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.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Asheville Symphony Amadeus Festival Kickoff and Beer Release
Apr 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Step into summer with the Asheville Symphony as we herald the return of the Asheville Amadeus Festival! We’re launching this year’s festival at Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s lively Mills River taproom, where we’re unveiling our festival-exclusive brew — Fables & Folklore Hazy IPA. This enchanting creation weaves together bright pineapple and orange notes in a tropical profile that’s as enticing as a tale passed down through generations — perfect easy drinking for an early- summer festival.

We will be joined by Amadeus Festival co-headliners Time for Three, Ranaan Meyer, Nick Kendall and Charles Yang. Don’t miss this chance to meet the artists and toast the start of 11 glorious days of Amadeus festivities with a pour of our specially crafted beer, delicious fare from Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s kitchen, and live music!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., with 1756 Society entry beginning at 5:00 p.m.

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWING
46 N Mills River Road, Mills River

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Asheville Symphony Amadeus Festival – TF3’s Jukebox with Time for Three
May 1 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three (TF3) stands at the busy intersection of classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter. To experience TF3 live is to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew. This Jukebox program, a featured event in this season’s biennial Asheville Amadeus Festival, includes all three members of TF3 and showcases an eclectic mix of original songs, popular covers, and some of the most iconic music ever written. “In person, the members of Time for Three come off as just three dudes in a band,” said NPR. “But with their staggering technique and freewheeling genre-crossing, it’s hard not to be swept up in the force of their contagious energy.”

Friday, May 2, 2025
2025 Chamber Challenge 5K
May 2 @ 4:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Get ready to lace up and represent your business at the 2025 Chamber Challenge 5K! This fun, community-focused event encourages wellness and friendly competition among Asheville-area businesses. Whether you’re walking every step or racing to the finish, we know you’re up for the challenge!

Join us in person on May 2nd or participate virtually.

Important Deadlines & Details:

  • Register by April 13th at midnight to receive a short-sleeve shirt with your registration!
  • After April 13th, shirts will be available in limited quantities and sizes.
  • Registering a large group (25+ participants)? Contact Judi Willard at [email protected] for assistance.

To stay updated—text cc5k to 828-827-5332 to receive event notifications (you can opt out anytime).

Opening of Asheville Hat Bar
May 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Hat Bar

She’s Crafty AVL is beyond thrilled to announce the grand opening of AVL Hat Bar—Asheville’s first and
only dedicated hat bar—located in the heart of the vibrant and creative South Slope.

🎩 What Is a Hat Bar?
A hat bar is a fun, hands-on experience where you get to design a hat that’s uniquely you. From choosing
the perfect style and color to adding bands, charms, pins, feathers, burning, branding, and more—you’ll
create a wearable work of art that reflects your personality.

💫 What to Expect:
● A stunning collection of customizable and ready-to-wear hats plus handmade size inclusive gold
and sterling jewelry
● A warm, welcoming vibe that celebrates creativity and community
● Light refreshments, and all the good vibes
● First dibs on exclusive designs and grand opening specials

Bring your friends, your style, and your curiosity—and come be part of something truly special. AVL Hat
Bar is ready to become your go-to destination for all things hats, where every piece is a statement and
every visit is an experience.

Saturday, May 3, 2025
The French Broad River Garden Club Plant Sale & Marketplace
May 3 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Inc

The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Inc. is excited to host its Spring Plant Sale & Marketplace on May 3, 2025 from 9AM – 3PM. Join us for an amazing day featuring locally grown trees, flowers, shrubs, herbs and veggies, as well as hand-crafted works of art. Throughout the day we will feature a variety of educational talks along with live music, a food truck, and of course all LOCAL vendors!
This event helps to support the WNC community by supporting its small business owners. Our vendors are thoroughly vetted in sustainable growing practices. Join us for a day of fun, education, and entertainment. Vendors will offer a huge variety of plants and artwork including:
– Rare specialty plants, boxwoods, and unusual perennials;
– Stately conifers, dwarf conifers, and trees;
– Premium fruit trees and flowering shrubs;
– Japanese Maples and other fine ornamental trees;
– Edibles, grasses & groundcovers;
– Early spring herbs & vegetable starts;
– Fresh-cut, locally-grown flowers;
– WNC natives & landscaping plants;
– Wildcrafted, certified organic skincare options;
– Planted containers, unique floral designs and plant materials;
– Honeys and vinegars;
– Hand-crafted wrought iron and functional garden art;
– Knife and tool sharpening.
This one of a kind event is not to be missed! Rain or shine so please dress accordingly.  Supporting local scholarships and community grants focusing on horticulture, conservation, and the environment.

