River Arts Tour
Calendar of Events
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.
Tuesday, April
13, 2021
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Tip-Based Walking Tour
Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes! The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience. Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Included with admission
A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.
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!
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!
Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.
There will be food and beverages available for purchase.
- This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
- In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
- We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Wednesday, April
14, 2021
Private Caboose Party
Rail + Trail
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Tip-Based Walking Tour
Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
PATIO SHOW: Brie Capone
Free Cuba Agroecology Tour Webinar
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.
A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.
You can charter the caboose on:
Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.
Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes! The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience. Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Included with admission
A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.
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!
Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!
Brie Capone plays The Grey Eagle patio stage on Wednesday April 14th! Reserve your table today for the ALL AGES, socially distanced show.
- PATIO SHOW
- 5PM DOORS // 6PM SHOW
- ALL AGES
- RESERVED TABLES
- SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES IN PLACE
- Despite her introverted off stage tendencies and observational lyrics, Brie Capone’s big voice and entertaining personality has graced the stages of the Kennedy Center, David Rubenstein Auditorium, and frequented legendary venues like The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA, Rockwood Music Hall and The Bitter End in NYC. Brie made it all the way to Hollywood on ABC’s American Idol (2018). She released her first self produced EP “Comedian” in 2020.
Over the past 3 years she’s been a part of multiple cross-country acoustic tours from Asheville, NC (Isis Music Hall, LEAF Festival, The Grey Eagle) to San Francisco (Sofar Sounds) with stops along the way. She has opened for musical greats such as Mason Jennings, Kevin Devine, Erika Wennerstrom (Heartless Bastards) and Nicole Atkins.
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Curious about Cuban Agriculture? Join us for this FREE event! Come learn about Cuba’s dramatic transition into agroecological and organic farming practices and the institutions that made this shift possible. Join us for this FREE webinar, April 14th, 2021 from 6:30-7:30. Agroecology is the study of ecological systems as they apply to agriculture. It is a science, a movement, and a practice. At OGS, we like to think of the farm as a system and observe nature as the ideal model of sustainable production.
During this trip, you will participate in and observe how the Cuban agricultural community has embraced agroecology in all of its forms and learn why Cuba is considered one of the leading global experts in agroecological methods.
Cuba Agroecology Tour Dates:
June 2021: June 22 – July 1, 2021
November 2021: November 30 – December 9, 2021
January 2022: January 4 – January 13, 2022
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Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Thursday, April
15, 2021
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
Tour a Local Greenway w/ GPS based tour app: TravelStorys
Biltmore Gardens Railway
Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
Tip-Based Walking Tour
Open Mic w/ The Lads AVL
PATIO SHOW: Jeff Santiago + Los Gatos
Coloring and Cocktails
Peter Bradley Adams
This year you can join us for the Arts & Crafts Home Tour from the comfort of your home! Tour Possum Trot and Dogwood Cottages in Albemarle Park and finish with Sondley House in Haw Creek. Due to location and accessibility, these homes would not normally be included in the tour, so this is a special treat!
Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes! The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience. Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!
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Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
Included with admission
A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.
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!
Stop in and join us for an evening of fun! Bring your instrument, your voice, and a mic.
We have the beer covered.
Thursdays, 6-8 pm, weather permitting.
Jeff Santiago & Los Gatos play the Grey Eagle patio stage on April 15. A very limited number of reserved seating tickets are available now!
– PATIO SHOW
– 6:00PM SHOW
– ALL AGES
– RESERVED SEATING
– 6:00PM SHOW
– ALL AGES
– RESERVED SEATING
JEFF SANTIAGO & LOS GATOS
Jeff Santiago is an Asheville, NC based singer/songwriter. The Bronx born musician grew up playing between NYC and Los Angeles before settling in Asheville, NC. There he immersed himself in the intimate, yet rich musical community that this mountain town prides itself on.
That immersion created bonding musical relationships with fellow musicians from diverse musical backgrounds which influence Los Gatos as a band. Their songs sway, they funk, they rock and they pop. The songs lyrically purvay the emotional landscape that make up love, loss and our complicated society. They have shared the stage with artists like Franz Ferdinand, Ozomatli and Scott Weiland.
The band is:
Jeff Santiago – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Josh Chassner – Lead Guitar
Lee White – Bass
Springs Wade – Drums
Jeff Santiago is an Asheville, NC based singer/songwriter. The Bronx born musician grew up playing between NYC and Los Angeles before settling in Asheville, NC. There he immersed himself in the intimate, yet rich musical community that this mountain town prides itself on.
That immersion created bonding musical relationships with fellow musicians from diverse musical backgrounds which influence Los Gatos as a band. Their songs sway, they funk, they rock and they pop. The songs lyrically purvay the emotional landscape that make up love, loss and our complicated society. They have shared the stage with artists like Franz Ferdinand, Ozomatli and Scott Weiland.
The band is:
Jeff Santiago – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Josh Chassner – Lead Guitar
Lee White – Bass
Springs Wade – Drums
Spend your Thursday evening with the Museum for some creative fun! Kelly Baisley, school & family programs manager, interviews Appalachia Now! artist Byron Tenesaca about three of his photographic series that relate to the Andean Cosmovision, as well as select drawings and paintings. Following the interview, sit back, relax, and color Tenesaca’s artist-designed coloring sheets while listening to experimental Andean music performed by Natalia Maxi of Alli Yuyaywan. Miranda Escalante, beverage manager of The Montford Rooftop Bar, kicks off the evening teaching us about the classic margarita.
Coloring sheets and Zoom login information will be emailed to participants prior to the program.
- Learn about Byron Tenesaca’s personal art and commission work on his artist website.
- Preview the varied experimental sounds of Alli Yayaywan on YouTube and Facebook.
