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.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Sylva 4th of July
Jul 4 @ 5:00 pm
Bridge Park

Sylva July 4: 5-10 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Music at 6:30 p.m. in Bridge Park, fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

Maggie Valley’s Backyard Fourth
Jul 4 @ 6:00 pm
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

Backyard Fourth Independence Day 2023!

July 4   Backyard Fourth!  Our fireworks will be held on Tuesday evening! Come celebrate Independence Day at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds!  Gates will open at 6pm.  Bring your Blanket, Chairs, Picnic Basket, Bubbles, Hula Hoops, Balls and Yard Games!  Maggie Valley Police Department will be serving BBQ plates for $10 each.  This is an alcohol free event.  Please no pets.  Enjoy our great fireworks at dark!   Celebrate in Maggie Valley!

Marion’s Independence Day Celebration
Jul 4 @ 6:00 pm
Downtown Marion

Anything That Rolls’ parade—skaters, bicycles, skateboards welcome and not required to pre-register. Fox and Company performs at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

Independence Day Sunset Fireworks Hike
Jul 4 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Black Mountain Savings Bank
Photo credit Joe Standaert.

This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.

Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles

Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM

Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.

Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.

Independence Day Concert w/ THE LAND OF SKY SYMPHONIC BAND
Jul 4 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

 

Few Independence Day images are as iconically American as a community band playing on the village green. From the legendary Sousa Band to talented amateur ensembles, symphonic bands have tackled instrumental repertoire ranging from stirring marches to orchestral transcriptions to celebrate our national holiday.

Located right across the street from Black Mountain’s picturesque Town Square, the patio of the White Horse Black Mountain is a prime vantage point for viewing the town’s firework display following a rafter-raising, soul-stirring concert by the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band on Tuesday, July 4.

Founded in 1990 as a way of reuniting Enka High School alumni with their band director, the community band is the result of the high level of interest area residents had in being part of a wind ensemble like they played in in college and high school.

Through many changes of membership and directors, a core group persevered, raising standards by remaining small and choosing members by invitation or audition. Today, the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band is a 43-piece ensemble made up of skilled amateur and professional musicians.

David Wilken, the current musical director, is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University. He earned his master of music in jazz studies from DePaul University and his doctor of arts in trombone performance from Ball State University. He’s held teaching positions at several colleges and universities and is currently an instructor of music at Western Carolina University.

South Asheville Fireworks at Lake Julian
Jul 4 @ 9:00 pm
Lake Julian

Food trucks and music throughout evening. Park at Estes Elementary School, 275 Overlook Road, across from lake. Free. Daytime shuttle 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Leave pets at home.

Thursday, July 6, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Jul 6 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

7.6.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 6, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Katy Hudson!
Katy Hudson is a comedian, lighting designer, and weather forecaster with a knack for finding the silver lining around every storm cloud. Their comedy blurs the lines between science and magic in a quest for collective understanding. But don’t let this intellectual spirituality fool you- Katy uses only the most unhinged examples of the disgustingly divine to draw clouds of laughter from crowds that matter.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram

Saturday, July 8, 2023
Comfort Sasquatch – Staged Reading
Jul 8 @ 7:30 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
STAGED READING
COMFORT SASQUATCH
By Richard Shirk
Directed by Jess Johnson
In this romp of a Christmas play, we meet Eric, a nearly seven-foot tall Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest. He’s a music therapist at Vermillion Hills retirement home and just two classes shy of an RN certification. With his relationship on the rocks, a fresh connection to a long-lost dad, and some growing up to do, the last few weeks leading up to the annual Karaoke Christmas Eve party are proving to be tumultuous.

Comfort Sasquatch is a story of fresh starts, new beginnings, and the way that relationships and people fail, stumble, and get up again.

