lewis

Juked is a retelling of Sophocles’ tragedy Electra. This version is set in 1950s Asheville and the “kingdom” is a chain of drink houses (private homes offering illegal alcohol) owned by the well-off, African-American Memnon family. Juked examines the relationship between Electra, her mother, and her sister, and asks what happens after tragedy. How do we recover? Juked is part of the Emerging Black Playwrights New Play Series and first debuted in its development phase, as a staged reading in November 2023. 

King James
May 3 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

“King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise to a city in desperate need. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. Over twelve years the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball—and the endless amiable arguments that erupt from that love.

Performances of King James will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.

April 24 – May 18, 2025

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30

Sundays at 2pm

Friday 4/25 and 5/2 at 7:30pm

Friday 5/9 and 5/16 at 2pm

Terms of Endearment
May 3 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theater

Challenges in life and love test the resilience of a mother-daughter relationship in Dan Gordon’s adaptation of Terms of Endearment, based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Larry McMurtry and James L. Brooks’s screenplay of the Oscar-winning film. Though Emma is often exasperated by her highly-opinionated mother, Aurora, they talk daily about their problems, from Aurora finding unexpected love even as she becomes a reluctant grandmother to Emma’s struggle in her troubled marriage. But when they need one another most, will they be able to find courage in each other? This funny and touching story captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers, both old and new.

Thursday, 5/1 at 7:30 (pay what you can available on 4/17)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Asheville Symphony Orchestra Masterworks 7: Tall Tales
May 3 @ 8:00 pm
First Baptist Church

Darko Butorac, conductor

TIME FOR THREE
Ranaan Meyer, double bass
Nick Kendall, violin
Charles Yang, violin

Music possesses an almost magical ability to tell stories. It can paint vivid images of far off lands, enchanted forests, fairy tale villages, the timeless battle between good and evil — all without a single spoken word. Step into the enchanted world of German legends, filled with tales of mysterious swan knights, magic bullets, and mischievous tricksters. Then, delve into the otherworldly Contact; inspired by the idea of interstellar communication, this jazzy, bluegrass-infused, and ethereal concerto for trio was collaboratively written with and for Time For Three.

Weber: Overture from Der Freischütz
Puts: Contact
Wagner: Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel

Gaspard&Dancers
May 3 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

How far can your imagination take you? This renowned company, known for its works of haunting beauty and emotional force, dares to find out in one of many pieces planned for its Asheville program. The company’s founder, Haitian-born former Pilobolus dancer Gaspard Louis, has earned international acclaim for his versatile and inventive choreography, drawing inspiration from — among many other sources — the idea of believing in magic, the search for self-acceptance and the spiritual practices of his home country.

Connect with the art and artists in a dance master class and pre-show discussions.

“The depth and breadth of Gaspard Louis’ choreography, the number of accomplished dancers and collaborations with artists in other fields reaches a new level.” – The Herald-Sun

The performances by Gaspard&Dancers are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Shakey Graves: And The War Came
May 3 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Shakey Graves: And The War Came – 10th Anniversary Tour with Ruby Waters
Saturday, May 03 and Sunday, May 04. 
Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
The Orange Peel
Ages 18+
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Bite Me!
May 4 all-day
Little Animals

Betty Clark confronts and expresses the harsh
realities of the world both internal and external.
She absorbs the shocks of the dark side of human
experience with poignancy and courage. To quote
Robert Motherwell, “the function of the artist is to
express reality as felt.”
Betty grew up in New Orleans, and has been
exhibiting throughout the South since the 1980s.

Come meet the artist

CATS
May 4 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

April 25 – May 17

Cancelled last fall due to Hurricane Helene, CATS is back! An extravaganza of fantasy and theatre magic, CATS has enchanted audiences for decades with its fiercely energetic dancing, showbiz razzle-dazzle, and unforgettable lyrics drawn from T.S. Elliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. As one of the most popular Broadway blockbusters of all time and winner of seven Tony Awards, this certified classic has brought cheer to millions of theatre lovers of all ages! Don’t miss this all-new production! You and your family are sure to leave the theatre tapping your toes and ‘feline’ groovy!

Event Times: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Ticket Prices: $60 / $70 / $80

Into the Woods
May 4 all-day
Asheville Community Theater

INTO THE WOODS

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim & Book by James Lapine

April 11-May 4, 2025.

Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

One of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works, Into the Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Into The Woods will be held following certain the performance on Sunday, April 13.

Run Time: Two Hours (Approx.). There will be a fifteen minute intermission for this show. Content Awareness: Contains themes that may not be suitable for young audiences.

Jurassic Quest
May 4 all-day
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center on May 2-4th, 2025 for Jurassic Quest! Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. There’s no better place to make pter-iffic memories playing with adorable baby Dinos, excavating fossils, or even training a raptor while being surrounded by behemoths like sky-scraping Spinosaurus and, the King himself, Tyrannosaurus rex! Get your tickets for Greenville now, before they go EXTINCT!

Friday: 12-6

Saturday: 9-6

Sunday: 9-5

Event held: Hall 1

Parking: $10 cashless, we accept all credit/debit cards and Apple/ Google Pay.

