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, July 24, 2024
Claire Chase and Friends
Jul 24 @ 7:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

As a musician, interdisciplinary artist, and educator, MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ recipient Claire Chase is passionately dedicated to the creation of new ecosystems for the music of our time. In this recital she performs solo works and collaborates with BMC flute students and other instrumentalists in an exploratory and improvisatory program. Chase is a 2024 Thomas C. Bolton Distinguished Artist.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.

Swannanoa Gathering: Old-Time Week Concert II
Jul 24 @ 7:30 pm
Warren Wilson College --Kittredge Theatre

Old-Time Week Concert II, on Wednesday, July 24 will feature Doug Orr & friends, singer Ron PenGina Dilg, autoharpist John HollandsworthBetty Vornbrock & Billy Cornette, dulcimer player Aaron O’RourkeMeredith McIntosh & John Herrmann, fiddler Rhys JonesMick & Evan Kinney, old-time band Steam Machine, and flatfooter Thomas Maupin with banjoist Daniel Rothwell.

SWANNANOA GATHERING STAFF CONCERTS

All shows begin at 7:30 pm in the college’s Kittredge Theatre. Tickets are $35 per concert (during Old-Time Week, ticket price includes dances following concerts). Children under 12 are $17Limited tickets are available for check or cash only in Asheville at Malaprops Bookstore, and in Black Mountain at Acoustic Corner.

Thursday, July 25, 2024
Cabaret
Jul 25 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten

and Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this season.  “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Singer/Songwriter Series
Jul 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!

BLUEGRASS JAM Hosted by Drew Matulich
Jul 25 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

BLUEGRASS JAM

Hosted by Drew Matulich


Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.

JAZZ JAM
Jul 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

JAZZ Jam is a special part of the LEAF Community. Meet us every Thursday at LEAF Global Arts from 7-10 P.M. for a night of smooth jazz that you can participate in or simply enjoy.

Mantra Music Concert with Sean Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band
Jul 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

Tonight, we warmly welcome you to the Love Shine Play Festival with a night of interactive, soul-stirring mantra music with Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band at The AyurPrana Listening Room! Experience heart-expanding ancient mantras, given new voice through dynamic songs that merge conscious lyrics and New Orleans roots, rock, gospel, and world grooves.

The band includes Seán (vocals and harmonium); Alvin Young (6 string fretless bass & guitar); Gwendolyn Colman (percussion & vocals); Narada Wise (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Chris Rosser.

SCHOOL OF ROCK NEW MOON MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL SUPERGROUPS
Jul 25 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
SCHOOL OF ROCK NEW MOON MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL SUPERGROUPS! at the Orange Peel on Biltmore Ave.
Cabaret
Jul 25 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten

and Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this season.  “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

The Threepenny Opera
Jul 25 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Kurt Weill

Brevard Festival Orchestra
Joseph Mechavich, conductor
Dean Anthony, stage director

Sung in English

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.

Widespread Panic
Jul 25 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville
DOORS
6:30pm
SHOW
8:00pm

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
1-Day and 3-Day passes are available. IMPORTANT: 3-Day passes are not able to be split.

Friday, July 26, 2024
Acoustic Jam Session
Jul 26 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sideways Farm & Brewery

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

Boukou Groove w/ Special Guest Josh Blake + More
Jul 26 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Formed in 2010, Boukou Groove is a New Orleans funk, soul, and jam band composed of veteran-vocalist/keyboardist/Moog Bass & Donnie Sundal, and guitarist, Derwin “Big D” Perkins. The combination of Big D’s gripping N’Awlins funk guitar and Donnie Sundal’s wailing keyboards and “blue-eyed soul” voice have lit up audiences around the world. That same chemistry has been distilled into their albums A LIL’ BOUKOU IN YOUR CUP (2012), LET THE GROOVE RIDE (2015) and the Single release 2019 “Never Steal Our Thunder”.

Boukou Groove often have top-ranked musicians join them live so it is no surprise that A LIL’ BOUKOU IN YOUR CUP features special guests Sam Bush, the father of Newgrass, on mandolin, and Junior Marvin of Bob Marley’s Wailers on guitar. The song “Two To Tango” features John Cleary on solo piano, and, to date, has enjoyed 1.3+ million plays on Spotify, while the song “Stay Broke” was named “2012 Song ofthe Year” by Peter Barakan, a renowned DJ and host of “Barakan Beat” on Inter FM and “WeekendSunshine” on NHK FM in Japan.

