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.

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
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.
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
The Haunted Trail at the Adventure Center of Asheville is hosting open auditions! The Haunted Trail (brought to you by Asheville Plays) is a family friendly all ages event that features 15 live action story based scenes in an outdoor trail. Actors bring the scenes to life as guests pass through. Actors earn free event tickets based on the amount of nights they have committed to working. Mellow Mushroom provides cast and crew dinner each night! This event raises meals for MANNA food bank, so come have fun and support your community this Halloween season and help us say BOO! to hunger! Volunteer actors should be at least 16 years old. For more information please contact our creative director, Lauren Rivas. [email protected]

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
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.

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.
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.

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

Bring your own skates and roll bounce with us to your favorite soundtrack.
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
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
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16, 2022; 5:30-7:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am
Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: TBA. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA
Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL: TBA
AUDITION FORM: Fill out this Audition Form here or at the audition.
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16, 2022; 5:30-7:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am
Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: TBA. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: TBA
Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL: TBA
AUDITION FORM: Fill out this Audition Form here or at the audition.

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

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
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.

Bring your own skates and roll bounce with us to your favorite soundtrack.
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)
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: AUDITION DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NEW AUDITION DATES ARE: Saturday, August 27 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, August 28 1:00-4:00pm with callbacks Tuesday, Aug 30th 6:30-9:30pm.
AUDITION FORM: Please fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an open time slot. Walk-ups are welcome (just be aware you may have to wait for an open slot). You can fill out the Audition Form at the audition, or save time and fill it out now!
CALLBACK DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2022; 6:30-9:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: Production Calendar. Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 9:30PM beginning September 18th. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: A cast of 9 principal roles and 10+ ensemble roles. Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
Singing: Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Acapella is fine if you don’t have sheet music. The music director will also have you sing scales.
Dance: All those auditioning will learn a short routine with choreographer Rose Pillmore. Dances will be modified as needed to ensure accessibility of choreographic content. No need to prepare in advance, just wear something you can move in.
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: AUDITION DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NEW AUDITION DATES ARE: Saturday, August 27 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, August 28 1:00-4:00pm with callbacks Tuesday, Aug 30th 6:30-9:30pm.
AUDITION FORM: Please fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an open time slot. Walk-ups are welcome (just be aware you may have to wait for an open slot). You can fill out the Audition Form at the audition, or save time and fill it out now!
CALLBACK DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2022; 6:30-9:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: Production Calendar. Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 9:30PM beginning September 18th. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: A cast of 9 principal roles and 10+ ensemble roles. Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
Singing: Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Acapella is fine if you don’t have sheet music. The music director will also have you sing scales.
Dance: All those auditioning will learn a short routine with choreographer Rose Pillmore. Dances will be modified as needed to ensure accessibility of choreographic content. No need to prepare in advance, just wear something you can move in.

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

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

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.

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.
The 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.

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.
The 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.

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.
The 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.

Announcing youth auditions for Flat Rock Playhouse and Studio 52’s upcoming holiday productions of
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, an adaptation of the 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz, and A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS.
All cast members must be fully vaccinated, along with the production team and all Flat Rock Playhouse staff. Proof of vaccination will be required upon being cast.
Auditions will be held by appointment on Wednesday, September 14, and Thursday, September 15, between 5 – 8 PM with invited callbacks on Saturday, September 17 from 10AM – 1PM. Actors who are invited to callbacks will receive an email invitation on Friday, September 16.
Auditioning young actors will be asked to sing a minute (16 – 32 bars) of a Broadway song or their favorite holiday song. Actors can sing a cappella or bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. We also ask that actors bring a recent photo of themselves and a resume or list of experience, if possible. Please be prepared to list any conflicts at your audition. (Again, Studio 52 classes will not be considered a conflict for casting.)
Flat Rock Playhouse seeks a small Youth Ensemble ages 10-18 for A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS, with rehearsals beginning November 13 and the production running November 25 through December 22.
Studio 52 seeks a diverse company of young actors and singers, ages 10 – 18, for the following roles in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS:
CHARLIE BROWN
SNOOPY
LUCY VAN PELT
LINUS VAN PELT
PIG PEN
FRIEDA
SCHROEDER
VIOLET
SALLY BROWN
PATTY
SHERMY
WOODSTOCK
ENSEMBLE (will also understudy named roles)

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

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.
The 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.

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.
The 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.

