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.

Thursday, May 30, 2024
CARNIVALE MACABRE: Thunderdome
May 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– AGES 18+
– PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Take an epic journey to the desolate sands of the future where a band of villainous warboys and their pet cannibal put on a dystopian variety show featuring Drag, Comedy, Burlesque, Magic, games and prizes, and specialty freak show acts paired with live music all night by the Carnivale Macabre house band Renounced Heroes!

Come dressed in your best dystopian wasteland attire for a chance to win prizes for your costume and immerse yourself in this futuristic hell scape.
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Nerd Pride Fest
Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Nerd Dungeon

Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm

Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.

Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.

As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!

Just Brew It
Jun 1 @ 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pisgah Brewing Company

What’s Brewing at Just Brew It:

Just Brew It isn’t just any beer festival; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and great taste. Picture this: 50+ unique beers crafted by 20+ talented homebrewers. From classic IPAs to experimental brews infused with coffee, chocolate, spices, and fruit – there’s something for every beer lover’s palate. Those in attendance sample the homebrew and vote for their favorite while the homebrewers compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award!

But that’s not all! We’re adding a twist this year with a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those looking for a different kind of refreshment.

How to Join the Fun:

To savor these sensational sips, become a 2024 individual member of Just Economics today.  This event is not ticketed, but rather a benefit for Just Economics’ members. Purchase a membership here and your name will be on the event attendee list. Then, all Just Economics members can sample the homebrews and vote for their favorites! 

  • Memberships are $35, which grants you entry to the event.
  • The VIP Package with Membership is $55, which grants you entry to the event an hour early (1:00pm) and a VIP swag bag with a souvenir glass and other goodies.
  • Non-alcoholic event passes are $15— For those who want to enjoy the music, atmosphere, and a creative selection of non-alcoholic beverages, this year we are offering a non-alcoholic event pass.

Get your membership here!

Support a Cause, Sip for a Purpose:

Just Brew It isn’t just about great beer; it’s about supporting Just Economics’ mission to promote living wages, affordable housing, and better transit in our community. Your membership directly contributes to positive change while you have a blast at the festival.

Sunday, June 2, 2024
AVL Family Adventure Fest
Jun 2 all-day
Adventure Center of Asheville

On Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1pm-4pm, The Adventure Center of Asheville will host its inaugural AVL Family Adventure Festival at 85 Expo Drive. Formerly Zipping For Autism, this family event will have live music, food, cold beer, scads of kids activities, bike, kayak and climbing demos, face painting, crafts, hay rides, games and MUCH MUCH MORE. Come and enjoy the festival or buy a combo pass and add a trip through Asheville Treetops Adventure Park on the sampler trail (9 challenge obstacles, 12’ in the trees, 1 continuous aerial trail). This event is being hosted by The Adventure Center of Asheville and produced by Asheville Plays! with 100% of proceeds benefiting Camp Lakey Gap. The proceeds directly impact the lives of autistic people and their families by providing scholarships for a one-of-a-kind, week-long residential summer camp experience for autistic children and adults.

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jun 2 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Saturday, June 8, 2024
Vibes for the Valley: A Benefit for Black Mountain Schools
Jun 8 all-day
Pisgah Brewing Company

Join us Saturday, June 8th for a music festical benefitting Black Mountain Schools’ Afterschool Program featuring performances by Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, Scott McMicken & The Ever Expanding and Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls!

The Black Mountain Schools PTO Vice President explained the need for the benefit concert: “The lack of public school funding and then the pandemic was hard on kids, and very hard on our public school afterschool programs. There isn’t sufficient funding for them. We want to bring afterschool programs back to the Black Mountain Schools in a big way – these programs are so important for kids’ socialization and academic achievement, and for parents, it’s critical to have afterschool care for their kids. If we want to keep our public schools thriving, we must bring back more of these programs, and make sure the teachers are compensated to do it!”

