Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Sunday, July 31, 2022
Love♡Shine♡Play Festival
Jul 31 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville, NC

Love♡Shine♡Play Festival

Please join us for the 5th annual Love♡Shine♡Play Festival, July 28-31, 2022 (tentative date) taking place against the breathtaking backdrop of the world’s oldest mountains in gorgeous Asheville, NC. The festival classes take place in beautiful venues throughout downtown Asheville as well as our gorgeous & famous Pack Square Park. You will be able to choose from a variety of offerings including yoga classes, meditation, talks, hikes, and more. The pedestrian friendly festival will allow you to immerse yourself in the vibrant life of a city brimming with cultural arts, culinary delights, and many independent shops.

Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive an order confirmation email from Eventbrite, our ticketing partner. Your e-ticket(s) will be attached to your order confirmation email. Important: if you do not see your order confirmation in your inbox, make sure to check your junk/spam folder. If you are still unable to find them, contact the Eventbrite help center here.

Event is rain or shine, and ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL.

We look forward to seeing you in Asheville!

Thursday, August 4, 2022
The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Aug 4 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

National Park Fee Free Days: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Aug 4 @ 8:06 pm – 9:06 pm
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Come experience the national parks! On five days in 2022, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2022. Please check operating status at this park and others before traveling as there may be changes due to Covid-19.

Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)

Two maintenance workers repaving a road
Improvements to infrastructure through GAOA will increase opportunities for everyone to experience their national parks.

NPS Photo

This landmark conservation legislation established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, which uses revenue from energy development to provide up to $1.9 billion a year for five years to provide needed maintenance for critical facilities and infrastructure in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and American Indian schools. The National Park Service, which has one of the largest asset portfolios of all federal agencies, receives 70 percent of the Legacy Restoration Fund each year.

GAOA also designated royalties from offshore oil and natural gas to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the tune of $900 million a year to invest in conservation and recreation opportunities across the nation.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives up to $900 million a year from offshore oil and natural gas royalties. This funding assists national parks in the acquisition of essential lands and provides states with money to invest in local conservation and recreation opportunities.

Friday, August 5, 2022
Light Up the Night 5k
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and iDaph Events present the 4th Annual Light Up the Night 5k! This event is a fundraising, nighttime walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the continuous work of recovery, rescue, and restoration to individuals throughout WNC.

The first 200 people to register will also receive a FREE glow-in-the-dark commemorative finisher medal!

Each 5k registration will include a FREE t-shirt until July 10th at midnight. After that date, shirts will be available for purchase, in limited quantities and sizes, for $10. Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets will be available for our in-person participants!

The event will take place at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC on Friday, August 5th. This is your time to shine! Runners will have a rolling start between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM and take to the greenway to run or walk this fun and unique event.

In addition to the in-person event, there is also a virtual offering for participants who aren’t comfortable coming to an in-person event. The Virtual 5k event experience gives participants an opportunity to participate in this fundraising event ANYWHERE! Walk/Run/Hike 5k and submit your results online!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. They meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward.

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Reset Your Nervous System for Relaxation with Jot (Lauren Cox)
Aug 6 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

 

Yoga teaches us that we are each born whole, complete, and perfect!! Due to our many life experiences we tend to forget this state of wholeness, we forget who we truly are, and we get lost in our physical, mental, and emotional reactions to life. It is important for us to remember that the human nervous system simply cannot evolve at the rapid pace that society and technology has. Hopefully through what you learn in this workshop you can begin to extend yourself a bit more grace during natural moments of challenge and upset.

During this experiential workshop we will utilize a holistic and traditional approach. Working with breath-work techniques alongside intuitive Yin, Yoga Nidra, and shaking meditation to reset the nervous system back to a state of ease and relaxation.

My hope is that through this workshop you’ll acquire a wide array of simple yet profound tools that you can skillfully use as you learn to access your current state of being and what your needs truly are.

Thursday, August 11, 2022
The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Aug 11 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Friday, August 12, 2022
Skate Nights at Carrier Park FREE
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Carrier Park

Skate Night image

Bring your own skates and roll bounce with us to your favorite soundtrack.

Movies in the Park: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Pack Square Park

Free movies under the stars in Pack Square Park are back for the summer! Join us on the second Friday of each month through August with the Rec n Roll Play Zone activating at 7pm and movies beginning at dusk. Bring a blanket.