Ross Farm & Appalachian Standard present the 4th Annual Spring Fling Plant Festival
May 3 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

Explore 22 beautiful greenhouses filled with mixed patio planters, hanging baskets, perennials, houseplants, shrubs, and plant starters. Enjoy live music, food from Smashville Food Truck and Mountain Man BBQ, a craft fair featuring jewelry and home goods, kids’ activities including a scavenger hunt and potting station, plus a mechanical bull! Appalachian Standard CBD products also available. With 600-900 attendees expected, carpooling is recommended. Free admission.

Sunday, May 4, 2025
Mother’s Day Spring in Bloom Celebration
May 4 all-day
Tanger Outlets Asheville

This Mother’s Day, Tanger Outlets Asheville invites the women at the heart of its community to come and be celebrated with its Spring in Bloom experiential event, celebrating mothers, women and the vibrant spirit of the season. On Sunday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., the event will include make-your-own flower bouquets, photo opportunities, giveaways and more. From exclusive activities and interactive pop-ups to curated shopping experiences, this event embodies Tanger’s commitment to creating meaningful moments that connect people, foster community and celebrate women. The family-friendly event, open to the community and free to attend, will be held in the center circle near the Vera Bradley Outlet Store.

As part of Tanger’s continued programming designed to offer engaging and innovative shopper experiences, Spring in Boom blends the latest in beauty and accessories retail trends with culture and community-driven celebrations. Guests are also invited to shop the latest spring fashions with Tanger Deal Days from May 1 – 21! Participating brands including Columbia, Crocs, J. Crew and Under Armour will offer 15% – 25% off, on top of everyday savings.

Polish Fest
May 4 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fireforge Crafted Beer

🍻 Na Zdrowie! Join us May 2-4, 2025 for our 3rd Annual Polish Fest: polka, piwo (beer) and pierogi, need we share more? 😛 Festivities will include live performances from local favorites Wasted Wine and Foothills Oompah Band, as well as Atlanta Polish folk dance group Mazury Folk Dance Ensemble. Remember to keep your pets at home, yet definitely bring your ID, dancing shoes — and your appetite!

Entertainment Schedule:

🍺 Friday, May 2 (5-10 p.m.)

🎶 Wasted Wine 6-9 p.m.

🍺 Saturday, May 3 (11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.):

🎶 Foothills Oompah Band (12:30-3:30 p.m.)

🎶 Mazury Folk Dance Ensemble (4-4:30 p.m. & 5:30-6 p.m.)

🍺 Sunday, May 4 (11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.)

🎶 Wasted Wine 2-5 p.m.

🌭 Fireforge’s festy food and beverage menu will include house-brewed “Polka Party” Lager and “Cendrowski” Grodziskie Wheat Ale; pork kielbasa from Asheville’s Chop Shop Butchery made with Fireforge beer and served on a bun with sauerkraut and horseradish beer mustard; potato and cheese pierogies from Polish American sister-owned Jaju Pierogi served with housemade sour cream, caramelized onions and chives; kabanos snacking sausage from Upstate Polish Market, house-made borscht (chilled beet soup) as well as other Polish cuisine-inspired sides and sweets!

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Marketing Minds
May 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Focus Coworking

Advance your marketing mind.

This is a group where marketers and entrepreneurs can share marketing insight without feeling like you’re in a work meeting.

Marketing is fun, so why do your friends’ eyes glaze over every time you start ranting about a marketing tactic? That doesn’t happen here. If you have any concerns, just ask the guy in this Meetup cover photo. We have 3.5 stars on Walmart.com – wow!

Share and gain perspectives, and resources to help your marketing.
Advance your career or business with a network of marketers.
Enjoy the fun parts of marketing, like creativity and new tools, and pretend you outsource all the boring tasks.

