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, September 7, 2023
Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 7 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

Friday, September 8, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 8 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy Programs 2023-2024 Season
Sep 8 all-day
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

2023-2024 Season

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy facilitates a life-long appreciation and advocacy of the arts by providing a loving community where students discover the tools needed to navigate life on and off the stage.

Mission

The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance, and drama.  We foster a love and appreciation for the arts through student-teacher relationships, which encourage and help you to excel at your dream. We offer high quality instruction and educational experiences because we are committed to the art of teaching and the teaching of the arts.  It is our hope to build art and awareness in the community and provide a home for families to pursue their dreams.

With classes for students of all ages, the Asheville Performing Arts Academy is your place to discover the love of music, drama, and dance in your life.

Asheville Performing Arts Academy… where the arts come alive!

November 10-12, 2023

An APAA Cabaret (Company)

 

December 8-10, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Prep)

 

December 15-17, 2023

Oliver, Jr. (Community)

February 2-4, 2024

Mean Girls, Jr.

(Middle School Community)

 

February 9-11, 2024

Mean Girls HS Version

(High School Community)

 

March/April 2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Homeschool Academy)

April 25-28, 2024

Little Shop of Horros (Company)

 

May 10-12, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Prep)

 

May 17-19, 2024

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Community)

Flat Rock Playhouse: Fall Classes and Auditions for the World Premiere Musical
Sep 8 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!

With new content for every program,

returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.

Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!

Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 8 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

Asheville Drag Brunch
Sep 8 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Green Man Brewing

Showcases drag performers competing for the trophy. Includes lunch. All ages welcome.

Playhouse Jr. Auditions (Singing/Acting Audition)
Sep 8 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Screenshot 2023-01-25 at 10.25.03 AM.png

Audition Notice

Come audition for our Playhouse Jr. World Premiere Musical! 

Seeking: 20-30 Actors ages 3rd Grade and up for our brand new Playhouse Jr. Musical, SLOWPOKE: The True Story Of A Tortoise & A Hare!

Playhouse Jr. Auditions (Dance Audition)
Sep 8 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Screenshot 2023-01-25 at 10.25.03 AM.png

Audition Notice

Come audition for our Playhouse Jr. World Premiere Musical! 

Seeking: 20-30 Actors ages 3rd Grade and up for our brand new Playhouse Jr. Musical, SLOWPOKE: The True Story Of A Tortoise & A Hare!

The Grimm’s Tale: Riding Hood
Sep 8 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
University of North Carolina Asheville

Monica McDaniel’s original play, Riding Hood, is a modern adaptation of the original Grimm’s Tale, Little Red Riding Hood. The play features an all Black cast and utilizes Monica’s hometown of Asheville, NC as a backdrop and supporting character. McDaniel reimagines the classic tale as an exploratory tool of Blackness, young love, familial obligation, and the collective pursuit for greater connection.

Montford Park Players: The Tempest
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Tempest, September 1st to 30th
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Magic, monsters and mayhem fill this favorite from The Bard. This one isn’t done with great regularity, so now’sa good time to catch it!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Saturday, September 9, 2023
Flat Rock Playhouse: Fall Classes and Auditions for the World Premiere Musical
Sep 9 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!

With new content for every program,

returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.

Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!

Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 9 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

Playhouse Jr. Auditions (Singing/Acting Audition)
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Screenshot 2023-01-25 at 10.25.03 AM.png

Audition Notice

Come audition for our Playhouse Jr. World Premiere Musical! 

Seeking: 20-30 Actors ages 3rd Grade and up for our brand new Playhouse Jr. Musical, SLOWPOKE: The True Story Of A Tortoise & A Hare!

DESIGNER SERIES: PUPPETRY DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION
Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Magnetic Theatre

In this workshop, Katie Jones teaches the basic skills of designing and building a puppet, using The Magnetic Theatre’s upcoming piece The Splatter Play as inspiration. Each student will leave with a puppet that is ready to manipulate!

