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.

Thursday, July 18, 2019
11th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 18 all-day

Give us 2-4 hours. Enjoy a day of music and memories — and the knowledge that you helped to bring a community together! You’ll also get a little swag: a 11th Annual Festival Tee Shirt, snacks, a drink ticket, and our new Blue Ridge Pride Center buttons and stickers. Volunteer roles include: setup and breakdown, selling wristbands, beverages or merchandise, and assisting with volunteer check-in or VIP. Learn more and sign up here.

Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 18 all-day
Asheville

Looking for a fun, enriching, and rewarding way to give back to the Asheville culinary scene? Chow Chow is calling on friendly, helpful, and professional individuals to help make the culinary event a successful one. Through a variety of events hosted by makers and talents from all over, it’s a great way for volunteers to network and have fun. Positions range from greeters to ticket scanners to chef assistants and more. Over 200 dedicated individuals will make up the Volunteer Program.

PubCorps is partnering with Chow Chow to sponsor the volunteer lounge to give volunteers a place to meet and interact with one another. Volunteers must be 21 years or older to serve, attend a one-hour training session in August, and complete special training for specific tasks.

To learn more about the Chow Chow volunteer requirements and application, visit here.

July Summer Reading Program Buncombe County
Jul 18 all-day
Various locations

 

Summer Reading Programs continue and July’s library events are full of fun, interesting, and educational opportunities. Check out one of the many book clubs or reading times with our therapy dog. Also, the Early Bird Special: Classics & Casseroles will have you watching classic movies while noshing on potluck items. As for Summer Reading Programs, you can get down with Groovin’ on Grovemont and launch fireworks with the Bottle Rockets! program.

There’s so much going on in July, check out the Summer Reading Programs and July Library Events lists below.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
July Library Events 271 KB 06/26/2019 10:21 AM
July Summer Reading Program 286 KB 06/26/2019 10:21 AM
Liquidlogic Kayak Raffle in Support of RiverLink
Jul 18 all-day

 

RiverFest 2019 is less than two weeks! As part of our RiverFest celebrations this year we will be raffling off two kayaks from Liquidlogic. Funds raised from the raffle will support our work to revitalize the French Broad River and watershed.

 

Tickets are $10 for 10 or 25 for $20. Purchase your tickets here.

Odyssey ClayWorks Summer Kids Clay Camp 2019
Jul 18 all-day
Odyssey ClayWorks

Come experience the love of clay with our talented artists at Odyssey ClayWorks! Learn to sculpt, coil, and even get to try your hand at throwing on the potter’s wheel in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. All skill levels welcome.

Summer Exhibitions at Momentum Gallery
Jul 18 all-day
Momentum Gallery

Momentum Gallery in downtown Asheville hosts new summer exhibitions – Mariella Bisson, Setting Shapes; Oil paintings by two new painters: Samantha Keely Smith and Paul Sattler; and a group invitational called Give Me Wood. These exhibitions continue at 24 N Lexington Avenue through the end of August.

Mariella Bisson deftly delineates the sculptural planes of regional waterfalls and sylvan scenes creating refreshingly contemporary landscape paintings. Her oil-over-collage paintings feature built-up texture, suggesting the complex surface of stone and tree bark, lichen, and moss. Bisson’s paintings demonstrate a strong understanding of formal composition and reflect a sensibility honed from time she’s spent immersed in the outdoors. Of note, Bisson is a two-time recipient of the Pollock-Krasner grant and was awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts fellowship in painting.

Samantha Keely Smith creates inspired and stirring abstract paintings in oil. The Brooklyn-based artist sees her paintings “as an expression of our internal turbulence. They reflect the overwhelming reality of being constantly aware of what is happening in the wider world – Change is the only constant.” Smith’s nebulous compositions are evocative of luminous cloudscapes and primordial oceans. Brilliant areas of stained pigment collide with waves of painterly brush strokes ultimately conjuring imagined environments with a timeless quality. “These paintings are about the essence of who we all are, as human beings… We all want love and connection.” Smith’s works give form to fluctuations between turbulence and calm present in everything from our emotions to the temporal world. Overall, Smith’s focus is on the underlying psychological impact of the dawning awareness of our shifting reality.

An accomplished oil painter, Paul Sattler was the recipient of the John R. Solomon Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. In 2004, he was selected to exhibit at the 179th Annual Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Art at the National Academy of Design in New York, where he received the Wallace Truman Prize. Dramatic narratives unfold in his charged and enigmatic oil paintings which reference historic and literary sources. Sattler comments, “A diverse population of animals are enmeshed in my works’ human-inhabited environments, theatrical locales, and domestic dramas.”

