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, March 20, 2021
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Mar 20 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 20 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse
Pink flower blooming near
                    wishing well.

Visit Our Gardens This Spring

The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.

The Asheville Half Marathon
Mar 20 @ 7:30 am – 8:50 am
Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate

The Asheville Half Marathon course will be NEW and utilized ONLY for one year, at the 2021 race. This is YOUR opportunity to run the half marathon and explore both the east and west sides of the Estate.

The new, point-to-point, half marathon course has -762 feet of net elevation loss and +575 of net elevation gain. The course will start approximately one mile from the Biltmore House, run through the walled gardens, along the French Broad River, past the Lagoon and then over to the west side of the Estate. Runners will finish on the east side in Antler Hill Village.

LitCafe Experiences: DuPont Forest History Hike w/ Danny Bernstein
Mar 20 @ 8:20 am – 2:30 pm
Transylvania County Library 

What is an airstrip doing in the middle of DuPont State Recreational Forest? Why the formal entrance into a state forest? And how did the lakes come to be?

Come on a moderate all-day hike through historic DuPont Forest where we will walk, talk, take photos and even speculate. DuPont Forest is in Cedar Mountain, located between Hendersonville and Brevard. We will visit Bridal Veil Falls and four lakes. Although the hike focuses on DuPont Forest history, we might see some early spring flowers and buds.

Here are the details:

  • The hike is 7.5 miles and about 800 feet of altitude gain over the day. The trails are well-maintained but will be muddy and rocky.
  • Meet at the Transylvania County Library (212 S Gaston St, Brevard, NCby 8:20am. We will depart from there in a caravan and arrive at the Fawn Lake Access Area of DuPont just before 9am.
  • Wear light boots or good sneakers with hiking sock, a rain jacket (no matter the weather forecast) and a couple of layers of warm clothing – a long sleeve shirt and a fleece.
  • Bring lunch and snacks and at least one quart of water – two pints. Water will not be available  on the hike.
  • There are no toilets in the forest. We will stop several times for trail breaks in the woods. There is also no cell service in the area including the forest.
  • Note: For liability reasons, no dogs are allowed on this hike.

Questions, concerns? Email me at [email protected]

Early Spring Hours at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

2021 Park Admission

(Presently, tickets are only available through online reservations. Click here to book your visit!)

Rigs and Coffee
Mar 20 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Mills River Brewing Co.

We were thrilled to have Mills River Brewing Co as our home base for Rigs & Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina.
Rigs & Coffee is a reoccurring “Meetup” every 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am – 11am. It’s open to ALL Rigs! ALL makes, ALL models, ALL styles.
Just good people, hanging out with good company, enjoying a good conversation. Share ideas, experiences and show off your Rig! Maybe you might learn something new too. Who knows!

Image may contain: text

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Mar 20 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Mar 20 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

GSMR

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*

Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.

Outdoor Stage: Natti Love Joys
Mar 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Salvage Station

Natti Love Joys

Join us on Sunday as the Natti Love Joys take the stage from 5-9pm for live outdoor reggae jamming on the French Broad River. Root Down Kitchen will be serving food and the bar will be open from 4pm-10pm. Masks & Social Distancing required. Show is rain or shine (we have plenty of covered outdoor seating to keep you happy and dry).

 

THE NATTI LOVE JOYS HAVE BEEN ROCKING THE CROWD WITH THEIR FUN REGGAE AND WORLD MUSIC VIBE FOR YEARS AND HAVE OPENED SHOWS FOR JOAN JETT, THREE DOG NIGHT, THE BAND, THE CLASH, THE RAMONES, PSYCHEDELIC FURS, DEBBIE GIBSON, JIMMY CLIFF, AND MANY MORE. NATTI LOVE JOYS OPENED FOR TOOTS & THE MAYTALS AT SALVAGE STATION IN 2019.

Pleasure Chest: Outdoor Stage
Mar 20 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Salvage Station

Pleasure Chest

Pleasure Chest is a high energy Blues, Soul, Rock and Roll band hailing from Asheville NC. With the humor of Bo Diddley and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins to the swampy, dirty grit of Slim Harpo and Elmore James they’re guaranteed to please and get your bootie shaking! Members include – KIP VENO – vocals / harmonica ERICH HUBNER – vocals / guitar WILL TOCABEN – bass TIM NYLANDER – drums KYLE SNUFFER – trombone ALEX BRADLEY – trumpet BEN COLVIN – saxophone

PRESENTING LIVE MUSIC ON OUR OUTDOOR STAGE ON THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER FROM 6-9PM. FULL BAR, AMAZING MENU BY ROOT DOWN KITCHEN! PLENTY OF SPACE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE IN STYLE WITH YOUR POD OF FRIENDS.

21 plus

Sunday, March 21, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Mar 21 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Mar 21 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
Mar 21 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Visit Our Gardens This Spring at Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 21 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse
Pink flower blooming near
                    wishing well.

Visit Our Gardens This Spring

The Playhouse Gardens are open and just in time for spring! Whether you’re going for a stroll, staying for a picnic, or learning about the different flora using the QR codes in each flower bed, we hope you’ll join us at the Playhouse Gardens. Stay tuned for upcoming events and learn about all the hard work that our volunteers do by following them on Instagram.

Sunday Fun Day at Kolo
Mar 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
KOLO Bike Park

Sunday Fun Day at Kolo

EVERY SUNDAY THROUGH THE WINTER!

Kolo Bike Park access is just $10 for the entire day every Sunday

Winter Nantahala Gorge Train Tour Great Smokey Mountains Railroad
Mar 21 @ 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Bryson City Depot Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

GSMR

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available by selecting our First Class Seating option or pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Find the information HERE! *Please be aware dining options are currently not available at your layover destination. You are advised to enjoy onboard dining by pre-purchasing a box lunch meal option along with your train tickets.*

Plan on being here by 1 hour before your departure.

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Mar 21 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Food Truck Sundays
Mar 21 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Skateville Meetup
Mar 21 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Carrier Park

Come skate with us every Sunday at the Skateville Sundays meetup.
This is a casual weekly event for Asheville Roller Skaters to make friends, practice skills and get inspired on your #skatejourney.
Roller blades welcome!
Monday, March 22, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Mar 22 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Mar 22 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Hike with a Naturalist
Mar 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of our six different trails with a naturalist. This is educational excursion will give you a better understanding of the flora and fauna that can be found in the Park. You may even learn some of the Park’s history as well.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Mar 23 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Mar 23 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Mar 24 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Mar 24 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Thursday, March 25, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Mar 25 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

WNC Nature Center! Welcomes new members Samson and Bonita Red Foxes
Mar 25 @ 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
WNC Nature Center

red foxes

Welcome to your new home, Samson and Bonita!  The two red foxes will be joining the other residents of the WNC Nature Center and are coming to us from Izzie’s Pond Sanctuary in Liberty, S.C.

Samson and Bonita have something more in common than their new home.  They are both less than a year old and were both injured as a result of being caught in leg-hold traps and each has three legs, which means they would not be able to survive in the wild but can live safely in a zoo environment.

“The Nature Center has long provided excellent care for animals that, for one reason or another, could not live in the wild,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile. “We are so excited to be able to welcome red foxes back to our Center.”

Come say “Hi!” to Samson and Bonita at the WNC Nature center beginning Feb. 11, when they’ll enter their new habitat for the first time.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
Mar 25 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
Mar 25 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.