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.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Trivia Night
Apr 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Michigan Rattlers
Apr 5 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY

MICHIGAN RATTLERS

Michigan Rattlers are a folk-rock band composed of Graham Young (guitar), Adam Reed (bass), Christian Wilder (piano), and Tony Audia (drums). Meeting as childhood friends, they began writing music and performing together in their hometown of Petoskey, Michigan.

Their self-titled Michigan Rattlers EP attracted reviews from No Depression, Bluegrass Situation, B3 Science, and Rolling Stone, who named the band one of their “Ten New Country Artists You Need To Know” in 2016. They’ve continued to evolve beyond the “country” label ever since.

In 2018, following a summer tour that included stops at Bonnaroo, Firefly and Electric Forest; the band released their debut full length album, ‘Evergreen’. “This is a band with solid songwriting chops and instrumental skills,” says No Depression. “‘Evergreen’ shows this four-piece from Petoskey, Michigan making a stand, making their way.”

Growing into a more expansive sound, the band’s second full length album, ‘That Kind of Life’, was released in 2021 to positive reviews.

With live shows being at the core of the band’s identity, the Rattlers continue to tour relentlessly, bringing their honest songwriting and high energy rock n roll to stages across the U.S and Canada.

OLD SAP
Poet from Chicago, rambled out to Montana, cut a banjo from a tamarack, strings across the country, foot like a freight train, voice rushing down over lush Appalachia, sings a thrush tune through the rush hour and into your long-forgotten prairie dreams.

Folk. Folk Rock. Americana.

Thursday, April 6, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
Apr 6 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
Apr 6 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Apr 6 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

LEARN MORE THIS YEAR

Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Apr 6 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Spring Break Animal Encounters
Apr 6 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Mother’s Pizza Thursday Pizza Party!
Apr 6 @ 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

We are absolutely STOKED to announce that Mother’s Pizza is coming back for a series of Pop-Ups this Spring! Come by and get delicious Neapolitan-style pizza paired with your favorite Oak and Grist cocktails. We’re even staying open a little bit later so you can enjoy the beautiful Black Mountain sunset! Make sure you cancel those dinner plans, ‘cause you won’t wanna miss this exclusive pop-up event! Available for dine-in or take-out!

MOTHERS PIZZA WEBSITE

Drinks With Dems – Black Mountain
Apr 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Foothills Grange

Join us for good conversation and fellowship with multigenerational Democratic and like minded people interested in important issues such as expanding health care, voting rights, and protecting marriage equality.

Who should attend: Any Dem or like minded persons residing in Black Mountain or neighboring areas.

Live Music with Aaron Lafalce
Apr 6 @ 6:00 pm
131 Main Restaurant
Every Thursday
Not Rocket Science Trivia at Highland Brewing Downtown
Apr 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Highland Brewing Downtown

Trivia, Singo, tailgate games, and more! Our games are sure to challenge you, but c’mon… it’s not rocket science!

COCKTAIL CLASS: “No Sleep ‘Til Manhattan”
Apr 6 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

LED BY ELLE BLACKBURN, O&G BAR MANAGER

NO SLEEP TILL… well, Manhattan! If we weren’t overtly clear, April’s Cocktail Classes will cover the classic stirred cocktail (and its many, many variations), the Manhattan. Utilize O&G whiskies, explore a curated selection of vermouth, and use that knowledge to stir your way to interesting and innovative Manhattans to make at home! We will provide everything you need for the class & afterward, you will have the chance to stock your home bar (using a special discount) while you sip on a Manhattan of your own creation! As always, if you plan on having a cocktail before class, make sure to get here early!

There are options for both paired and solo tickets, so if you’re coming with a friend, please make sure you purchase the correct ticket. One ticket per participant is required. Classes are capped at a maximum of 12 people per class.

As a special treat, we will have Mother’s Pizza here slinging delicious Neapolitan Pizza so you can snack before, during, or after class!

Please direct any and all questions to [email protected] and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW

All O&G Cocktail Classes are 21+. Photo IDs are required to participate in our Cocktail Classes so make sure you bring yours to each class. Don’t forget to arrive early to get settled in & sip on a cocktail before the class starts.

Please reach out to [email protected] about any allergies or accessibility accommodations when booking the event and we will do our best to accommodate.

Doors open at 6:30 pm before the start of the event and will start promptly at 7:00 pm. Classes are taught in pairs and make for the perfect night out for couples, besties, or families. Paired tickets are offered at a discounted price!

