Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Community Supported Agriculture is a model of food exchange that asks eaters to buy a
share in the risk of farming to support local food systems. The typical structure is a consumer
outlay of cash at the beginning of a farmer’s season in exchange for a weekly box of local
food throughout the year. The model has been lauded, widely adopted, and successful in the
farm to table movement, but it also faces wide criticisms related to access and feasibility as
a true catalyst for good food. To explore this topic with flavor, Chow Chow joins with chefs
and thought-leaders for a CSA challenge that showcases out-of-the-box thinking about
CSAs, using various examples from a typical seasonal weekly CSA share. Participants will
enjoy bites and beverages from the creations that each chef unboxes and transforms into
both fresh and fermented flavors. Meanwhile, different takes on the popular CSA model will
be shared. This event aims to be a true example of a community exchange-of good food,
thought-provoking discussion, and our ultimate common ground.
Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.
Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.
Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+
Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.
Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion. Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
MARA Meetings (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous is a support group of people who believe in the value of medication as a means to recovery. We understand that our individual needs may not be the same; our backgrounds may not be the same; our futures may not be the same. However, our desire to live a safe lifestyle joins us together. Non-judgement is our code.
About Hope Coalition
Hope Coalition is a grassroots effort initiated by the Henderson County Partnership for Health in 2013 as a community collaborative to educate, evaluate, and implement evidence-based models on substance misuse and underage drinking in Henderson County by building capacity and creating long-term and sustainable plans that are action-oriented and focus on community level change.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Musician Schedule
Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
- Thursday 7/8 – Juan Holiday (R&B/Soul) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Jackson Grimm (Folk/Bluegrass) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/9 – No Event
- Thursday 7/15 – Liz & Elizabeth (Folk/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/16 – Kevin Williams (Country/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Steve Newbrough (Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.Click here for the full schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
- Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
- Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of buildings.
- To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
- Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
- Watch Black Bears Uno and Ursa enjoy popsicle enrichment
- Learn how to help bears in the wild with BearWise
- Walk the park with your favorite drink in hand
- Support the wild animals you love with this fundraiser!
Highland Brewing beer
Pleb Urban Winery wine
Urban Orchard cider
Gypsy Queen Cuisine food truck
Blunt Pretzels cart
Ice cream treats
Music provided by 105.9 The Mountain
Bear education provided by BearWise
Join us for a relaxing evening of wine (or sparkling juice), painting, and nibbles! Aprons and painting materials are provided and included in your ticket price.
DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 
Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+
As COVID levels rise in Buncombe County, arts organizations are taking precautionary steps to support the health of the Asheville- Buncombe community.
More than 25 organizations have signed on to the Asheville Area Arts Council’s pledge to require masks indoors and strongly encourage masks outdoors.
“Arts leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of our community since the pandemic began in March 2020 and will continue to do so as new challenges arise,” said Asheville Area Arts Council Executive Director Katie Cornell.
The arts council’s recent Creative Jobs Report shows the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation was the top creative sector in Buncombe County, growing 53% from 2015-19. By 2020, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry had experienced the greatest percentage of employment loss in the county– an overall loss of 34% representing a decline of over 1,300 jobs according to Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Many creative businesses also suffered over a year of closure due to necessary health restrictions. “Arts organizations are doing their part to support the community, but these businesses simply cannot withstand another shutdown. We need the community to do their part to support the arts by wearing a mask” said Cornell.
This mask requirement comes after the Center for Disease Control issued new guidelines on July 27th that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the risk of becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders also urged businesses to follow the CDC guidelines during the Stand Up for Your Business Town Hall meeting on August 5th.
“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
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Join Alexis from Cisco Pilates Asheville for free online Pilates mat classes! The class is beginner friendly.
