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 4, 2019
Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ReClaim Madison: Salvage & Hardware

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!

Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!

Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:

* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!

PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.

Proceeds go to CHC’s mission, which aims to find solutions to the national affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.

Sunday, May 5, 2019
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
May 5 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Andy Cohen & Ash Devine in Concert at Flood Gallery
May 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Andy Cohen, Master Blues Musician, with Ash Devine in Concert at Flood Gallery

Andy Cohen rolls through Asheville, NC on a rare occasion. Join us for a special concert of piedmont blues, road worthy fingerstyle folk blues, and other heartfelt original tunes! Andy is a connoisseur of Rev. Gary David repertoire on guitar, and a general life long student of all blues style. Cohen has been on the road for almost 50 years, and at 72, still wanders the countryside with a car load of character and instruments. Ash Devine, friend, surrogate niece, and student of Andy Cohen, will accompany for a few originals, traditional songs from WNC, Carter Family repertoire, and more.

The concert is based on a sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Fingerstyle country blues guitar pickin workshop available the night before the concert! Limited spaces are available for this rare opportunity to study with Andy! For more info and to register, email Ash at [email protected].

Friday, May 10, 2019
ACMS Presents Asheville’s Schubertiade
May 10 @ 8:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville

Franz Schubert: Piano Trio No. 1 in B-flat major, D. 898
Franz Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, D. 929

The first concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmoniker. A Grammy nominated cellist. A world-famous pianist. Join Asheville-native Noah Bendix-Balgley, Peter Wiley, and Robert Levin for a singular special event celebrating one of chamber music’s most legendary composers — Franz Schubert. This performance is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these three chamber music masters perform the Austrian composers only two piano trios, both composed late in life.

Saturday, May 11, 2019
Spring Fling Plant Sale
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
American Red Cross

Come celebrate the beginning of a new gardening season at the Spring Fling Plant Sale! The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteers of Buncombe County in partnership with the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will host the Spring Fling Plant Sale on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am. to 2 pm. The sale will be held in the parking lot of the American Red Cross, 100 Edgewood Road, off of Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. The sale will be held rain or shine.

The Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society will sell many varieties of roses, including own-root, fragrant, miniature, and old garden roses. Expert rosarians will be on hand to help you choose the perfect rose and to give practical advice on growing and caring for roses.

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will offer a variety of sun and shade perennials, with a focus on natives and pollinator friendly selections. Plants are grown by Master Gardeners with tender loving care. We will also offer a nice selection of garden accessories. Personal shoppers will be available to assist you with the best plants for your special space, give you plant suggestions for Mother’s Day gifts, and answer your gardening questions.

We will also be offering an on-going pruning tool sharpening workshop. Bring your small hand tools (pruners) and loppers to learn how to clean and sharpen them. This is a free workshop but donations are greatly appreciated.

Concerts in the Park
May 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cecil Park, Biltmore Park Town Square

We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy our first of many musical evenings in Biltmore Park Town Square. Grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. Tuxedo Junction, WNC’s Premier Dance Band, will be joining us to play all of your favorite tunes! Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!

Sunday, May 12, 2019
Gordon Piland Roots/Rock/Reggae Prison Benefit
May 12 all-day
THE BLOCK off Biltmore

+ PAUL I. TOSH BAND with members of Dirty Dead
+ JLAD (JIMMI LANG’S ALMOST DOORS)
+ RIYEN ROOTS W/NIKI FOSTER

MOTHER’S DAY LEAF SUNDAY FUNDAY THE BLOCK 2-6pm
SUGGESTED $5-10 DONATION to support the end of Gordon Piland’s incarceration and **fingers-crossed** upcoming release and re-entry. This is NOT a political event, but a community gathering designed to raise money to assist now (commissary/phone expenses) and upon release and re-entry. All money will go to him and his family directly.