The title track on LET THE GROOVE RIDE was accompanied by a full-length video release by Live For Live Music, and features special guest Nigel Hall from Lettuce on background vocals. “Blame It On Me”marks Big D’s vocal debut,and is one of the most streamed songs on the album. Bob Marley and the Wailers guitarist, Junior Marvin, also makes an appearance.

In addition to Boukou Groove, Donnie Sundal and Big D Perkins have performed and collaborated withnumerous other artists. Donnie has played Colonel Bruce Hampton, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr, Junior Marvin of Bob Marley’s Wailers, Deva Mahal, Nth Power, Nigel Hall (Lettuce) and Sam Bush (liveperformance and studio recording on his 2017 release “Story Man”). In 2018, heco-wrote the song“Hold On To Let Go” released by New Orleans funk band Galactic. Big D’s New Orleans funk guitar is featured on the stages of many Legendary New Orleans Artist. His guitar playing and voice also are featured in a nationally aired Crown Royal commercial.

Boukou Groove brings their brand of “New Orleans Soul Funk” to audiences along Florida’s Emerald Coast and New Orleans clubs like the Maple Leaf and Tipitinas, they have also appeared at numerous festivals and clubs nationwide, also completed two tours in Japan, performing to capacity crowds on the Live Magic! Festival and the Blue Note in Tokyo.

The groove continued in 2019withthe band making their debut at the 50th New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and releasing their brand newsingle “Never Steal Our Thunder”. Currently, the band is back in studio working on the second single, “Ain’t No Lie”, for the 2021 Summer release of their 3rd Album!

The Po’Wagon Creole Cusine Will Be there!

The Waker IPA will be released & on tap, as well as our other beer offerings and full bar.

$10 Cover

Live Music at the Bandstand Biltmore Estate
Jul 26 @ 4:30 pm – 8:15 pm
Biltmore

Relax and unwind to the rhythm and charm of Antler Hill Village as accomplished jazz, blues, rock, pop, swing, bluegrass, and rock duos, trios, and bands deliver fantastic 45-minute sets! Grab a sandwich, a cool drink, or an ice cream cone to enjoy against a backdrop of excellent musicianship, dynamic vocals, and the beauty of Biltmore Estate. Included with admission

Sets begin on the half hour at 4:30 until 8:15 p.m. (last set starts at 7:30)

July Schedule:

Thur. 7/4 – SPEAK EZ, Jazz, R&B and Motown

Fri. 7/5 – FLASHBACK, Classic Rock

Sat. 7/6 – MICHAEL STEVENS QUARTET, Jazz

Sun. 7/7 – STORMY WEATHER, Swing and Rock

Fri. 7/12 – CLAY LUNSFORD BAND, Americana

Sat. 7/13 – FREEPORT JAZZ, Jazz

Sun. 7/14 – FIRECRACKER JAZZ, Jazz

Fri. 7/19 – MICHAEL STEVENS QUARTET, Jazz

Sat. 7/20 – EMPORIUM, Variety 1950’s-Today

Sun. 7/21 – DRAYTON AND THE DREAMBOATS, Swing Jazz and Early Rock

Fri. 7/26 – ANNE COOMBS AND COMPANY SWING, Swing, Jazz, Blues and Pop

Sat. 7/27 – JOSEPH HASTY AND CENTERPIECE JAZZ, Jazz

Sun. 7/28 – MARK GUEST QUINTET, Jazz

 

To enjoy this complimentary event, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Space is limited; seating available on first-come, first-served basis. Dates and live performance schedule subject to change. Outside food and beverage not permitted on Village Green. Outside alcohol not permitted on Biltmore property.

Drum Circle
Jul 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Pritchard Park

The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.

Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Drum Circle
Jul 26 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Drum Circle

The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to facilitate the return of Asheville’s iconic Drum Circle. Feel the rhythm and join the beat as the community comes together for an evening of drumming, dancing, and camaraderie.

Fuego Fridays
Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the Caribbean at LEAF Global’s monthly DJ Dance Party! Step into the vibrant atmosphere of LEAF Global, where every floor comes alive with infectious beats and irresistible energy. DJ Haviken Hayes’ dynamic mixes of Caribbean, dancehall, and global sounds will keep the dance floor buzzing all night long. And for those looking to perfect their moves, professional salsa instructor Monika Guerra will be offering free salsa lessons starting at 8 p.m.