Pilates is for every BODY…no matter your age, gender, or physical ability, give it a try in the comfort of your own home. Wake up and work out! These classes are offered to the public free of charge thanks to the support of the Pack Friends of the Library. |
$5 Mimosas every Saturday & Sunday
Community is central to the human experience, giving us a sense of belonging to something
greater than ourselves. Connecting with others through shared experiences directly impacts
our physical, emotional and mental health. Join Chow Chow for a delicious meal and
discussion celebrating how community is created and nourished in our region, specifically
around the essential element of food. As you dine, you’ll hear from neighbors Sunil Patel,
who created the village-scale Patchwork Urban Farms in West Asheville; April Jones, founder
of Pinehurst Farmers Market, which addresses food sovereignty in Columbia, SC; and
Jeremy French and his team at Making Whole, a fine furniture studio and addiction recovery
program built into the framework of a traditional apprenticeship program, where every day
includes preparing and enjoying a shared meal around a communal dining table.
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Join Alexis from Cisco Pilates Asheville for free online Pilates mat classes! The class is beginner friendly. Pilates is for every BODY…no matter your age, gender, or physical ability, give it a try in the comfort of your own home. Wake up and work out! These classes are offered to the public free of charge thanks to the support of the Pack Friends of the Library. |
Join Chow Chow for a journey of agricultural rediscovery and culinary adventure! Based
in Asheville, NC, the Utopian Seed Project is a hands-in-the-earth nonprofit committed
to trialing crops and varieties in the Southeast to support diversity in food and farming.
Chris Smith, Executive Director for Utopian Seed Project will share the organization’s
vision to create an engaged network of growers, gardeners, farmers, foodies, cooks and
chefs to help celebrate this diversity. Over a shared meal showcasing crops and varieties
being grown by the project at Franny’s Farm, we will discuss an overarching vision to
create food security in the face of climate change through diverse and regenerative
agriculture
nothing back with their wild and zany performances.
Relia’s Lost Kitchen is a series of exclusive pop-up dinner events in honor of NOC founder Aurelia Kennedy and the original restaurant that nourished visitors from all over the globe.
Guests will enjoy a freshly prepared five-course dinner, with each course featuring a thoughtfully selected wine from women in the wine industry. Dine overlooking Relia’s Garden with the Nantahala River just below.
Tables will be set up to seat four guests at a time and guests are required to book in parties of four to maximize seating availability for this exclusive, socially distanced event. Doors will open at 6PM for the 6:30PM dinner service.
Sput Searight – Ghost-Note, Snarky Puppy, TOTO
Xavier Taplin – Ghost-Note, TOTO
Kat Dyson – Prince / Cyndi Lauper
Matt Lapham – Roosevelt Collier Trio
Please join us in celebrating the height of the summer season in the mountains with James Beard Foundation award-winning chefs Steven Satterfield of Miller Union in Atlanta, and Joseph Lenn of JC Holdway in Knoxville, Tennessee. This dynamic duo, who also happen to be great friends, will present a multi-course menu full of summer’s most delicious flavors alongside pairings from the Old Edwards sommeliers in the beautiful setting of The Farm.
$185 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
As COVID levels rise in Buncombe County, arts organizations are taking precautionary steps to support the health of the Asheville- Buncombe community.
More than 25 organizations have signed on to the Asheville Area Arts Council’s pledge to require masks indoors and strongly encourage masks outdoors.
“Arts leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of our community since the pandemic began in March 2020 and will continue to do so as new challenges arise,” said Asheville Area Arts Council Executive Director Katie Cornell.
The arts council’s recent Creative Jobs Report shows the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation was the top creative sector in Buncombe County, growing 53% from 2015-19. By 2020, the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation industry had experienced the greatest percentage of employment loss in the county– an overall loss of 34% representing a decline of over 1,300 jobs according to Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Many creative businesses also suffered over a year of closure due to necessary health restrictions. “Arts organizations are doing their part to support the community, but these businesses simply cannot withstand another shutdown. We need the community to do their part to support the arts by wearing a mask” said Cornell.
This mask requirement comes after the Center for Disease Control issued new guidelines on July 27th that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings to reduce the risk of becoming infected and transmitting the virus to others. Buncombe County Public Health Director Stacie Saunders also urged businesses to follow the CDC guidelines during the Stand Up for Your Business Town Hall meeting on August 5th.
“We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and we are currently seeing surges around the country more aggressive than anything we saw in 2020,” said Buncombe County Public Health Preparedness Director Fletcher Tove. “Each one of us has a role to play in safeguarding our community and that starts with getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors.”