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.
Come and swim in the only fresh water race of the Carolina Swim Series! Lake Lure is beautiful in the early summer and great for an open water swim. The water is around 70 degrees and there are no jelly fish, currents, or salt water to deal with while swimming! Come swim with us and support a great cause!
Benefiting area charity Outreach of Hickory Nut Gorge and local first responders.
Welcome to the 2023 Lure of the Lake Swim, a Lake Lure Olympiad event. A 1.5 Mile and 3.0 Mile swim race, held on June 10th, 2023, is part of Set Up Events’ Carolina Swim Series.
Starting at 8:00 am the races will be held on the Lake Lure Beach across from the iconic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Lots of good food, friendly volunteers, and a great race shirt await you at this beautiful freshwater lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC. Proceeds from this swim event will support our area charities and local first responders.
PRICING & REGISTRATION
Lure of the Lake Swim- June 10th, 2023
1.5 mile swim $30.00
3 mile swim $40.00
Packet Pick Up
6:30 – 7:45 am at the covered pavilion at Lake Lure Town Beach.
Policies & Refunds
There are no refunds for this race. This event occurs rain or shine. In the case of lightning, we will delay the start.
Wetsuit Rule Update!!!!
The expected water temp at Lure of the Lake is going to be in the 75-degree range. Lure of the Lake follows USA Triathlon wetsuit rules.
Wetsuits are legal up to 78 degrees, no penalty.
Wetsuits are optional from 78.1 to 84 degrees. Any participant wearing a wetsuit in this range will not be eligible for awards or placement.
EVENT DAY DETAILS
SWAG AND EXTRAS
Athletes will receive with their registration a wristband to enjoy the beach life after the race for the full day.
T-SHIRTS
Deadline to register and receive a free shirt is May 26th.
Stay tuned for 2023 shirt announcement.
Hotdog Roast immediately following each race event on the beach sponsored by Lake Lure Inn & Spa, held in the pavilion of the beach.
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Join us in this inclusive and supportive environment as we all take turns in the “hot seat” where the focus is on getting insight and solving problems.
Not only will your challenge be addressed, but you get to learn from what others are bringing to the table too. And it’s a great way to meet other entrepreneurs who are on a similar journey.
Kids’ Comedy Tour: Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.
- Perfect for birthday parties
- Makes for memorable school field trips
- Tickets are $27 per person
- Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.
*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.
The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.
- Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
- Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
*These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
*You can purchase a pass online at America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store. - 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
- Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
- Tours are limited to 6 persons.
- Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.
Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
*Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.
(credit card only)
$10.00 for Adults 16 and older
$6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
Free for Children age 15 and under
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
Starting April 8th, you can ride ArtAVL’s new free ArtsAVL Connect Trolley – connecting the Downtown and River Arts Districts with two overlapping routes.
The initiative is a partnership between ArtsAVL and Gray Line Asheville. Beginning April 8th, two chartered Gray Line trolleys will circulate on 20-30 minute intervals from 12-8 pm on every Second Saturday. Riders are welcome to hop on and off anywhere along the trolley routes.
The Downtown Trolley connects the main areas of the Central Business District to the River Arts District. The River Arts Trolley loops throughout the River Arts District. Residents and visitors can view stops and current location of trolleys through the interactive trolley map on ArtsAVL’s website and the new ArtsAVL app.
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a very unique creature that some say resembles a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest.
The Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) is a secretive, hard-to-find native insect that calls our area home, and for a very short amount of time in early summer, they inhabit our surrounding woodlands of Transylvania County.
You’ll experience an educational presentation at our outdoor amphitheater starting at 9:00pm and then use the cover of darkness and special flashlights to go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest. Cradle of Forestry team members will be stationed at key locations around the trail to provide further information about this amazing natural phenomenon. Please feel free to congregate near these areas with your fellow firefly enthusiasts or go explore on your own! We require everyone to stay on the trail to prevent habitat damage, and team members will clear the trail and require everyone to depart by 10:30pm.
Ticket Purchase/Pre-registration is required. This is a light rain or shine, family-friendly event!
In order to maximize our participant experience while minimizing our impact on the resource, we limit each night to 125 participants.
Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.
Whitewater Kayaking Instruction
Youth Paddling Programs
Specialty Paddling Programs
Professional Training for Paddlers
Canoe Courses
|
The 2nd Annual RAD Half Marathon & 10k are fast, incredibly scenic races that start in the heart of Downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Both races whiz downhill to the River Arts District, and wind along the peaceful French Broad River. You’ll be greeted with a complimentary beer, a one-of-a-kind finisher medal, live music, and a free shuttle back to the start line after the race.
If you’re looking to soak in all the sights and sounds of Asheville while achieving a new PR, this is the race for you!
This race is part of the Appalachian Trilogy!
 |
RUN 13.1 x 3We are thrilled to offer the 2023 Appalachian Trilogy! Run 3 out of 4 of these Half Marathons in 2023 and receive a unique commemorative medal! Asheville Half Marathon (March 18), Jump off Rock Half Marathon (May 13), RAD Half Marathon (June 11) and Black Bear Half Marathon (October 8), and receive a gorgeous gold commemorative, Appalachian Trilogy medal. We will also have some super cool swag to go along with this new challenge to keep you motivated to train all year long! How do I sign up? Register for three of the above half marathons and you are automatically entered into the Trilogy! Must sign up for three events by July 9, 2023 in order to be eligible. |
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.
*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.
The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.
- Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
- Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
*These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
*You can purchase a pass online at America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store. - 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
- Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
- Tours are limited to 6 persons.
- Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.
Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
*Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.
(credit card only)
$10.00 for Adults 16 and older
$6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
Free for Children age 15 and under
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
Hang out and show off your putting skills with your fellow Dems! Only $5 per person.