There are options for both paired and solo tickets, so if you’re coming with a friend, please make sure you purchase the correct ticket. One ticket per participant is required. Classes are capped at a maximum of 12 people per class.

Oak and Grist Distilling Co. reserves the right to refuse service to any guest who appears or acknowledges to be intoxicated.

All cocktail class students will receive a complimentary barware goodie, take-home recipes, a hand-crafted cocktail, & a 15% discount in our Bottle Shop so you can keep your home bar stocked!

Opening Night: Asheville Tourists vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods
Apr 6 @ 6:35 pm
McCormick Field
ESPN Senior Writer Ryan McGee will toss the Ceremonial First Pitch

Game Highlight: Opening Day

Join us for Opening Night as your Asheville Tourists kick off the 2023 season against the Bowling Green Hot Rods!

Join us for Thirsty Thursday presented by Catawba Brewing Co. and 105.9 The Mountain. $1 Domestic Beer, $1 Coca-Cola and $3 Craft Beer.

The 2023 Asheville Tourists Opening Day roster has officially been set by the Houston Astros Minor League Player Development Department. Assigned to the Tourists are several individuals who have previous experience at the High-A level, along with numerous players who are entering their first year in the South Atlantic League. A total of 30 players are on the Opening Day roster.

This year’s group features seven players ranked among the top 30 Houston Astros prospects, according to MLB.com. Those players include OF Drew Gilbert (3), OF Jacob Melton (4), RHP Miguel Ullola (12), INF/OF Joey Loperfido (18), OF Kenedy Corona (20), OF Logan Cerny (22), and RHP Edinson Batista (26).

The roster also features four additional players selected in the top ten rounds of the draft: RHP A.J. Blubaugh RHP Alex Santos II, Catcher Collin Price, and OF Michael Sandle. The remaining position players on the Opening Day roster include: C Miguel Palma, C Nerio Rodriguez, INF Tim Borden II, INF Zach Dezenzo, INF Freudis Nova, and INF Tommy Sacco Jr.

Rounding out the Tourists pitching staff are left-handers Brayan De Paula and Max Roberts along with right-handers Valente BellozoJose BetancesCarlos CalderonFranny CobosJacob DeLabioRyan GustoCole McDonaldDeylen MileyPeyton PlumleeBryant Salgado, and Logan VanWey.

Asheville’s 2023 Opening Day roster features players from across the United States, as well as Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. 12 players on the roster appeared in at least one game with Asheville last year while two, De Paula and Nova, spent parts of the 2021 season with the Tourists. The remaining 16 players are all prepared to make their Asheville Tourists debut later this week.

The Tourists are in action for an exhibition contest against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville on April 4.

Friday, April 7, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
Apr 7 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

NOC Paddling School
Apr 7 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
Apr 7 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Apr 7 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

 Tea Party at the Rooftop Perspective Café
Apr 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Rooftop Perspective Café


$45 Members; $50 nonmembers
Reservations for tabletops of 4 or 6 only

Treat yourself to a social afternoon filled with whimsy and fun while sampling our exquisite, in-house offerings at the Perspective Café. This afternoon tea party features local indulgences from Asheville Tea Company, as well as fresh tea sandwiches, scones, fruit, and pastries.

The afternoon also includes the opportunity to design and create your own Fascinator Hat in our art studio and a stroll through the galleries.

Pre-registration is required. Ticket includes Museum admission, studio time, tea and accompaniments, and gratuity. Members receive 10 percent discount.

Spring Break Animal Encounters
Apr 7 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Apr 7 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Asheville Tourists vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods —– Fireworks Night + Dollar Dog Fridays
Apr 7 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5

Game Highlight: Tourists Fireworks Night

Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Ingles!

An Evening With The Church
Apr 7 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY

– VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE INCLUDING: 

  • Access to soundcheck performance
  • Exclusive Meet & Greet with The Church
  • Merchandise shopping before doors open to the general public
  • VIP Merch Package inc: Tote Bag, Signed Copy of New Album ‘Hypnogogue’ on CD, Commemorative tour laminate, and more….
  • Very Limited availability

THE CHURCH

Few bands enter their fifth decade of making music with all the fierce creative energy of their early years. Few bands are like The Church.

The Australian psych-guitar masters are deep into recording the band’s 25th studio album over 40 years after their formation.

