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, July 20, 2019
Friends of the Smokies Stomp
Jul 20 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
HIckory Nut Gap Farm

Put on your dancing boots and join Friends of the Smokies for the 2nd annual “Smokies Stomp” Barn Party just outside of Asheville, NC. The Smokies Stomp supports projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park like Parks As Classrooms, which brings thousands of schoolchildren into the Smokies every year. Folks will be treated to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, live music, drinks, square dancing, and the opportunity to visit with rangers from the National Park Service. So come on out for fun and fundraising at the Smokies Stomp Barn Party!

Brevard Music Center “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert”
Jul 20 @ 8:30 pm
Brevard Music Center Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium
Indiana Jones comes to three big screens at BMC—with live orchestra—

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

 Brevard Music Center (BMC) will present Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert at its open-air, lakeside Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium (WPA). Relive the magic of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster 1981 adventure film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra, under the direction of conductor Nicholas Buc. Movie screens will be situated on both the WPA main stage as well as the WPA lawn for this BMC concert. Popcorn, beverages, and casual concessions fare will also be available, plus there will be an appearance by Indiana Jones at the BMC photo booth that evening! (*The 8:30 PM timing reflects a special late start due to the movie.)

“The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before—with live orchestra!” said Brevard Music Center President & CEO Mark Weinstein. “Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert, with its glorious score by John Williams, is the perfect way to introduce classical music to a young audience and one of the many family-friendly events featured at our 2019 summer festival season. Please join us for an unforgettable evening of film, music, and memories!”

Sunday, July 21, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 21 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.

Asheville Outlets Presents Monthly Cruise ‘In Car Show
Jul 21 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.

Monday, July 22, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 22 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.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 23 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.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 24 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.

Thursday, July 25, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 25 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.

Friday, July 26, 2019
11th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 26 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 26 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.

Saturday, July 27, 2019
11th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 27 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 27 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.

Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Jul 27 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Cool Summer Nights
Jul 27 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

Every Saturday in July the park stays open late, until 9:00 p.m., so you can make more time for family memories. Enjoy evening train and stage shows, rides at dusk, and fun throughout the park.

Guided Walking Tour (High Impact)
Jul 27 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

This tour goes exploring through our 80 acres of working farmland. Head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. You will get an overview of our farm history but a more in-depth look at our farming practices. We will be traversing over rough terrain, so suitable hiking attire is suggested.

Sunday, July 28, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 28 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.

K-9s In Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 28 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows and on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, July 29, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 29 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.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 30 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.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Chow Chow Festival – September 12-15 Volunteer Opportunity
Jul 31 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.

Friday, August 2, 2019
11th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival Volunteer Opportunity
Aug 2 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.

Volunteer opportunity for LEAF
Aug 2 all-day
Downtown Asheville

 

LEAF Downtown AVL – August 2-3
It takes many hearts and hands to build an event like LEAF Downtown AVL and this is a key fundraiser for LEAF Schools & Streets LOCAL cultural arts education programs. It’s easy, fun and we need volunteers! . We are currently evolving the new Downtown Volunteer plan, so if you have ideas, email [email protected].

For more information, click here.

The Carolina Mountain Group Sycamore Cove Extended – 8.3 miles Hiking
Aug 2 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
upon registration

Wide trails, mostly good footing through forests of hemlock, beech, and poplar. One fairly steep two-mile climb at the beginning, then six easy stream crossings. Includes parts of Sycamore Cove trail, Grassy Road, Thrift Cove, and Black Mtn. Type: figure 8 loop. Ascent: 1450’. Max elev: 2950’. Avg moving pace: 2.7 mph. Difficulty (1=effortless, 10=hard): 6. Dogs: welcome if well-behaved, subject to area restrictions. Trailhead: Pisgah Ranger Station / Visitors Center, 1600 Pisgah Hwy. Directions from Waffle House to Mills River Ingles (9.7 miles): Left (south) on NC-191 Brevard Rd for 9.4 miles; right on NC-280 Boylston Hwy for 0.3 miles. From Mills River Ingles to the Ranger Station (13.7 miles): Right (south) on NC-280 Boylston Hwy for 12.1 miles. Right on US-276 N for 1.6 miles. Meet in the back lot (first right entering from the south). Est. return to Waffle House: 2:00 p.m. PLEASE DON’T SIGNUP IF YOU’RE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE DISTANCE, ASCENT, OR PACE. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP TO “NO” IF YOU SIGNUP, BUT CHANGE YOUR MIND

The Carolina Mountain Meetup Group was founded by the Carolina Mountain Club to access the Meetup platform. As long-standing hiking and trail maintaining club, the mission of the Carolina Mountain Club is • to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina and adjacent regions through its hiking trails and rivers, • to carry out the responsibilities we have been given by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to develop and maintain our assigned section of the Appalachian Trail and to act as its stewards, • to develop and maintain other hiking trails in Western North Carolina as approved by the Club Council, • to encourage the conservation of our natural scenery, • to foster in Club members knowledge and enjoyment of hiking, trail construction and maintenance, and fellowship and enjoyment of the out-of-doors.

Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on regular Carolina Mountain Club hikes. However, they may be permitted on Carolina Mountain Meetup hikes at the leaders discretion only if specifically stated in the hike description.

To view the Carolina Mountain Club website go to: http://www.carolinamountainclub.org/index.cfm/do/home.main

Saturday, August 3, 2019
11th Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival Volunteer Opportunity
Aug 3 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.