Can’t make it? Donate $5 $10 $20 through Venmo @lucysnow (Gordon’s daughter in Charlotte)

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
May 12 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Thursday, May 16, 2019
Wildlife Workshop & Walkabout – Southern Appalachian Salamanders
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders is excited to announce the launch of our 2019 seasonal series: Wildlife Workshops & Walkabouts! In this free, fun and educational series, you’ll have a chance to learn about your local wildlife and the habitat on which they depend. These lectures and hands-on activities will get you out into the great outdoors to discover the amazing world around you. 

Our first event celebrates the salamanders of Southern Appalachia. Join us and special guest presenter, herpetologist and salamander expert R. Graham Reynolds, PhD on Thursday, May 16th to learn about the salamanders of our area – including rare and imperiled species such as the hellbender and green salamander – why they’re important and how we’re addressing conservation challenges they face. Dr. Reynolds is an Assistant Professor of Biology at UNC Asheville and an Associate at Harvard’s Museum of Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, MA. Following his presentation, we will learn how to create backyard salamander sanctuaries of our own. Then, join us on Saturday, May 18th for a walkabout in Rocky Fork State Park, TN. We’ll look for salamanders and explore this important area that supports an array of wildlife.

To learn more about our work to recover the imperiled eastern hellbender salamander, click here. https://medium.com/wild-without-end/diving-in-for-hellbender-conservation-a04219501768

Lecture and Hands-On Activity — Thursday May 16, 2019
5:30-7:00pm
Defenders of Wildlife’s Southeast Office
1 Rankin Avenue, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Refreshments provided.

AND

Walkabout — Saturday, May 18, 2019
7:30am – 3:00pm
Rocky Form State Park, TN
501 Rocky Fork Rd., Flag Pond, TN 37657

For more info, email Tracy at [email protected]

This 2019 series is sponsored by weilerwoodsforwildlife.com

Saturday, May 18, 2019
Montford Music and Arts Festival
May 18 all-day
Montford Music and Arts Festival

The Montford Festival will celebrate its 16th year as the largest free street festival in Asheville. Held on the main street of the historic Montford district, it features food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities and continuous music until 7pm. Free parking on neighborhood streets or at the Asheville Visitors Center.

Tryon International Film Festival – 5th Annual BBQ, Music & Movie Fundraiser
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mountain Brook Vineyard

5 th Annual Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser
Brought to you by the Polk County Film Initiative
Join us for the 5 th Annual, Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser, at Mountain Brook Vineyards
in Tryon.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, bell bottom jeans, tie-dyed shirts and free spirit, as we trip back to
1969 for a special screening of “Woodstock”.
Rap with all your friends and dig the music of Michael Baughman. Then munch out on the classic BBQ of
Bird Mountain and Tim Wright. Soak in the fabulous wines which are grown, bottled and produced on
Mountain Brooks’ spectacular seven-acre vineyard.
Asheville’s Power Band, “The Paper Crowns” will take the stage as the evening gets rolling. Then, as the
sun goes down, toss down a blanket let the Polk County Film initiative take you on a trip to
“Woodstock”. See how 50,000 tickets holders brought along 500,000 of their friends and turned
Woodstock into a pivoting point of the pop culture.
It will be a groovy evening to remember. Please support Year 5 of the Tryon International Film Festival.

Candid Camera Live: Eight Decades of Smiles
May 18 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

In this family-friendly performance, longtime Candid Camera host Peter Funt’s hilarious stage comedy is blended with clips, quips, and behind-the-scenes tales from the show’s funniest moments. Incorporating the best of Candid Camera episodes in a fast-paced, laugh-filled romp through the decades, audience participation and special surprises make the show a great night of fun! Candid Camera Live is the ultimate fan book for those who grew up with Candid Camera–from the 1940s to the present. Filled with photos and stories never before published, and a tribute to Alan Funt, creator and original host, this is a true keepsake. It’s Allen Funt, Peter Funt and a cast of millions!

Sunday, May 19, 2019
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
May 19 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Monday, May 20, 2019
2019 Assaults on Mt Mitchell
May 20 all-day
Race starts at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The 44th Annual Assaults, presented by Greenville Health System, will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019.
The Assault on Mt Mitchell is one of the most intense, premier cycling experiences that draws a full field of upward of 1,000 cyclists from across the world each year. The Assault on Mt. Mitchell is a 102.7-mile self-paced ride — not race — from Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the summit at Mt. Mitchell State Park in North Carolina —a total vertical ascent of more than 10,000 feet.