Give Me Wood is an imaginative and evocative collection of contemporary painting and wood sculpture. Central to the identity and creation of all the extraordinary two- and three-dimensional works in the exhibition is the common material of wood. The participating artists defy logic, explore space (both real and imagined), carve, bend, turn, and otherwise construct some truly amazing and innovative work! Featuring Michael Alm, Garry Knox Bennett, Gil Bruvel, Christian Burchard, Tom Eckert, David Ellsworth, Ron Layport, Wendy Maruyama, and Sylvie Rosenthal.

An Evening with Nickel&Rose and SistaStrings
Jul 18 @ 12:30 am – 3:30 am
Isis Music Hall

$12 Advance / $15 Day of Show

Folk duo Nickel&Rose join forces with R&B/gospel duo, SistaStrings, to form an exciting and unique quartet, pulling from each other’s lush repertoires in beautiful four part string and vocal harmony.

Nickel&Rose have influences that span the spectrum of American music. Carl’s background brings elements of West African music and Blues while Johanna brings her experience playing Bluegrass, Folk and Jazz. From loss to heart break to love, Nickel&Rose address the human experience with gentle harmonies and soul stirring cries. With a shared appreciation for traditional music and a desire to break rules, the two have have created a unique sound that embodies Americana’s past and future.

The sound of SistaStrings can’t be described in one word. The Milwaukee based sister duo combines their classical background with R&B with a touch of gospel influence that culminates in a vibey, lush sound. With thick string harmonies between violin and cello and soulful voices, SistaStrings takes you on a journey.

Main Stage Seated :: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/events/309692706583643/

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jul 18 @ 1:00 am – 3:30 am
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic every Wednesday 9:(ish)pm at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall.

Fun and free show of hit-or-miss comedy where comics stop by to work on their material or try out new stuff. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3174166542609086/?event_time_id=3174166579275749

Free Wednesday:J.Marinelli / Drew Burgess/F**k Your Birthday
Jul 18 @ 1:00 am – 3:00 am
Fleetwood's

J. Marinelli
https://jmarinelli.bandcamp.com/
He could probably best be classified as garage / punk with a folk and pop twist. Marinelli is known for his passionate and intense live performances, ability to drink large quantities of really crappy beer, and his trademark strut.

Drew Burgess ( Slow Poison/NO WAYS)
Doing his rock-a-billy punk/solo thing

F**K Your Birthday (Punk Duo via China)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1283887958431498/

Get Weird Wednesdays! An Evening of Electronic Collaboration
Jul 18 @ 1:00 am – 6:00 am
Sly Grog Lounge

Get Weird at Sly Grog every Wed. night! It’s an evening of electronic collaboration….or just come listen and be part of the Asheville creative scene! You might get inspired to join in!
BRING: Circuitbent Gear, That guitar pedal that has no business being in the band, synths, homemade instruments, an attitude to get better at your instruments together. Openness and a spirit of collaboration!

Gear Provided Includes: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, Acoustic Drum Kit, and A Big Ol’ PA!

https://www.facebook.com/events/858190491191345/?event_time_id=858190544524673

Rune Readings
Jul 18 @ 12:00 am – 6:00 am
Asheville Raven & Crone

Enlightening the path ahead with runes is just one of the ways Tree offers aide in navigating life’s turbulent waters. She also offers help in spiritual path work and Crafty Ways.Stop by and see her today. She will share her decades long experiences in spiritual work and the Craft.

Readings:
Donation $2 per minute (Fifteen minute minimum) Cash or Cards accepted

https://www.facebook.com/events/646917789084545/?event_time_id=646917792417878

2019 Philanthropy Institute
Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Asheville

A full day of nonprofit education and networking opportunities for development professionals, executive directors, nonprofit board members, and other nonprofit staff and volunteers.

AFP WNC presents our 2019 Keynote – IGNITE CSP Neela Munoz and Vivian Smith https://www.ignitecsp.com/
Intentional Communication | The Practical Magic of Talking to Donors & Anyone Else

Visit https://www.afpwnc.org/programs/philanthropy-institute/ to learn more …

– 2019 Session Topics –

Intentional Communication: The Practical Magic of Talking to Donors (and Anyone Else)

20 Fundraising Truths You Should Know (and Probably Don’t)

Targeted Marketing for Nonprofits – Finding and Engaging Your Audience Online

Executive Director Session

Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Your Donors

Congratulations! You got the grant! Now what?