- Perspective Café is ready to make your Third Thursday delicious in-person too. This evening, guest bartender Miranda Escalante of The Montford Rooftop Bar is mixing up Agave Margaritas in the café and makes a special appearance on the virtual Coloring and Cocktails broadcast. Coloring sheets and color pencils are available in the café, as well as a live feed of the virtual program. Click on the image in the gallery for Escalante’s recipe, or make your favorite version!
Presented in conjunction with Appalachia Now! Generous funding for this program provided by Art Bridges.
After discovering The Beatles at age five, Adams knew he would be a musician. The Alabama-native spent his childhood mastering different instruments and felt most comfortable hiding in the background. That was until he started Eastmountainsouth, a pioneering effort in the realm of folktronica. After the duo disbanded in 2006, Adams pursued a solo career built on his unique brand of Americana.
Adams is a storyteller first, sharing tales of love and loss, homes and hearts. His songwriting walks the line of fact and fantasy, and when it comes to drawing inspiration directly from an experience or relationship, he tends to be very careful. In doing so, he strikes the perfect balance of setting scenes but leaving room for the listener to make the stories their own. This unique capability comes after years of collaboration with artists who most align with his writing style, including Peace Center favorite Kim Richey.
These days, you will find him putting his classical composition studies to work on a piece for the violin or piano or promoting his most recent album release, A Face Like Mine.
“Adams is fast developing as a songwriter who both inspires and questions.”
– Los Angeles Times Magazine
“…one of the 21st-century writers whose songs are worth exploring.”
– Wall Street Journal
“…atmospheric Americana style and vocals.”
– Noisey
A New Genevieve’s Experience
We are committed to a safe and comfortable return to live music. These concerts provide a listening room feeling while adhering to COVID-19 CDC recommendations. Please note the following:
- Only 27 tables of four are available, allowing you to enjoy a socially distanced performance with your close family and friends.
- This concert will not have an intermission.
- All ticketing, ordering, and payment is touchless.
Food and Beverages
A small bites menu from Table 301 will be available for pre-order along with a selection of wines. Additional wine, beer, and cocktails are available for purchase at the show. Details will be sent to ticket holders prior to the performance.
We look forward to celebrating a night of live music with you!
Friday, April
16, 2021
2021 Summer Cuba Agroecology Tour
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
Haunted Asheville Tour
Private Caboose Party
Rail + Trail
Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer their fourth Cuba Agroecology Tour and their first such trip in the summer from June 22 through July 1, 2021, with a focus on the country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers, community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture, will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas. The trip offers participants on-the-ground exposure to Cuban agriculture and the food sovereignty movement and will highlight their engagement with the global food system. The intention is for participants to acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in their own communities.
Cuba has had a focus on organic agriculture production methods since the 1970s. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 ended Cuba’s access to agricultural inputs overnight, propelling them into what is now known as the “Special Period”—a crisis of reduced resources and increased hunger. The country embarked on a massive and rapid conversion to agroecology in an attempt to boost food production. The tour will focus on small farmers, sustainable food systems, and national security. There are multiple opportunities in Cuba’s diverse agricultural landscape to learn many lessons and insights for the development of a secure and sustainable food system elsewhere.
“The purpose of this tour is not to romanticize or glorify Cuban agriculture,” says Sera Deva, Director of Programs with Organic Growers School and the trip organizer. “It is instead an opportunity to learn about what a country-wide commitment to sustainable, local agriculture can look like. It will broaden and deepen our region’s wisdom regarding alternative food systems. Our goals are to show our participants the importance of cooperative farming models and sustainable farming techniques, as well as encouraging them to think critically about practical and governmental structures that could support a thriving community of organic growers and consumers.”
Local partners will provide an overview of Cuban history, culture, politics, agriculture, and ecology. Additionally, the group will meet with specialists who will provide background on the country’s transition into agroecological farming practices and the national policies that prioritize organic farming and the remediation of hunger. With a firm commitment to sustainability and justice, this tour will connect participants to farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers and experts working to transform the global food system.
Tour highlights will include the following:
- Discuss agroecology with Fernando Funes, co-author of Food First’s book Sustainable Agriculture & Resistance in Cuba.
- Visit community permaculture and agricultural education, and food conservation projects.
- Discuss changes in US-Cuba relations and how they might affect the future of tourism and agriculture in Cuba.
- Meet with the National Association for Small Farmers (ANAP) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Meet with a variety of small farmers and farmers’ cooperatives.
For the purposes of this trip, OGS is partnering with Food First, a “people’s think tank” dedicated to ending the injustices that cause hunger and helping communities to take back control of their food systems. Food First has been offering tours to Cuba for more than 20 years with the organizing assistance of Altruvistas, a socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that has facilitated 20,000 travelers to Cuba.
The cost of the trip is $2,950 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School (OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to a grant from the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, there are a limited number of partial scholarships for farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba. Cuba is considered one of the safest destinations for travel, partially due to their diligent and holistic approaches to healthcare. Due to COVID-19, the traveling climate of the US (as well as tourist restrictions in Cuba) is changing daily. Cuba has implemented many of the same precautionary measures implemented around the world to minimize the spread of COVID-19 including social distancing, limiting travel to the island completely through the summer, and closing schools. In early November 2020, Cuba reopened its borders to travelers.
Potential tour participants can visit the OGS FAQ page which answers questions such as, “Why Cuba?,” “What are the legal considerations when traveling to Cuba?,” “Why ravel with Organic Growers School?,” “What does the tuition cover?,” and “What can I expect to experience?” Traveler testimonials from previous trips, the full itinerary, as well as a photo gallery can also be found on the website.
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| 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. |
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| Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare. |
Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.
A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.
You can charter the caboose on:
Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.