Calendar of Events
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.
Named one of Comedy Central’s top 100 Comics of all time.
Described by Jay Leno as “the best joke writer in America,” by British comedian Gary Delaney as the best joke writer in the world, and by “Weird Al” Yankovic as one of the funniest people on the planet, Emo Philips has performed over 6000 times throughout the English-speaking world, including a multi-week run at the Playhouse Theater in London’s West End. Since starting out in Chicago in 1976 at the age of twenty, Emo has had award-winning comedy albums, several cable specials (including an hour-long one on HBO), and many appearances on network television, both in America and in the UK. He has appeared in films (most notably, as the table-saw demonstrator in UHF) and has lent his distinctive voice to animated TV shows (such as Slacker Cats, Doctor Katz, Adventure Time, and Home Movies), but his first love, stand-up, remains his true one.
Tickets are $19.75 presale, $23.75 day of show. First 100 tickets sold with sales promo code EMOFRONT will get preferred seating front middle….for no extra charge! Tickets on sale soon.
https://www.facebook.com/events/415686712220302/
Emo Philips
with special guest, Asheville’s own Art Sturtevant
Show: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
$19.75
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/events/emo-philips/
Described by Jay Leno as “the best joke writer in America,” by British comedian Gary Delaney as the best joke writer in the world, and by “Weird Al” Yankovic as one of the funniest people on the planet, Emo Philips has performed over 6000 times throughout the English-speaking world, including a multi-week run at the Playhouse Theater in London’s West End. Since starting out in Chicago in 1976 at the age of twenty, Emo has had award-winning comedy albums, several cable specials (including an hour-long one on HBO), and many appearances on network television, both in America and in the UK. He has appeared in films (most notably, as the table-saw demonstrator in UHF) and has lent his distinctive voice to animated TV shows (such as Slacker Cats, Doctor Katz, Adventure Time, and Home Movies), but his first love, stand-up, remains his true one.
https://www.facebook.com/events/834035743469913/
Jimbo Chapman toured with national recording artist Cravin’ Melon for 17 years as lead guitarist, primary songwriter and background vocalist. Upon signing with Mercury Records, the band averaged 160 shows a year for over a decade. Touring with Hootie and the Blowfish, Sister Hazel, Bon Jovi, and countless other acts, Cravin Melon continues to write and perform for audiences everywhere. Jimbo now performs as a solo acoustic artist playing a mixture of cover songs, Cravin favorites and new original material. From the ever mellow radio rock of the 1970’s, to Americana, he has a vast array of material. You can find him on Facebook and Instagram under his name. Be sure to check out Cravin Melon on Facebook as well for upcoming events. Jimbo continues to write and record new original songs and garners attention from other acclaimed artists near and far. While raising 3 kids with his wife of 20 years, he still loves performing for any occasion. Come enjoy an artist that continues 35 years after picking up his first guitar.
https://www.facebook.com/events/298534474032086/
LOCAL SHOWCASE: Many A Ship + Matt Sellars, and more! at The Grey Eagle
https://www.facebook.com/events/1953825908250809/
$10 advance/ $13 DOS
8pm doors
https://www.facebook.com/events/374813203013574/
What an incredible year it has been. We’re off into seclusion to complete our second record! But before we do we’re going to #getstrange one last time. We will have copies of our first album along with shirts and buttons available! ❤ we hope to see there. ?
https://www.facebook.com/events/275573149887116/
Stay up late for science! We’ll use a special “bat detector” to hear the high frequency sounds that bats emit while they echolocate their prey, and even identify them using these sounds. In addition we’ll use a black light to attract moths and other nocturnal insects, and you can use this experience to complete your Entomology Challenge toward your Entomology Badge. As we wait for the insects to arrive we’ll play a special Bat-Moth game to learn about their predator-prey relationship. No restrooms will be available on-site, so plan accordingly!
You must pre-register for this event! Email [email protected] to register. All ecoEXPLORERS will receive 5 points for attending!
https://www.facebook.com/events/631805880546295/
Andy Buckner will be performing at Wild Wing Cafe (Downtown Location) in Asheville, NC Friday, August 31st at 9pm!
