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.

Sunday, May 16, 2021
Food Truck Sundays
May 16 @ 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!

Monday, May 17, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 17 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 18 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
Taco Tuesday
May 18 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Bonfire BBQ

Taco Tuesday (Bonfire BBQ)

Every other Tuesday we gather at one of several local establishments for some tacos and conversation. The restaurant of choice will be posted each week.

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
May 18 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

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.
30 Minute Meditation for Moms
May 18 @ 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

Led by experienced instructors, this 30 min guided meditation session will help you feel the much needed calmness

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

We welcome everyone and encourage all to share their expertise and offerings. If you have an event or gathering you wish to share, please contact the group organizer for postings. There is no charge to post, but in exchange for being able to promote for free, we encourage event hosts to offer something at no cost at some point, so the knowledge and spiritual expansion of this group can be available to all regardless of their finances.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 19 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
Summit Coffee – RAD – Outdoors –
May 19 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Summit Coffee

We will meet outside on a large grassy area by the back exit from the building.
** You must bring your own chair **
Wear a hat and bring sun screen if desired.
Please wear a mask when ordering inside. Bring a credit card.
Please do not bring outside beverages (other than water) or food.
Maintain social distance of at least six meet from others.

What we’re about

If you are a coffee lover, then you need to know this word: FIKA (fee-ka). It is a Swedish word that doesn’t translate well to English. It is a noun. It is a verb. And it must be experienced. You go to have a fika. And when you meet for fika, you fika. Followers of the 40 days of Fika series on FortyDaysFika.com & Ashevilleblog.com have been requesting to gather for Fika – so we are delivering! If you would like to slow down, meet some new people, and enjoy a cup o’ joe, then come and pull up a chair for some coffee and companionship. Meet us every week at a different location around Asheville and join us for Fika – coffee and friendship. Just look for the Swedish flag on the table! Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
May 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

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!

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
May 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

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, May 20, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 20 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
The 2021 Everybody Knows Somebody Awareness + Fundraising Breakfast
May 20 @ 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Online w/ Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders

Everybody knows somebody struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder and recovery looks different for each of these individuals and families.

 

What does recovery look like?  Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED) will address that question along with how the organization has met the needs of the community through the added challenges of this past year at its 2021 Annual Awareness and Fundraising Breakfast on Thursday, May 20th at 7:30am.

 

This year, due to COVID-related safety measures, CRC for ED will host their event in a hybrid format (invite only, limited seating at Highland Brewing Event Center in Asheville -and- live stream open to the general public).  The purpose of the one-hour program is to raise awareness about eating disorders and the services CRC for ED provides while inspiring support for the organization.

To RSVP and join the organization through livestream, see:  https://crcfored.com/events/

 

Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders is the only nonprofit in NC dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders.

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
May 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Weekly 30 Minute Meditation for Moms
May 20 @ 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation DFW
Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms.

About this Event
We are creating this Meditation space for moms 💟 that can help
🤲 create a supportive community of moms who can come together and meditate
🤲 build a meditation routine
🤲 implement self-care, and take pause in hectic lives
🤲 bring calmness and balance that can reflect on kids and household
🤲 share experiences and learn to grow in this journey together

Join this FREE evening session for Meditation, specifically for Moms. Meditation is a simple way to de-stress, and it can help bring peace and balance, especially in these hectic times.

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

Friday, May 21, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 21 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
May 21 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online w/ Asheville Jewish Community Center

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

Daily Meditation + Support
May 21 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Online w/ Awakening Asheville

Hosted by: the Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/100-days-of-practice/

What we’re about

COVID-19 UPDATE: An email was sent out to Awakening Asheville advising all in-person meetups should be postponed or moved to virtual attendance only. Please contact hosts with any questions. Thank you, and be well! Courtney

We are an LGBTQ+ BIPOC safe spiritual group that enjoys the coming together of community lightworkers sharing our journeys. We offer meditations, healing energy, and many different workshops. Come join us!

