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.

Sunday, July 29, 2018
Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 29 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs
Jul 29 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide at halftime shows on television. Don’t miss them live at Tweetsie Railroad! Shows at 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7:00 p.m.

Mamma Mia!
Jul 29 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Summer Sizzle
Jul 29 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Monday, July 30, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 30 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 30 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Summer Sizzle
Jul 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Jul 30 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Laurie Caffery Harris

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Daydreaming about magical creatures can be fun, but what if you could make your own? From floating fairies to tiny trolls, and unicorns to gnarly gnomes, we will first create and name our characters, then create a home for them to live and play. You will take home a miniature world where anything can happen.

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Jul 30 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Tuesday, July 31, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Jul 31 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Backpack to the Future – 2018 School Supply Drive
Jul 31 all-day
United Way

While having school supplies may simply be an item on the ‘to-do’ list for many parents and guardians, for others, the calculator that their child needs, or a backpack without last year’s broken zippers, may not be in the cards. 2018 SSD logoThese parents—and especially their children—should not have to worry about heading into school without the necessary supplies. This is why the United Way has this drive and, by contributing the supplies our students need to succeed, we’re investing in the future of our community. Together we are stronger. United, we make a difference. #BackpacktotheFuture.   

This year’s 2018 school supply drive will be July 9th trough July 27th.  If you visit www.handsonasheville.org/schoolsupplydrive, you will see that there are links for that online shopping avenue, a downloadable supply list for going to the store yourself, a downloadable “toolkit” should you decide to hold your own drive, and if you would simply like to donate, in general, to the School Supply Drive’s efforts, there is an option for that as well. Any and all options and the donations we receive help us invest in our future!

Summer Sizzle
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Jul 31 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Laurie Caffery Harris

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Daydreaming about magical creatures can be fun, but what if you could make your own? From floating fairies to tiny trolls, and unicorns to gnarly gnomes, we will first create and name our characters, then create a home for them to live and play. You will take home a miniature world where anything can happen.

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Jul 31 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Wednesday, August 1, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 1 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 1 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Summer Sizzle
Aug 1 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 1 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Laurie Caffery Harris

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Daydreaming about magical creatures can be fun, but what if you could make your own? From floating fairies to tiny trolls, and unicorns to gnarly gnomes, we will first create and name our characters, then create a home for them to live and play. You will take home a miniature world where anything can happen.

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Aug 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Thursday, August 2, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 2 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

Mamma Mia!
Aug 2 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Summer Sizzle
Aug 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3

Kids Classes & Clay Camp — Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Classes & Clay Camp -- Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Mystical Creatures Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Laurie Caffery Harris

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Daydreaming about magical creatures can be fun, but what if you could make your own? From floating fairies to tiny trolls, and unicorns to gnarly gnomes, we will first create and name our characters, then create a home for them to live and play. You will take home a miniature world where anything can happen.

North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm
The Commons Shopping Center
North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival @ The Commons Shopping Center |  |  |

Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Th, Fri, Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $3
Children under 10 admitted free
Friday: $1 admission for Senior Citizens

The Commons Shopping Center
12121 Hwy 226 S
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Contact:
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 828-765-9033
Website: www.ncgemfest.com
Email: [email protected]

Kids Clay Camp — Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10
Aug 2 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
Kids Clay Camp --  Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 @ Odyssey ClayWorks   | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Jaye Bartell – Later: Readings from then and now
Aug 2 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center
Jaye Bartell - Later: Readings from then and now @ Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center |  |  |

Former Asheville resident Jaye Bartell, who performed regularly at BMCM+AC in the mid-2000s, returns for a night of readings and reminiscences. Bartell will read from the numerous publications and artist editions issued between 2003 and 2008, many of which were produced for events at or related to the museum, as well as from more recent work, including a new, limited-print chapbook produced for this event.

$5 for BMCM+AC members + students w/ID / $10 non-members

Friday, August 3, 2018
7TH ANNUAL REUSE CONTEST
Aug 3 all-day

For the seventh consecutive year, the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Road near Biltmore Village is encouraging residents to show off their creativity and talent for a chance to win in the ReStore ReUse Contest. Garden shed, artist studio, chicken coop…tree house, playhouse, tiny house…if you recently built a structure like this using predominantly reused building materials, Habitat wants to know. The contest runs July 1-August 31 and submissions must be sent electronically. Information and entry form will be available on ashevillehabitat.org starting July 1 st . The purpose of the contest is to showcase innovative building projects constructed predominantly of used building materials. “Our customers often tell us about the projects they make using materials purchased at the ReStore. This contest is a great way to showcase their projects and inspire others to reuse, recycle and repurpose usable materials,” said Scott Stetson, ReStore General Manager. Five judges will select winners in the following categories: Furniture, Homesteading, Live and/or Work Space, Home Décor, Youth (age 16 and under), and Best in Show. Winners will be announced in mid-September.

LEAF Downtown AVL
Aug 3 – Aug 4 all-day
Pack square park
LEAF Downtown AVL @ Pack square park  |  |  |

LEAF Downtown celebrates communities, creativity, diversity and families in
the heart of downtown Asheville & showcases dynamic musical talent, immersive cultural arts
performances and local handcraft & culinary artists. LEAF Downtown will further the goals of
inclusivity, community partnership and economic vitality in the greater Asheville area, while
driving the greater LEAF Community Arts mission to connect cultures & create community

through music & arts. Visit theLEAF.org/downtown for more info on this inclusive, family-
friendly, FREE event!

4TH ANNUAL LEAF DOWNTOWN AVL LINEUP:
Maceo Parker, Grandmaster Flash
Wax Tailor (Solo & Special Guests)
Maggie Koerner, Victory Boyd, Free Planet Radio
LEAF Funk Mixtape Allstars, Tall Tall Trees, Supatight
Ben Phan & The Soul Symphony, I,Star, Brie Capone
King Garbage, Nex Millen, Hope Giffin, Red Leg Husky, Liz Teague Band
Blue Ridge Pride Drag Show, Unifire Theater, NU Paradigm
Voted by WNC as the #1 Nonprofit Serving the Arts, #1 Music Festival, #1 Camping Festival, #1
Kids Festival, #1 Music-Related Nonprofit & #1 Cultural Arts Event, LEAF Community Arts is a
non-profit organization in which all donations & festival proceeds support cultural arts education
programming locally & globally! Since 2004, LEAF Schools & Streets has served over 55,000
youth with programs in over 20 Western North Carolina locations. LEAF International features
cultural preservation programs in 10 countries worldwide. Your attendance at LEAF not only
provides you with an amazing weekend experience with friends and family, but provides a
platform for fostering the growth of our youth into creative leaders in their communities
worldwide. Join the movement @ theLEAF.org

Mamma Mia!
Aug 3 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

The #1 most requested musical at FRP and international phenomenon…MAMMA MIA!

Dance the night away to such ABBA favorites as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Thank you for the Music” in this delightful musical comedy and Broadway sensation.

Following the release of the brand new musical movie, Mamma Mia 2 in movie theaters on July 20th, see where it all began at the Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage from July 27th to August 18th as WE present Mamma Mia!

Matinees: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00PM

Evenings: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30PM. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage
2661 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731

Summer Sizzle
Aug 3 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Half Day Camps ($125)
June 25 -29
July 9-13
July 23-27
July 20-Aug. 3