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.
Sydney, Australia-native Jim Jefferies is one of the most popular and respected comedians of his generation. Entertaining audiences across the globe with his provocative, belief-challenging, and thought-provoking comedy, Jefferies was honored as Stand-Up Comedian of the Year at the Just for Laughs Festival in summer 2019. In addition to his wildly popular Oblivious tour which made its way to cities all across Europe and North America, Jefferies has released nine stand-up comedy specials, including Intolerant, which came out on Netflix earlier this year, and hosts his own podcast I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies.
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Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
This production is presented in partnership with the Asheville High School Theatre Department. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL AUDIENCE MEMBERS REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
This production is presented in partnership with the Asheville High School Theatre Department.
“Owen is in isolation. He has locked himself away from society. No one seems to understand, respect and love him. Owen is healing his own wounds. However, Owen has a new crush on a boy in the mirror. Owen said he was done with love. But, will he learn the true message of love this time? Or is the answer in the reflection?…”
by William Shakespeare Directed by Mandy Bean Opening 5/6/2022 – 6/4/2022
A spectacular professional production by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company, directed by Ann Dunn. This event features exciting new work by resident choreographers, including Lyle Laney, Fleming Lomax, Megan Jones Medford, Tricia Renshaw, Sandi Weinberg, and Stephanie Wolfe.
Image by Rose Pillmore.
HART’s Main Stage
Directed by Dominic Michael Aquilino
It’s 1955, and a small dreary town in the midwest is about to get all shook up when a hip swivelin,’ motorcycle ridin,’ guitar playin’ young man rides into town. This energetic musical features the music of the king himself, Elvis Presley, with hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound dog,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and many more! Loosely based on the plot of Twelfth Night, All Shook Up is full of mistaken identities, the magic of romance, and the power of Rock n’ Roll! With a book by Joe DiPietro, who brought you recent hits at HART such as Over the River and Through the Woods and The Last Romance, this musical will kick off our main stage season with all the nostalgia and cheese of your favorite Elvis Movies!
Suitable for all audiences.
The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra presents “New Beginnings,” the final program of the season, which celebrates joy, wisdom and hope, conducted by John Concklin featuring cellist Miriam Smith, the orchestra performs the works of Mozart, Elgar and Dvořák
Join a Park naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls trail, and watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness. Do you know whether that’s a frog or a toad calling from the undergrowth? What birds and mammals prefer the dark to the daylight? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.
The story of the Andrews sisters. This musical follows the Andrews sisters from their early days on the road through their rise as recording stars to entertaining American GI’s overseas. Featuring songs such as “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” This show is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Starbright is the story of Grace, an astrophysicist who lost her daughter Abby nearly a year ago. As Grace’s life spins out of control, Abby appears to her and begins making predictions about the cosmos. Grace must determine if her daughter’s appearance is a sign of her dwindling sanity, or proof that there’s more to the universe than even she understands.
When Grace’s visions from beyond the grave start seeping into her reality, husband Calvin and aunt Margaret must put aside their own struggles and come together to assess Grace’s stability and safety. In light of her family history of mental health issues, can Grace persuade them to trust in her conviction that Abby is speaking to her?
Starbright is Sean David Robinson’s first full-length play. It was selected by the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival in New York City and made its original debut Off-Broadway in 2018. Starbright was named the winner of the 2018 North Carolina New Play Project and the Centre Stage New Play Festival in Greenville, SC. It was also shortlisted as a semi-finalist for the inaugural New Works Festival at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank, CA.
Directed by Ashleigh Goff, Starbright features Courtney DeGennaro Robinson as Grace, Scott Voloshin as Calvin, Ivy Voloshin as Abby, and Janet Oliver as Margaret. Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 4:00pm. For tickets and more information, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132323.
You couldn’t get enough the first time, and you’ve been requesting it every year since! Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Featuring over 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits including: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Down By the Riverside,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and many more. Don’t miss Nat Zegree returning as Jerry Lee Lewis! Tickets will fly away fast, so don’t miss your chance to see this exceptional musical feast.
With over fifteen years of touring to date, The Quebe Sisters have delivered their authentic triple fiddle and three-part harmony sound to the concert halls and festivals of North America and Europe.
Grace, Sophia, and Hulda Quebe front an innovative Progressive Western Swing band of archtop guitar, upright bass, fiddles and sibling harmony. The Dallas-based five-piece presents a unique Americana blend of Western Swing, Jazz-influenced Swing, Country, Texas-Style Fiddling, and Western music.
“We differentiate our music as ‘Progressive Western Swing’ from simply ‘Western Swing’ because we aren’t trying to sound just like Bob Wills,” Grace Quebe explains. “Instead, we continue his vision, playing the style he pioneered in an authentic way by incorporating new genres and songs, interpreting them using our own unique voice through Country instrumentation.”
Reserved Seat Tickets are available with Dinner reservations – You must call the venue at 828-575-2737 for Reserve Seat Tickets and to make dinner reservations.
