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.

Thursday, August 4, 2022
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 4 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cary Goff, featuring Ryan Cox, Cameron Davis, John Hawley & Julia Macias
8p, $13
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, performers get free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 4 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cary Goff, featuring Cameron Davis, John Hawley & Julia Macias
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Friday, August 5, 2022
Light Up the Night 5k
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and iDaph Events present the 4th Annual Light Up the Night 5k! This event is a fundraising, nighttime walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the continuous work of recovery, rescue, and restoration to individuals throughout WNC.

The first 200 people to register will also receive a FREE glow-in-the-dark commemorative finisher medal!

Each 5k registration will include a FREE t-shirt until July 10th at midnight. After that date, shirts will be available for purchase, in limited quantities and sizes, for $10. Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets will be available for our in-person participants!

The event will take place at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC on Friday, August 5th. This is your time to shine! Runners will have a rolling start between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM and take to the greenway to run or walk this fun and unique event.

In addition to the in-person event, there is also a virtual offering for participants who aren’t comfortable coming to an in-person event. The Virtual 5k event experience gives participants an opportunity to participate in this fundraising event ANYWHERE! Walk/Run/Hike 5k and submit your results online!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. They meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward.

An Evening with David Sedaris
Aug 5 @ 7:30 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

An Evening With David Sedaris

Tickets on sale to public Aug. 5th

This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will  be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing.  Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of Malaprop Bookstore/ Cafe

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Mr. Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent  humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness  proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human  condition today. One of his new books, The Best of Me (Little Brown/ Hachette, Fall 2020), is a collection  of 42 previously published stories and essays, about which novelist Andrew Sean Greer wrote in the New  York Times: “You must read “The Best of Me.” It will be a new experience, knowing that enough time has  passed to find humor in the hardest parts of life. More than ever — we’re allowed to laugh.”

If you love David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting  into at his live readings. You’d be wrong. To see him read his own work on stage allows his  autobiographical narrative to reveal a uniquely personal narrative that will keep you laughing throughout  the evening. Don’t miss this event!

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Community Benefit Sale at Linville River Pottery
Aug 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Linville River Pottery

Linville River Pottery studio building

On Saturday, August 6, 2022, Linville River Pottery will hold a Community Benefit Sale at their studio in Pineola, NC. 75% of all proceeds will be donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Linville River Pottery is owned by Patti and Dan, who moved to the area full time in 2008. Since Patti was six years old, she has been working with clay. Patti views experimenting with clays and glazes as an immersion into the wilderness. This passion shows in the beautiful clays pieces created and in their dedication to benefiting the community around them. We invite you all to come out and enjoy supporting local artists and environmental conservation!

The Sale will feature stoneware and porcelain bowls, mugs, and vases—all handmade on a kickwheel by Patti Connor-Greene. The hours are from 11 am – 3 pm or until pots are gone; no early sales. Cash or checks only; no credit/debit cards.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022
LYAO Presents Launch Party/Famous Showcase #1
Aug 10 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company Event Center

We kick off the 14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival with a stellar lineup of comics from all over the country!

We are so glad to be returning, and what better way to kick off the 14th year of an amazing festival than by celebrating at Asheville’s best brewery?!

Over a dozen comics from all over the country will be featured

21+ only, partially seated show. All tickets are general admission and seats are first come first serve.

Thursday, August 11, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Friday, August 12, 2022
LAUGH YOUR ASHEVILLE OFF PRESENTS The 14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 12 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

 

Featuring over 50 of the brightest comedians from all around the country, the Asheville Comedy Festival showcases hilarious performers each show, delivering the best comedy in the largest stand-up comic event in the Southeast.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, August 10 at Highland Brewing, and then continues for a three-night run at the Wortham Center with three stacked showcases, ending Saturday, August 13. Every show is completely different!

Saturday, August 13, 2022
LAUGH YOUR ASHEVILLE OFF PRESENTS The 14th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival
Aug 13 @ 8:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

 

Featuring over 50 of the brightest comedians from all around the country, the Asheville Comedy Festival showcases hilarious performers each show, delivering the best comedy in the largest stand-up comic event in the Southeast.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, August 10 at Highland Brewing, and then continues for a three-night run at the Wortham Center with three stacked showcases, ending Saturday, August 13. Every show is completely different!