Building Your Ideal Board

The Digital Age of Storytelling: Creating High-Value Video Content on a Low Budget

Financial Reporting that Everyone Can Understand

Maximize Event Earning Through Live & Silent Auction, FAN, and Games

Implicit Bias

What’s Facilitation Got to Do with Fundraising?

Stop “making the ask” and raise more money

Find out all the details and updates at AFPWNC.org

https://www.facebook.com/events/2062682100690276/

Summer Fun Photo Contest
Jul 18 @ 12:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Summer is all about outdoor fun, spending quality time together as a family and taking in the wonderful sights of nature. Submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

Cost: No cost to enter contest.

https://www.facebook.com/events/540542089755630/?event_time_id=540542183088954

Summer Camp July 15-19
Jul 18 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Fired Up Creative Lounge

Join us for Fired Up Art Camp!

Campers will have the opportunity to explore new areas of art in a fun and creative way. Projects will include Pottery Wheel, Clay Hand Building, Glass Fusing, Canvas Painting, Mosaics and much more! 10% OFF if registered by 5/15/19 (Discount applies to full week only. Not valid with other discounts or offers.)

Sign up on our website! Questions? Message or call (828) 253-8181

5-Day Camp $130/week, 9:00 am – Noon. Individual days $35.00 per day, Ages 5-12 years old.

https://www.facebook.com/events/549858712183742/?event_time_id=549858722183741

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – 4 DAY TICKET
Jul 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center

In its 72nd year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, makers exhibit a variety of crafts ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media and jewelry. Event hours are: Thursday 7/18 10:00am – 6:00pm Friday 7/19 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 7/20 10:00am – 6:00pm Sunday 7/21 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Thu, 23 May 2019 at 01:58 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/2373601932918879/

Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – THURSDAY
Jul 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
U.S. Cellular Center

In its 72nd year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to downtown Asheville. Filling both the concourse and arena levels of the venue, makers exhibit a variety of crafts ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media and jewelry. Event hours are: Thursday 7/18 10:00am – 6:00pm Friday 7/19 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 7/20 10:00am – 6:00pm Sunday 7/21 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Thu, 23 May 2019 at 01:57 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/2193959580826578/

Vance Elementary School and Ben & Jerry’s Art Showcase
Jul 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ben & Jerry' s Scoop Shop

There’s more than Chunky Monkey and New York Super Fudge Chunk in downtown Asheville’s Ben & Jerry’s this summer.

Art created by Vance Elementary School fifth grade students of art educator Robbie Lipe is now on display on the brick walls opposite the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The exhibit depicts the students’ interpretation of the artist Kehinde Wiley and the contemporary portraits he creates inspired by traditional Baroque paintings. It will be featured through the end of the summer.

“Ben & Jerry’s is excited about showcasing art from the community inside our scoop shop,” said general manager Chris Carter. “Making use of our walls to show what local artists are creating complements our social mission — to be actively involved in the places we live and do business. I hope this is the first of many art exhibits on our walls.”

Carter gave all the credit for the exhibit to Ms. Lipe, who teaches kindergarten through 5th-grade students at Vance Elementary. She was named the North Carolina Arts Educators Association “Art Educator of the Year” in 2017-2018.

Ben & Jerry’s is located at 19 Haywood Street. Current hours are Monday-Thursday 12 pm to 10 pm; Friday 12 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm.

For more information, call Carter at 310-601-6247.

WTS of WNC Lunch and Learn
Jul 18 @ 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Land-Of Sky Regional Council

Description “Planning for the World to Visit:  Traffic and Transportation Challenges for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.” 

This presentation will address the traffic and transportation challenges faced in trying to prepare for what was anticipated to be the largest sporting event in North Carolina’s history, drawing visitors from more than 50 different nations. We’ll talk about how we approached the project in the face of constantly changing plans and major weather events, the recommendations and plans J.M. Teague Engineering & Planning prepared, and the lessons learned at various stages of the project.