About the instructor: Katie has worked at regional theatres in Sarasota, Chicago and Denver. She is a member of Directors Lab, New York and Chicago, as well as Wishbone Theatre Collective. As a puppeteer, Katie worked with Von Orthal Puppets’ with traveling puppet shows for young audiences, and with Theatre Zarko as part of the 2011 Steppenwolf Garage Rep Series. Katie has a BA from Clemson University and an MFA in from Naropa University, where she focused on devised theatre and new play development. Locally, she has worked with Asheville Creative Arts, Immediate Theatre Project and the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival. Katie serves as Co-Artistic Director of The Magnetic Theatre, along with Jessica Johnson.

Playhouse Jr. Auditions (Dance Audition)
Sep 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Screenshot 2023-01-25 at 10.25.03 AM.png

Audition Notice

Come audition for our Playhouse Jr. World Premiere Musical! 

Seeking: 20-30 Actors ages 3rd Grade and up for our brand new Playhouse Jr. Musical, SLOWPOKE: The True Story Of A Tortoise & A Hare!

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 9 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Hendersonville Theatre New Works Series: Sky Eyes by Kiesa Kay
Sep 9 @ 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

 Showcasing the work of area playwrights and performed by local actors, The New Works Series is a FREE public reading of a new play in development. However, donations are welcome to support HT.

HT’s New Works Series offers exciting script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright.

A short discussion will follow each reading to provide feedback to the playwright about their script.

The reading will be held at Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S. Washington Street, Hendersonville, NC. There is no charge to attend or to participate, however donations are welcome and will be used to support HT.

Hendersonville Theatre is committed to exploring and developing new work for American theater, supporting local playwrights with their creative process from concept to production.

Sky Eyes by Kiesa Kay will be read on September 9. Sky Eyes is a play with original music written for the play by Brad Hodge. The play is a look at a week in the life of a North Carolina family during the 1950s. Abby, the mother, works on the railroad to support her two daughters and put her husband, Jack, through college.She learns she must be strong in more ways than she imagined.

Kiesa Kay, poet and playwright, has written two produced plays. Love Makes a Home: The Story of Rebecca Boone was chosen as a convocation for Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. The play has been presented at a dozen venues, including Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the Thomas Wolfe Center for Narrative at Lenoir Rhyne University, the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, White Horse Black Mountain. the Orchard at Altapass and the Chapel of Rest in Lenoir, NC. During the pandemic, it was live streamed by Ouachita Little Theater in Mena, Arkansas. The play has been directed by five different directors and features music from frontier days.

Kay’s play Thunder is the Mountain’s Voice was shown at Rocky Mountain National Park, Park Village Playhouse, and as a staff celebration for YMCA of the Rockies, directed by Dr. Virginia Floyd. Kay also has some directing experience, and she directed A Tale of Two Charlies by Jo Carson, presented at the Orchard at Altapass and White Horse Black Mountain.

Playwrights who would like to submit work for consideration for the New Works Series can follow the submission guidelines posted at www.HVLtheatre.org/about-us and email questions to [email protected].

The Grimm’s Tale: Riding Hood
Sep 9 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

Monica McDaniel’s original play, Riding Hood, is a modern adaptation of the original Grimm’s Tale, Little Red Riding Hood. The play features an all- Black cast and utilizes Monica’s hometown of Asheville, NC as a backdrop and supporting character. McDaniel reimagines the classic tale as an exploratory tool of Blackness, young love, familial obligation, and the collective pursuit for greater connection.

Montford Park Players: The Tempest
Sep 9 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

The Tempest, September 1st to 30th
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dwight Chiles
Magic, monsters and mayhem fill this favorite from The Bard. This one isn’t done with great regularity, so now’sa good time to catch it!

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 9 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Sunday, September 10, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 10 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Flat Rock Playhouse: Fall Classes and Auditions for the World Premiere Musical
Sep 10 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!

With new content for every program,

returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.

Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!

Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 10 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 10 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

Monday, September 11, 2023
Asheville Community Theatre Youth Production Classes
Sep 11 all-day
Asheville Community Theatre

What is a Youth Production?

An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.

Interested in Technical Theatre classes?

If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.

Flat Rock Playhouse: Fall Classes and Auditions for the World Premiere Musical
Sep 11 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!

With new content for every program,

returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.

Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!

Hops for Hunger w/ 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing
Sep 11 all-day
12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing

This month, you can make a difference for someone needing food by enjoying a local beer! Our friends at 12 Bones Brewing and Appalachian Mountain Brewing are designating one of their delicious beers as their Pint with Purpose, where every beer sold in September helps provide FOUR MEALS we can get to our neighbors right now!

12 Bones Brewing will be donating $1 of every pint of Coastal Grandmother Kölsch, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery is donating $1 for every pint of their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale!

Thank you to these Hops for Hunger brewery partners for taking action in September to help feed WNC families!

 

12 Bones Brewing   5 Foundy St Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28801

Appalachian Mountain Brewing 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, Nc 28759

MANNA’s EMPTY BOWLS fundraiser
Sep 11 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville-Biltmore

Tickets on Sale Monday Sept 11 at NOON

Today in Western North Carolina, more than 155,000 people are facing an empty bowl every month. But you can help fill those bowls and become part of a collective effort to end hunger in WNC at MANNA FoodBank’s 22nd Annual Empty Bowls event!   

A fusion of creativity and compassion, Empty Bowls serves as a poignant reminder that, while art has the power to uplift and inspire, it can also serve as a platform for raising awareness about the very real problem of hunger across our mountains. Guests select a bowl handmade by local artisans and take with them a seasonal meal of delicious soups, breads, and dessert. The souvenir bowl that guests take home reminds them of the many WNC neighbors that are currently struggling to afford groceries.

Almost every part of the event is donated, including the event space, food, and local pottery and art. This allows MANNA to use event proceeds for our critical food distribution programs, which are currently reaching 155,000 food insecure neighbors every month across our 16-county service area, including the Qualla Boundary. Every dollar raised can help provide food for 4 meals. Since 2002, the collective generosity of our Empty Bowls guests, potters, sponsors, culinary partners, and everyone who has ever had a hand in the event, has allowed MANNA to provide the equivalent of 3.6 MILLION MEALS across Western North Carolina.

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

In addition to the souvenir soup bowls that ticket holders select, guests may purchase special works of high-end craft and art at the Collector’s Corner. Collector’s Corner items are both functional and gallery-quality pieces selected by the artists. 100% of the proceeds from Collector’s Corner sales go directly to supporting MANNA’s mission of ending hunger in WNC. The public is invited to shop the Collector’s Corner, even if they are not able to attend the Empty Bowls event.

TICKETS

MANNA hosts its annual Empty Bowls event in a walk-through format. Guests choose a one-hour time window that best suits their schedule, then arrive at the DoubleTree during that time window to select their bowl, choose their soups, and pick up bread + dessert. Guests can choose a one-hour time window any time between 10 AM and 6 PM, and can arrive any time during their chosen one-hour window. Both limited seating for those who would like to enjoy their meal in person AND limited curbside service for those who wish to remain in their cars are available.

Adult Ticket: $45 (includes your choice of one souvenir pottery bowl handmade by a local artist, your choice of three soups/stews/chowders packaged to go, and bread + dessert packaged to go)

Kids Package: $10 (includes one souvenir kid’s bowl handmade by a local artist and other pint-sized goodies)

Fur Kids Package: $30 (guests choose a dog or cat package; includes one souvenir pottery pet bowl handmade by a local artist, yummy treats for your furry friend, and other fun surprises)

Production classes: MEAN GIRLS JR Grades: 6th-8th
Sep 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Willy Wonka JR 2
MEAN GIRLS JR

Grades: 6th-8th

Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Rehearsals Start: September 11, 2023

Tech Week: January 29-February 1, 2024

Show: February 2-4, 2024