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.

Saturday, August 12, 2023
Lake Lure TRIATHLON SPRINT
Aug 12 @ 8:00 am
Rumbling Bald Community on Lake Lure

SWIM
The 750-meter swim starts on the beach and then finishes at the transition line. 


This is a time trial swim start, with participants going off every 2-3 seconds. This greatly improves swim safety, but it also allows participants to swim with family members or friends, something they’re not able to do many times with wave start races. The transition area is just a short run out of the water.

BIKE
The 22.3K bike course is challenging, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views as it rolls through the countryside at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and finishes back at the same transition area.

RUN
The 5K run course starts at the transition area and is a steady, but reasonable, uphill climb that winds up a beautiful valley paralleling Bald Mountain Golf Course and ends with a gentle downhill cruise to a beach finish.

SETUP
All athletes up to the challenge with age and gender categories set in 5-year increments, as well as separate divisions for Athena, Clydesdale and Master Clydesdale.

Age and gender groups are assigned in age increments with the top three in each category receiving gold, silver and bronze medals.

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Avoid the line, Register online! 

Online Registration is available until 7:00 am Saturday, Aug. 12th

Online INDIVIDUAL: $70


Individual:
Open Male, Open Female, Masters Open Male, Masters Open Female, Age Group Male, Age Group Female, Clydesdale, Master Clydesdale, Athena, Novice Male, Novice Female, Novice Masters Male, Novice Masters Female


Online MIXED RELAY: $150

Policies & Refunds
Event entries are not transferable between persons, events or years. No refunds are given for this event.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

TRIATHLON SWAG AND EXTRAS

Complimentary Extras:

  • Free beer at finish line

  • 2023 Commemorative Triathlon shirt

  • Iced towel

  • Recognition ceremony

  • Post-race snacks


PACKET PICKUP & REGISTRATION
Location is at the Beach Pavilion in the Rumbling Bald Community.


Walk-up registration is available for this event at

Rumbling Bald
Friday, August 11, 2023 | 5:00-7:00 pm and

Saturday, August 12, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:30 am

  • Only checks or cash can be accepted at packet pickup.

  • T-shirts will be given at packet pickup instead of at the finish line. 

  • Only those that register in advance are guaranteed a shirt.


NOTE:
Note: A participant must collect his/her own event packet. This rule applies to relay team members as well. Photo ID is required in order to collect event materials. USA Triathlon requires that all USAT annual members show their USAT membership card at packet pick-up. Any USAT annual member who does not present his/her valid membership card at packet pick-up or any participant who is not a USAT member will be required to pay the USAT one-day fee of $15.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program Launch Party
Aug 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
East Asheville Library

1000 books before kindergarten banner

Share the love of reading with your child! Visit any Buncombe County Public Library to start participating in our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program launching Aug. 12.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a nationwide initiative that encourages grown-ups to read 1,000 books with their young child (ages birth-five) before they enter kindergarten.

Studies show, a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first three years of their life. Reading with a child early on can help them develop pre-reading skills that will make it easier for them to read independently in school. Families who read to their children from a young age can help their child build early literacy skills such as letter recognition and building vocabulary.

Beginning Aug. 12, families with a child between the ages of birth to five can pick up a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten booklet at any Library location. Caregivers record the titles of the books read to their child in the booklet. Early literacy tips are found at the top of each page for caregivers to model to their child. When you reach the “500 books read” milestone, return to any BCPL location with your booklet to receive a free canvas tote bag and continue your reading journey. When you reach the “1,000 books read” milestone, you’ve completed the program. Return to the Library for your completion certificate. Children have until they enter kindergarten to complete the program.

Launch party

On Saturday, Aug. 12, join the Library for a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten launch party. Children’s music band Big, Bang, Boom! will headline. Enjoy games, crafts, puppets and so much more! Refreshments will be served. Families with children under five can pick up a reading log booklet to get started. This free event.

Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets
Aug 12 @ 4:00 pm
Bank of America Stadium

Preseason game.

HomeGames_2000x500_noCTA

Asheville Tourists vs. Hickory Crawdads — White Jersey Giveaway
Aug 12 @ 6:00 pm

The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a White Jersey courtesy of Express Employment Professionals!

Sunday, August 13, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Aug 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 13 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

Lake Lure RACE TO THE ROCK
Aug 13 @ 6:00 am
Best View Motel

5K RUN PATH

End the race weekend on a high note, literally! Starting at the Best View Motel on the west side of Chimney Rock Village, the course takes you through the entrance of Chimney Rock State Park and climbs UP, UP, UP! the switchback road ending at the base of the Rock with a stunning 75 Mile panoramic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

5K PARKING

  • All parking will be in the Chimney Rock Public Parking Lot across from the Old Rock Cafe. There will be no charge to exit prior to 12 noon. After noon, there will be a $5.00 charge.