Presented by: Mark Teague, PE, CPM

Candace Hladick, Geospatial Specialist

J M Teague Engineering & Planning

Lunch & Networking 11:45am – noon

Presentation & Q&A noon – 1:00pm

Non-Member Price: $12

Member Price: $10

Bring Your Own Lunch: $5

Hobby Horse
Jul 18 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center

Hobby horsing is the “safe, fun and affordable way to ride horses”. Riders participating in competitive hobby horsing – a toy consisting of a stick with a model horse head – perform and mimic the movements and technicality of horseback riding in the disciplines of show jumping and dressage, then translate that to their stick horse, where judges will mark and score their rounds. For participants competing in show jumping, courses are set with tricky combinations and patterns, similar to the show jumping competitions seen at TIEC throughout the year. Individuals must register by noon on event day.

Family Animal Encounters
Jul 18 @ 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

We are lucky to have incredible Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at the Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!

Cost: Included with Park admission.

https://www.facebook.com/events/205232420384951/?event_time_id=205232483718278

Separate Beds Flat Rock Playhouse Various Times & Days July 11-20
Jul 18 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Separate Beds

July 11 – 20, 2019

Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:00PM and 7:30PM
Fridays 8:00PM
Saturdays 2:00PM and 8:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM

Snapshot: 

This romantic and reflective comedy by M.J. Cruise brings new life to the enduring question, is the grass really greener on the other side? In an effort to spice up their relationship, empty nesters embark on a cruise vacation only to meet another couple who seem to “have it all”. Comparing their relationships, careers, and lives, these two couples are set on a course to rediscover the sparks that brought them together.

Cherokee Indian Hospital
Jul 18 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cherokee Central Schools

It’s that time! Be sure to join us for the 4th Annual Cherokee Rally for Recovery!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2458177590869289/

Half Off Thursdays
Jul 18 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 19 @ 12:00 am
Asheville's Fun Depot

Includes All Non Redemption Arcade Games, Activities, and Attractions!

Such as…
Indoor Climbing wall | Indoor/Outdoor Go-karts | Arcade Games | Laser Tag | Bumper Cars | Mini Golf | Mini Bowling | X-Rider Theatre | AeroBall | & More!

https://www.facebook.com/events/323685011602260/?event_time_id=323685084935586

Half Off Thursdays!
Jul 18 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville's Fun Depot

Come in to enjoy creating memories with us during a time that your dollars go farther! Half-off games and attractions after 4pm. See y’all soon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/582585695548471/?event_time_id=582585782215129

Jazz and Wine Thursdays!
Jul 18 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 19 @ 2:00 am
Whistle Hop Brewing Company

Thursdays are Jazz and Wine night! Come enjoy an evening of 1$ off wine specials, live Jazz from 6-8pm, and delicious food by Food Stop Food Truck!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2305712789446907/?event_time_id=2305712879446898

Summer Get Together – Service Day & Uniform Sale!
Jul 18 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Brevard Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy

Thursday, July 18th swing by Brevard Academy from 4pm-6pm for an evening of games, food, catching up with old friends, and meeting new staff and students. We have a few projects we will be working on and will be happy to accept any help we can get. Uniforms will be on sale as well.

So, bring a side dish, a blanket, and the family for a great afternoon.

Please RSVP to Amanda Kingson at [email protected] with a count of how many are in your party.

To inquire about helping with projects, please email Tim Prey at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you all!

https://www.facebook.com/events/248972242690843/

Thirsty Thursday/Vinyl Night!
Jul 18 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 19 @ 12:30 am
Sweeten Creek Brewing

$1 off flagships!

It’s like Open Mic night, but every song is guaranteed to sound good! Share your vinyls with us and we’ll play them for you! 6:30 – 8:30

https://www.facebook.com/events/347259619444923/?event_time_id=347259709444914

Bold Burger Night
Jul 18 @ 9:00 pm – Jul 19 @ 12:00 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider

Do you like delicious burgers (beef or black bean) topped with tomato, onion, pickle, lettuce, and BBQ aioli? Do you like to pair your favorite hard cider with said delicious burger? Of course you do!!

Join us on Thursdays at Bold Rock Mills River and get a burger, a side & a cider of your choice for only $12! Choose from our special burger of the day, our original Bold Burger, or a black bean burger. YUM!

https://www.facebook.com/events/334368310548854/?event_time_id=334368347215517

Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Music Bingo at Banks Ave Bar (Asheville, NC)
Jul 17 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Banks Ave.

Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave.. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/391468795015437/?event_time_id=391468851682098

Music Bingo on Wednesday Nights at Banks Ave Bar (Asheville, NC)
Jul 17 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Banks Ave.

Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/962585360596619/?event_time_id=962585463929942