Black Mountain Schools PTO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

**All funds collected from ticket sales will be donated to the Black Mountain Schools PTO.**

Monday, June 10, 2024
Monthly Game Night
Jun 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Community Chapel of Hendersonville

Everyone is invited to our monthly game night. I bring a group of games each month but feel free to bring your own as well. No specific games are set up for the night, we just bring a bunch of stuff from our collections and play some pick-up games. We have the tables and chairs. Bring your own food if you’d like (there is a microwave and fridge). There is also a Chinese place across the street, a convenience store for drinks and snacks, and we’re in walking distance to Hot Dog World. If you have any questions about the types of games we play and basic info about our group, Read our FAQ (https://www.meetup.com/HendoHometownGameGeeks/about/)

NOTE: This event is held at a church but it is not a church event, it is a community event. Everyone is welcome, everyone should feel comfortable attending, and while I’m always happy to privately answer questions about my faith or the church if asked, proselytizing is not the purpose of these gatherings. I hope the location does not make anyone feel uncomfortable and if you have any questions you can message me directly.

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Bingo w/ Alivia
Jun 12 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Noble Cider
Bingo w/ Alivia
Wednesday, June 12th- 6:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesday, June 26th – 6:30pm-8:30pm
Thursday, June 13, 2024
15th Annual Authors for Literacy Event
Jun 13 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
DoubleTree Biltmore

Lisa See is the New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, China Dolls, and Dreams of Joy, which debuted at #1. She is also the author of On Gold Mountain, which tells the story of her Chinese American family’s settlement in Los Angeles. See was the recipient of the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and the Historymaker’s Award from the Chinese American Museum. She was also named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women.

Saturday, June 15, 2024
Second Gear’s 20th Anniversary Block Party
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Second Gear

Second Gear Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Consigned Outdoor Gear + Apparel on Saturday June 15th with an all day MEGA SALE (biggest of the year!) and a celebratory 20th Anniversary Block Party from Noon-5pm with exciting Raffles, Free Kids Activities, Local Makers, Outdoor Vendors + Educators, Sweet + Savory Treats, Puppy Adoptions and more… Stop by for the savings and stay for the fun as Second Gear says THANK YOU to their beloved WNC community for all the support in making it to this amazing milestone!

Sunday, June 16, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt
Jun 16 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Friday, June 21, 2024
Asheville Standup Comedy Pageant
Jun 21 @ 7:00 pm
plēb urban winery

Join Slice of Life Comedy Friday June 21 at pleb urban winery for a fun Asheville Standup Comedy Pageant! We are raising money for 103.3ashevillefm our local community radio station, they produce diverse and eclectic programming that inspires listeners to build connections across our communities and discovers new music and ideas. This comedy show is moderated by your AFM friends at slumberpartyavl Jake Ali & Michele and hosted by the amazing Asheville treasure, Hillary Begley The contestants are the winners of 3 previous contests held at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Jason Webb Ryan Gordon (the third final contest is selected June 13) There will be games, standup and silliness. Delicious Food truck Mean Pies Pizza is available, get your tix early this will sell out!

Sunday, June 23, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jun 23 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Bingo w/ Alivia
Jun 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Noble Cider
Bingo w/ Alivia
Wednesday, June 12th- 6:30pm-8:30pm
Wednesday, June 26th – 6:30pm-8:30pm
Friday, June 28, 2024
Kids Camp
Jun 28 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
New Life Community Church

Kids Camp is a free event for children who have completed kindergarten-completed 5th grade. Each evening, the kiddos will have a time in music, games, crafts, missions, and Bible. Dinner and snacks are provided with sign-up. Camp will take place on-campus Mon-Thurs with a pool party on Friday. Individual children must be registered to attend.

Saturday, June 29, 2024
The Great Wagon Road Game
Jun 29 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cradle of Forestry

The Great Wagon Road Game is an interactive role-playing version of the “Oregon Trail” game of Mom and Dad’s youth. The Cradle of Forestry has brought the game to life along our Biltmore Campus Trail (1 mile). This interactive walking game takes you around the trail to learn more about the trials and tribulations the first European settlers faced as they traveled the Great Wagon Road and settled our beautiful mountains. This is a great game for families to work together and have fun! Families will travel in “wagon groups”, “purchase” supplies (no real money involved in the game) for the journey and stop to roll the dice of destiny that will choose their cards of fate. 