When kids sneak into inventor Wayne Szalinski’s upstairs lab to retrieve an errant baseball, his experimental shrink ray miniaturizes them. When Szalinski returns home, he destroys the device — which he thinks is a failure — and dumps it in the trash, throwing out the kids along with it. The four children, now 1/4-inch tall, must survive the journey back to the house through a yard where sprinklers bring treacherous storms and garden-variety ants stampede like elephants.

Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy

Outdoor Movie Night: Luca
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dana Park

Henderson County Parks & recreation hosts a free movie screening and food truck at parks across the county this summer! Food truck opens at 7pm, movie starts at nightfall (approx 8pm). Bring your blanket and chair!

– May 13 | Jackson Park | Encanto
– June 17 | Etowah Park | Clifford the Big Red Dog
– July 15 | East Flat Rock Park | Sing 2
– July 29 | Tuxedo Park | Space Jam
– August 12 | Dana Park | Luca

Yoga with a View Series
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Think outside the studio and enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed with this yoga practice for all levels of expertise. The mountains are said to be a natural vortex of spiritual energy, which makes Chimney Rock an ideal setting for connecting your spirit with nature at this outdoor class overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

Saturday, August 13, 2022
Yin and Restore with Katie Freshman
Aug 13 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

 

Connecting the two wonderful & beneficial practices together. We will begin by dropping into the breath and creating space within the body through gentle movements, and then finding stillness with long held Yin postures. Options, modifications, and encouragement for prop usage throughout. Within our second hour together; coming into the relaxation of Restorative Yoga, feeling held and supported by an abundance of props and perhaps the wall too. Printed handout of sequence included.

As the Late Summer season begins, we look to find the pause between the expansive Summer and the turning inward of Fall. Looking for cooling and calming poses to soothe and center us.  Allowing the thinking mind to let go and the physical body to simply feel. This workshop will offer options to restore the body & the nervous system. Printed handout of sequence included.

Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Aug 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Thursday, August 25, 2022
YOGA
Aug 25 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Rabbit Rabbit

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Aug 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

City Dance
Aug 25 @ 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, August 26, 2022
Skate Nights at Carrier Park FREE
Aug 26 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Carrier Park

Skate Night image

Bring your own skates and roll bounce with us to your favorite soundtrack.

Saturday, August 27, 2022
Ready to Try Hiking? Join Parks + Recreation for the Sampler Hike Series
Aug 27 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Bent Creek Park
a group of people on a hike

Have a yen to try a local hike, but don’t know where to begin? Join Buncombe County Parks & Recreation for scenic hikes close to home this summer and fall. The Sampler Hike Series is a free four-pack of popular treks lead by Parks and Recreation staff on Saturday mornings.

Explorers of all skill levels are invited to experience the fun of one hike, all four, or somewhere in between. Space is limited to 12 hikers and advanced registration is necessary.

Up first is the Lake Powhatan hike. We will begin our hike at Bent Creek River Park and take the Mountains to Sea Trail until we hop onto NC Arboretum property to join the Old Mill Trail and Bent Creek Road Trail that takes us into the Pisgah National Forest on our way to Lake Powhatan.

This hike follows a multi-use gravel path for most of the journey with some dirt paths here and there. The grade is flat and is considered a very easy hike. The overall distance that we will be traveling is 6.5 miles and it will take around 2.5 hours.

Stayed tuned to buncombecounty.org/parks for details on September’s hike.

What to Bring Hiking

  • Daypack or backpack
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (The temperature and wind can change with elevation, so moisture-wicking shirts and layers are recommended.)
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Water
  • Trail snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunglasses (optional)
  • Hat or bandana (optional)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Camera (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Compass (optional)
  • Whistle (optional)
  • Knife or multi-tool (optional)
  • First aid kit (optional)

Follow Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Sunday, August 28, 2022
Yoga Taco Mosa
Aug 28 @ 10:30 am
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– FREE ADMISSION ($10 SUGGESTED DONATION)

Our monthly installment of Yoga Taco Mosa! Join us as we honor one another in practice lead by Clare Desmelik, and then enjoy tacos and mimosas in the taqueria.

Awakening Love: A Workshop for Women ~ Planting Seeds for Peace w/ Amber + Luna Sunday
Aug 28 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Yoga

Awakening Love: A Workshop for Women ~ Planting Seeds for Peace w/ Amber & Luna

“If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, everyone in our family, and our entire society will benefit from our peace”.  -Thich Nhat Hanh

Join Luna Ray and Amber Acheson for an embodied exploration of living with more peace. In this 3 hour journey we will gather as community and practice to overcome disturbances that keep us from feeling calm and peaceful.

