Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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LEARN MORE THIS YEAR |
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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.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
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!
What is sound? How does a person hear and listen to music? Why is it one of the most powerful expressions of humanity? All that exists creates sound. The tiniest elements of everything on this planet move, vibrate, and therefore create resonance or sound. This powerful force has the ability to heal and create or confuse and destroy. Once we understand what sound truly is, we have the ability to influence our consciousness, as well as our environment. Imagine a space where people of all ages can explore sound, view and play with instruments from around the world, and experience through music the commonalties of cultures. Music influences our social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual, and creative selves. People will be able to understand the science behind how they listen and enjoy discovering about brainwave states and how sound effects the mechanics and of the body. That’s exactly what you can do in the LEAF Instrument Petting Zoo!
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
OKAPI
Okapi is an avant-rock songwriting duo that utilizes upright bass, cello, and voice. Their raw and intricate compositions are cathartic but inviting, carrying honest and satirical messages that aim to stimulate a universal confrontation with reality, while encouraging consciousness, healthy growth, and individual empowerment in the curious and attentive observer.
Every Thursday
- Live Music with Aaron Lafalce at 131 Main Restaurant, 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the beauty of springtime in Highlands with the return of the live concert series – Orchard Sessions. Settle into comfortable seating and relax under heirloom apple trees as a stellar lineup of musicians fill the mountain air. In the magical surroundings of The Orchard, enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and an enchanting evening. The sessions kick off Thursday, April 20 with the return of Atlanta native Mike Kinnebrew. Mike’s music can best be described as Indie folk fueled by soulful inspiration. The singer-songwriter will serenade you with new songs and old favorites. The Orchard Sessions are held at The Farm at Old Edwards – located at 336 Arnold Road in Highlands. To book online and for more information about the concert series-visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
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.
Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.
An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.
Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Bearly Dead is an all-star cast of players with deep roots in the New England jam & festival scene. While the band plays all of the Grateful Dead classics, they also dive into an extended catalog, which may include any song that any member of the Dead ever performed. With over 230 songs in rotation and new material being added all the time, Bearly Dead performs wildly different setlists every night and ensures that each show is a unique experience. With no designated “Jerry” or “Bobby”, this band is able to breathe new life into songs with their fresh, high-energy approach to them. Bearly Dead is a setlist-nerd’s dream!
Founded during an intense snowstorm in April 2015, Bearly Dead played its first show at Church of Boston, marking the beginning of its hallowed Wednesday Night Residency. In September of that year, Church was sold and the band found a new home on Wednesday nights at Thunder Road in Somerville. During their 5 years at Thunder Road, Bearly Dead was nominated twice for the Boston Music Award’s “Live Music Residency of the Year,” and burst onto the scene as New England’s premier Grateful Dead tribute band. The phrase “Never Miss A Wednesday Show” became ubiquitous around Boston…and you really never knew what might happen! Bearly Dead’s Wednesday Night Residency at Thunder Road continued unabated every week since its inception in September 2015 until the club’s closing in 2020. Thunder Road was a beacon to all musicians on Wednesday nights to join in the fun, with notable appearances by Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), Steve Molitz (Particle/Phil Lesh & Friends), Kebbi Williams (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Rob Compa (Dopapod), Hayley Jane (Hayley Jane & The Primates), Johnny Trama (Dub Apocalypse), and Gary Backstrom (Gary Backstrom Band); and a surprise appearance by Jerry Garcia’s “Wolf” guitar in 2018 on Jerry Garcia’s birthday! The Wednesday Night Residency was briefly revived in 2021 at The Burren and Sonia before officially ending in May 2022.
4/20 TRINITY PHARMS HEMP CO SEASON KICKOFF PARTY AT SILVERADOS MUSIC PARK FEATURING EMPIRE STRIKES BASS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CHILLTONIC AND JOSH CLARK’S VISIBLE SPECTRUM.
Drawing from the sounds of Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, Palmyra captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy (he/him), Manoa (he/him), and Sasha (they/them). With an ever-expanding sonic palette, Palmyra’s live set explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three part harmonies and foot percussion.
The burgeoning trio sounds like a distant cousin of the progressive folk band, Punch Brothers, mixed with elements of Fleet Foxes or the Avett Brothers. Palmyra’s songs are intimate and contemplative, with three-part vocal arrangements that allow them to create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble.
Judah and the Lion’s Revival comes at a moment of rejuvenation and evolution for the band, both personally and professionally, with a world looking to get back to normal. Judah Akers and
Brian Macdonald return with the band’s fourth album that aims to channel the energy and spirit presented at the beginning of the group’s journey.
Revival is a collection of songs that speaks to the band’s return to innocence and hope through reclamation. They look inwards on life’s changes as a group that still finds energy in innocence
after touring for 8 years and reaching heights on the Billboard charts and earning awards like iHeart Music’s Best New Alternative Rock Artist of the Year in 2018.
“It’s learning to let go of things that are out of our control,” Judah said, reflecting on working with his therapist through anxiety and depression. “Finding purity in life again. For all of us, we’re
gifted innocence when we’re born, and at some point in our lives, be it through choices or tragedy, innocence is robbed. Second innocence is where we’re not given it, but we choose to take it.”
In their last release, Pep Talks, Judah processed the loss of stability with his family. In the leadup to Revival, he was able to process his grief and anxieties alone in his home. The band toured nonstop for eight years, giving the project everything they had. Being primarily on the road prior to 2020 created a misunderstanding of where they were individually and their connection to feeling at home.