Fisher Vineyards Dinner
May 21 @ 6:30 pm
The Farm at Old Edwards

Join us at The Farm at Old Edwards in beautiful Highlands, North Carolina for a Top Chef Dinner featuring the extraordinary wines of Fisher Vineyards, which produces wines from both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Atlantan Chefs, Matthew Basford of Canoe and Chris Hall of Local Three, will each cook to a different wine-pairing, creating an exciting and delicious exploration of the two distinct wine regions. 
Call 855-421-2919 for details. 

LIVE: Asheville Jazz Orchestra
May 21 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
May 22 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Farm Family Fun Day
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ross Farm (Formerly Jack Young Greenhouse)

Join us at Ross Farms at Jack Young’s Greenhouse for a family friendly, COVID cautious celebration of fun on Saturday, May 22 from 10 am to 2 pm! The Usual Suspects Food Truck will be there serving delicious sandwiches and Joker’s Trade will be providing smooth tunes to groove to. Our greenhouses will be open and full of flourishing plants, from annuals to veggie starters and everything between! We’ll bring the bloom, you bring the fun! Ross Farms at Jack Young’s Greenhouse is located at 91 Holbrook Rd, Candler, NC. We look forward to seeing you!

Coffee and Conversation
May 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grind AVL

The purpose of Coffee and Conversation is to have productive talk and dialogue that build communities, foster ideas of growth, solidarity and networking. In essence, no matter what we do in our daily living, our mission with “Enjoy Your Life”, is to promote others through positive action and empowerment. Remember, the temperature is changing and nights are getting colder. If you have any old coats please bring them to this Saturday’s meeting. We would like to discuss a time, place and date where some members may want to volunteer and hand out coats or any articles of clothing to homeless people downtown. Thanks, Marvin Ramsey

What we’re about

This group is dedicated to people who want to enjoy their lives. This means accepting where you’re at and consciously choosing to make the most of it. This is a group where you can be yourself with other like minded people. We’ll do a wide range of activities from hiking to tubing to going out on the town to networking and giving back to our community and more. No matter what we do our goal is always to enjoy our lives and empower others.

Airshow at The One Stop: Widespread Panic cover
May 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

The One Stop presents two nights with Airshow.
Airshow will perform two sets with the second set featuring the music of Phish & Widespread Panic.
Saturday, April 24th – Phish cover
Saturday, May 22nd – Widespread Panic cover
Doors 6:00PM; Show 7:00PM
CASH donations accepted at the door
Relia’s Lost Kitchen: Orin Swift Wine Dinner
May 22 @ 6:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Relia's Lost Kitchen Orin Swift

Relia’s Lost Kitchen is a series of exclusive pop-up dinner events in honor of NOC founder Aurelia Kennedy and the original restaurant that nourished visitors from all over the globe.

Guests will enjoy a freshly prepared five-course dinner, with each course perfectly paired with wines from the renowned Orin Swift portfolio, thoughtfully crafted from the vineyards of California. Dine overlooking Relia’s Garden with the Nantahala River just below.

Tables will be set up to seat four guests at a time and guests are required to book in parties of four to maximize seating availability for this exclusive, socially distanced event. Doors will open at 6PM for the 6:30PM dinner service.

Great Peacock and Cordovas
May 22 @ 6:30 pm
Salvage Station

Great Peacock + Cordovas

Spitting stories of love, loss and pain, Nashville’s Great Peacock⎯⎯ comprised of lead singer and guitarist Andrew Nelson, guitarist Blount Floyd, drummer Nick Recio and bass player Frank Keith IV ⎯⎯ challenge the very notion of genre, dismantling tradition and blurring the lines between rock ‘n roll, conventional folk music and true Americana. Having earned praise from Paste, the Nashville Scene, American Songwriter, No Depression, Relix and PopMatters, the band ignites a kind of unapologetic spark. As fixtures on the Southern festival circuit including Shakey Knees, they’ve shared stages with an abundance of equally-minded noise-makers, including Susto, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Cage the Elephant, American Aquarium, Margo Price and Jonathan Tyler.

LIVE: The Lads of Trad
May 22 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

WHITE HORSE LIVE: The Lads of Trad

This fantastically facile Celtic trio comprises three of the finest Celtic players around: Connell Sanderson, Cailen Campbell and David Brown. Dazzling!

Sunday, May 23, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bluegrass Brunch
May 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!