The Assault on Marion is a simultaneous 74.2-mile self-paced ride starting from Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina and ending at the 5th rest stop at the Tom Johnson Rally Park Pavilion in Marion, North Carolina.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Movie Night at The Collider: Seeds of Time
May 21 @ 6:30 pm
The Collider

The Collider hosts a monthly climate and environmental film series, open to the public. In collaboration with The Utopian Seed Project, The Collider will show Seeds of Time, a film by Sandy McLeod.

Seeds of Time: A man’s journey to save the future of our food
A perfect storm is brewing as agriculture pioneer Cary Fowler races against time to protect the future of our food.Seed banks around the world are crumbling, crop failures are producing starvation and rioting, and the accelerating effects of climate change are affecting farmers globally. Communities of indigenous Peruvian farmers are already suffering those effects, as they try desperately to save over 1,500 varieties of native potato in their fields.

With little time to waste, both Fowler and the farmers embark on passionate and personal journeys that may save the one resource we cannot live without: our seeds.

“Seeds of Time offers a vital, clear-headed look at the effects of climate change on global food security.” – The Los Angeles Times

The Utopian Seed Project
The Utopian Seed Project is a hands-in-the-earth organization committed to trialing crops and varieties in the Southeast to support diversity in food and farming. Its utopian vision is create an engaged network of growers, gardeners, farmers, foodies, cooks and chefs to help us educate and celebrate this diversity. Based in Asheville, NC, The Utopian Seed Project works towards achieving its overarching vision to support food security in the face of climate change through diverse and regenerative agriculture.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments provided. The screening begins at 7 p.m. The event is free & open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10/person.

Thursday, May 23, 2019
Storytelling through Song at Odd’s Cafe May 23
May 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Odd's Cafe

South Carolina singer-songwriter Lang Owen performs Thursday, May 23 at Odd’s Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, from 7 to 9 p.m. Music writer Kevin Oliver (Free-Times, Columbia) describes Owen as “a gifted songwriter … with songs that evoke classic ’70s storytelling artists such as Harry Chapin, Paul Simon, or Fred Neil, painting pictures with a voice and guitar … .” Owen, playing a Martin acoustic guitar, will sing all original songs with lyrics that offer intimate perspectives of everyday people and places. Odd’s Cafe is located at 800 Haywood Road in Asheville; no cover.

In June, Owen will sing at the Sentient Bean in Savannah, Georgia. Recent shows in the Columbia, SC-area include opening for North Carolina native musician Jonathan Byrd at the Tree of Life Coffeehouse, and solo performances at The White Mule music venue, Deckle Edge Literary Festival, among many other weekly performances at Columbia-area music venues. Owen also periodically performs with the Two Hats and a Ponytail trio, which features Owen’s music and the poetry of Tim Conroy and Al Black.

For video and audio of Lang Owen performing, and more information, visit Facebook.com/LangOwenMusic.

For directions or more information on Odd’s Cafe, visit oddscafe.com, or call 828.505.7776.

Sunday, May 26, 2019
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
May 26 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Saturday, June 1, 2019
3rd Annual Prama Day
Jun 1 all-day
3rd Annual Prama Day

The Prama Institute and Wellness Center will hold an all-day festival on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 to celebrate health and wellness. Join us for this free celebration, taking place from 8:30am-6pm at Prama’s double-domed facility, located at 310 Panhandle Rd., just south of Marshall and 20 minutes from Asheville.

There will be a variety of free yoga, dance, music, workshops, playshops, sound healing, nature walks, and many more activities taking place throughout the day from which to choose from. We will have local vendors and information booths, as well as a children’s tent. Participants will also be able to purchase a delicious and nutritious lunch prepared by Prama’s chefs.

