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.

Saturday, August 24, 2019
Native Tree Nursery Weed Eater Workday
Aug 24 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville GreenWorks Nursery/ Buncombe County Sports Park

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The Asheville GreenWorks nursery is in need of some TLC. After multiple break-ins, vandalism, and theft of tools like weedeaters and chainsaws, we need your help more than ever.

For this workday, we are asking you to bring your weed eaters, if you can, and help clear out the brush in the nursery and hoop house. Don’t have a weed eater? That’s okay! In addition, we will do some hand weeding and other maintenance.

If getting in a good sweat and some hard work isn’t enough incentive, we’ll be sending you home with a native tree of your choosing. At the end of the workday, harvest some apples from the orchard and leave with a tree as well.

Wear work clothes to get dirty and close-toed shoes. Sunscreen, water, and hat are always a good idea. We will also provide some beverages.

All other tools and gear will be provided by GreenWorks.

Sunday, August 25, 2019
Railroad Heritage Weekend
Aug 25 all-day
Tweetsie Railroad

A Once-a-Year Event for Railroad Enthusiasts of All Ages!

Celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives behind Tweetsie’s historic coal-fired, steam locomotives. Special attractions for rail fans, plus enjoy all of the Wild West adventure Tweetsie has to offer!

Saturday, August 31, 2019
Exploring Appalachia (Day Trip Package)
Aug 31 @ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Discover the beauty of the Appalachia’s both wild and rural. Your day begins with the expansive views of Chimney Rock State Park where your group is welcome to enjoy one of the many leisure or intensive hiking trails on the property. Lunch at the award-winning Old Rock Cafe is included with this package to enjoy at your leisure after 11am. At 2pm, join the park’s animal educators for the Animal Encounter, an interactive experience where you can touch, feel, and learn about the wildlife at the park. After meeting the animals of the wild, your group will drive an easy 20 minutes North up 74A for the evening portion of your day trip.

Starting at 4pm, your evening encounter begins with an in-depth tour of the farm’s history and agricultural model along with a meet-and-greet of our farm animals. Choose our standard top-tier tour or upgrade to a horseback ride for an intimate farm experience. Immediately following the tour, your group will be treated to a plated Farm-to-Fork meal prepared by our expert catering chef including an adult beverage of your choice. Finish the day with engaging conversations and gorgeous long-range views as the sun sets.

Saturday, September 7, 2019
Renaissance Faire at the Farm
Sep 7 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Attention all knights, pages, jesters, jousters, kings, queens, princesses and princes! Get your costumes ready, and come out and have some fun on September 7th! Boys, girls, moms, dads, come one, come all to the First Annual Renaissance Fair at the Farm. We have all sorts of fun demonstrations planned, such as fencing, sword fighting, and juggling. Other activities to be announced, including a costume contest!

Saturday, September 14, 2019
Kids Fishing Tournament at Lake Julian
Sep 14 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

The semi-annual event is open to all children ages 15 and under and is sponsored by Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Register online now through September 12 at midnight. On-site registration will also be available at 8:00 a.m. the day of the tournament. Your registration fee covers fishing bait, snacks, and a hot dog lunch at the conclusion of the tournament. No fishing license is required for children under 16 years of age.

This is a catch and release event. Lake Julian Park will supply a bucket for each competitor’s catch. After the fish has been weighed and measured, it will be released back into the lake. Participants bring their own pole.

Fishing is allowed anyplace inside the Lake Julian Park boundaries. No boat fishing is allowed. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Children will be grouped into one of five age categories and prizes awarded in each category. Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, and the most fish caught. In addition, all competitors in every age group will have an opportunity to show off their casting skills. Casting poles and targets are provided and children can demonstrate their ability anytime during the tournament. There are prizes for the winners of the casting competition, too!

Sunday, September 15, 2019
River Clean-Up Sierra Club Asheville Greenworks
Sep 15 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
TBD

North
                                                          Carolina
                                                          Chapter Sierra
                                                          Club

For years, the Sierra Club has worked with Asheville Greenworks (which provides all the equipment) to be on the French Broad River in Asheville (or perhaps the Swannanoa River) picking up trash by canoe. Kayakers can bring their own craft.