“Blending honky-tonk bravado and gritty seclusion, Andy Buckner’s music embodies a balance of party anthems and instantly relatable heartache healers. The 24-year-old’s grainy, soulful voice embraces his North Carolina roots and shares authentic songs inspired by his upbringing. After making a name for himself on Season 9 of “The Voice,” Buckner opened up for artists such as Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, and Jason Isbell, and also began work on a debut EP. Buckner’s debut EP was produced by country hitmakers Derek George and Julian King, and is expected to be released in 2018.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/270189267082670/
GrudaTree is an Asheville, NC-based band whose sound is an energetic blend of psychedelic blues ‘n soul, eclectic funk and electric jazz. The original Tree-oh was formed in early 2016…and the Tree is ever growin’! The group’s one-of-a-kind performances showcase original material, classic covers and improvisatory creations.
https://www.facebook.com/events/209468406595113/
J.P. Harris & The Tough Choices
w/ Hearts Gone South
Friday August 31st
Doors 8pm
Tickets: $12adv
Resurrecting the ghosts of a time when real, hardcore Honky Tonk ruled the airwaves, J.P. Harris has lived the songs he writes with the humor, grit, and grace that only a truly road-worn author can summon. After nearly 100,000 miles and over 200 dates, from Vermont to Louisiana to California, from festival stages to roadhouses you can’t find on a map, the band settled in to record “Home Is Where The Hurt Is.” Released in Fall 2014, the band will pick back up and begin relentless touring throughout 2015 and beyond! If you wanna dance, if you wanna cry in your drink, or if you like scruffy fellas in tight jeans, then look out for J.P. Harris and The Tough Choices.
https://www.facebook.com/events/755482354650752/
Martha Kelly is a stand-up comedian based out of Austin, TX. She has been featured on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Last Comic Standing, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Most recently, she landed her acting debut playing the role of ‘Martha Brooks’ in FX’s Baskets which was recently picked up for a second season. Her Comedy Central Half Hour will premiere later this year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1756500131110342/
Martha Kelly (Baskets, Comedy Central) is coming to Asheville as part of the “No Refunds” comedy tour! She’s bringing along Avery Moore (Just For Laughs) and Pat Dean (VICE)! Doors are at 8, show at 9!
https://www.facebook.com/events/229230297751900/
A soulful blend of all your favorite classics from RnB, Funk, and Hip-hop, Special Affair takes you through some of music’s greatest decades- with songs from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, to Ginuwine, Eryka Badu and Destiny’s Child.
Hit after hit, be ready to be pulled in by Tyler Long’s sultry vocals and keys, while one of the best rhythm sections in town will having you cutting a rug before you know it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2163023090653004/
After the festival that never was, you know they are going to blow the roof off Dick’s. Come enjoy a free simulcast of the first night of the run with all your phriends!
https://www.facebook.com/events/524887091287948/
Genre: Fusion/Prog Rock
Cover: Donations @ Door
Show: 10PM
Ages: 21+
Chris Cooper Project
All original, guitar driven instrumental funky jazz/rock written by Chris Cooper. The Project plays as a quartet or trio joined by Josh Mason, Rob Heyer, and Tommy Dennison.
categories
web: http://www.chriscoopermusic.com/
vid: https://www.facebook.com/chriscooperprojectNC/videos/138136813522438/
Carpal Tullar
Carpal Tullar describes both the recording project operated exclusively by Chris Tullar of Asheville, NC, and the Asheville-based band that plays Carpal Tullarsongs live. Chris has been recording music in his home studio for many years. Some of the songs are brand new and others are old enough to vote, so there is a wide variety in the band repertoire. The music is infectious and upbeat rock, lyrically witty, and spattered with influences from the greats of the 1960s and 70s.
Chris is joined on bass by Rob Heyer, who has played in many Asheville-based bands over the past twenty years and most recently The Chris Cooper Project, John McKinney on drums, who is also a long-running Asheville musician, a multi-instrumentalist, but mostly plays keyboards for local bands and various projects in the area, most recently Station Underground and Ton of Hay, and Dave Baker, who fronts the Asheville band The Long Distance Relationship, on guitar and keys.