General Admission Tickets are available for the main stage balcony only. Seating in the balcony is first come, first serve. Dinner service is NOT currently being offered for general admission tickets.; drink service is available at the downstairs bar on the main floor.
Currently, Only General Admission Tickets are available on line
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall.
Claire Simpson Jones and Donny Luke are the Asheville Gallery of Art’s featured artists for the month of May. Visitors to the gallery will have the entire month to view their outstanding paintings. Their exhibit will run from May 1st-31st.
“This exhibition is a celebration of our individual travels through life,” joyously depicted in the watercolors of Donny Luke and Claire Simpson Jones. Traveling has always played a big part in both Donny and Claire’s world, broadening their awareness and perspective, opening their minds to new experiences, and providing unlimited inspiration.
Both artists have a passion for travel as well as a passion for the challenging, but gratifying, watercolor medium, and this exhibition combines these passions. “There is no better way to immerse yourself into a particular scene than painting. Whether choosing plein-air or painting from travel sketches and references brought back to the studio, all of our senses come to life and that experience is pure joy!” Every painting is an adventure that seems to take on a life of its own, often diverging from the initial design as it develops. Staying open to ‘following’ that direction or literally “going with the flow” of watercolor provides a sense of discovery and adventure that makes the process exciting. Donny and Claire both have a long list of places and techniques they plan to explore in the near future, adding to their repertoire of inspiration and work.
Donny Luke’s travels throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, have given him many opportunities to take reference photos of some of the most beautiful places and landscapes in North America. He works from these references to create dramatic watercolor paintings. His work also includes many paintings of the breathtaking scenery and architecture in Western North Carolina, especially waterfalls, streams, and old barns.
Donny retired from a thirty-two year career as a professional architect in Asheville, NC and began his watercolor career in 2016. He has studied under nationally known watercolor artists including Michael Reardon, Iain Stewart, Keiko Tenabe, and Antonio Masi. He is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and has had paintings juried into the 2018, 2020, and 2021 WSNC Annual Juried Exhibitions with the 2020 painting ‘Santa Rosalina Relic’ receiving the WSNC Permanent Collection Purchase Award.
Claire Simpson Jones’ sensitive naturalist paintings draw from her many travels, here and abroad, and a lifetime of finding refuge and comfort in the raw beauty of our planet. In the past ten years, she has spent her summers in her favorite destinations’ England, Scotland, Australia, and our beautiful mountains of NC. Equipped with painting supplies, she roams the countryside, setting up to paint whenever inspiration comes her way. “Nature has always fed my soul for as long as I can remember. This connection has been, and continues to be, the primary inspiration for my paintings. I often begin with plein air studies and photos, taking them back to my studio to see where my next painting experience leads me. There is nothing to substitute for painting on location, with all of my senses alive, working quickly to capture the true essence of the scene before me.”
After working in graphic design, illustration, and a long career in teaching high school art, Claire has shifted her focus back to full time painting. She holds a BFA from Florida Atlantic University and has studied art at Ontario College of Art and California College of Art. She has also studied with nationally known watercolor artists including atelier workshops with the world renown watercolorist, Mary Whyte. Claire is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, earning awards, the most recent 2020 Best of Region Award.
Visitors to the Asheville Gallery of Art will be able to view Claire and Donny’s show from May1st through May 31st. They will be present for a special “Meet the Artist” event on First Friday, May 6th, from 5pm-8pm in the gallery at 82 Patton Avenue.
What makes a place idyllic?
Start with an emerald river that flows from ancient mountains. Add an abundance of living creatures that co-evolved over millennia. Bring in humans who honor their place in the interconnected web. And rebuild a vital stream that supports us all.
Your support and engagement helps ensure the health of this watershed for the ages! We can’t do it without you.
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A race is only as good as the volunteers and you’re a good one! Let us know if you can help!
- Bricks-And-Mortar
- Public Education
- Planning, Survey and Designation
ince 2003, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk has helped raise funding for Downtown Hendersonville and a variety of local non-profits. In addition to raising funds, the bears offer a window into good work being done by community organizations in Henderson County.
The Bearfootin’ Bears arrive as blank slates before local artists transform each in a spectacular fashion, with creative themes ranging from Mona Lisa to Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. After the “Reveal” event in early May, the bears then take up residence in downtown Hendersonville for the duration of the summer and fall, up until auction. Participants bid during the auction to raise funds for local non-profits and Downtown Hendersonville. Winning bids up to $3,000 are split evenly between the downtown program and the nonprofit chosen by the sponsor, while bid amounts exceeding $3,000 are directed entirely to the non-profit. In 2021, the Bears raised more than $100,000, and in 2022 we hope to continue the tradition of giving.
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Farmer-to-Farmer Training
WNC Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a farmer-led effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture, straight from the hearts, mouths, and fields of seasoned local farmers in Western North Carolina (WNC).
Why join CRAFT?
- Network with beginning and experienced farmers to exchange your ideas and knowledge and build community in the region.
- Expand your training opportunities beyond your farm to bolster the robustness of your apprenticeship offerings.
- Attract aspiring farmers to your apprenticeship positions to cultivate success and improve the future of our region’s agriculture.