The 2021 epic line-up is bassist, vocalist and founder Steve Kilbey; with longtime collaborator timEbandit Powles drummer and producer across 17 albums since ’94; guitarist Ian Haug who joined the band in 2013 and Jeffrey Cain, touring multi-instrumentalist who is now a full-time member of The Church since the departure of Peter Koppes in early 2020. The band have also recently recruited one of Australia’s finest and most respected guitarists Ashley Naylor (Even, The Grapes). Ashley and Steve have collaborated on many different projects over the years and now was the perfect time to bring Ashley into the band.

Kilbey says: “A band is like a family and over 40 years it is only natural that families will change. It’s too big a body of work not to keep exploring it.”

That body of work stretches back in a continuous line to classic early albums ‘Of Skins and Heart’ and ‘The Blurred Crusade’, which revealed a distinctive soundscape of sharp pop hooks and towering guitars complementing Kilbey’s lyrics and vocal tones. The more intricate arrangements of ‘Heyday’ gave way to the wide-open atmosphere of ‘Starfish’ the 1988 album which broke into the mainstream and gave them the international hit ‘Under the Milky Way’. The hit single has been regarded as one of the most influential and recognisable Australian rock anthems of all time. Starfish also gave us ‘Reptile’, a song that never seems to date, and is a live favourite around the world.

In 2010 The Church were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame and reaffirmed their status as one of the world’s great live bands with the ‘Future Past Perfect’ tour, performing their Untitled #23, Priest=Aura and Starfish albums to rapturous audiences in the US and Australia.

The five-year gap after the release of Untitled #23 became the most extended break between new albums in the band’s career. Haug, formerly of Australian rock icons Powderfinger, joined after the departure of Marty Willson-Piper, sparking a renaissance with Further/Deeper (2014) and Man Woman Life Death Infinity (2017) and introducing new anthems like Miami to the set.

In 2018 the band played the Meltdown Festival in London at the invitation of curator Robert Smith of The Cure. The Church went on to play sold-out shows in the UK, US, Canada and Australia celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of Starfish.

Live Music at Hickory Tavern
Apr 7 @ 9:00 pm – Apr 8 @ 6:00 pm
Hickory Tavern
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Biltmore Blooms
Apr 8 all-day
Biltmore Estate Gardens

Spring at Biltmore, one of the estate’s most glorious seasons, invites you to experience a spring break mountain escape with all the charm of a European retreat. Immerse yourself in thousands of colorful tulips as Biltmore Blooms transforms our gardens and grounds. Explore Italian Renaissance Alive and Ciao! From Italy. Savor our Winery’s award-winning vintages and, of course, the timeless elegance of Biltmore House.

  • Daytime access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, including:
    • 75+ Acres of formal and informal gardens
    • 20+ Miles of hiking, biking, and walking trails
  • Antler Hill Village & Winery
  • Complimentary Wine Tasting
  • Complimentary Parking

Gardens & Grounds admission does NOT include Biltmore House entry.

NOC Paddling School
Apr 8 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Spring Photo Contest: “Spring Trails”
Apr 8 all-day
Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks’ Year of the Trail continues with a celebration of how our trails transform each spring. Bring your camera on your next excursion in the park and capture budding wildflowers, spring hikers, or whatever you encounter along the way. You may even win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for four at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and lunch for two at the Old Rock Café.

Blue Ridge Audubon monthly bird walk
Apr 8 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Jackson Park

Join the Blue Ridge Audubon, a chapter of the National Audubon Society for their monthly bird walk at Jackson Park, a renowned
birding location. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, meet at the Administration Building parking lot, located on Glover Street,
and join the group to see the many wonderful birds found at Jackson Park, Hendersonville’s largest park.8-10:00am.
828-684-0812. Free.

Easter Scavenger Hunt at The Biltmore House
Apr 8 @ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Discover giant Easter eggs in the gardens, inside Biltmore House, and in Antler Hill Village! This estate tradition invites you and your kids to learn fun facts about the estate and experience its beauty as you search for 25 giant beautifully decorated eggs.

Find and snap photos with each egg, leave the eggs behind for the next “hunter,” then move on to the next! Available on two different days, this family-friendly event is sure to delight hunters of all ages.

After the hunt, head to Antler Hill Village to collect your child’s treat bag—which includes a special commemorative egg—then visit Pisgah Playground, say hello to the Farmyard’s baby animals, and grab a bite at one of our Village restaurants. Perfect end to a perfect spring day? Relaxing on the Village Green with one of The Creamery’s famous Winky Bar sundaes!

A limited number of Easter Scavenger Hunt treat bags will be distributed from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. each day of the event. Treat bags are for kids nine and younger.

BUY TICKETS

 

BOOK A STAY

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Apr 8 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 8 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.