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.

Friday, May 11, 2018
Gentle Yoga
May 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: Sports Complex
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/wellness/fitness-center

This 60 minute class is offered at the Sports Complex. Restorative, progressive stretching and strengthening that help eliminate chronic pain and tension. This is a safe class for all abilities. 

Clemson Baseball vs. Austin Peay
May 11 @ 6:30 pm
Clemson University

Come cheer on the Tigers!  Learn more at http://www.ClemsonTigers.com!

Pianist in the Great Hall
May 11 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment

Step back in time and relax in our Great Hall while our pianist plays vintage melodies for your enjoyment.

Wild Food Adventures with No Taste Like Home
May 11 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Culinary,Family,Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: http://notastelikehome.org/
Contact Phone: (828) 209-8599
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/resort-activities/wild-food-adventures

Learn how to safely gather, prepare, and serve wild mushrooms, plants, and other extreme cuisine with No Taste Like Home. Discover the bounty nature provides on the beautiful Sunset Mountain Trail, located adjacent to the Historic Main Inn. Deliver your found ingredients to our Guest Services desk upon returning to The Inn and our chef will create a personalized, complimentary appetizer just for you.

10 Year Anniversary Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments
May 11 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
De La Terre Skincare
10 Year Anniversary Celebration: Refreshments & FREE Treatments @ De La Terre Skincare |  |  |

Cheers to 10 years of Health & Wellness

Throughout the month of May you are invited to toast De La Terre Skincare’s achievements while experiencing some of the most celebrated skin therapies developed by Anne C. Willis owner and founder of the company.

Open house every Friday in May from 4-6 at the De La Terre Skincare Showroom located at 47 Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806

Sip a De La Terre Skincare Health & Wellness Tea or a cocktail infused with one of the companies unique herbal blends while receiving one of these signature treatments FREE:

-Herbal Food Soak
-Facial Hydrotherapy
-Eye Treatment

To schedule your complimentary treatment call the De La Terre Skincare showroom at 828-252-8400

Seafood Buffet at Blue Ridge
May 11 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Culinary
Contact: Blue Ridge
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/blue-ridge

The Blue Ridge is a farm-to-table artisanal buffet overlooking the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t miss the award winning Friday night Seafood Buffet. 

Adult Pricing:
Friday Night Seafood Buffet                  $44 plus tax

Child Pricing (6-12):
Friday Night Seafood Buffet                  $20 plus tax

Kids 5 and under eat free with paying adult.

Gratuity is included on parties of eight or more.

Attire: Resort Casual
Location: Vanderbilt Wing (Lobby Level)
Reservations: Recommended

2017 Parking Rates
Outdoor Self-Parking and Garage:
0-3 hours: Complimentary│4-6 hours: $10│6-24 hours: $15

Valet:
Day Guests: $15│Overnight Guests: $22

Brews and Bears
May 11 @ 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm

“Brews and Bears has sold out each year we’ve had it, and people enjoy it so much. This year we added
two more dates to make sure that everyone who wants to join in can do so,” said Kelly Shanafelt,
Executive Director of the Friends of the WNC Nature. The fundraiser gives attendees the rare opportunity
to visit the Nature Center past 5PM. “Many of our animals are more active in the evening and guests
really enjoy seeing them in this different setting,” said Shanafelt.

Admission to Brews & Bears is $8 for Friends of the WNC Nature Center members, and $10 for
non-members. The event is intended primarily for adults, although youth are welcome to attend with the
purchase of a ticket. Children under 2 are free. Tickets are available online at www.wildwnc.org/event or
in person at the Center. Proceeds from both ticket and beverage sales will go to support the Friends of the
WNC Nature Center.
The Friends’ mission is to support the programs, facilities and the residents of the Western North Carolina
Nature Center, which showcases the fauna and flora of the southern Appalachian region. The WNC
Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region
by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region’s rich
biodiversity. For more information on the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, or to join the Friends and
support future projects, visit www.wildwnc.org.

 

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Live at Highland Brewing Company
May 11 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Entertainment
Contact: The Orange Peel
Contact Phone: 828-398-1837
Link: http://theorangepeel.net/events/nathaniel-rateliff-the-night-sweats-2/

Orange Peel Events & AC Entertainment presents
Tearing at the Seams Tour | 2018
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
with special guest Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
OUTDOOR SHOW at The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co.

See website for further details and tickets.

Twilight in the Garden
May 11 @ 7:00 pm
Riverbanks Zoo
Enjoy a few Friday evenings with family at Riverbanks Botanical Garden this summer! Cool off in the Splash Zone at Waterfall Junction from 6:00pm until dusk. Then roll out a blanket on the grassy lawn and catch a movie at the Garden’s amphitheater.

Admission: $3 Riverbanks members and $5 general public.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers
May 11 @ 7:05 pm
McCormick Field

Come cheer on the Tourists!

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – May 12 @ 1:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Couples,Entertainment
Contact: (800) 438-5800
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/dining/elaines-dueling-piano-bar

Join the non-stop, rock n’ roll, sing-along party show at Elaine’s! Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm.