July 8, 2023 at 7:30pm

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Flat Laurel Creek up to Big Sam Knob
Jul 12 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Black Balsam parking

This is one of the most popular creek hikes near Asheville. It begins at 215 near the confluence of Big Laurel Creek and the West Fork of the Pigeon River. We will ascend past numerous rapids and small waterfalls. We will be in the creek or rock hopping most of the day. The only requirements are a good sense of balance and comfortable shoes with good traction, preferably not boots. Good swimming holes abound. The pace will be moderate, but it will be a good workout. We will take time at one of the many scenic spots for lunch. There is one larger waterfall over halfway up, which we will “bushwack” around on small but steep trace trails. After finishing the ascent we will trail hike up to the Black Balsam parking lot, where cars will be left for this shuttle. You will have the option to hike up Big Sam Mountain (over 6K) to the view, or hike directly to the parking by Black Balsam.

We will climb 1,500 – 2,000 feet and hike approx. 3 miles.
We will be meeting at the Black Balsam parking lot at 9:15 am. and carpool to the trailhead, leaving Black Balsam by 9:30. The trailhead on Hwy 215 is only about 15 minutes by car, from there. At the trailhead there is limited parking for about 3 cars.
Please refer to the pictures from our first hike in May at Yellowstone Prong to get a better idea about our hiking experience in the creek.

Thursday, July 20, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Jul 20 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

7.20.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 20, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Petey Smith McDowell!
From Asheville, North Carolina Petey Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He has opened up for Beth Stelling, Hannibal Buress, and Trevor Noah. Just to name a few.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

Friday, July 21, 2023
Mountaintop Yoga Hike
Jul 21 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Wellness Tours

Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!

Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.

We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!

Sunday, July 30, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Jul 30 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

We have another great standup comedy show coming up at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company on Sunday July 30, 6:30 pm. Show is 18+. An always crazy fun comedy open mic with the area’s best comics (performing comics get free pizza & entry)!! Featuring Hilliary Begley, Chesney Goodson & Jess Cooley!
Hosted by Morgan Bost. Morgan is an Asheville based comic capturing the playful and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She co-hosts a weekly comedy open mic called “The Hot Seat,” and writes a monthly humor column, “Best Medicine with Morgan Bost,” for the Mountain Xpress. She’s opened for Rob Delaney, Beth Stelling, and has appeared in several breweries and discount grocery stores across Western North Carolina.
Come get delicious food & drinks while laughing the night away! Contact [email protected] for more information!
Tickets at:
https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/movies/

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Jul 30 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

We have another great standup comedy show coming up at Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company on Sunday July 30, 6:30 pm. Show is 18+. An always crazy fun comedy open mic with the area’s best comics (performing comics get free pizza & entry)!! Featuring Hilliary Begley, Chesney Goodson & Jess Cooley!
Hosted by Morgan Bost. Morgan is an Asheville based comic capturing the playful and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She co-hosts a weekly comedy open mic called “The Hot Seat,” and writes a monthly humor column, “Best Medicine with Morgan Bost,” for the Mountain Xpress. She’s opened for Rob Delaney, Beth Stelling, and has appeared in several breweries and discount grocery stores across Western North Carolina.
Come get delicious food & drinks while laughing the night away! Contact [email protected] for more information!
Tickets at:
https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/movies/

Friday, August 4, 2023
Sunset Mountaintop Yoga Hike
Aug 4 @ 6:45 pm – 9:45 pm
4854 Bearwallow Mountain Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792

Imagine moving through your sun salutation on a mountaintop as the sky glows all around you (or stay in savasana for the full hour! No one here will judge you!) Marvel at nature’s light show, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and revel in the expansiveness of wide open spaces. This is our favorite version of our classic Yoga Hike here in Asheville.

This mountaintop is on all of the “best places to view the sunset in Asheville” lists and we can’t wait to share it with you!

We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!

Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!

Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Passholder Experience: Summer Sensory Hike
Aug 9 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.