Parking is located off Exposition Drive.

 

Mother’s Day Spring in Bloom Celebration
May 4 all-day
Tanger Outlets Asheville

This Mother’s Day, Tanger Outlets Asheville invites the women at the heart of its community to come and be celebrated with its Spring in Bloom experiential event, celebrating mothers, women and the vibrant spirit of the season. On Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event will include make-your-own flower bouquets, photo opportunities, giveaways and more. From exclusive activities and interactive pop-ups to curated shopping experiences, this event embodies Tanger’s commitment to creating meaningful moments that connect people, foster community and celebrate women. The family-friendly event, open to the community and free to attend, will be held in the center circle near the Vera Bradley Outlet Store.

As part of Tanger’s continued programming designed to offer engaging and innovative shopper experiences, Spring in Boom blends the latest in beauty and accessories retail trends with culture and community-driven celebrations. Guests are also invited to shop the latest spring fashions with Tanger Deal Days from May 1 – 21! Participating brands including Columbia, Crocs, J. Crew and Under Armour will offer 15% – 25% off, on top of everyday savings.

Thomas Keesecker, Pianist
May 4 all-day
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

Just in time for May flowers, Music & Arts Series of The Episcopal Church of St.
John in the Wilderness presents a piano concert from composer and church musician Thomas Keesecker. The
program features selections from Mr. Keesecker’s concert tour with performances taking place across the
country.

The free concert in Flat Rock is set for Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025 at four o’clock in the Parish Hall
located at 1905 Greenville Highway across from the church.

Handicapped accessibility and free parking are available; donations will be gladly accepted for Music & Arts
Series. For more information please call the church office at 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

WNC Parade of Homes
May 4 all-day
Asheville, NC

WNC Parade of Homes (rescheduled from Oct, 2024)

The Western North Carolina Parade of Homes will take place on the weekends of April 26-27 and May 3-4.  This free, self-guided showcase will feature a wide range of styles and price points. The homes range from a barndominium to luxury mountain retreats, and from net-zero energy homes to full home remodels. For more information visit For information, visit wncparadeofhomes.com

 Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Agefocuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene
May 4 @ 11:00 am
The Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum is proud to present Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art and Community After Hurricane Helene, a poignant and inspiring exhibition on view February 13–May 5, 2025, in the Appleby Foundation Exhibition Hall. This non-juried exhibition
showcases the works of artists from the Helene-affected Appalachia region, celebrating their
resilience, creativity, and strength while highlighting the power of art to inspire and bring communities
together.

Coatlicue & Las Meninas
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The mirror has been a powerful symbol invoked in the arts across centuries and cultures. Mirrors double reality, question the veracity of your perception, open portals to other dimensions, and act as objects of magic and divination. In the series Black Mirror/Espejo Negro (2007, ongoing), Pedro Lasch employs the mirror as an emblem that interrogates the tension between presence and absence, colonial histories, and the politics of visibility. The selections from the series displayed in this installation conceptually bring together canonical works of art from early modern Europe and prominent pre-Columbian sculptural figures, whose superimposed images emerge specter-like through darkened glass. Each work includes an accompanying text the artist produced for that pairing.

Flora Symbolica
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

For millennia, humans and flowers have enjoyed a rich and intertwined history spanning time and cultures. Fossilized flowers have been found at early human burial sites and flora is used in medicines and remedies. Flowers have also evolved into symbols of love, purity, and rebirth, alongside their enduring role as objects of beauty and ornamentation. Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers explores the meanings and messages of flowers in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries, highlighting the timeless connections among art, nature, and human experience.

Greetings From Asheville
May 4 @ 11:00 am
The Asheville Art Museum

This exhibition explores how the land, the people, and the built environment of Asheville and its surrounding environs were interpreted through early 20th century vintage postcards. Some images show the sophisticated architecture of the region, including views of downtown Asheville, the Biltmore Estate, and Grove Park Inn. Other images show views of the scenic mountains and landscapes that first drew tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to the region.

Vegan Market Asheville
May 4 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at AB Tech Coman Center

Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have a bunch of local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt

The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.

Hours are 11:00 – 4:00.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Gratitude Serenity Sound Bath
May 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

Gratitude is more than a feeling, it is a frequency! Gratitude can help you shift your perspective and find the silver lining in challenging situations, further raising your vibrational frequency. When we vibrate at the frequency of gratitude, we align ourselves with the energy of abundance.

As we meditate on the theme of gratitude, we allow the frequencies of the instruments to raise our vibrations.

Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.

Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.

The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.

This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences. (Retail Value $25)

Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

King James
May 4 @ 2:00 pm
NC Stage Company

“King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise to a city in desperate need. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. Over twelve years the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball—and the endless amiable arguments that erupt from that love.

Performances of King James will be held on the days and times listed below. The lobby and concessions area will open one hour prior to showtime. Concessions may be taken into the theatre during the performance.