Thursday, August 18, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Aug 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

“Weird Al” Yankovic: The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour
Aug 18 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

“Weird Al” Yankovic burst onto the scene over three decades ago and never looked back.  For the second time in his storied career, the world’s foremost musical satirist and five-time Grammy winner foregoes his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music, focusing on original (non-parody) songs from his 14-album catalog.  Marking his highly anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where Weird Al performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra, this is a rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with this legendary performer.

All guests attending this performance are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative testing within 72 hours of show plus matching photo ID to obtain entry to the venue.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring Petey Smith McDowell, Mario T & Jess Cooley
8p, $13
Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, performers get free entry & pizza 3-5m
contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Aug 18 @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Stand Up Comedy is back in the Asheville Pizza Gameroom with the hottest comics in town. Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring Petey Smith McDowell, Mario T & Jess Cooley

Comedy Open Mic sign up at door, free entry & pizza 3-5m

Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

 

Friday, August 19, 2022
Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!”
Aug 19 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Steve Martin & Martin Short's "You Won't Believe What They Look Like Today!" featuring Paul Shaffer

Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” is a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.”

Steve Martin and Martin Short will be joined by very special guest Paul Shaffer.

Sunday, August 21, 2022
AVL Clothing Swap + Benefit for Reproductive Justice
Aug 21 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District

The swap takes place on Sunday, August 21 from 1-4 at Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District. All profits from ticket sales, as well as $1 from six of Hi-Wire’s flagship beers sold on the day of the event will be donated to Asheville’s Planned Parenthood.

How it works
Drop off clothes from July 26 – August 19 at Hi-Wire RAD in the collection bin
Hi-Wire’s hours are below. There will be a sign on the collection bin to receive a discount on your ticket for contributing clothing to the swap!

Monday–Thursday 3-10pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm-12am
Sunday 12-9pm

Accepted clothing:
Women’s style adult clothing only – no shoes, accessories, or kid’s clothing
Clothing should be in good, clean condition
Bring 1-20 items leave with up to 10!

All details on eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3zEHvZZ

Thursday, August 25, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Aug 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Friday, August 26, 2022
Slice of Life Comedy presents Hot Girls End Of Summer Report
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse”
with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime
plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians
The Hot Girl End of Summer Report at The Orange Peel
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Friday August 26
The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, Downtown Asheville

8p, doors at 7p • fully seated show

Standup Comedy Show
Featuring the HOTTEST and FUNNIEST female identifying comedians from around the region!
Hosted by Morgan Bost

Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse.” with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime. plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
$17 – $20

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Aug 26 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The Hot Girls’ End of Summer Report
Friday August 26 at The Orange Peel
101 Biltmore Ave, in Downtown Asheville
8p, doors at 7p • fully seated show

You wont want to miss this Standup Comedy Show as the HOTTEST and FUNNIEST comedians from around the region get back in town to give us their Hot Girl End off Summer report!

Featuring Lace Larrabee who was recently on NBC’s America’s Got Talent with yesses from all the judges. This actress, comedian and podcaster is best known for “Queen America,” “Punchline” and “Flophouse.” with Hilliary Begley, fresh off her European tour, best known for Dumplin’ on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

plus Moira Goree, Becca Steinhoff and more great regional comedians you don’t want to miss this HOT evening out!!

Hosted by the amazing Morgan Bost

Saturday, August 27, 2022
Reasonably Priced Babies Improv Comedy Show
Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain Center for the Arts

Reasonably Priced Babies Improv Comedy Show

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is proud to host the Asheville based improv comedy troupe, Reasonably Priced Babies. RPB is a formidable improv comedy group consisting of Tom Chalmers, Mondy Carter, Karen Stobbe, Kim Richardson and Josh Batenhorst.

This is how it works: RPBs will ask the audience for suggestions and then they make that come to technicolor life. Get ready to be a part of the experience because this show will push the envelope of ridiculous fun.

Doors open at 6:30pm. Masks are encouraged but not required.

James Gregory The Funniest Man in America
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

 

For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.

James is constantly touring. He’s on the road about three days a week, forty six weeks a year. He continues to entertain sold-out crowds in theaters and comedy clubs and remains in demand for corporate events. James has been the featured entertainer for hundreds of corporations, including the Coca Cola Company, Kimberly Clark Corporation, Hewlett Packard and Kroger. James has also been the featured speaker for events sponsored by various civic and church groups.