Saturday, September 21, 2019
New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat
Sep 21 all-day
New Belgium Brewing

New Belgium Brewing’s annual Tour de Fat is back for 2019, offering a day packed full of free festivities celebrating beer, bikes, and bemusement. This year’s tour kicks off on August 31 in Fort Collins, CO, heads to Asheville, NC, on Sept. 21, and wraps up in Tempe, AZ on October 5.

Each festival gets underway with a wildly popular costumed group bicycle ride roaming public streets in human-powered, two-wheeled euphoria. Immediately following each bike parade, revelers amass at a transformed outdoor space for an afternoon of unforgettable FREE entertainment from a touring ensemble of comedians, cirque performers, general mayhemists, top-notch live musicians and world-class New Belgium beer.

“Our love for bikes runs deep at New Belgium – we like to say our brewery was born on a bicycle seat – so every year we spread that love around the country by coming into towns and hosting the best way to spend a Saturday,” said Tour de Fat Brand Manager, John Yeast. “Big thanks in advance to everyone who will celebrate with us as we attempt to eclipse the $6 million mark of funds raised and donated to nonprofit organizations.”

This year marks the 20th season for Tour de Fat, which has raised nearly $6 million for local non-profits since it all began. The daylong festivities are free, but proceeds from beer and merchandise sales, along with parade donations, go to local non-profits. New in 2019 is a pedal-powered parade participant contest parade contest where winners will be selected based on the creativity, flair and uniqueness of their pedal-powered parade “vehicle” and rewarded with a prize pack that includes up to $500 worth of fixings to throw one heck of a party.

“A typical Tour de Fat parade draws thousands of costumed revelers together who share our mission to amaze and entertain,” Yeast explained. “To further stoke those creative fires, this year we’re offering a super sweet prize package to those people, businesses, civic groups, and the like who wow the crowd by rolling around in unmatched one-of-a-kind style.”

In typical New Belgium style, the brewery tries to leave as little of an environmental imprint as possible. Tour de Fat hosts green vendors, has compost and recycle stations and consciously works diligently to practice sustainable festivization.

“Bicycles basically run on fat and save you money, so they fit perfectly with our commitment to sustainability. Riding improves physical wellness and mental health, reduces CO2 emissions and provides a responsible form of transportation after a beer. Or two,” Yeast said.

Late Summer Stargazing at the Farm
Sep 21 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

We’ll gather under the last evening skies of summer to observe the night sky and its wonders. Local astronomer Stephan Martin will give a tour of the stars and constellations of the summer sky while discussing some of their myths and the astronomical phenomena happening at this time. We may even see a few Taurid meteors cross our skies! All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Thursday, September 26, 2019
City Dance
Sep 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Catch the Wave Celebration
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy

Join us for a night of celebration and fun October 2nd for our second annual Catch the Wave event hosted by RiverLink! We’ll have live music provided by The Barsters, awesome raffles, food, refreshments, and informational sessions providing updates on the project.

All proceeds from the event will help build the Greenway & Blueway so grab your friends and get ready for a good time!

For more information and tickets please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodfin-greenway-blueway-2nd-annual-catch-the-wave-celebration-tickets-69998580639

Special thanks to our amazing co-hosts: Asheville GreenWorks, MountainTrue, Connect Buncombe, and French Broad River Academy

RiverLink is the proud fundraising partner of the Town of Woodfin and Buncombe County Greenways.
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AWESOME RAFFLE PRIZES
Grand Prize Items:
Homeslice Whitewater Kayak from Liquidlogic Kayaks
Raft, Zipline, Yurt Package from Wildwater Ltd.
Bike from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
Jackson Cruise FlexDrive Fishing Kayak from Southern Raft Supply
Alloy Rim Wheelset and stem by Industry Nine

There will also be a dozen additional runner-up prizes

There will be a separate drawings for each. Raffle participants will put their ticket(s) toward whichever item(s) they wish.

**** YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN**** For those unable to attend the event, tickets for the raffle may be purchased online, and we’ll enter them for you. Winners will be notified by email.
__________________________________________________________________

*Children 12 and under may attend at no charge.