EXITING THE PARK AFTER THE RACE

  • All participants of the Race to the Rock are invited for post-race snacks and refreshments immediately following the race at the finish line. Let’s celebrate!

  • All 5K runners MUST stay on the mountain until the event is over. This is a safety precaution and no exceptions are made.

  • The event is over by 9:30 am and at that time, runners can ride the bus down. Runners are prohibited to walk back down the road.

  • After the race and awards, ALL spectators and participants will be required to exit the mountain.

  • Participants will be allowed to visit the park AT NO CHARGE when the park reopens to the public by presenting
    their race bib.

  • All trails will remain CLOSED until the park reopens.

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Avoid the line, Register online! 

On-line Registration is available until 6:30 am, Sunday, Aug. 13th, 2023

RACE TO THE ROCK 5K RUN
$30.00 Early-bird Registration until July 27th, 2023

$40.00 Standard Registration July 28 – event date

FINAL-Race-to-the-Rock-5K-Red-Shirt.jpg

Policies & Refunds
There are no refunds for this race. This event occurs rain or shine. In case of
 lightening, we will delay the start.

*** Year after year the Olympiad provides a venue for athletes to come and test their abilities. We put a lot of effort into making this a special event for all participants. In addition, the Olympiad supports many area charities and service organizations. And like most races, we have a “No Refund” policy.

Sincerely,

The Olympiad Board 

SWAG AND EXTRAS

At the finish line for Athletes:

  • Commemorative t-shirt (given out at packet pick up)

  • Iced neck towel

  • FREE post-race snacks and refreshments immediately following the race.

  • Recognition Ceremony

  • Race participants can visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park free of                     charge anytime after the race on Sunday by showing their race bib at the                Ticket Plaza.

Asheville Tourists vs. Hickory Crawdads — Backpack Giveaway
Aug 13 @ 1:00 pm
McCormick Field

Post Game Kids Run the Bases presented by Ingles.

Enjoy your Sunday at McCormick Field and receive a Tourists Backpack presented by Ingles.

Monday, August 14, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 14 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

PUSH Skate Camp-Rollerskaters
Aug 14 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Skate Park

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August  14-17

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August 14-17.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 15 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

PUSH Skate Camp-Rollerskaters
Aug 15 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Skate Park

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August  14-17

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August 14-17.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 16 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

PUSH Skate Camp-Rollerskaters
Aug 16 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Skate Park

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August  14-17

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August 14-17.

Enka History Book Club
Aug 16 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Enka-Candler Library

The Enka History Book Club reads historical fiction and non-fiction.
We’ll be discussing, River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard.
Books are available for pick up at the library in large print and regular print.

The group meets in the community room and newcomers are always welcome.
In the case of inclement weather and winter storms, we will post canceled on this page, on our Facebook page, and on our Instagram page. Follow: @enkacandlerlibrary

Read to Puptart!
Aug 16 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

Wednesday Pub Run
Aug 16 @ 6:15 pm
Archetype Brewing

Wednesday Pub Run

Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes!

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

Thursday, August 17, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 17 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

PUSH Skate Camp-Rollerskaters
Aug 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Asheville Skate Park

We’re offering 6 weeks of camp, ages 5-15

Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm.

Skateboarders, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August  14-17

Rollerskaters, sign up for one or more weeks! Dates are as follows:

August 14-17.

Friends of the South Buncombe Library Book Club: Daybreak by Belva Plain
Aug 17 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
South Buncombe Library

Join us for a book discussion hosted by the Friends of the Skyland/South Buncombe Library!

This month we will be reading Daybreak by Belva Plain.  The book is available in both physical and digital editions through Buncombe County Public Libraries, and we will also have a few extra copies to borrow at the South Buncombe branch that you can stop by and sign out.

From the publisher:

The doctor’s office is cool, white, sterile. But the doctor’s words are searing: blood tests prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Margaret and Arthur Crawfield’s beloved, dying son is not their child. Now they must face Peter’s death and the shock of having a son they have never met. Grieving, yet compelled, they begin a search that will tear two families apart.

Laura and “Bud” Rice share an elegant home and two children, brilliant, handsome Tom, and cherished, chronically ill eleven-year-old Timmy. But after nineteen years of marriage, Laura’s respectable husband is a stranger—and the reason for Tom’s escalating involvement with a group of campus bigots. Suddenly the Crawfields enter their lives and shatter their fragile world. As the Rices’ quiet Southern town explodes with hate and violence, the two familes must embrace—or be destroyed by—the shattering truth.

Swannanoa Library Book Club
Aug 17 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Swannanoa Library
  Join us for a discussion of the NY Times bestselling book “Circe” by Madeline Miller.

Light refreshments will be served.