Awaken your senses to the natural world on this unique hike. There’s always a lot to see in the forest, but what do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Get ready to experience Chimney Rock in a whole new way on this brand new guided hike. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

Sunday, August 13, 2023
Holiday at Peace
Aug 13 @ 10:28 pm – 11:28 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Edvard Tchivzhel, conductor

You’ll be brimming with holiday cheer when you leave this annual seasonal celebration! Gather your family and friends for Greenville’s favorite Christmas spectacular, which always features your favorites combined with fresh, new themes. Whether you’re carrying on a yuletide tradition or feeling inspired to start a new one, this concert is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Holiday at Peace

Friday, August 25, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour
Aug 25 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation through our website!

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Aug 25 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

TICKETS:
Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standup-comedy-at-pleb-urban-winery-tickets-668281476887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Join us for a night filled with laughter and good vibes at plēb urban winery! Get ready to have wine and beer options complete your night of standup comedy by some of the best standup comedians in the region. This in-person event is happening on Fri Aug 25 2023 at7p-9p! Featuring Hilliary Begley, Petey Smith McDowell & Morgan Bost. Hosted by Cary Goff.
Hilliary Begley- Opened for: Jon Reep, Judah Friedlander, Chanel Ali, and Fortune Feimster. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings. Sit back, sip on some exquisite wine, and let the talented comedians entertain you with their hilarious jokes. Food options will be available!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of laughter and fun. Grab your friends and come join us at plēb urban winery for an evening that will leave you in wine-blurred stitches!

Fb:
https://facebook.com/events/s/standup-comedy-at-pleb-urban-w/818921102840895/?mibextid=RQdjqZ

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Aug 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
plēb urban winery

August 25,2023 Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Join us for a night filled with laughter and good vibes at plēb urban winery! Get ready to have wine and beer options complete your night of standup comedy by some of the best standup comedians in the region. This in-person event is happening on Fri Aug 25 2023 at7p-9p! Featuring Hilliary Begley, Petey Smith McDowell & Morgan Bost. Hosted by Cary Goff.
Hilliary Begley- Opened for: Jon Reep, Judah Friedlander, Chanel Ali, and Fortune Feimster. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings. Sit back, sip on some exquisite wine, and let the talented comedians entertain you with their hilarious jokes. Food options will be available!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of laughter and fun. Grab your friends and come join us at plēb urban winery for an evening that will leave you in stitches!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standup-comedy-at-pleb-urban-winery-tickets-668281476887?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

PROMO CODE: WINECOMEDYPAIRING
FB: https://facebook.com/events/s/standup-comedy-at-pleb-urban-w/818921102840895/

Saturday, August 26, 2023
Nature at Night Hike
Aug 26 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $8 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $6 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.

Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. Note: The Hickory Nut Falls trail is approximately 3/4 of a mile each direction and is considered a moderate trail. Participants must be able to hike the trail out and back. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Sunday, August 27, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tours
Aug 27 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us to book or make a reservation through our website!

Monday, August 28, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour
Aug 28 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour
Aug 29 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Ten to Try: Trails | Preview Screening + Virtual Discussion
Aug 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
online
As part of North Carolina’s Year of the Trail celebration, please join us for a preview screening of new original special, Ten to Try: Trails. This half-hour special will offer ten trail recommendations from outdoor enthusiasts and experts from across the state. The series was produced in partnership with the Great Trails State Coalition and with generous support from the SECU Foundation.
Following the screening you are invited to participate in a virtual discussion and audience Q+A with local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts featured in the series. The conversation will be led by James Mieczkowski, content development producer, PBS North Carolina.
This is a FREE virtual event, but registration is required. The link to join the event can be found in your Eventbrite confirmation. It will also be included in event reminders sent via email a few days prior to the event.
To reserve your seat(s), please register via Eventbrite, or contact PBS North Carolina engagement events manager, Karen Nowak @[email protected].
To learn more about this and other upcoming events, visit pbsnc.org/events
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour
Aug 30 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Thursday, August 31, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour
Aug 31 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Friday, September 1, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tours
Sep 1 @ 8:00 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Saturday, September 2, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tours
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Monday, September 4, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tour
Sep 4 @ 3:00 pm
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!

Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking Tours
Sep 5 @ 8:30 am
Asheville Hiking Tours

Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!