Carpal Tullar has been played on WNCW, Asheville FM, appeared on NPR’s All Songs Considered podcast, and even made a musical appearance on Car Talk.
web: http://www.carpaltullar.com/
vid: https://youtu.be/iZqQkRQis_s
https://www.facebook.com/events/186472202054727/
THE BLOCK off biltmore is streaming the Phish show live from Dick’s in Denver, CO on Friday, August 31, 2018! If you’re looking for a chill spot to watch the show downtown, that happens to have one of the nicest selection of organic liquor in town, then come on down! NO COVER at the door
http://theblockoffbiltmore.com/index.php/event/phishdicks
The broadcast is in beautiful high definition on our projection screen with audio thru our brand, spankin’ new sound system!
There’s room for dancing, if that’s your bag, there’s lots of seats as well and of course a full bar with the most unique, organic alcoholic and non alcoholic selection in Asheville! We also serve some very tasty, vegan snacks at the bar.
THIS EVENT IS 21+ ONLY.
More info: http://phish.com/tours/dates/fri-2018-8-31-dicks-sporting-goods-park/
https://www.facebook.com/events/267042350738331/
Genre: Psychedelic Funk, Stank, Zazz
Tickets: $10.00
Show: 10PM (Doors: 9PM)
Ages: 21+
The Snozzberries
What is A Psychedelic Circus? In the purest sense, it is an experience. With fractal projections and liquid lights dancing along the walls, live artists and face painters, this immersive atmosphere goes beyond the typical rock show. A key feature of this performance is that once the show begins, it doesn’t take pause until it’s over. Interspersed between music from psychedelic rock band The Snozzberries are interludes from Asheville’s busking sensation To All My Dear Friends. The Master of Ceremonies is AVL Burnouts, whose cosmic hilarity will set the tone for a magical evening.
Combining psychedelia, funk and fusion in lively whirlwind of sonic pleasure, The Snozzberries are Asheville’s freakiest musical pioneers. This high-energy powerhouse channels the head-bobbing grooves of Vulfpeck, the oddity of Primus, and the intensity of Umphrey’s McGee. Come join the party where the jams are fresh and the vibes are dialed in just right.
Music:
The Snozzberries
To All My Dear Friends
MC:
AVL Burnouts
Art Installations:
Iris Liquid (liquid lights and fractal imagery)
Nathan King
Charlie Beech
Ariel Andresen
Body Painting by:
Theresa Coggiola (Art & Babes)
Visual Performance by:
Tantalizing Tigers
Poster Art by:
Joshua Marc Levy
The Snozzberries (Floyd is Dead) vid : https://youtu.be/RtwvJQDBo40
https://www.facebook.com/events/497273697358044/
Throwback Dance Party t with DJ Kilby spinning vinly every Friday night!
No Cover!! Rain or shine
DJ Kilby is a vinyl DJ born and raised in Asheville.
You can find him spinning a fun array of vintage classics and modern dancin’ jams every Friday nights at Ben’s Tune Up.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2151633808426655/?event_time_id=2151633848426651
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT!
The fun is brought to you by LAVA Nights at Polanco
Starting after 10:30pm…
Music sets of Salsa | Bachata | Merengue | Reggaeton | Cumbia | Punta | Top40 | More!
Ladies $7 | Gentlemen $10 [cash]
ID Required
Your best option for latin dancing in Asheville…
Let’s Dance Mi Gente!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1861006930858960/?event_time_id=1861006994192287
Hi! I’ve one show at 8 PM. Please embrace me afterwards.
https://www.facebook.com/events/417375342066439/
Who: Caldwell Arts Council, Lenoir, North Carolina
When: Labor Day Weekend: August 31, September 1 and 2, 2018.
Where: Jones Farm, 3590 NC-268, Historic Happy Valley, Caldwell County, NC
Cost: Friday $5, Saturday $10, Sunday $15
Experience a perfect Labor Day Weekend on the banks of the Yadkin River being surrounded by mountain music, dance, food and beautiful scenery. Festival music begins at 7:00 PM Friday featuring Pam and Brett Riggs, The Sunny Mountain Serenaders, and Jason Cade along with cakewalks and simple mountain dances ($5 adults, 15 & under free). Gates open for primitive camping on Thursday.
Saturday is packed with great entertainment! The music competition begins at 10:00 AM and includes 12 separate categories. The Youth Tent offers music performances by some extremely talented youngsters. Non-music and children’s activities include hayrides, storytelling, children’s crafts, and rock stacking in the river.