Guys and Dolls
May 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Saturday, May 12, 2018
$1,000 Mother’s Day Makeover at Asheville Outlets – NOW – May 13
May 12 all-day
Asheville Outlets
$1,000 Mother’s Day Makeover at Asheville Outlets - NOW – May 13 @ Asheville Outlets | Asheville | North Carolina | United States

Asheville Outlets (www.shopashevilleoutlets.com) is giving away a sweet Mother’s Day package that includes a style makeover from Express Factory Outlet, Renewal Skincare and enV Salon plus other great prizes from Coach, J.Crew Factory and MORE valued at over $1,000!
Enter to win by May 13, 2018 at: www.facebook.com/ashevilleoutlets/app/36495350702?brandloc=DISABLE&app_data=dlt-1. Winner will be selected on or around May 14, 2018, must be 18 or older and a United States Citizen residing in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia. Leary PR for Asheville Outlets.

Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition
May 12 all-day
NC Arboretum

The annual exhibition features award-winning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the selection, care, and history of roses. Educational programs will be offered throughout the weekend.

 

Biltmore Blooms
May 12 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Family
Contact: Biltmore
Contact Phone: (800) 411- 3812
Link: http://www.biltmore.com/

Biltmore’s gardens are alive with color as spring arrives. Stunning floral displays – featuring nearly 100,000 tulips – across the estate celebrate the majesty of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy as Biltmore’s master horticulture planner. Biltmore’s restaurants will feature special menu items, with the Winery offering wine seminars.  Admire the progression of blossoms throughout all the gardens this spring, ranging from daffodils and stunning tulips to beautiful azaleas and fragrant roses.

Earth Skin by Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen
May 12 all-day
NC Arboretum

arth Skin is based upon the forms and textures of the earth using inspiration from aerial photography of Western North Carolina and topographical maps of local areas, including Pisgah National Forest and Balsam Range. Created by ceramic artists Trish Salmon and Crystal Allen, Earth Skin includes wall structures and pieces designed for mantles, shelves and tables. All works are available for purchase and a portion of the sales will be donated to The North Carolina Arboretum Society.

About the Artists

Trish Salmon

Trish has been studying clay for many years through the various classes available to her when she lived in the Atlanta area. Taking classes at Penland was a life changing experience and a turning point in her desire to become a studio ceramicist. She and her husband moved to Western North Carolina in 2007, and she has pursued her claywork full time after her career as a kitchen designer. Immediately after retirement, she enrolled in Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program in clay where she received her Associate’s Degree in 2014. She currently is a member of the Odyssey Coop Gallery in the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. She is also a founding member of Artisans on Main in downtown Weaverville where her studio is and where her work is primarily displayed.

Crystal Allen

Before discovering ceramics, Crystal earned a degree in Graphic Art and Design. She has also taught calligraphy, dabbled in watercolors and and learned how to felt, dye and spin natural fibers from her own llamas and sheep. Most recently, Crystal completed the Professional Crafts: Clay Associates degree at Haywood Community College.  Her pottery is primarily functional, with altered or hand built additions. Her pieces are produced in her studio, one of her favorite places on earth!

Interactions: Porcelain Sculptures & Teapots by Taylor Robenalt
May 12 all-day

Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture
Contact: Grovewood Village
Contact Phone: (828) 253-7651
Link: https://www.grovewood.com/

Grovewood Gallery presents Interactions, an exhibition featuring figurative sculptures and teapots by contemporary ceramic artist Taylor Robenalt, who has drawn attention for her innovative narrative style, using flora and fauna to illustrate emotion. Robenalt’s latest body of work is influenced by her daily interactions between humans, animals and nature. An opening reception will be held Saturday, May 5 from 2 – 5pm, with the artist in attendance. Admission is free.

Robenalt received an MFA in ceramics from the University of Georgia in 2011. Since then she has completed artist residencies at Odyssey Clayworks in North Carolina and at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Maine. Aside from her personal work, she has taught ceramics at Auburn University, Columbus State University, and State College of Florida. She is also a co-founder of Ceramic Sculpture Culture, an artists’ collective which works to promote the art of emerging sculptors creating narrative and figurative works in clay.

Interconnected curated by Ka Amorastreya
May 12 all-day
NC

Interconnected – mutually joined or related : having internal connections between the parts or elements

We are all interconnected. Intrinsically interwoven with each other, with nature, with the animals, with our biosphere, the rest of the entire universe, and Spirit, God, or divinity, we cannot be excluded from the fabric of creation.
When we live in a way that honors this connection, we are healthy and in balance with the world and within ourselves. The golden rule is to ‘do unto others, as you would have them do unto you’, because what we do to others, we do to ourselves. Whether it be harmful, or helpful, the effects of our deeds are felt throughout the fabric of reality, and always ripple back to their source.
One of the many challenges we face in current civilization is widespread depression. Depression is a symptom of isolation, loneliness, and a feeling of not belonging. Our current dominant social model is one of ‘each one for himself’, and extreme independence. The notions of ‘us vs them’ that stem from isolation, can lead to xenophobia, racism, hatred, and other diseases of the spirit.