Located at Focus Coworking, 11 Richland St, Asheville

Saturday, May 17, 2025
Saluda Arts Festival
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Saluda

The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art media is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metal work, woodwork, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more. Live music, Children’s Tent, Family Fun. Event is held on Historic Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, May 17, 2025, 10am to 4pm.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
UNC Health Pardee Walk-In Wednesdays Hiring Event
May 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pardee Human Resources

UNC Health Pardee is hosting weekly open house hiring events at our Human Resources office in Hendersonville!

This event is open to all candidates who are interested in Pardee as a career destination. Candidates may walk in to apply for jobs.

Our recruiting team will be available to you one-on-one to answer any questions, help with applications, and share more about what it’s like to be part of Pardee’s one great team.

Thursday, May 22, 2025
ABSFest: Thursday Live Music Speakeasy Opening Party
May 22 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Crow & Quill

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival opens at the Crow & Quill, with our ABSFest Speakeasy. Local live music sweethearts Drayton & the Dreamboats play jazz all night with bellydancers, sword- swallowing and more. Hosted by international Jester, Paolo Garbanzo. Tickets at the Door.

Friday, May 23, 2025
ABSFest: Friday FanDom Nerdlesque Show
May 23 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The 16th ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at the Grey Eagle sees the return of our FanDom Nerdlesque Show, hosted by Atlanta’s Lola LeSoleil. Your favorite fandoms brought to the stage! From sexy Star Wars to sassy Super Mario, this sexy, silly and surprising show has something for everybody. VIPs enjoy early seating, a pre-show, and themed goody bags.

Saturday, May 24, 2025
ABSFest Saturday Workshops: Burlesque, Bellydance, Drag & Resilience for Artists
May 24 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm
The Orange Peel

FOUR Workshops held at the Orange Peel! $40 in advance, $50 day of unless FREE.
12:30-2pm
Burlesque, with Jo’Rie Tigerlily.
Drag, with Qing Blaze.
2-3:30
Bellydance, with Naimah.
Resilience and Ethics for Artists in Uncertain Times, with Nadira & Mavi, a free facilitated discussion for the variety arts community. Email us at [email protected] to inquire about the Resilience class. Otherwise, visit absfest.com to register and get MORE INFORMATION about workshop offerings and the instructors.

ABSFest Saturday Spectacular Burlesque & Sideshow Fest
May 24 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Orange Peel

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival at The Orange Peel offers up the The Saturday Spectacular. Don’t Miss This Show; the most glamorous showgirls, astonishing aerials, and delicious vendors, as well as vibrant acts of rebellion, comedy and dexterity. Hosted by festival founder Madame Onça! VIPs enjoy early expedited seating, shopping and a live music pre-show.

Sunday, May 25, 2025
ABSFest Sunday Brunch: Church of Decadence – with Burlesque!
May 25 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The 16th annual ABSFest: Asheville Burlesque & Sideshow Festival Sunday at The Grey Eagle brings the brunch show – the Church of Decadence, hosted by pin-up priestess Phoebe Nyx. Come feel the holy spirit of burlesque moving through you. Dress for church – be that church hats, mumus, or pjs. Tickets at www.thegreyeagle.com 12-2pm

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
UNC Health Pardee Walk-In Wednesdays Hiring Event
May 28 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pardee Human Resources

UNC Health Pardee is hosting weekly open house hiring events at our Human Resources office in Hendersonville!

This event is open to all candidates who are interested in Pardee as a career destination. Candidates may walk in to apply for jobs.

Our recruiting team will be available to you one-on-one to answer any questions, help with applications, and share more about what it’s like to be part of Pardee’s one great team.

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Community Concert ft. the Steep Canyon Rangers
May 29 @ 6:00 pm
Pack Square Park

The highly anticipated Community Concert is returning to Pack Square Park in Downtown Asheville on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver another unforgettable evening of live music, local food, and community spirit. The event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music, along with the incredible opening act, Sam Burchfield and the Scoundrels. The Community Concert is presented by Oskar Blues Brewery, Dale’s, and Fred Anderson Subaru.

This celebration of community is FREE to attend, with General Admission available to all. For those seeking an enhanced experience, Preferred Access Tickets powered by Skyla Credit Union are on sale now, providing attendees with a premium concert experience in the heart of Asheville’s iconic Downtown.