Come join us as we breathe, move, play and drink beer! It’s a new way to enjoy our little mountain town of Asheville. After an hour of yoga and pictures, take your token and wander into the local brewery for a free beer of your choosing. Options available for under 21. This is a kid friendly and beginner class!
GreenWorks Silent Auction
May 13-29
Virtual
Old Shiloh was one of Asheville’s first communities established by emancipated people. The community moved to its present-day location – New Shiloh – after George Vanderbilt, in an effort to expand his land holdings as he planned to build his Biltmore Estate, purchased the land and buildings and agreed to relocate the Shiloh church and cemetery.
You live in a beautiful place, and you want to keep it that way.
Us too.
So we put together a fun way to help protect our home — now and for the future.
We’ve reached out to our community, and collected items from some of the most fun, most delicious, most unique local businesses, including:
Eats and treats from some of Asheville’s most popular restaurants
Yoga experiences
Beer tastings and tours
Local art
Outdoor adventures
We’re so excited to WOW you all!
Some of these items and experiences you can’t find anywhere else…and some of them were created especially for you.
And they’re finally ready for bid in our Home GREEN Home Silent Auction.
This is your chance to enjoy some only-in-Asheville treats and unique experiences while supporting GreenWorks’ efforts to improve our local climate resilience.
This year’s silent auction is just one of the ways you can contribute to our Spring Campaign. By shopping our incredible array of uniquely Asheville items and experiences, you’ll be building a greener future for all of us.
All proceeds from the auction will go directly to programs that strengthen our local climate resilience. To protect our homes and health from the effects of extreme weather and a rising tide of plastic pollution, GreenWorks engages with thousands of volunteers like you to complete more than 200 projects each year. Your support will plant trees, protect native pollinators, clean up our rivers and roads, and inspire even more residents to work for a greener tomorrow for ourselves, our families, and our community.
All of us, together, are building our future with the choices we make today.
Will you join us to make Asheville a unique, beautiful, and resilient place to live now and in the future (and have a little fun while you’re at it?)
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Bid on a Greener Future Our Silent Auction Features Only-in-Asheville Treats & Unique Experiences to Fund Asheville’s Climate Resilience |
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May 13-29 Bidding Ends May 29 at 8pm
You live in a beautiful, healthy place, and you want to keep it that way. Us too. So we put together a fun way to help protect our home — now and for the future.
We’ve reached out to our community, and collected items from some of the most fun, most delicious, and most unique Asheville businesses. The auction goes live May 13. |
The exhibit features thought-provoking photos taken by students, faculty, and staff while traveling abroad.
Accessibility
Find accessibility information for campus buildings at maps.unca.edu. For accessibility questions or to request event accommodations, please contact [email protected] or 828.250.3832.
Visitor Parking
Visitors must have a permit to park on campus — please visit the Transportation website to register.
| Lights Out! Asheville is a program that can benefit birds and also save energy and money. Mayor Manheimer recently signed a proclamation that designates March-May and September-November as “Migratory Bird Awareness Months,” and has entrusted the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter and the Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville to create a Lights Out program that is supported by the Asheville residential and business community.
The Coalition for a Bird-Friendly Asheville, in partnership with the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter, and many local environmental organizations, is asking you to participate in Lights Out! Asheville. By doing so, you will reduce light pollution that disrupts bird migration and negatively impacts human and non-human animal health while also reducing your energy consumption. What you can do: From Midnight-6AM, March-May and September-November, Turn off exterior decorative lighting By pledging to participate in Asheville’s Lights Out! program, you will be joining a national Lights Out network comprised of over 40 cities! Together, we can help provide safe passage for our avian migratory friends. |
If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
OUTPACE HUNGER
FEED PEOPLE AND YOUR PASSION!
What Is Outpace Hunger?
Looking for a way to make a real impact this spring and summer? Feed people while pursuing your passion through Outpace Hunger, an action-based fundraising campaign that turns a favorite activity into meals!
For decades, MANNA FoodBank has been working to outpace hunger and food insecurity all across 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. The 2022 campaign runs May 1 through September 30, and we invite you join the growing community of folks who are Outpacing Hunger alongside of us!
How It Works
Participating in Outpace Hunger is easy!
You decide your level of commitment, so every participant can create their own path to helping provide food to our community. Participants also decide how, when, and where they complete their goal, any time now through the campaign end on September 30.
Outpace Hunger participants:
(1) Register to be a part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community. The $20 registration fee includes a t-shirt for you and provides 80 MEALS for neighbors facing food insecurity in WNC.
(2) Choose a favorite activity (run, walk, roll, stroll, hike, bike, paddle, climb, float, skate, golf, and everything in between!) to complete individually, or as a family/group/team.
(3) Set a goal to reach. This can be an activity-related goal, a fundraising goal, or both.
(4) Invite friends and family to support your fundraising efforts through your own, personalized Outpace Hunger webpage.
Whether running a 5K, walking your neighborhood, hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, or paddling the French Broad River, Outpace Hunger participants play a vital part in ensuring our WNC neighbors have access to healthy food.