Admission to the DJ Dance Party is $15 at the door, with drinks and snacks available to keep you fueled throughout the evening.

LEAF Global’s monthly DJ Dance Party
Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the Caribbean at LEAF Global’s monthly DJ Dance Party! Taking place on the final Friday of every month, this exciting event invites music lovers of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a night of pure entertainment and cultural celebration.

Step into the vibrant atmosphere of LEAF Global, where every floor comes alive with infectious beats and irresistible energy. DJ Haviken Hayes’ dynamic mixes of Caribbean, dancehall, and global sounds will keep the dance floor buzzing all night long.

For those looking to perfect their moves, professional salsa instructor Monika Guerra will be offering free salsa lessons starting at 8 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, Monika’s expert guidance will have you salsa-ing with confidence in no time.

Embrace the spirit of the Caribbean with a themed ambiance that transports you to tropical shores. All are welcome to join in the festivities, so grab your friends and come dressed in your best Caribbean-inspired attire for a night to remember.

Admission to the DJ Dance Party is $15 at the door, with drinks and snacks available to keep you fueled throughout the evening. Indulge in a selection of refreshing beverages including margaritas, mojitos, and more, provided by Flybird & Uno Mas.

Borodin Symphony No. 2
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
Brevard Music Center

Brevard Concert Orchestra
Ken Lam, conductor

ZHOU TIAN Gift
ALEXANDER BORODIN Symphony No. 2

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.

Cabaret
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten

and Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this season.  “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Legally Blonde the Musical
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge in this fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie. In the ultimate tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde follows Elle’s transformation from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice as she tackles stereotypes and scandal to pursue her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with pink, memorable songs, and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

STEEL PULSE WITH JESSE ROYAL
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
The Pavilion

Reggae legends Steel Pulse reemerge at a fated moment, armed with compassion and encouraging everyone to work toward unification. The band’s twelfth studio album, Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics through music, and their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward human unification.

Mass Manipulation is Steel Pulse’s indispensable musical gift, as their forty-year legacy continues to define the magnificent power and beauty of reggae music. Through inspiring compositions that capture the effect of the African Diaspora and purpose instrumentation, lead singer and guitarist David Hind’s creativity, human persona and visionary views are revealed. The album comes full circle across 17 tracks as Steel Pulse’s legendary musical abilities aim to achieve a greater community for all.

As reggae revolutionaries, Steel Pulse is revered by the younger generations of artists and remains a powerhouse on stages around the globe. Through the example of their 12 albums, Steel Pulse demonstrates the endless possibilities that come from breaking down the walls of systemic greed and nurturing the fellowship of mankind.

Neon Dreams: Oops! All Disco Edition
Jul 26 @ 8:00 pm – Jul 27 @ 2:00 am
The White Rabbit at Water Street

Get ready to dance the night away with six hours of disco! Featuring everything from the classics to the best nu-disco out there.

Widespread Panic
Jul 26 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville
DOORS
6:30pm
SHOW
8:00pm

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
1-Day and 3-Day passes are available. IMPORTANT: 3-Day passes are not able to be split.

Saturday, July 27, 2024
Yala Cultural Tour
Jul 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Jul 27 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
Cabaret
Jul 27 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten

and Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this season.  “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Daddy Long Legs
Jul 27 @ 2:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Based on the classic novel, which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Daddy Long Legs is a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, The Brontë Sisters and “Downton Abbey.” Daddy Long Legs features music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated composer/lyricist, Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre), and Tony-winning librettist/director, John Caird (Les Misérables), and is a “rags-to-riches” tale of newfound self-love and determination.

Set in turn-of-the-century New England, the musical tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott of the John Grier Home and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college. With a sweeping score and heartwarming story, this musical is suitable for all ages.

Head to www.avlmt.org or @avlmusicals for more information.

The Threepenny Opera
Jul 27 @ 2:00 pm
Brevard Music Center

Kurt Weill

Brevard Festival Orchestra
Joseph Mechavich, conductor
Dean Anthony, stage director

Sung in English

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.

Legally Blonde the Musical
Jul 27 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge in this fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie. In the ultimate tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde follows Elle’s transformation from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice as she tackles stereotypes and scandal to pursue her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with pink, memorable songs, and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!