Lace up! Register Now for LEAF Art Dash 5K
Aug 3 all-day
Pack Square

RUN YOUR ASH OFF for Cultural Arts Education!
Your run (or walk) 100% supports LEAF Schools & Streets
Saturday, August 3rd @ 9am

Lace up your shoes for the LEAF ART DASH,
for an art filled family-friendly 5K in downtown Asheville.
Costumes Encouraged | Pets Welcome
Art Dash kicks off Saturday LEAF Downtown AVL festivities!

This 3.1 mi COURSE will travel through the city,
complete with live roaming Artists & interactive arts.
It feels like a LEAF Parade! 
#RunYourAshOff

Read Aloud to Children- Spread the Joy!
Aug 3 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries Various Locations

From Buncombe County Libraries:

Do you love to read? Do you like children? The Buncombe County Public Library’s Preschool Outreach Project (POP) is currently looking for volunteers. POP is an outreach service of the library, a program designed to bring the joy and excitement of books to children in child care centers. Our volunteers offer stories, songs, puppets and smiles to our youngest book lovers – children under the age of 5.

No formal experience is needed, just a strong commitment to both children and reading. Most volunteers spend approximately five hours per month on POP, reading twice a month at their assigned center. We ask that volunteers commit to participate with our program for one full school year. All story time materials are provided by the library.

All POP volunteers must participate in story time training and submit to a background check. The next training is Monday, Aug. 26.

Interested volunteers must complete a volunteer application before Aug. 19. Applications can be filled out here.

THE EXTRAORDINARY WATAUGA Paddling
Aug 3 @ 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
given upon registration

This meetup group gives paddlers of all skill levels a chance to meet other paddlers for flat water and mildwater paddling. We get together to share our love of water and the outdoors. We paddle mostly local/regional waters, and may also plan overnight, weekend, or longer trips farther away. We share tips, information, and knowledge. All members are welcome to post trips and/or discussions. All are welcome. We have NO RULES except be safe and have fun.

“Mildwater” means different things to different people. For new paddlers, mild may mean lakes and flat rivers. For those who have whitewater experience, Class 2+ or Class 3 whitewater may be mild. Meetup organizers provide descriptions of their outings. It is your responsibility to read those descriptions, ask questions if needed, and decide whether a given outing is right for you, given your skills and equipment.

Monday, August 5, 2019
Read Aloud to Children- Spread the Joy!
Aug 5 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries Various Locations

From Buncombe County Libraries:

Do you love to read? Do you like children? The Buncombe County Public Library’s Preschool Outreach Project (POP) is currently looking for volunteers. POP is an outreach service of the library, a program designed to bring the joy and excitement of books to children in child care centers. Our volunteers offer stories, songs, puppets and smiles to our youngest book lovers – children under the age of 5.

No formal experience is needed, just a strong commitment to both children and reading. Most volunteers spend approximately five hours per month on POP, reading twice a month at their assigned center. We ask that volunteers commit to participate with our program for one full school year. All story time materials are provided by the library.

All POP volunteers must participate in story time training and submit to a background check. The next training is Monday, Aug. 26.

Interested volunteers must complete a volunteer application before Aug. 19. Applications can be filled out here.

The Blood Connection and Outback Steakhouse Join Forces to Save Lives BLOOD DRIVE
Aug 5 all-day
various

Outback Give Back – Donate, Mate!

There’s never been a better time to stop by your local Outback Steakhouse! And The Blood Connection is giving you an easy way to eat for FREE.

For the entire month of August, TBC and Outback Steakhouse are working together to spread the word about blood donation. Partnerships like this are essential to the community’s blood supply. Outback Steakhouse’s enthusiasm to partner with TBC has helped the blood center reach new donors and save more lives!

The Outback Give Back Promotion runs August 1st – August 29th. Donors who give blood at any TBC center on any Thursday will receive a $20 Outback gift card and a free Bloomin’ Onion ® coupon. To find a center near you, click here.

On August 29th, 18 Outback Steakhouse locations will host a blood mobile for a collective blood drive at the same time, 2-7 P.M. Blood donors will receive a $20 Outback gift card and a free Bloomin’ Onion® coupon. After donating, they can walk right in and enjoy a free dinner at Outback, a thank you for saving lives!

Donors can visit any TBC center in the Upstate of South Carolina, and Raleigh and Asheville in North Carolina: 435 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC; 341 Old Abbeville Highway, Greenwood, SC; 5116 Calhoun Memorial Hwy, Easley, SC; 1308 Sandifer Boulevard, Seneca, SC; 270 North Grove Medical Park Drive, Spartanburg, SC; 225 Airport Road, Arden, NC; 5925 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC. Centers are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on the weekends 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Read Aloud to Children- Spread the Joy!
Aug 6 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries Various Locations

From Buncombe County Libraries:

Do you love to read? Do you like children? The Buncombe County Public Library’s Preschool Outreach Project (POP) is currently looking for volunteers. POP is an outreach service of the library, a program designed to bring the joy and excitement of books to children in child care centers. Our volunteers offer stories, songs, puppets and smiles to our youngest book lovers – children under the age of 5.

No formal experience is needed, just a strong commitment to both children and reading. Most volunteers spend approximately five hours per month on POP, reading twice a month at their assigned center. We ask that volunteers commit to participate with our program for one full school year. All story time materials are provided by the library.

All POP volunteers must participate in story time training and submit to a background check. The next training is Monday, Aug. 26.

Interested volunteers must complete a volunteer application before Aug. 19. Applications can be filled out here.