Since 2007, the Prama Institute has become a landmark retreat and conference center in the Southeast, hosting events that promote holistic health, spirituality, the arts, environmentalism, and social activism. In 2012, it opened the Prama Wellness Center, an innovative health center that promotes positive lifestyle changes through its retreats and individualized coaching. Both facilities are located on 130 acres of idyllic, secluded rolling hills that border the French Broad River. The land is interlaced with hiking trails that connect the many affiliated projects of the Prama community.

Beyond the Garden Gate – Garden Tour!
Jun 1 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Visitors Center

Come and be inspired with new ideas for your garden! Join us for, Beyond the Garden Gate, tour starting at 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Coordinated by Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV), this year’s self-guided garden tour showcases 5 diverse gardens, including The Learning Garden. The Learning Garden is a newly developed group of gardens established by EMGVs which are intended to demonstrate to the public sustainable gardening practices relevant to our area.

This biennial event features unique home gardens designed and tended by Master Gardener volunteers, as well as The Learning Garden. Learn while you explore the private gardens and educational demonstration sites at The Learning Garden. The Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and provide helpful information.

Tickets for this special event are $20 and available for purchase beginning on April 15th online at buncombemastergardener.org, NC Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center at 49 Mt. Carmel Rd., and at EMGV events. Tickets may also be purchased on garden tour day at the Tour Registration Table at the Asheville Visitor Center, 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. The tour is held rain or shine. For more information visit our website or call 828-255-5522.

All proceeds help support EMGV programs, such as School Garden Grants which benefits children in Buncombe County, continued development and maintenance of demonstration gardens at The Learning Garden, and other programs.

Please bring a friend, sun hat, bottle of water, and spend the day enjoying a selection of some of the most beautiful gardens in Buncombe County!

Built to Last: A Concert Benefiting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Jun 1 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Ambrose West

Join us June 1st for a special concert event benefiting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity featuring Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats! 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

WHEN: Saturday June 1st, 2019
WHERE: Ambrose West | 312 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806
TICKETS:
– $20 General Admission
– $30 General Admission Seated
– $40 VIP 1st 3 Rows Seated | VIP Mixer with light appetizers | Swag Bag

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is an organization that transcends politics, race, gender and other things that often divide us. Thanks to thousands of supporters united in the shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, 1,600 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future through Habitat homeownership and home repair programs. On the foundation of stable housing, more of our neighbors experience greater educational achievement, better health, increased safety and security, and the opportunity to age in place. Get involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats formed in Asheville NC as a street busking project in late 2011. Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship & Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the band has continued to craft their hard driving style of rock n roll and are dedicated to building their musical family. Consistent studio recordings, year round touring, earnest songwriting & sharing show bills with legends such as Sonny Landreth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Drivin N Cryin and Bettye Lavette has made Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats one of the industry’s fastest growing rock n roll bands.

Buy Tickets Here: https://avlhabitatbenefit.eventbrite.com/

Sunday, June 2, 2019
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Jun 2 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Friday, June 7, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 7 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.

Saturday, June 8, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 8 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.

Concerts in the Park Series
Jun 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cecil Park, Biltmore Park Town Square

We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy a musical evening in Biltmore Park Town Square. Grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. We will be hosting the Marsha Morgan Band – MMB plays a variety of music including beach, dance, rock, country and more. Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!

Sunday, June 9, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.

Party in the River Arts District! Tattoos, Live Music, Free Beer + more!
Jun 9 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Girl and Goblin

We wanted to invite you to the biggest party the River Arts District has ever seen!

Come join us in celebrating the grand opening of Girl and Goblin, Asheville’s one and only Tattoo Studio and Oddities Shop! See for yourselves our new location containing over 2,300 square feet of peculiar curiosities.

Joining the celebration will be local food trucks, free beer (21+) from local breweries, live music, multiple tattooers working all day, giveaways, sideshow performers and more! Everyone is welcome, all ages, all people!

It all goes down Sunday June 9th from 12-9.
375 Depot Street
We hope to see you there!
Email or call us for more info:
(828)691-5083
[email protected]

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Jun 9 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Monday, June 10, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 11 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Day Out With Thomas
Jun 12 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Experience everyone’s favorite train like never before as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs his way through the NC Mountains. Children can meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station.