Learn more about the project at https://riverlink.org/

Saturday, October 19, 2019
Fall Stargazing and Cosmic Storytelling
Oct 19 @ 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Join local astronomer and author Stephan Martin on a tour of the stars and constellations of the fall night sky above the farm. We’ll discuss some of the myths of the constellations along with the seasonal changes in the sky at this time as well as some of the latest discoveries in astronomy and theories of the universe. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.

Thursday, October 24, 2019
City Dance
Oct 24 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, October 25, 2019
Asheville Alleyway Kidnapper
Oct 25 – Nov 2 all-day
Escape Out

This is an immersive experience,in Downtown Asheville. It’s not just a Haunted House, it’s a survival experience.

Saturday, October 26, 2019
Aston Park Tennis, Tricks & Treats Halloween Tournament
Oct 26 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Ghost Train
Oct 26 @ 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

September 20-21, 27-28, October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Open 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Advance Tickets Required.

It’s safe, scary fun for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the Halloween shows and trick-or-treating. And take a chilling journey into the night on the Ghost Train—if you dare!

Sunday, October 27, 2019
Aston Park Tennis Center Tricks and Treats Tennis Tournament
Oct 27 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center

people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

Costumes are welcomed and encouraged for a fall doubles tennis tournament at Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave., Oct. 26-27.

The cost for tournament participants is $20/person for one event or $30/person for two events. Spectators are free!

Schedule of events – Two Divisions per day, 3.5 and below, 4.0 and above

  • Oct. 26, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Men’s and Women’s Doubles
  • Oct. 27, 1 – 5 p.m. – Mixed Doubles

Prizes will be given for best team costume!

Registration deadline is October 24. Use this form. For more information, call Aston Park Tennis Center at 828-251-4074.

Sunday, November 24, 2019
Guided Walk in Historic Oakdale Cemetery “Look Homeward Angel”
Nov 24 @ 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Oakdale Cemetery

Join me along the pathways of Hendersonville’s Historic Oakdale Cemetery where the “Look Homeward Angel” statue is located. Grave markers throughout this place tell interesting stories and whisper secrets from the past … so come along to discover illustrious and notorious characters of long ago. These 90-minute walks occur rain or shine.
Meeting place: Oakdale Cemetery, U.S. 64 W. at Valley St.

Thursday, November 28, 2019
City Dance
Nov 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, November 30, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Nov 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Dec 7 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Saturday, December 14, 2019
Free Community Family Swim YWCA
Dec 14 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Every Saturday, YWCA of Asheville, in partnership with City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, is offering free Community Open Swim to the public.  Fall 2019 hours are Saturdays 1:30-3:30 pm through December 14th. Join us in our solar-heated, indoor pool and bring a friend! You do not need to RSVP or be a member of the YWCA to enjoy community open swim.

Thursday, December 26, 2019
City Dance
Dec 26 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, December 28, 2019
Tweetsie Christmas
Dec 28 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tweetsie Railroad

November 22-23, 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, & 27-28
Open 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Advance Tickets Required.

Enjoy the wonder of the park dazzlingly lit for the holidays, with a nighttime train and more.

Thursday, January 23, 2020
City Dance
Jan 23 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Creative Sector Talk: The Opportunity for Special Events to Help Build an Equitable and Inclusive Community
Jan 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Center for Craft

We know special events and festivals have long been employed as powerful tools in supporting business, motivating entrepreneurship, and promoting the arts. Additionally, the City of Asheville is focusing on special events and how they can help build an equitable and inclusive community. But government doesn’t just change on its own. What internal and external efforts are needed to maximize returns? Hear from the City’s Outdoor Special Events office about their collaborations with the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion. Learn about the confines we’re all working within as community members, and why it takes an inside effort within government to push forward. Where are your opportunities to create and participate in special events that help build an equitable and inclusive community?

Speakers: City of Asheville Outdoor Event Manager Jon Fillman and Business Inclusion Manager Rosanna Mulcahy

Saturday, February 8, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 8 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 9 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Friday, February 14, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 14 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 15 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Feb 16 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM