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.

Thursday, June 29, 2023
Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society HAMFest
Jun 29 @ 8:00 am
Smokey Mountain Event Center

Gates open for vendors at 6am, doors open at 8am.
Tickets: $7 in advance*, $10 at the gate
Tables inside: $15 each, Covered flea market spaces: $15 each
Free Parking • Door Prizes • Forum Presentations • VE Testing
Talk-In: N4DTR Repeater, 147.39+ PL 94.8

36th annual Operation Blood Drive
Jun 29 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church Gymnasium

The American Red Cross, WLOS News 13, and iHeart Radio urge donors of all blood types to come out to the 36th annual Operation Blood Drive

Right now, there is a great need for donations to address a recent drop in appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply. Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using ‘OBD2023’ sponsor code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

36th annual Operation Blood Drive
Jun 29 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Reuter Family YMCA Gym

The American Red Cross, WLOS News 13, and iHeart Radio urge donors of all blood types to come out to the 36th annual Operation Blood Drive

Right now, there is a great need for donations to address a recent drop in appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply. Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using ‘OBD2023’ sponsor code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

36th annual Operation Blood Drive Henderson County
Jun 29 @ 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
American Red Cross Henderson County Offices

The American Red Cross, WLOS News 13, and iHeart Radio urge donors of all blood types to come out to the 36th annual Operation Blood Drive

Right now, there is a great need for donations to address a recent drop in appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply. Individuals of all blood types are urged to schedule an appointment now to give blood. Appointments can be made by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using ‘OBD2023’ sponsor code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Friday, June 30, 2023
Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jun 30 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Saturday, July 1, 2023
Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jul 1 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Thursday, July 6, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 6 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Friday, July 7, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 7 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jul 7 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Saturday, July 8, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 8 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jul 8 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

Coon Dog Day Festival
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Downtown Saluda

This annual street festival celebrates the Coon dog, a loyal pet used for many years for
hunting and known for its unique bark and an amazing sense of smell, The celebration has taken place every summer for more
than 50 years and includes a parade, music, street fair with art and food, and dog judging, Begin the day with a 5k race that starts
at 8am, stay for the parade that starts at 11am, and finish the day off at the street dance that ends at 11pm,

Sunday, July 9, 2023
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Jul 9 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

“A wee bit of Scotland in the High Country of Western North Carolina.”

Ceud mile failte (100,000 welcomes)

High in the Mountains of Western North Carolina the ancient Celtic spirit beckons. Answering the call, as hundreds of tartan banners unfurl, are the sounds of bagpipes echoing through the valley, and once again, thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their way to MacRae Meadows for their annual gathering and games. Nowhere in the New World is there a place more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands than the home of America’s grandest Highland Games—Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina.

Ceud mile failte to you and your family as you join us in celebrating the history of our Scottish ancestry and cheer as you watch the clans compete on MacRae Meadows. Throughout the four day weekend you and your family will sample Scottish music, dancing, foods, costumes, field games and much more, and you can shop for tartans and kilts in the vendors’ tents. A weekend so full of family fun and excitement that you’ll be longing for the mother country (even if you aren’t Scottish).

Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 9 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Monday, July 10, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 10 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 11 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

United Way School Supply Drive
Jul 11 all-day
online

Support Students And Families

There are three simple ways you can support local students to ensure they’re prepared to enter the classroom in August.

  1. Shop Online! Purchase supplies or a fully stocked backpack at Roonga for less than $32.
  2. Make a donation and we’ll shop for you:
    • Donate online (follow the prompts in the form below)
      • If making your donation from a mobile phone click HERE
    • Mail your check to:
      • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
        50 S. French Broad Avenue Ste. 100
        Asheville, NC 28801
        *Please write 2023 School Supply Drive in the memo.
    • Call our office with your credit card information, 828.239.1153
  3. Host your own virtual drive by creating a team on Roonga and encouraging your coworkers, friends, and family to get involved. Watch this short video tutorial on how to create your own drive.

*PLEASE NOTE: To ensure each student receives the same quality supplies, we are not accepting loose supplies.

Questions? Contact Audrey Blackburn, 828.239.1123.

 

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 12 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

United Way School Supply Drive
Jul 12 all-day
online

Support Students And Families

There are three simple ways you can support local students to ensure they’re prepared to enter the classroom in August.

  1. Shop Online! Purchase supplies or a fully stocked backpack at Roonga for less than $32.
  2. Make a donation and we’ll shop for you:
    • Donate online (follow the prompts in the form below)
      • If making your donation from a mobile phone click HERE
    • Mail your check to:
      • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
        50 S. French Broad Avenue Ste. 100
        Asheville, NC 28801
        *Please write 2023 School Supply Drive in the memo.
    • Call our office with your credit card information, 828.239.1153
  3. Host your own virtual drive by creating a team on Roonga and encouraging your coworkers, friends, and family to get involved. Watch this short video tutorial on how to create your own drive.

*PLEASE NOTE: To ensure each student receives the same quality supplies, we are not accepting loose supplies.

Questions? Contact Audrey Blackburn, 828.239.1123.

 

Thursday, July 13, 2023
Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 13 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

United Way School Supply Drive
Jul 13 all-day
online

Support Students And Families

There are three simple ways you can support local students to ensure they’re prepared to enter the classroom in August.