April 24 – May 18, 2025

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30

Sundays at 2pm

Friday 4/25 and 5/2 at 7:30pm

Friday 5/9 and 5/16 at 2pm

Stronger Than The Storm: An Afternoon of Readings and Reflections
May 4 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Join us for a poignant afternoon celebrating the resilience and spirit of Western North Carolina through the voices of its artists and writers. In honor of the newly released book Stronger Than The Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, this special event will feature readings from contributors who have shared their powerful reflections and stories.

Free for Members or included with Museum admission

My Three Angels
May 4 @ 2:30 pm
Various Locations

Friday and Saturday at 2:30 PM in 35below & Sunday at 2:30 PM at the OLLI Center

By Sam and Bella Spewack
Directed by Ellen Pappas
Production Assistant: Terry Darakjy

It is 104° on Christmas Eve in French Guiana, and three convicts are charged with mending the roof of a French colonial shopkeeper. But surprises abound in this delightful, captivating comedy as Jules, Joseph, and Alfred descend from the rooftop to the living room and begin to meddle in the Ducotel family’s household affairs.

Sunday’s performances at the UNCA Reuter Center now requires all visitors to have a free parking pass. Please click here to reserve yours in advance (only book up to 2 days before event).

Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourist
May 4 @ 3:00 pm
Fluor Field

Head on out to the ballgame at Fluor Field. Greenville is taking on Asheville Tourist. Game starts at 3:05pm.

The Blue Ridge Orchestra 25th Anniversary Season Finale
May 4 @ 3:00 pm
University of Asheville

Our 25th Anniversary Season Finale, part of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s bi-annual festival: “The Art of Storytelling spans genres of jazz and classical in a highly collaborative program. Two exciting works by Leonard Bernstein – Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story – will bookend a beautiful, lyrical piece for jazz quartet and orchestra, Mom by Asheville-based composer Richard Shulman. The program concludes with the glorious Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral.”

BRO’s Season Finale is generously sponsored by Ingles Markets.

Friday, May 2nd, 2025, 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 4th, 2025, 3:00 pm

Tickets:

General Admission: $20

Friends of the Orchestra: $15

Students: $5

Children 6 and under: Free

Info:https://blueridgeorchestra.org/may-25th-anniversary-season-finale-25 or call 828-782-3354.

Terms of Endearment
May 4 @ 3:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

May 1-11, 2025

Thursday, 5/1 at 7:30 (pay what you can available on 4/17)
Fridays at 7:30
Saturdays at 3 pm
Sundays at 3 pm

Director: Jonathan Forrester

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG-13 due to adult language and situations. Depictions of drinking, smoking, drug use, illness and death.

Challenges in life and love test the resilience of a mother-daughter relationship in Dan Gordon’s adaptation of Terms of Endearment, based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Larry McMurtry and James L. Brooks’s screenplay of the Oscar-winning film. Though Emma is often exasperated by her highly-opinionated mother, Aurora, they talk daily about their problems, from Aurora finding unexpected love even as she becomes a reluctant grandmother to Emma’s struggle in her troubled marriage. But when they need one another most, will they be able to find courage in each other? This funny and touching story captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers, both old and new.

The cast of Terms of Endearment:

Tate Albert – Garrett Breedlove

Mark Hodgdon* – Rudyard/Dr. Maise

Victoria Lamberth – Aurora Greenway

Lauren Otis – Emma Greenway

Jered Shults – Flap Horton

Mary Weisberger – Patsy/Doris/Nurse

*Making their Hendersonville Theatre debut

Maya de Vitry Trio and special guest David Wimbish
May 4 @ 4:00 pm
Olivette Farm

Enjoy an outdoor concert at Olivette Farm featuring genre-bending artist Maya de Vitry and special guest David Wimbish. $25•KIDS ARE FREE•BYOB•BYOC (chair)

Maya de Vitry weaves country, folk, rock, and pop elements through her vibrant storytelling and her extraordinarily dynamic singing. Whether she is playing with her electric band in a bar or sharing a song on acoustic guitar at a folk festival, there is an emotional immediacy and a striking magnetism in Maya’s music. She’s joined by Joel Timmons on guitar and harmonies and Rhees Williams on bass.

David Wimbish delivers raw, emotion-driven performances that match the depth of his songwriting. After 10 years playing as a band, he’s been newly incarnated as a solo artist. “There’s a new life to this next chapter. I’m getting back to a more organic sonic footprint that’s more focused on serving the song. I returned to writing in a way that I hadn’t in a long time and stepping into a very honest space.”

Thomas Keesecker, Pianist
May 4 @ 4:00 pm
St John in the Wilderness

Just in time for May flowers Arts Series of The Episcopal Church of St.
John in the Wilderness presents a piano concert from composer and church musician Thomas Keesecker. The
program features selections from Mr. Keesecker’s concert tour with performances taking place across the
country.
The free concert in Flat Rock is set for Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025 at 4pm in the Parish Hall
located at 1905 Greenville Highway across from the church.

Brit Washburn, Ed Falco, Lesley Wheeler, Jen Karetnick
May 4 @ 4:30 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join us for our monthly poetry reading, hosted by Mildred Barya. This month’s Poet Quartet features Brit Washburn, Ed Falco, Lesley Wheeler and Jen Karetnick reading from their newest collections.

This is a free hybrid event with limited in-store seating and the option to attend online.