In addition to the music, the Community Concert will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace with unique handmade goods, and a gear swap presented by Second Gear, giving attendees the chance to exchange gently used outdoor gear. The event is designed to bring together people of all ages for an evening of celebration, while supporting local businesses and artists.

Time: 6pm – 10pm

Location: Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville, NC

Admission: General Admission is FREE; Preferred Access Tickets available for purchase.

Saturday, May 31, 2025
30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
May 31 all-day
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

Award-winning, independent films from around the world in documentary, drama, anti-war, experimental and animation categories. Kickoff begins Friday with a full-length feature film and continues Saturday with back-to-back films throughout the day. This is truly an international film fest with 18 films from countries like France, Brazil, Iran, China, Spain, Malaysia, and the US, many of which are premieres!

Tentative Film Screening Schedule:
FRI, MAY 30
6:30 PM: Doors Open
7 PM: Feature Film & Discussions

SAT, MAY 31
10:30 AM: Doors Open
11-11:30 AM: Anti-War and Anti War Tax Films
11:30-12:30 PM: Animation
1-3 PM: Short Dramas
3-5 PM Documentaries + Discussions

Pre-buy tickets at https://filmfreeway.com/trmf/tickets or pay at the door. $10 Fri Feature Film; $15 Sat films all day (come in any time); $25 both days. Doors open half hour before start. Complimentary food & drink available.

At Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, River Ridge Business Center, Suite 1200, 802 Fairview Rd, Asheville 28803 (next to Asheville Dance Theater). For more information, call 828-273-3332.

Monday, June 2, 2025
Annual Meeting
Jun 2 @ 5:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Join us for an evening of celebration at the Chamber’s crowning event of the year! Mix and mingle with business and community leaders followed by a delicious Grove Park dinner. We’ll reflect on the past year, look to the future and honor outstanding business leaders.

Awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting:

  • Excellence in Public Service Award – presented by Mission Health
  • Small Business Leader of the Year – presented by HomeTrust Bank
  • Family Business Award – presented by UNC Asheville
  • President’s Award – presented by First Bank
  • Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Doors open at 5:00 pm. Dinner and program begins at 5:45 pm.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
UNC Health Pardee Walk-In Wednesdays Hiring Event
Jun 4 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pardee Human Resources

UNC Health Pardee is hosting weekly open house hiring events at our Human Resources office in Hendersonville!

This event is open to all candidates who are interested in Pardee as a career destination. Candidates may walk in to apply for jobs.

Our recruiting team will be available to you one-on-one to answer any questions, help with applications, and share more about what it’s like to be part of Pardee’s one great team.

Thursday, June 5, 2025
Business After Hours
Jun 5 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Reserve at Gashes Creek

Make plans to join us for Business After Hours on Thursday, June 5th, from 5:30- 7 p.m. at The Reserve at Gashes Creek (1120 Gashes Ridge Lane off of Charlotte Highway). This evening of networking is the perfect chance to build new connections, catch up with fellow professionals, and explore one of Asheville’s scenic residential communities.

Monday, June 9, 2025
Policy on Tap
Jun 9 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
The Funkatorium
Join us as we roll-out the Chamber’s 2025-2027 Policy Agenda in the newly refreshed and re-opened Funkatorium. We invite you to help us define success for our policy initiatives while you mix and mingle. Featuring tasty brews, fun sponsor swag, and conversations about current policy topics, we hope to see you there!

Registration is required due to limited seating. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
UNC Health Pardee Walk-In Wednesdays Hiring Event
Jun 11 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pardee Human Resources

UNC Health Pardee is hosting weekly open house hiring events at our Human Resources office in Hendersonville!

This event is open to all candidates who are interested in Pardee as a career destination. Candidates may walk in to apply for jobs.

Our recruiting team will be available to you one-on-one to answer any questions, help with applications, and share more about what it’s like to be part of Pardee’s one great team.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs
Jun 17 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Mojo Coworking’s Social Hall
The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs
Take part in “The Asheville Small Business Owner’s Guide to Tariffs: From Impact to Action” on Tuesday, June 17th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mojo Coworking’s Social Hall.