“Being home and not getting to mask my emotions with being on tour and being around crowds was big,” Judah said. “It’s an easy distraction because you can avoid dealing with it emotionally. You can get on stage and perform, and everything’s fine.”
Brian also had a journey in finding peace and putting in work to feel complete in a different emotional environment. His wife attended a graduate program in Sweden, thousands of miles from the home they made. As the world slowed to a halt, he had to find comfort in Visby Island’s cold, lonely, and grey terrain.
“The big thing for me was re-learning what ‘home’ means,” Brian said. “Leaving my home and trying to make a new one and realizing that home wasn’t a physical place for me.”
When they came back together, their fulfillment alone proved to change not just themselves but how they fit together. Founding member Nate Zuercher informed them he was leaving the group, changing dynamics for a group of friends making music together for over a decade. Brian picked up the banjo, trying his best to fill the void Nate left but making his playing be his own and offering a new style.
The loss of a key member helped Brian and Judah grow further in reinvigorating their partnership. It brought new energy to their songwriting and collaboration. In the Fall of 2021, Judah & Brian invited their longtime friends and touring musicians with them to record at Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina.
“It was one of the most fun times we had in the studio,” Brian said. “There was a lot of freedom to it, and it felt like a retreat. We were all in it.”
Mt. Joy is coming to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on April 20, 2023.
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
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.
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.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
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.
ZEETUS LAPETUS Asheville! Always dreamed of signing your favorite Disney & 2000s throwbacks in the club?! Then this dance party is truly what dreams are made of.
Come out to The Grey Eagle on Friday, April 21st to hear all your favorite bops and deep cuts from artists like Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Jonas Brothers, Lemonade Mouth, SCLUB 7, and more!
Text your besties, pull out those low-rise jeans in your closet and grab your tickets now!
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!
On April 21, 2023 PARI is offering two ticket options to this Meteor Shower Experience. The first option is the OVERNIGHT CABIN PACKAGE for two people that includes dinner, a tour, sunset hike, observing the meteors, night sky observing, an overnight stay in a cabin quarter and breakfast. The second option is an OVERNIGHT CAMPING PACKAGE that includes dinner, a tour, sunset hike, observing the meteors, night sky observing, an overnight stay in a PARI campsite and breakfast on Saturday morning.
This is a rain or shine event. If weather does not permit viewing there will be alternate programming. No refunds will be issued!
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not get a confirmation email check your spam folder and make sure you add us to your address book.
Preregistration is required.
- May 19: Baba Commandant with Coconut Cake
- June 16: Victoria Victoria featuring Charlie Hunter with Josh Phillips
- July 21: The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux with Funk’N Around
- August 18: Asheville All-Stars with Asheville Rock Academy
- September 15: The Sensational Barnes Brothers with Alex Krug Combo
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.
– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
LUA FLORA
Lua Flora is the soundtrack of your favorite daydream. The Asheville, NC-based group’s sun-kissed melodies are rooted in the harmonies of Appalachia, rhythms of the West Indies, and lyricism of American folk. Live, the band allures listeners with gut-punching jams weaved between powerful lyrics. Lua Flora has supported Satsang, Franc Moody, Of Good Nature, Kendall Street Company, and more. Their recent debut album amassed over 150,000 streams in the first week.
“The musical embodiment of Asheville’s creative spirit” -Face The Current
“…easy and melodic — a light, laidback recluse from the grind.” -Top Shelf Music
“Lua Flora shows folk & reggae mix.” -Grateful Web
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Hands Free North Carolina!
Daniel Donato Live in Concert at The Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium April 21 7:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW
A CONCERT CELEBRATING
THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
NON-PROFIT
Come Celebrate With Us
Enjoy Great Live Music
and
Learn More About The Exciting
Benefits of Becoming a
Supporting Member
The Celebration will feature performances by:
Tony Cedras
(performed with Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte, and
Hugh Masekala),
Anne Coombs
(founder of Asheville’s ‘Rock Academy’ and
legendary Asheville-based performer),
BJ Leiderman
(Songwriter and entertainer of NPR fame),
Connell Sanderson
(Extraordinary Celtic Piper),
Palmardelu
(featuring Ecuadorian native Patricia Kayser,
founder of Autism and Music)
Black Mountain’s own
David LaMotte
(singer, songwriter, author,
founder of PEG Partners)
and
Bob Hinkle
the founder and owner of the White Horse
White Horse Black Mountain has a long history of service to our community and our region. We love hosting benefits for worthy causes, and nourishing community through shared experiences of music and other events. Our new non-profit status will allow us to expand our ability to serve. We will be better able to collaborate with other organizations on events, pursue grants, and do a wide variety of new and exciting things.
We are inviting YOU to join us in our efforts to impact individual lives, impact our community, impact our region— and impact the world. We are kicking off the new non-profit with a BIG musical celebration on Friday, April 21, and YOU are invited to celebrate with us! The night will feature this awesome lineup:
Everyone will be warmly welcomed to all White Horse shows, with or without membership, but the members will have some extra perks that we are excited to share with you, including discounts on event tickets and merchandise, a cool White Horse lapel pin, private member events, public gratitude at the White Horse, and the knowledge that you are a part of the team that makes the White Horse a resource for the whole community.
To learn more about membership, email: [email protected]
And by the way, if you join us on the 21st, you can become a ‘founding member’! And if you can’t make it to the big celebration event, you can become a member any time at www.WhiteHorseBlackMountain.com/membership
The April 21st Celebration is going to be one of those events that people will talk about for years to come, and we hope you will join us!
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
- Live Music at Hickory Tavern, 9:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.