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.

Friday, August 13, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Aug 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Aug 13 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Small is Big
Aug 13 all-day
Online

DID YOU KNOW?

For every $1 invested in adult literacy, $33 is returned to the community!

Small is Big is a campaign to support the work of a small non-profit, BLUE RIDGE LITERACY COUNCIL, and the big impact that it has on our community, through monthly contributions. Your donation of $20 a month will transform lives!

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!
Aston Park Tennis Center
Aug 13 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

UCW Rap And Wrestling 6: Back to Business
Aug 13 @ 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Asheville Music Hall
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Cooper River Bridge Run Sept. 2021 Registration Open
Aug 14 all-day
Cooper River Bridge Run

Bridge Run Rescheduled

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Aug 14 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Aug 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Small is Big
Aug 14 all-day
Online

DID YOU KNOW?

For every $1 invested in adult literacy, $33 is returned to the community!

Small is Big is a campaign to support the work of a small non-profit, BLUE RIDGE LITERACY COUNCIL, and the big impact that it has on our community, through monthly contributions. Your donation of $20 a month will transform lives!

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!
Aston Park Tennis Center
Aug 14 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

First Saturdays at Jus’ Running
Aug 14 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Jus’ Running 23rd Anniversary Sale
Aug 14 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Join us for 6 days of great sales AND GIVEAWAYS to celebrate our 23rd year in Asheville! In addition to these great deals, we will have a Saturday morning run from the store with breakfast and vendors after!!
After shopping with us during the sale, you will be able to enter into raffles to win one or more of the giveaways listed below. There will also be separate online giveaways via social media so check those out as well!
There will be separate
SALE DETAILS:
B3G1 Socks
20% Off Apparel
30% Off Shorts
$5 Apparel Rack
Vendors:
PT From Runners Mechanic
Ben Williamson- RAD
GIVEAWAYS:
Hoka Shoe
Saucony Shoe
Topo Shoe
Altra Shoe
Aftershokz Headphones x2
1 Session/Antifragile PT x2
Honey Stinger Waffle Case x4
Honey Stinger Hydration x2
Tailwind Variety pack x3
Spring Gel Variety Pack x3
Huma Gel Cases x 2
Socks (Too Many To Count!)
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!!
Sunday, August 15, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Aug 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Aug 15 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Small is Big
Aug 15 all-day
Online

DID YOU KNOW?

For every $1 invested in adult literacy, $33 is returned to the community!

Small is Big is a campaign to support the work of a small non-profit, BLUE RIDGE LITERACY COUNCIL, and the big impact that it has on our community, through monthly contributions. Your donation of $20 a month will transform lives!

17th Annual Race to the Rock (5K run or 25-mile bike)
Aug 15 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Register at lakelureolympiad.com. Spectators get in free if in the Park before 7:30am.

The grand finale of the 17th Annual Lake Lure Olympiad – a 3-day family sports festival showcases the beautiful scenery of Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald and Chimney Rock. The Race to the Rock is a challenging 5k run or 25-mile bike race that climbs 900 feet in the last 3 miles (a 7-9% grade) to finish at the base of Chimney Rock. The rewarding 75-mile views from the finish line overlooking Lake Lure are enough to take your breath away… or what’s left of it! This is the ONLY TIME you can ever run or bike up the Park road.

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!
Aston Park Tennis Center
Aug 15 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Jus’ Running 23rd Anniversary Sale
Aug 15 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Join us for 6 days of great sales AND GIVEAWAYS to celebrate our 23rd year in Asheville! In addition to these great deals, we will have a Saturday morning run from the store with breakfast and vendors after!!
After shopping with us during the sale, you will be able to enter into raffles to win one or more of the giveaways listed below. There will also be separate online giveaways via social media so check those out as well!
There will be separate
SALE DETAILS:
B3G1 Socks
20% Off Apparel
30% Off Shorts
$5 Apparel Rack
Vendors:
PT From Runners Mechanic
Ben Williamson- RAD
GIVEAWAYS:
Hoka Shoe
Saucony Shoe
Topo Shoe
Altra Shoe
Aftershokz Headphones x2
1 Session/Antifragile PT x2
Honey Stinger Waffle Case x4
Honey Stinger Hydration x2
Tailwind Variety pack x3
Spring Gel Variety Pack x3
Huma Gel Cases x 2
Socks (Too Many To Count!)
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!!
Coed/Hospitality Softball League
Aug 15 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Parks

Coed/Hospitality Softball League –

Fall ’21 Coed (Hospitality Rules) Softball League Individual Player Registration – Find your team and sign up with them prior to the start of your season!

Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – Sundays, starting at 2:00pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)

AA21030202-01 Coed/Hospitality Softball – Upper 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Su Martin Luther King
AA21030202-02 Coed/Hospitality Softball – Middle 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Su Montford Complex
AA21030202-03 Coed/Hospitality Softball – Lower 08/08/2021 –11/07/2021 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Su Shiloh Ballfields
Monday, August 16, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Aug 16 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!
Aston Park Tennis Center
Aug 16 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Jus’ Running 23rd Anniversary Sale
Aug 16 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Join us for 6 days of great sales AND GIVEAWAYS to celebrate our 23rd year in Asheville! In addition to these great deals, we will have a Saturday morning run from the store with breakfast and vendors after!!
After shopping with us during the sale, you will be able to enter into raffles to win one or more of the giveaways listed below. There will also be separate online giveaways via social media so check those out as well!
There will be separate
SALE DETAILS:
B3G1 Socks
20% Off Apparel
30% Off Shorts
$5 Apparel Rack
Vendors:
PT From Runners Mechanic
Ben Williamson- RAD
GIVEAWAYS:
Hoka Shoe
Saucony Shoe
Topo Shoe
Altra Shoe
Aftershokz Headphones x2
1 Session/Antifragile PT x2
Honey Stinger Waffle Case x4
Honey Stinger Hydration x2
Tailwind Variety pack x3
Spring Gel Variety Pack x3
Huma Gel Cases x 2
Socks (Too Many To Count!)
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!!
Fall ’21 Men’s Softball League
Aug 16 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Martin Luther King Park

Fall ’21 Men’s Softball League – aa21030201

Fall ’21 Men’s Softball League Individual Player Registration – Find your team and sign up with them prior to the start of your season!

Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)

Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376

Men’s Softball Lower
Aug 16 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Shiloh Ballfields

Non-resident of Asheville fee and free agent (looking for a team) – $25
Game Day Information – M/Th, starting at 6:30pm, regular season & postseason tournament
3 Divisions; Upper, Middle, and Lower (divisions could be combined based on team registrations)

Questions, contact Mikkel Patterson @ [email protected] | 828.707.2376

Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Aug 17 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

We need your help! Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online
Our Time Traveling Gala is our primary source of funding for our Preservation Grant Program. With this event being canceled for the 2nd year in a row, we need your help!  We are currently just $6000 shy of our funding goal for 2021 preservation grants.  To ensure we can continue to fund community preservation efforts, we need your support now.
Your gift will be put to work right away funding our current grant round with funds to be awarded in October.
Thank you for your continued support!