James is heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy and Bob and Tom. Combined, these shows are broadcast to people in over 220 cities nationwide. As a result, he now has a grass-roots following that numbers in the millions.

James was born in a rural area about twenty five miles east of Atlanta, GA. He got his first job at the age of twelve at a small country grocery store. By the time he was fifteen, he was working thirty-seven hours a week, as well as going to school. As an adult, James has worked for the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Defense, and spent almost ten years as a salesman before discovering the wonderful world of stand-up comedy.

James does not “tip-toe” through life as if he’s walking on broken glass or egg shells. That style is evident on stage as well. He is not politically correct. Much of his humor is centered on brilliant observations of crazy relatives and people obsessed with the slightest change in weather conditions – now referred to as global warming. He delights in poking fun at modern sensitive parents and out-of-control environmentalists. Gregory has been quoted as saying, “If you want me to be concerned about endangered species, you need to convince me that we’re about out of chickens.”

The James Gregory show turns the clock back to a time when life was simpler; to a better time, before the death of common sense; a time when people sat on the front porch and actually talked to each other without a cell phone in their ear.

James’ success, like his comedy, is the direct result of the values he grew up with. And now, twenty something years later, it is this unique brand of humor that packs the crowds into his sold-out shows. The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life”, Gregory reflects. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.”

Tuesday, August 30, 2022
All Hobo Magic Show
Aug 30 @ 7:30 pm
Pulp

Thursday, September 1, 2022
Comedy Night
Sep 1 all-day
Wortham Center

Stand Up Comedy Night brings 4 national touring comedians with headliner Brian Monarch, as seen on Comedy Central, Fox and Hulu… He’s been heating up the LA comedy scene for years. He plays all of the biggest stages in Hollywood and has worked with such greats as Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Chris D’Elia, and Iliza Shlesinger, to name a few. His uncensored views are always something to behold. Come enjoy 90 mins of packed laughter. Show is 18+ and may contain graphic content.

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Sep 1 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Sep 1 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

9.01. 22 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULPWhat: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 9.01.22.
8p-11p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $13 (available at door or https://theorangepeel.net/…/slice-of-life-comedy-open…/e)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Stand up comedy featuring Mario Trevzo with special guest James Harrod. Hosted by Cody Hughes
Mario Trevizo
Originally from the suburbs of Maryland, Mario has made a home for himself with stand up comedy in Asheville, North Carolina. His style focuses on the awkward moments that come with being a non Spanish speaking Mexican living in the south. Beyond hosting various events around town, he is mainly known for his animated performances, quirky faces, and crying randomly at movies.
James Harrod
James is a stand up comedian originally from Raleigh now living in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to hosting the Comedy Freakshow every Tuesday night at The Odditorium, he also performs around the east coast opening for comedians like Sean Patton, Yedoye Travis, Michael Palascak, Brandie Posey and many more. Out of all the comics in his scene he was voted most needy and desperate for compliments.
Host Cody Hughes
Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/

Saturday, September 3, 2022
‘4M’ Mountain Makers Mushrooms & Music Festival
Sep 3 all-day
Jackson Arts Market

Celebration and education of Blue Ridge Mountain culture, arts, & nature.
jacksonartsmarket.com for more information

Sunday, September 4, 2022
Elks Lodge Apple Breakfast
Sep 4 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Elks Lodge 1616, Hendersonville,

Elks Lodge Apple Breakfast, 7am-12pm, Join Hendersonville Elks Lodge 161 for the 2022 Apple Big Breakfast, which includes
pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits, gravy, hash brown casserole, apple dessert and a beverage, Proceeds to benefit
the Elks’ Christmas Charity Project, Adult tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door; children tickets (6-12 years old) are $6 in
advance, $7.00 at the door; children und

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Sep 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

9.8.22 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Gameroom (for 18+)
What: Stand up Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing,
When: Thursday 9.8.22. 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
Where: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Gameroom, 675 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 28804
Tickets: $13 (available at door or Asheville Pizza website)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Hosted by Blaine Perry
Featuring: Jess Cooley, Julia Macias & Allison Shelnut
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/