  1. Shop Online! Purchase supplies or a fully stocked backpack at Roonga for less than $32.
  2. Make a donation and we’ll shop for you:
    • Donate online (follow the prompts in the form below)
      • If making your donation from a mobile phone click HERE
    • Mail your check to:
      • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
        50 S. French Broad Avenue Ste. 100
        Asheville, NC 28801
        *Please write 2023 School Supply Drive in the memo.
    • Call our office with your credit card information, 828.239.1153
  3. Host your own virtual drive by creating a team on Roonga and encouraging your coworkers, friends, and family to get involved. Watch this short video tutorial on how to create your own drive.

*PLEASE NOTE: To ensure each student receives the same quality supplies, we are not accepting loose supplies.

Questions? Contact Audrey Blackburn, 828.239.1123.

 

Friday, July 14, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Jul 14 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

Swannanoa Gathering 2023
Jul 14 all-day
Kittredge Theatre

Founded in 1991, we are Warren Wilson College’s educational program of summer folk arts workshops held on our campus in the Swannanoa Valley near Asheville in the heart of North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Each year, we offer a variety of week-long programs in various forms of folk music and dance over a five-week period in July and August, taught by some of the finest folk artists and instructors in the world.

We invite you to join us.

This month-long Celtic music festival takes place on the campus of Warren Wilson College. The festival’s workshops and public performances are joyous celebrations of Scots-Irish music and dance and the many musical forms they have inspired. Check website for programs, location, dates and time.

July 9-15: Celtic Week

July 16-22: Old-Time Week

July 23-29: Contemporary Folk Week

Tickets go on sale for Fall LEAF Festival
Jul 14 all-day
online

The Festival offers opportunities to connect to the world and each other at the scenic and inspiring Lake Eden. Explore indigenous art and culture as we celebrate Legends of Americas; experience music and traditions of global artists; and be inspired by creatives and thought leaders from both local and international communities. Live music, dance, and performance arts are offered alongside camp and lake outdoor adventures, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle, and so much more!

United Way School Supply Drive
Jul 14 all-day
online

Support Students And Families

There are three simple ways you can support local students to ensure they’re prepared to enter the classroom in August.

  1. Shop Online! Purchase supplies or a fully stocked backpack at Roonga for less than $32.
  2. Make a donation and we’ll shop for you:
    • Donate online (follow the prompts in the form below)
      • If making your donation from a mobile phone click HERE
    • Mail your check to:
      • United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
        50 S. French Broad Avenue Ste. 100
        Asheville, NC 28801
        *Please write 2023 School Supply Drive in the memo.
    • Call our office with your credit card information, 828.239.1153
  3. Host your own virtual drive by creating a team on Roonga and encouraging your coworkers, friends, and family to get involved. Watch this short video tutorial on how to create your own drive.

*PLEASE NOTE: To ensure each student receives the same quality supplies, we are not accepting loose supplies.

Questions? Contact Audrey Blackburn, 828.239.1123.

 

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Jul 14 @ 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
American Red Cross Bus

Join us for the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, July 14! The bloodmobile will be ready to welcome you from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Your donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life, providing hope and healing. Click here to schedule an appointment to be a hero by donating blood. Use sponsor code Biltmorepark or call 1-800-RedCross. Together, we can make a powerful impact!

Make a Power Red donation. Learn about giving more red blood cells.

Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Saturday, July 15, 2023
Applications open: 2024 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Jul 15 all-day
online w/ Asheville Fringe Arts

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW!

Do you have a boundary-pushing, innovative performance piece, short film or installation that you’re ready to share?

We will open applications for the film portion of the festival in fall 2023. Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. Our application fee for films is $5.


NOW CONSIDERING WORKS OF ALL KINDS

We accept live performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. We’re open to other types of performance as well – let’s talk! Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with another show, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe. RAFs are free and open to the public, and artists receive a stipend for their performance, rather than relying on door sales.

Typically each artist with a ticketed show gets 2 performances. But in 2024, we’re exploring the option of giving a few shows 3 performances, at select venues only. Our venues range from 20-80 person capacity.

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-15 minutes long

May be paired with another performance, or be selected as a free Random Act of Fringe.

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
20-40 minutes long

May be paired with another show.

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

5. FILM

A piece that is
Designed specifically for film.

May be of any genre & length. Could be combined with other films for a showcase or film night.
Submit on Film Freeway Fall 2023

3. THE ASHEVILLE FRINGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS A JURIED FESTIVAL.

We carefully review each and every submission. You’ll know by late October if your piece is selected. Should your piece get selected, there is a $35 participation fee.

AUDITIONS: LEAF Famtastic Sunday talent Showcase
Jul 15 all-day
LEAF Global Arts
We are gearing up for a youth talent showcase to be held at Burial Beer (South Slope location) at our August 13 event: LEAF Famtastic Sunday.

The Talent Showcase will kick off at Burial starting at 1 p.m. Want to be part of it? Auditions are on Saturdays in July at LEAF Global Arts. The talent showcase is free to enter and the August 13 event is free as well. 

Please pass this along to any young performers who might be interested! For more information, email Melissa McKinney at [email protected].