This is open to all ages and will have a family-friendly atmosphere. Children under 4 are free to come along as long as they don’t distract the other players from having fun. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors, as we will be walking our 1-mile paved, Biltmore Campus Trail. 

TICKET INFORMATION

Register by emailing [email protected] with your name, number of people in your group, number of children in the group and their age. 

SCHEDULE

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

WHAT TO BRING

Water bottle
Closed toed shoes

Yappy Hour at The Radical
Jun 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Golden Hour Patio at The Radical

Grab your leash, gather your squad (both human and furry), and join us for some Sips and Treats. Plus, 15% of the proceeds will go to our friends at Mountain Pet Rescue. See you at The Golden Hour Patio from 4 – 6 p.m.

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jun 29 @ 5:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

16TH ANNUAL GIVE TO THE MUSIC BENEFIT CONCERT
Jun 29 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Come check out our Rock Academy bands with performers ranging in age from elementary school thru high school as they perform“Decades of Hits” from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The Asheville Rock Academy’s talented students have played many high profile gigs, including the Main Stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Academy bands have also played with Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Victor Wooten and American Idol’s Caleb Johnson.

GTTM has served the Asheville Community for over 16 years and has helped hundreds of WNC Students discover the joy of music by raising more than $275,000 providing for scholarships to fund private music lessons, Rock Academy band lessons, summer camps, and musical instruments.

Sunday, June 30, 2024
Shelter Dog Transport Alliance Van Reveal & Fundraiser
Jun 30 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
River Arts District Brewing Company

Join us Sunday, June 30th for the big reveal of our new transport van, Big Hun 2!

At this fundraising event, we’ll be at RAD Brewing from 12:00-4:00 pm, where you will get to see SDTA logo creator and artist, Andy Herod, complete the mural on our van along with live music, bingo, raffle baskets, adoptable pups and more!

We hope to see you there and please share with your family and friends!

BAND TOGETHER
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm
The Orange Peel

feat. The Feels, Aunt Vicki, Safety Coffin, and Monster Wave

A community fundraiser event for local cancer patients in need.
Visit the GoFundMe.

Monday, July 1, 2024
Mahjong 101
Jul 1 @ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Woodfin YMCA

Join us at the Woodfin YMCA for the first session of this three-week program for those who are new to Mahjong or those who are looking to improve their skills!

This event is free and open to everyone.

Thursday, July 4, 2024
Annual July 4th Freedom Gala: Picnic and Ride
Jul 4 all-day
279 Chestnut St, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

COME CELEBRATE WITH US!

We are so excited to celebrate once again on Thursday, July 4th, 2024, with good food for a great cause!

The continued political unrest and instability have brought devastating ongoing hardship to the people of Haiti. Despite all of this, our mission to help the children of Haiti with sustainable food, clean water, and medical care has not changed in fact we need your help now more than ever before!

You can be a part of helping our program children and have loads of fun while you’re at it!

Ride. Eat. Do Both. Or, donate.

Through the generosity of Siemens Family Law Group, the Patton Parker House, Downtown Asheville Racing Club (DARC), the Charlotte Street Business Association we are offering multiple bike ride options for both individuals and families.

  • Gravel Ride – starts at 8:30 am

  • Family Ride – starts at 10 am

  • You can purchase tickets to just ride or join us for our meal at 6:00 PM too.

  • All proceeds from this event will go to Consider Haiti to help us meet our yearly budget goals!

Our July 4th picnic starts at 6:00 pm on the Patton Parker House lawn. With gorgeous views of downtown Asheville’s skyline and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family under the stars.

