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, June 25, 2020
The 33rd Annual Operation Blood Drive
Jun 25 @ 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Buncombe County 2 locations

The 33rd Annual Operation Blood Drive takes place on Thursday, June 25, and there are two chances for you to give blood and also have your antibodies tested for COVID-19. The locations are:

  • Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd. from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Trinity Baptist, 216 Shelbourne Road from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

All donors are eligible for COVID-19 antibody testing, T-shirts, and gift cards (while supplies last).

Sign up to donate at RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: OBD2020), or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

Well Walkers
Jun 25 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Well Walkers is back! Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

Walk your way to wellness on the 1/4 mile concourse at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Parking and admission are free to the public. Whether you’re on your lunch break, a senior, or exercising with a toddler in tow, stop in at your convenience to walk your way to wellness!

Times are 9:00 am – 1:00 pm except when noted otherwise. Dates are subject to change.

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 25 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
ACT Youth Improv Class: Teen Improv ages 13-17
Jun 25 @ 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Online

This Week’s Online Youth Classes

All classes are FREE! Please register for whichever class you’d like to take, and we’ll send you a unique link to the class! If you have any questions about these classes, email Amanda Klinikowski, Education Director!

Youth Improv Session 1: Ages 8-12
Jun 25 @ 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Online

All classes are FREE! Please register for whichever class you’d like to take, and we’ll send you a unique link to the class! If you have any questions about these classes, email Amanda Klinikowski, Education Director!

CATS
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom), and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

Official Website

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Legally Blonde
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
Listen To This Hosted by Tom Chalmers
Jun 25 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Listen To This

Hosted by Tom Chalmers

Usually the last Thursday of the month!

7:30 pm

Performed in 35below. There are some stories that are just so good they need to be shared with an assembled audience. Local actor/comedian Tom Chalmers invites you to take part in what is quickly becoming one of Asheville’s most popular series, Listen to This. A storytelling format in the vein of “This American Life,” Listen to This is an evening hosted by Chalmers with stories and songs from some of Asheville’s most interesting writers, performers, and citizens. Each installment features a central theme (past shows have featured stories about everything from gluttony to mistaken identity). Real people. Real stories. Real good times.

 

Friday, June 26, 2020
20th Annual Turkey Trot Tentative Date
Jun 26 all-day
tba

New Turkey Trot website is in the works!

Due to the uncertainty of hosting events this fall because of COVID-19, the 2020 Turkey Trot is tentatively set for Thursday, November 26th.  Once we know if the race will occur, we will put up information on our new webpage. 

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jun 26 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Video: “No Day But Today” w/ cast of RENT in Seoul, South Korea
Jun 26 all-day
Online

This heartwarming video featuring the iconic song from RENT showcases the talents of the cast members and the unique steps that their theatre is taking to ensure safety amidst COVID-19. Though theatres across the globe have had to close their doors during the pandemic, this production offers hope for the future of performing.

Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 26 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

Legally Blonde
Jun 26 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
CATS
Jun 26 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

 

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom), and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

Official Website

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 26 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Lake Julian 4th of July CANCELLED
Jun 26 @ 10:27 pm – 11:27 pm

Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.

Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.

Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.

Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Saturday, June 27, 2020
North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jun 27 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.
Video: “No Day But Today” w/ cast of RENT in Seoul, South Korea
Jun 27 all-day
Online

This heartwarming video featuring the iconic song from RENT showcases the talents of the cast members and the unique steps that their theatre is taking to ensure safety amidst COVID-19. Though theatres across the globe have had to close their doors during the pandemic, this production offers hope for the future of performing.

Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 27 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

CATS
Jun 27 @ 2:00 pm
Peace Center

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom), and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

Official Website

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 27 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Abomination A Memoir: Written and Performed (Virtually) by Christian Prins Coen
Jun 27 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

Abomination

A Memoir: Written and Performed (Virtually) by Christian Prins Coen

Abomination submerges into the space between dichotomies of race, sexuality, and being. To make light is to make shadow; but who are we when our shadow is cast upon us by others. One will meet their shadow for battle and embrace using light mask work, poetry, and storytelling

One night only!

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, ranging from $5-$25.

All proceeds go to the artist!

Legally Blonde
Jun 27 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
CATS
Jun 27 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

 

CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America!

Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom), and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

Official Website

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 27 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Lake Julian 4th of July CANCELLED
Jun 27 @ 10:27 pm – 11:27 pm

Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.

Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.

Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.

Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Sunday, June 28, 2020
Free Daily Stretches For Musicians
Jun 28 all-day
Online

The Violin Channel recently caught up with violinists and www.intermissionsessions.com wellness coaches Elena Urioste and Melissa White to get their advice on some simple physical exercises that every string player should be doing to stay physically and mentally healthy – during quarantine and beyond …

Violinists Elena Urioste & Melissa White share 10 essential, daily stretches for musicians.

North Carolina Pauses in Phase 2 w/ New Face Covering Requirement
Jun 28 all-day
North Carolina
Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that North Carolina will remain in the Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks, pushing the possible date for moving to Phase 3 to July 17th at 5 pm.
During this announcement, Governor Cooper also included that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places (inside or outside) where physical distancing of six feet is not possible. Additionally, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governor’s Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Face coverings had been “strongly recommended” up until this point.