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.
Join the Asheville Symphony at First Baptist Church of Asheville for Masterworks 1: Out of the Shadows.
Darko Butorac, conductor
Sterling Elliott, cello
“To follow in Beethoven’s footsteps,” Brahms once said, “transcends one’s strength.” And yet, with his final symphony, Beethoven’s successor steps out from the shadow of his greatest inspiration and reaches new depths of drama and tragedy. Composed during his summer retreat to the Austrian countryside, the Fourth “is like a dark well, the longer we look into it, the more brightly the stars shine back.” Coupled with Brahms’s darkest symphony is Beethoven’s Leonore Overture — which sets the stage for his heroine to rescue her love — and Elgar’s stunning Cello Concerto, a poignant response to the tragic cost of World War I.
Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3
Elgar Cello Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 4
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Greenville as MJ, the multi Tony Award® -winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Greenville, SC premiere at the Peace Center.
It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay and Ryder will need all paws on deck as he and the PAW Patrol discover a secret treasure map while on a mission to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. It’s up to Chase, Marshall, Skye and all their heroic pirate pup friends to save the day and find the pirate treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it first!
Purchase a VIP Package and become a VIP- Very Important Pup! The VIP package includes a premium seat and exclusive Photo Op with PAW Patrol characters after the show. Each adult & child (age 1 & up) in a group must have a VIP ticket.
Come join the Swannanoa Library Anime Club at our first meeting: Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 pm! We’ll meet the 4th Saturday of every month to watch anime, discuss manga, create crafts, and even try some fun snacks!
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you. Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,” the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!
Come on out to Foothills Grange to grab a beer and a bite to eat while you learn the fascinating history of North Carolina craft beverages at this presentation and tasting hosted by the Swannanoa Valley Museum in partnership with the North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum! Kimberly Puryear will be presenting on the history of NC craft beverages from 3:00-4:00pm, followed by a 45 minute break, then Jeffrey “Puff” Irvin will conduct a tasting of several products from local vendors.
The NC Craft Beverage Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting our state’s craft beverage story and celebrates its role in building and defining our local, state, and national community. As one of the most recognized and respected hubs of the craft beer industry, the home of Pepsi and Cheerwine, and the once self-proclaimed “Moonshine Capital of the World,” museum staff Kimberly Puryear and Jeff “Puff” Irvin will share insight into this history and vibrant culture. Utilizing stories of the past and present, Kimberly and Puff will highlight our state’s oldest beverages to present day including, beer, wine, soda, cider, spirits, tea, and even sake and kombucha. We are excited to share the power of the craft beverage to build community and its important role as an ongoing culture and social influence.
You must be 21+ to attend. Please bring a valid form of ID for check-in. You will not be allowed to attend if you do not provide ID.
We’re back you green-freaks! Last year we proved that Shrek is alive and beloved! So prepare your bodies for 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐊𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝟐: Once Upon a Stein! A BIGGER, BADDER, SHREXIER Shrektoberfest!! On Saturday September 23rd starting at 3pm we return to the swamp!
Featuring such hits as
Farquaad’s Onion Toss,
“All Star” Musical Chairs
“Can’t we settle this over a pint?” Steinhold Competition
Shrexy Costume Contest
“Puss in Boots” Medallion Hunt
“Do The Roar” Competition
Dance Party with the Ogrelord DJ Bridal Parti Burcarti
Shrekstravagant Feast with Chef Bugher
So peel back your layers, ye lil’ onions, and celebrate with us.
The swamp comes alive on 9/23! Beers will be flowin’ and Smash Mouth shall be bumpin!
𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓼𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓵
An afternoon of Live Grateful Dead Music with VA based band Dead Reckoning
“The Dead Reckoning is a collaborative of seasoned players hailing from the Blue Ridge region of VA. Having many varied backgrounds, they come together to celebrate the music, legacy, eras and iterations of the most prolific band in history, The Grateful Dead. With a Jerry Garcia Band tune thrown in here and there for good measure. The band features members of regional favorites The Floorboards, Mad Iguanas, Electric Chameleon, Ripejive, Sol Creech Band, Nicholson Brothers, and others. TDR strives for accuracy, and to capture the vibe and energy of a live Dead performance. They play with devotion and love in their hearts, as the music means as much to them as it does to you. Come dance and shake your bones.”
| Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.
Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you. With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party. The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs. To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens! August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm. |
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.
We will have a will-call list at the Admission Cabana, the purchaser will be the name on the ticket. If you buy multiple tickets the tickets will be under the same name. Please check in together if possible! When you check out you will see “FARM STORE PICKUP” please ignore for admission purchases.
It’s time to stretch your legs, put on some leather Cuban heels and Rhumba! Or, you know, just have a beer and watch some great music. We welcome for the first time the ILIANA ROSE TRIO to the Big Barn here at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in gorgeous Fairview, NC! Come out from 6pm-9pm to to enjoy some fabulous Cuban Jazz from piano prodigy Iliana Rose and her jazz trio of talented musicians. Iliana’s infectious energy, multi-talented band and traditional takes on new classics will keep you entertained and delighted.
You’re gonna need fuel for the fire- we have DIRTY GERTIE’s TACO STAND food truck! These tacos are not to be believed! Headed by Walker Aderholder, his philosophy is “Inhale tacos, exhale negativity”, and that is easy to do for these dirty and delish tacos made from simple ingredients and humble hands.
Hickory Nut Gap will have a bar serving local beers, ciders, seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages to slake your thirst between sets. This is truly a rare treat for the farm, so y’all come on out and soak up these Cuban rhythms!
PET POLICY: While we normally allow leashed pets on the grounds, we ask you leave your furry friends at home for the Barn Dances.
Learn more about the Band & their music HERE
Learn more about the Food Truck & their food HERE
Looking for tickets to the Krafthouse 2023 opening Benefit Preview reception?
Krafthouse 2023 will kick off on Saturday, September 23, 6-9 pm, with an opening Benefit Preview. Guests will have first access to the installations and be treated to drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, DJ vibes, and more.
Join us as we kick off this addition to the Center for Craft’s calendar and celebrate the future of making!
To purchase tickets to the Benefit Preview, please visit our Krafthouse 2023 Benefit Preview page.
Benefit Preview tickets are $80/ticket or $150/pair.
Each Benefit Preview ticket includes entry to the September 23 reception and a sneak peak/first access to the Krafthouse installations.
By Paul Ferguson with music by Matraca Berg and Marshall Chapman
In the Daniel & Belle Fangmeyer Theatre
Directed by Shelia Sumpter
There’s a Good Ol’ Girl in all of us. Let yours out.
Join us at HART for a night of good eats, live music, and southern women! Two of Nashville’s leading singer/songwriters redefine the modern Southern woman in Good ‘Ol Girls, a musical about love, loss and laughter. Through the language of five unique southerners, Good ‘Ol Girls celebrates childhood through old age with big hair and bigger hearts. This new musical is based on the stories of two prominent Southern authors, Lee Smith and Jill McCorkle, with songs by Nashville hit-makers Matraca Berg (Reba McEntire, Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill) and Marshall Chapman (Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Olivia Newton-John). This will be a one of a kind dinner theatre experience to provide you with an unforgettable night out at HART!
Suitable for all audiences. Dinner prices will be separate from ticket prices.
Dinner Schedule:
All dinner costs are SEPARATE and OPTIONAL
Desserts, regular concession items, wine by the glass or bottle, beer by the glass or pitcher available at the HART concessions window
Fri, Sept 22: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Sat, Sept 23: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Sun, Sept 24: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 12:45-2:00
Fri, Sept 29: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sat, Sept 30: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sun, Oct 1: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 12:45-2:00
Thurs, Oct 5: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 6:15-7:30
Fri, Oct 6: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sat, Oct 7: Hit the Pit BBQ (inside @ concession window) 6:30-7:30
Sun, Oct 8: Woof Street Food Truck (outside) 12:45-2:00
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation but also with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Online ticket sales end 1 hour prior to showtime. There may still be tickets available in the BMCA office if online sales have ended. Call 828.669.0930 or visit the office to find out more.
Kick off the season with an immersive, one-of-a-kind arts experience that combines all modes of artistic expression on one stage. Described as “Picasso meets Blue Man Group” by The Chicago Tribune, Artrageous brings multi-talented visual artists together with world-class musicians and highly trained dancers to create stunning works of art in real time, leaving audiences singing, dancing and clapping along to this fascinating frenzy of movement and color.
Glow before the show!
Arrive early for a black light dance party and photo booth for all ages.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney
Rock State Park, join us for an after hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney
with one of the original stewards of the park. Along the way, we will place the
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker on this newly designated trail.
Note: This trail is considered difficult.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.
The Tempest, September 1st to 30th
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Magic, monsters and mayhem fill this favorite from The Bard. This one isn’t done with great regularity, so now’sa good time to catch it!
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Step into a world of magic, mystery, and self-discovery with the Tony Award-winning musical, Pippin. This Broadway classic, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, tells the captivating story of a young prince on a daring quest for the ultimate meaning of life and fulfillment. From spectacular circus-inspired performances to stirring, emotionally-charged songs, “Pippin” unfolds as an exploration of the highs and lows of glory, love, and ambition. It’s a compelling narrative that continually asks one poignant question: is it more rewarding to live a simple life or to persist in relentlessly pursuing extraordinary feats? With its rich, allegorical storyline and memorable melodies, Pippin promises to enchant audiences, leaving them musing long after the final curtain call.
A talkback with the cast & crew of Pippin will be held following the performances on September 17th & 24th.
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you. Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,” the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!
Theme Park Transforms from Wild West by Day to Ghost Train at Night
The spooktacular season of Tweetsie’s Ghost Train® Halloween Celebration, a popular fall family tradition, begins Friday, September 22, and continues every Friday and Saturday night through October 28.
Daytime guests can still enjoy all of Tweetsie’s Wild West adventures, rides and attractions. . . but when the sun goes down, the park gets a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed attractions.
Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations, themed photo opportunities, and the Palace Spooktacular Show.
Braver kids and adults will appreciate the scary night-time journey on the Ghost Train, walking through the hallowed halls of the Haunted House and exploring the murky Freaky Forest.
And, everyone will love the park’s most popular amusement rides after dark in the Creepy Carnival.
The park opens at 7:30 pm with the first train scheduled for 8:00 p.m. On October Saturday nights starting on the 14, 21, and 28, the park opens at 7:15 p.m. with the first train scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $60 for adults, $40 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children age 2 and under. They are sold in advance for a designated night with a scheduled train ride departure time. A limited number of guests will be admitted each evening, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets well beforehand to avoid missing out on all of the spooky fun.
Written by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Charlie Flynn-McIver
Fifteen year old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. What the Constitution Means to Me received a Tony Award Nomination for Best Play and was chosen as a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize.
Join the Asheville Symphony at First Baptist Church of Asheville for Masterworks 1: Out of the Shadows.
Darko Butorac, conductor
Sterling Elliott, cello
“To follow in Beethoven’s footsteps,” Brahms once said, “transcends one’s strength.” And yet, with his final symphony, Beethoven’s successor steps out from the shadow of his greatest inspiration and reaches new depths of drama and tragedy. Composed during his summer retreat to the Austrian countryside, the Fourth “is like a dark well, the longer we look into it, the more brightly the stars shine back.” Coupled with Brahms’s darkest symphony is Beethoven’s Leonore Overture — which sets the stage for his heroine to rescue her love — and Elgar’s stunning Cello Concerto, a poignant response to the tragic cost of World War I.
Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3
Elgar Cello Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 4
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Greenville as MJ, the multi Tony Award® -winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is startin’ somethin’ as it makes its Greenville, SC premiere at the Peace Center.
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.
Yes, the Mud Run is back on! With the modulars now gone we have a huge open field to make this race bigger, better and muddier than ever!
Get your old(est) running shoes out and prepare to get seriously muddy! The Filthy Franklin Mud Run happens Sunday, Sept. 24th. Our course is guaranteed to steal at least a few shoes before the day is done!
The races will be a timed trial start and there will be crazy obstacles and lots of mud!! Teen and adult races are approximately 2 miles, children 10 and under run just under a mile. Of course, the army crawl and mud trench will be part of this again, as well as other various challenging obstacles!
The Mud Run raises funds for Bolts Athletics. It helps fund equipment, uniforms and facilities. It is planned and created by Community Council members and student-athletes. OH YEAHHH!
You must register by Sept. 8th to receive a free t-shirt. After the deadline, T-shirts can be purchased the day of the event for $20. Limited quantities will be available.
You can register and purchase tickets at: https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/events/57309-7th-annual-filthy-franklin-mud-run
Join the event on our Facebook here – https://fb.me/e/2LRlwcEPl
We will have race day registration as well!
Kids Race at 2:30pm
Adult Race at 3:00pm
Teen Race at 3:30pm
The event is free to attend, but to race registration is $25 for Kids and $40 for Adults & Teens.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!
Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?
We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.
NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS
We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.
Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.
1. FRINGE SHOT
A piece that is
5-15 minutes long
May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.
2. SHORT FORM
A piece that is
20-40 minutes long
May be paired with another show.
3. FULL-LENGTH
A piece that is
45-60 minutes long
Ticketed theater-style show.
4. INSTALLATION
A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)
May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.
5. FILM
A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.
May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023
3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.
We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.
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ArtsAVL’s first Town Hall of 2023-24, focused on the current state and future possibilities for Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, drew over 400 attendees. ArtsAVL collected your questions after the event for an FAQ page. This page will continue to be updated as the discussion evolves. Answered questions include possible next steps, details of non-ticketed events that happen in the auditorium, the economic impact of the space’s closure, and much more.
Missed the Town Hall? Read our article here, and watch the video here.
Immediate Next Steps: City Council will hold a special meeting on Tues, Sept 26 at 3pm |
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What is a Youth Production?
An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.
Interested in Technical Theatre classes?
If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.