The meal will be catered by the always fabulous Chop Shop Butchery and will include:

  • Pulled pork

  • Geraldine’s Buns

  • Baked beans (vegetarian)

  • Coleslaw (vegetarian)

  • Potato salad (vegetarian)

  • Salad(vegetarian)

Other Event Details:

  • This event is BYOB. Water and tea will be provided with your meal.

  • To ensure enough seating we suggest bringing your own lawn chairs and blankets although we will be providing seating as well.

  • There will be parking available just North of the Patton Parker House.

  • We are looking for volunteers to help with set-up and tear-down for this event.

  • Please share this event with friends and family (click on the icons below).

Friday, July 5, 2024
2024 Yetzirah Jewish Poetry Conference
Jul 5 @ 1:30 pm – 7:30 pm
online
Yetzirah is hosting its second annual Jewish Poetry Conference, with readings and panel events open to the public. Tickets are avaliable for in-person and virtual attendance.
Yetzirah, the first national organization for Jewish poets, is pleased to announce the line-up for its second annual Jewish Poetry Conference featuring keynote speaker Eleanor Wilner, workshop faculty Dan Bellm, Jessica Greenbaum, and Dana Levin, and manuscript faculty Alicia Ostriker. In partnership with UNC-Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies, July 1-7, a cohort of 36 accomplished poets from across the world will gather in the mountains of Asheville, NC, for writing workshops, discussion panels, readings, and a shared celebration of Shabbat. Founded as a nonprofit dedicated to fostering and supporting a community space for Jewish poets, Yetzirah’s additional offerings include an annual online reading series, the Discover Jewish Poets searchable database, an extensive archive of readings and conversations, and relevant publishing and community resources. Poet Hila Ratzabi, a scholar at last year’s conference, will offer a series of generative workshops open to writers of all levels of experience July 2, 3, and 5. July 2nd-5th, poetry lovers of all traditions are invited to join us for our public events either in-person, or remotely via Zoom. In addition to being live-streamed, these events will be uploaded to Yetzirah’s online archives. Registration for events is available on Yetzirah’s website.
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Southeast Game Exchange
Jul 6 @ 10:00 am
Greenville Convention Center

 

SEGE 2024 Logo - Metal Gear.png

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center on July 6&7 for Southeast Game Exchange. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of retro classics, cutting-edge technology, and everything in between. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast, a casual player, or simply curious about the gaming scene, there’s something for everyone at the Southeast Game Exchange Show. More details below.

July 6&7 2024

Saturday: 10a-6p

Sunday: 10a-4p

Get your tickets here: SEGE 2024 Home | southeastgame (southeastgameexchange.com)

For Directions: Your location to Greenville Convention Center – Google Maps

 

Check out the tournament schedule here: Esports | southeastgame (southeastgameexchange.com)

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 6 @ 5:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Sunday, July 7, 2024
Southeast Game Exchange
Jul 7 @ 10:00 am
Greenville Convention Center

 

SEGE 2024 Logo - Metal Gear.png

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center on July 6&7 for Southeast Game Exchange. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of retro classics, cutting-edge technology, and everything in between. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast, a casual player, or simply curious about the gaming scene, there’s something for everyone at the Southeast Game Exchange Show. More details below.

July 6&7 2024

Saturday: 10a-6p

Sunday: 10a-4p

Get your tickets here: SEGE 2024 Home | southeastgame (southeastgameexchange.com)

For Directions: Your location to Greenville Convention Center – Google Maps

 

Check out the tournament schedule here: Esports | southeastgame (southeastgameexchange.com)

Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 7 @ 2:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

Monday, July 8, 2024
XP League Asheville – Esports Summer Camp!
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
XP League Asheville

XP League Camps are designed to engage kids at many different levels. Not only do kids get to meet new friends and improve their skills in the games they love to play, but they will learn about teamwork, communications, sportsmanship, esports health, nutrition, esports psychology, stretching and exercise, mindset and motivation, boosting focus, and so much more.

Saturday, July 13, 2024
Downtown Asheville Treasure Hunt – Walking Team Scavenger Hunt!
Jul 13 @ 5:00 pm
Dssolvr

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.