Ice cream available from The Hop!
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Summer Kickball League
$100 Per Team.
Registration Dates: June 1st – June 20th.
6 Week league, Tuesday’s only.
Location: Shiloh Field.
Games begin: June 27th.Kickball Team Fees must be paid prior to individual player registration.Link to Team Registration:CLICK HERE.
Pickleball: Women’s Doubles
Welcome to the 2023 Women’s Double’s Summer Pickleball League! Please read the following information carefully:
Registration dates: June 6th – July 3rd
There are 3 women’s division’ with limited spots available (3.0, 3.5, and 4.0). Teams CANNOT exceed a combined score of 7.75.
Team Fee: $20
Location: Oakley Courts.
Season Begins: July 18th (Rules will be distributed to Captains once registration ends)
For questions or concerns contact
Pickleball: Mens Doubles
Welcome to the 2023 Men’s Double’s Summer Pickleball League! Please read the following information carefully:
Registration Dates: June 6th – July 3rd
There are 2 Men’s division’ with limited spots available (3.0, and 3.5). Teams CANNOT exceed a combined score of 8.0
Team Fee: $20
Location: Oakley Courts.
Season Begins: July 13th (Rules will be distributed to Captains once registration ends)
Pickleball Clinic
The clinic will be held at Murphy Oakley Park with a focus on inviting beginner players and youth ages 8 and up.
Must preregister to attend the clinic! Any questions or concerns please reach out to Zack Stewart @ 828-545-1644, [email protected]
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Summer League Basketball Classic
Registration Opens on April 10- June 12
Age Divisions: (Age as of June 20,2023)
Ages:13-17 (Co-ed)
Teams will practice/have games at max 1-2 times per week. The specific day of practice/games will depend on which team each player is placed on. The days used for this program are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays.
For more information, please contact Jay Houston at [email protected] or (828) 259-5611
There will be an evaluation.The overall purpose of the evaluation/draft is to ensure fairness amongst teams. All talent levels are welcomed and each player will be placed on a team. Evaluations will observe each -players fundamentals of basketball. For example, dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and more. Our goal is for each player to progress throughout the season and have an enjoyable experience!
Evaluation Date: Tuesday June 20 at 6:30PM at Shiloh Gym (121 Shiloh Road)
Please note, we do not base teams on day of the week.
Golf
Ages: 10 yo -15yo
June 26th – 29th
Monday – Thursday, 9am-4pm
Location: West Asheville Park (Gassaway Field)
Fee:
Non-Resident: 50.00
Resident: 40.00
Youth Basketball Skills Training
Contact: Jay Houston ([email protected])
Dates: June 12- June 15
Time: 6PM-7:30PM (Tentative)
Days: Monday-Thursday (4 day program)
Location: Shiloh Gymnasium
Price: $10
Max participants: 20
Age Divisions: 8U/10U/12U/14U (Boys & Girls)
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Summer Kickball League
$100 Per Team.
Registration Dates: June 1st – June 20th.
6 Week league, Tuesday’s only.
Location: Shiloh Field.
Games begin: June 27th.Kickball Team Fees must be paid prior to individual player registration.Link to Team Registration:CLICK HERE.
Pickleball: Women’s Doubles
Welcome to the 2023 Women’s Double’s Summer Pickleball League! Please read the following information carefully:
Registration dates: June 6th – July 3rd
There are 3 women’s division’ with limited spots available (3.0, 3.5, and 4.0). Teams CANNOT exceed a combined score of 7.75.
Team Fee: $20
Location: Oakley Courts.
Season Begins: July 18th (Rules will be distributed to Captains once registration ends)
For questions or concerns contact
Pickleball: Mens Doubles
Welcome to the 2023 Men’s Double’s Summer Pickleball League! Please read the following information carefully:
Registration Dates: June 6th – July 3rd
There are 2 Men’s division’ with limited spots available (3.0, and 3.5). Teams CANNOT exceed a combined score of 8.0
Team Fee: $20
Location: Oakley Courts.
Season Begins: July 13th (Rules will be distributed to Captains once registration ends)
Pickleball Clinic
The clinic will be held at Murphy Oakley Park with a focus on inviting beginner players and youth ages 8 and up.
Must preregister to attend the clinic! Any questions or concerns please reach out to Zack Stewart @ 828-545-1644, [email protected]
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Summer League Basketball Classic
Registration Opens on April 10- June 12
Age Divisions: (Age as of June 20,2023)
Ages:13-17 (Co-ed)
Teams will practice/have games at max 1-2 times per week. The specific day of practice/games will depend on which team each player is placed on. The days used for this program are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays.
For more information, please contact Jay Houston at [email protected] or (828) 259-5611
There will be an evaluation.The overall purpose of the evaluation/draft is to ensure fairness amongst teams. All talent levels are welcomed and each player will be placed on a team. Evaluations will observe each -players fundamentals of basketball. For example, dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and more. Our goal is for each player to progress throughout the season and have an enjoyable experience!
Evaluation Date: Tuesday June 20 at 6:30PM at Shiloh Gym (121 Shiloh Road)
Please note, we do not base teams on day of the week.
Golf
Ages: 10 yo -15yo
June 26th – 29th
Monday – Thursday, 9am-4pm
Location: West Asheville Park (Gassaway Field)
Fee:
Non-Resident: 50.00
Resident: 40.00
Youth Basketball Skills Training
Contact: Jay Houston ([email protected])
Dates: June 12- June 15
Time: 6PM-7:30PM (Tentative)
Days: Monday-Thursday (4 day program)
Location: Shiloh Gymnasium
Price: $10
Max participants: 20
Age Divisions: 8U/10U/12U/14U (Boys & Girls)
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