The weekend ends with a Sunday concert starting at 10:00 AM featuring an all-star lineup of folk, blues, gospel, old-time, Cajun and bluegrass musicians including the Kruger Brothers, The Harris Brothers, Strictly Clean and Decent, Irish folk music plus other performances and workshops. This fantastic weekend ends approximately 5:00 PM on Sunday. Friday $5, Saturday $10, Sunday $15, $25 for Weekend Pass, children under 16 free.
When was the last time you had the privilege of sitting on the banks of a mountain river with music echoing throughout the hills around you. So come for a day or camp for the weekend.
Check out the details and directions at www.happyvalleyfiddlers.org
Learn about the historic Happy Valley at http://explorecaldwell.com/
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From the writing team behind last year’s smash sensation The Dixie Swim Club. In this rollicking comedy, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings, and hilarity ensues. If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger to catch a bride’s bouquet or have been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dress, this deliriously funny play by Jones Hope Wooten is definitely for you…and your dearly beloved.
Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM
Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM
Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
Students at the Visual Arts Preschool at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design engage with pre-K education fundamentals through a dynamic, arts based curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, social skills, community building, cultural and environmental studies are approached through an art and design thinking lens, as students explore learning concepts experientially across multiple platforms.
The Roots + Wings Visual Arts Preschool ‘Best of 2018’ collection is a cross section of the diverse pre-K education program and includes investigations into art movements, community and culture, storytelling, and creative play.
The Biltmore Estate has been planning the largest exhibition in its historic gardens for almost a decade. And finally, last week, Chihuly at Biltmore opened with a mega installation of glass sculptures from the famous artist Dale Chihuly. Tens of thousands of glass pieces from all around the world reside in 14 locations around the Estate (which is the very first large-scale N.C. Chihuly installation).
The exhibition is up from now until Oct. 7th, free admission with a Biltmore day pass (and free for annual pass holders). Chihuly at Nightis a special, ongoing event where the glass sculptures are lit up, plus live music in the gardens + a wine bar. Tickets are $37.50 for kids + range from $65 – 75 for adults ($10 discount for pass holders).
Three new works were blown just for Biltmore, and 6 new compositions were put together.
Program Highlights:
The evening will feature pianist, Christopher Tavernier. “Exploring New Horizons” with the “Great Piano Classics” and Christopher will astound the classical purists with his grace and technique. The program will begin with some of the most demanding classical music written by the world’s greatest composers and will combine his passion for classical music with today’s musical themes from Hollywood’s Greatest Mega-Hits.
The Music Foundation of WNC is sponsoring its Sixth Annual World Masterwork Series – Exploring New Horizons… the Great Piano Classics from Classical Music to Popular Hollywood Mega-Hits. The performance, an unprecedented and technically challenging piano concert is sure to sell out weeks prior before it comes to the Diana Wortham theatre on Saturday September 1, at 6:45 p.m.
“We are doing something that is very seldom done anywhere in the world,” says Joann Freeburg, Music Foundation of Western North Carolina founder. “You won’t have to be a classical music fan to enjoy this concert. You can appreciate it from a historical, technical and performance perspective. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can experience the classical style with today’s current popular music.
The evening will feature pianist Christopher Tavernier. “Exploring New Horizons” with the “Great Piano Classics” and Christopher will astound the classical purists with his grace and technique. The program will begin with some of the most demanding classical music written by the world’s greatest composers and will combine his passion for classical music with today’s musical themes from Hollywood’s Greatest Mega-Hits.
The piano that Tavernier will be playing on is especially noteworthy. Made in Boston, MA provided by Freeburg Pianos in Hendersonville, is the latest American-made Mason and Hamlin model CC-94 Concert Grand piano and is making its premier “Main Stage” performance at the Diana Wortham Theatre this September. It is the third longest handmade piano in the world at nine-feet-four-inches long. The piano will be tuned to the Equal-Beating Victorian temperament, a tuning method that was preferred in Europe during the 1800s and still by many classical performers. The resulting rich sound to both the trained and untrained ear is often described as more vibrant that tuning commonly used today.