Hosted in partnership with Go Local Asheville, this session features experts from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the SBTDC who will share insights and practical strategies to help local businesses understand and mitigate the impact of tariffs. From essential tariff basics to actionable steps for your business, this is a chance to ask questions and get prepared.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Midday Mingle 
Jun 18 @ 12:00 pm
Twisted Laurel

Join us for a lunchtime networking boost at Midday Mingle on Wednesday, June 18th, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. at Twisted Laurel in downtown Asheville. Enjoy a delicious $16 lunch (plus tax and gratuity), connect with fellow professionals, and support a local restaurant!

Choose from a variety of tasty menu options, including a Smash Burger, Curry Cauliflower, Greek Salad, and more. Water and iced tea are included, and every guest is entered to win a member spotlight on our social media!

Bring a friend or colleague and enjoy the good food, great company, and community spirit.

UNC Health Pardee Walk-In Wednesdays Hiring Event
Jun 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pardee Human Resources

UNC Health Pardee is hosting weekly open house hiring events at our Human Resources office in Hendersonville!

This event is open to all candidates who are interested in Pardee as a career destination. Candidates may walk in to apply for jobs.

Our recruiting team will be available to you one-on-one to answer any questions, help with applications, and share more about what it’s like to be part of Pardee’s one great team.

Friday, June 20, 2025
Downtown After 5
Jun 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Join us as we partner with the Martin Luther King Jr. Association and Black Wall Street to celebrate Juneteenth! Featuring headliner Southern Avenue and opener DJ Phantom Pantone.

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series—it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site alongside a marketplace component where attendees can explore and shop handmade crafts from local makers. Join us at Pack Square Park for these unforgettable evenings of music, community, and celebration.

Saturday, June 21, 2025
RAD Solstice Celebration
Jun 21 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
RAD Brewing

Asheville is invited to RAD Brewing on Saturday, June 21st, for RAD Solstice! This is a celebration of the Summer Solstice and the ongoing renewal of Asheville’s River Arts District.

Here’s how you can be involved in RAD Solstice:

• Be there! Come in costume, don your finest hat, or…just come as you are!

• Join the RAD Solstice Drum Krewe! Drummers should plan to attend 2-4 practice sessions to perform with the group on RAD Solstice afternoon. We will have 4 drumming meetups on Thursday evenings – May 29, June 5, 12, & 19 – at RAD Brewing. Participation is free and everyone is welcome (ages 14-adult)! Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/251356455371054

• Support Local Artists – We will have a selection of art vendors on site with an amazing array of art available! (See below for artist details.) Additionally, Odyssey Clayworks just down the street will be running live demos and lessons in their studios at 236 Clingman Ave. Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts will have their doors open for business, and RADA will be hosting their Saturday art market for displaced artists just down the block at Pinegate Renewables. The galleries and studios of the upper RAD will be open and ready for your visit. It will be a perfect day to browse and support Asheville’s art community!

• Have a Beer or Two – RAD Brewing is a cozy, community brewery that makes fantastic beers onsite – featuring 16 unique brews on tap. They are generously opening their space to host RAD Solstice. Three cheers for RAD Brewing!!!

• Volunteer – Help us run bubble machines, do face-painting, create good vibes for the day, etc…Email [email protected] with your interest.

• Dance Party! Les Amis will bring the dance party to Solstice, with hot Ivory Coast rhythms and songs, featuring special guests – The Screamin’ Stevens! Music from 5:00-7:00pm, inside. Bring your dancing shoes and your dancing moves!

• Support RAD Solstice – Buy a Cool T-Shirt or Hat! All proceeds will go towards paying our bands:
RAD Solstice

Join us as we celebrate the Summer Solstice and the ongoing rebirth of the RAD! Let’s infuse some positive energy into our beloved River Arts District that has been through so much in the past year.

 

Sunday, June 22, 2025
Asheville Veganfest – Spring
Jun 22 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Pack Square Park

Join us for our spring festival at Pack Square Park on June 22.

Join us to shop and eat and support the local community.

Come out and come to Asheville for the day or for the weekend. The community needs you so let’s do this!

You don’t want to miss this fun event. Mark your calendars and get your tickets, swag bags, VIP, and/or merch ahead of the festival.

$10 Suggested donation ahead of the event or at the festival is requested.

$15 Swag Bag option will be available! Compostable bag filled with $50+ worth of samples and coupons.

$25 – VIP tickets – enter the event 30 minutes early. Get a cool upgraded goody bag that is reusable with items different from the swag bags. Limited to 50. $100+ worth of samples and coupons.