Flat Rock Book Club
Aug 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The 2nd Act

Please join us at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville, NC for our first monthly book club meeting that strives to read books that create a closer knit and more inclusive community! We will meet virtually and in person monthly to discuss a book, so read the book and then join in the discussion in person or online every third Thursday. All are welcome! At the end of each meeting we will vote on the next book! The virtual club meeting will be in Zoom format and will meet 2.5 hours after the in-person meeting (8:00pm EST). After the meeting there is live acoustic music so stay and enjoy the vibe with your new friends! Put us down on your calendar for every third Third Thursday!

The first book is going to be called Disability Visibility.

Synopsis from the back cover: One in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, others less apparent—but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people.

From Harriet McBryde Johnson’s account of her debate with Peter Singer over her own personhood to original pieces by authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma; from blog posts, manifestos, and eulogies to Congressional testimonies, and beyond: this anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and the past with hope and love. Preview:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51456746-disability-visibility
Message me for the Zoom link to the online meetup. Thanks!

Hendo Book Club Meetup
Aug 17 @ 5:30 pm
Guidon Brewing Company

ATTENTION! We will be meeting on August 17th at 5:30 AT A NEW VENUE! We are meeting at Guidon Brewing, 415 8th Ave. E. Hendersonville, NC 28792. It has free parking that is plentiful and it is quiet on Thursday in the early evening. https://guidonbrewing.com/

We’ll be discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.

Thank you to all who attended July 20 meeting! It was great to meet so many newcomers. Thank you to Mike and Debbie who graciously offered to help me with some admin stuff. They will help add emails to the spreadsheet so that communication will become better via email.

Friday, August 18, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Aug 18 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 18 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Midnight Basketball Summer Slam
Aug 19 all-day
Carrier Park

Midnight basketball returns this summer outside at Carrier Park! Come out for open play with your squad and experience some amazing local food trucks and have some fun! All for FREE!

¡Sal a ENCESTAR! ¡El baloncesto de medianoche regresa este verano al aire libre en el Parque Carrier! ¡Ven a jugar libremente con tu equipo y disfruta de increíbles camiones de comida local y diviértete! ¡Todo gratis!

NOC Paddling School
Aug 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 19 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

Summer Cycle Riding in Color: BIPOC + Asheville on Bikes
Aug 19 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company

Summer Cycle Schedule

Riding in Color: BIPOC Affinity Schedule

10:00 AM:
Summer Cycle Check In

10:30 AM:
Summer Cycle Begins

11:30 AM:
Summer Cycle Returns

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM:
Pop-Up Bike Park

Asheville on Bikes: Open Afternoon Schedule

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM:
Pop-Up Bicycle Park

3:00 PM:
Summer Cycle Check In

3:30 PM:
Summer Cycle Begins

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM:
Post Ride Silliness & Pop-Up Bicycle Park

*The morning affinity program is for individuals and families that identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color.

The Summer Cycle includes the pop-up bike park sponsored by Kid Cycle Club and three route options which can be previewed and downloaded to your device via the Summer Cycle Ride With GPS Event Page. Each route features an infrastructure project that AoB is influencing.

The Routes:

  1. Cruiser: (4 miles) A mostly level tour of the River Arts District featuring the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, protected and traditional bike lanes. The route rolls by the French Broad River West: AVL Unpaved project area.
  2. Main Ride: (13 miles) Includes the Cruiser plus active city and slow neighborhood streets. The route rolls by both the Bacoate Branch: AVL Unpaved & College Patton Complete Street project areas.
  3. Ride More: (17 miles) Includes the Main Ride and features a climb through North Asheville before descending back into the River Arts District. The route rolls along the new Merrimon Ave bike lanes and street calming project.
“Write Your Values” – A Free Writing Workshop For Teens And Adults Hosted By Author Misha Lazzara
Aug 19 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Firestorm Books

Local author Misha Lazzara, known for her novel Manmade Constellations, is offering a free writing workshop for teens and adults titled “Write Your Values.” The workshop is scheduled for August 19th at 3pm at Firestorm Books in Asheville, NC.

In this practical workshop, participants will explore their personal values and learn how to incorporate them into their writing. From spiritual beliefs to environmental concerns, attendees will discover how to infuse their stories with deeper meaning. The workshop is designed for writers of all levels who seek to add depth and significance to their work. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating their beliefs and passions into their writing, enhancing their storytelling abilities.

This workshop is offered as a part of Misha Lazzara’s current book tour surrounding the paperback launch of Manmade Constellations. This debut novel is a modern-day love story that explores childhood trauma, the boundaries between idealism and self-righteousness, and the heartaches we must confront in order to chart our courses forward. Published by Blackstone Publishing, the novel was originally released on August 9, 2022, and will be launched in paperback on August 10, 2023.