Christopher Tavernier made his orchestral debut with the Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of thirteen in Rocky Mount, NC, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in the opening concert of the orchestra’s Fall 2013 season. Since then he has won the Hendersonville, Asheville, Augusta, and Charlotte Symphony concerto competitions, and second prize in the National Elizabeth Harper Vaughn Concerto Competition in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he was the youngest performer in the history of the competition. In the summer of 2017 he was one of two pianists who won the Brevard Music Festival Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition, competing in a field that included college undergraduate and graduate students.
In addition to a growing solo repertoire, Christopher has performed concerti by Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev. Also, a dedicated chamber musician, he performs frequently with the Rutherford Chamber Consort. In addition, he has performed benefit concerts in support of the Mission Foundation’s “Ladies Night Out” — a collaboration of women helping women who provide free mammograms and health screenings for uninsured/underinsured women, the Hunger Coalition of Henderson County and Music Education Programs throughout Western North Carolina.
Christopher has been featured on ABC affiliate television station WLOS, CBS affiliate WSPA in Spartanburg (Scene on 7), Carolinas CW62 (Studio 62), and Carolina Live NPR radio, and WCQS in Asheville, NC. In 2015 he was named the first International Perzina Artist in the company’s 147 year history. Christopher has published recordings in DVD and CD formats.
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating is be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and arrive just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating is be available on this experience!
Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and arrive just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.
In the Basket
Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.
And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.
This exquisite, interactive exhibit is designed to inspire and educate visitors about the storied history and evocative power of scent while taking them on a full sensory journey, literally! Blending flora, fashion and science, Making Scents showcases some of Mother Nature’s most fragrant botanicals and unveils the plants and flowers behind some of the world’s most iconic perfumes. Visitors will explore the mysterious power of the sense of smell, learn about the artistry and science behind the fragrance industry and even compose their own basic fragrance.
From traditional harvest and extraction methods to chemical combinations of synthetic fragrances, Making Scents uncovers the technical processes behind fragrance creation through an immersive, multisensory experience. Art, passion and craft come together inside the exhibit’s iconic bottle display, which showcases the unique designs of more than 100 perfume bottles, some dating back to ancient the Greek and Roman eras. By integrating horticulture, history and pop culture, Making Scents is sure to enlighten the senses and engage the minds of visitors about the fragrance industry and the living world in a fun, dynamic way.
This exhibit showcases the work of three leading fiber artists who explore Western North Carolina’s mountains, meadows and marshes using fabrics and fibers. Their quilted wall art offers a link to familiar images of this region, echoing the Arboretum’s role of connecting people with plants. Through their diverse styles, construction methods and subject matter, artists Mary Stori, Judy Simmons and Kate Weston add a contemporary twist to the area’s rich and storied quilt-making tradition. Their exhibit features pieces of varying sizes, from large focal-point wall hangings to medium-sized wall art to small work suitable for tabletop display. All pieces are for sale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The North Carolina Arboretum Society.
About the Artists
Mary Stori
From her home in Clyde, N.C., Mary creates botanical and organic themed art quilts using artisian-made, hand-dyed cotton, linen, silk and rayon fabrics. She also utilizes hand-felted and hand-dyed wool as rich backdrops, offering texture and depth to her work. Bead embellishment is another one of her trademarks. Learn more on her website.
Judy Simmons
Judy creates her own fabric in her Fletcher, N.C. studio using surface design techniques, including fabric marbling, dyeing, color lifting and silk screening. Much of the imagery in her work utilizes her own photography printed on fabric. To learn more about Judy, please click here.
Kate Weston
From her home in Statesville, N.C., Kate focuses on the creation of complex cloth through the application of dye, paint and embellishment, such as fabric overlay or manipulation and the application of non-fiber materials. Coupled with skillful machine quilting, Kate’s works create and stunning interplay of color and texture. Please visit Kate’s website to learn more.
The Asheville Art Museum is excited to present Red Hot in the Blue Ridge, an exhibition being held in conjunction with Western North Carolina’s community-wide Summer of Glass celebration. On view at the Asheville Art Museum On the Slope at 175 Biltmore Avenue May 19 – September 30, 2018, Red Hot in the Blue Ridge celebrates Western North Carolina’s unique place in the history of American Studio Glass. Many other organizations and galleries across WNC are also hosting glass-focused events, programs and exhibitions during the region’s Summer of Glass celebration, which coincides with a new exhibition at Biltmore of multi-media artist Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures. Visit www.ashevilleart.org for details.