This gathering will include:

Yoga and Somatic Practices

Music and Song

Ritual and Community Connection.

Please bring comfortable clothes for an outdoor experience, a journal and pen, any props or blankets to support you.  Chairs will be available.

Thursday, September 1, 2022
YOGA
Sep 1 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Rabbit Rabbit

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Sep 1 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Thursday, September 8, 2022
YOGA
Sep 8 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Rabbit Rabbit

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Sep 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Saturday, September 10, 2022
Ride On: Pedal Over to Parks + Recreation’s Bike Rodeo + Safety Day
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Buncombe County Training Facility

child's feet on pedals with graphics on screen

Buckle up your helmets and get ready to ride bikes! Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce our first annual Bike Rodeo & Safety Day on Saturday, Sept. 10. This fun, free family event is open to all ages and tailored to children and youth with lots of fun activities designed to set young riders up for safety. We’ll be serving up free hotdogs, and the first 100 children and youth ages 5–15 yrs. will receive a FREE bicycle helmet.

“We are so excited to host this event,” says Parks & Recreation’s Lynn Pegg. “Thanks to our community partners, we’ve got a super fun day lined up with activities and safety and maintenance tips that will help young riders pedal with confidence. Kids can bring their own bike or we will have a select few to borrow to ride the skills course.”

Marshall from Paw Patrol will be assisting the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators with Kid ID Kits and Fingerprints, and K9 Deputy Kora will stop by for a visit. Thanks to the Weaverville Fire Department there will be a huge Ladder Truck on site demonstrating a water feature, and you might even get wet. WNC Safe Kids will be there to share bike safety information, and kids will have the opportunity to learn bicycle maintenance tips with Daily Cycle AVL. We hope to see you there.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks + Recreation this fall
Sep 13 all-day
various locations in Asheville
photo collage of young people sitting on a wall, young girl holding fish, dog in pumpkin costume

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s direction with a strong concentration on neighborhood-level, community-focused recreation experiences with listings for fitness and active living opportunities, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, outdoor recreation, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.

graphic in yellows and blues of mountain and sun that says explore connect discoverThe free guide is available at all City community centers and online as a PDF or enhanced digital flipbook. Community members may also download the APR app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com.

 

Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks + Recreation this fall
Sep 14 all-day
various locations in Asheville
photo collage of young people sitting on a wall, young girl holding fish, dog in pumpkin costume

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s direction with a strong concentration on neighborhood-level, community-focused recreation experiences with listings for fitness and active living opportunities, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, outdoor recreation, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.

graphic in yellows and blues of mountain and sun that says explore connect discoverThe free guide is available at all City community centers and online as a PDF or enhanced digital flipbook. Community members may also download the APR app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com.

 

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks + Recreation this fall
Sep 15 all-day
various locations in Asheville
photo collage of young people sitting on a wall, young girl holding fish, dog in pumpkin costume

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s direction with a strong concentration on neighborhood-level, community-focused recreation experiences with listings for fitness and active living opportunities, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, outdoor recreation, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.

graphic in yellows and blues of mountain and sun that says explore connect discoverThe free guide is available at all City community centers and online as a PDF or enhanced digital flipbook. Community members may also download the APR app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com.

 

YOGA
Sep 15 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Rabbit Rabbit

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Sep 15 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Friday, September 16, 2022
Explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks + Recreation this fall
Sep 16 all-day
various locations in Asheville
photo collage of young people sitting on a wall, young girl holding fish, dog in pumpkin costume

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), like the community it serves, is constantly changing and evolving. In alignment with Asheville City Council’s 2036 Vision and current strategic priorities, the department is focused on Improving Core Core Services, Neighborhood Resilience, and Improving Public Safety. APR’s fall program guide reflects the department’s direction with a strong concentration on neighborhood-level, community-focused recreation experiences with listings for fitness and active living opportunities, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, outdoor recreation, parks and facilities’ hours of operation, and more.

graphic in yellows and blues of mountain and sun that says explore connect discoverThe free guide is available at all City community centers and online as a PDF or enhanced digital flipbook. Community members may also download the APR app for iPhone or search programs on avlREC.com.