Re-membering our inherent interconnection is a powerful anecdote for the malaise of isolation.

Interconnection is one of the strongest recurring themes within the Visionary Art movement. This genre of art attempts to bring healing to the schisms of society, and remind humanity that we are not separate, nor alone.  Some people call it “medicine art” or “spiritual art”. Visionary artists share a common longing to open hearts and minds with their art, and help people remember how connected and integrated we all are.

Visionary art is only recently emerging from the underground, and has morphed over the past decade from loosely meaning “self-taught” or “psychedelic”, into a multi-cultural exploration, uplifting and showcasing the spirit, while revealing the interconnections between humanity and the entirety of creation.
The artists exhibited here express interconnection in differing ways, from the basic geometric template that the world is formed around, the plant & animal kingdoms, the realms of spirits, fae, and devas, to the outer reaches of the cosmos.

Participating artists: Andy Reed,  Annie Bennett, Ashley Spero, Chris Sheehan, CJ Randall, Dillon Endico, Ka Amorastreya, Marina Jessica, Mark Hanf, Ryan O’Sullivan

The opening reception for Interconnected will be Friday, June 1, 2018 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm in the Thom Robinson and Ray Griffin Exhibition Space.  An artist talk will start at 6:30 pm.

LEAF Festival
May 12 all-day
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Local Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Entertainment
Contact: Romantic Asheville
Link: http://www.romanticasheville.com/Art_Guide.htm

Celebrate Music, Discover Community, and Experience Culture at LEAF in a beautiful lakefront setting near Black Mountain (about 12 miles from downtown Asheville). Five Stages of Folk & World, Bluegrass, Blues, African, Celtic and jams with headline performers. Handcrafts, folk art, dancing, Poetry SLAM, healing arts workshops, water recreation and camping.

Our Community
May 12 all-day
NC

The AAAC is excited to welcome the kindergartners of Ira B. Jones Elementary into the Hall Gallery. The kindergarten classes are working on a new social studies unit called Our Community. In this unit they will be exploring questions like: Why do people work? How we can help our community? What are our community’s needs and wants? The students will be learning about different kinds of neighborhoods like rural, city, suburban, and why they are important.
In art class the students will apply their understanding of these topics by creating a paper collage of their neighborhood. They will use various paper shapes to create a collage of a neighborhood. The neighborhoods will “link” together with a road that “unites” us all as one community.
The creations inspired by this lessons will be on display Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm from May 4 – June 29, 2018.

World Bonsai Day
May 12 all-day
NC Arboretum

The eighth annual World Bonsai Day is an internationally celebrated event dedicated to furthering bonsai awareness and appreciation world-wide. Initiated by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation (WBFF) in honor of Mr. Saburo Kato, the world bonsai patron and founder of WBFF, World Bonsai Day is recognized annually on the second Saturday of May. The North Carolina Arboretum will celebrate World Bonsai Day by fully displaying its outdoor bonsai exhibit to the public for the first time in the 2018 calendar year.

Smiles of Spring Photo Contest
May 12 @ 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Chimney Rock Park

It’s hard not to crack a smile while enjoying amazing views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from on top of the Chimney. Capture photos of your family and friends enjoying the Park and enter them into our spring photo contest for a chance to win fabulous prizes.  We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.
GREAT PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS:
First Place – An overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock, brunch for two at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours
Second Place – A Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.
People’s Choice – Selected by our Facebook fans, the winning photo will be featured as the cover photo of our Facebook page for two weeks and the cover of our Pinterest board of winning photos. Prize includes two Park admission tickets, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate for Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between March 20, 2018- June 20, 2018. The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page and share our photo contest post on your wall. Then post your photo to our wall with the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words) through your personal Facebook account. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
Pinterest: First, re-pin our photo contest pin to one of your boards and follow our 2017 The Different Seasons of Chimney Rock Spring Photo Contest Board so we can easily contact you. Then pin your photo with the hashtags #chimneyrock AND #photocontest with your personal account, and include the photographer’s name and a brief caption (25-75 words).
Twitter: First, follow Chimney Rock Park and retweet our tweet about the photo contest. Then tweet your photo to @ChimneyRockPark with the photographer’s name and the hashtag #photocontest. Next, send us private messages with your brief photo caption.
E-mail: If you don’t have access to any social media sites listed above, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
Snail Mail: Send your print photo with the clearly marked photographer’s name, city & state, a brief typed photo caption and a phone number to: Photo Contest, Chimney Rock Management LLC, PO Box 39, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption your photo of the Seasons of Chimney Rock, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a face of Chimney Rock. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Winners will be notified and announced  at chimneyrockpark.com and on Chimney Rock’s social media channels.
For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or email us at [email protected].

Carolina Classic – WEG Reining Test Event CRI 1*, 2*, 3*
May 12 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Kids Fishing Tournament – Lake Julian Park
May 12 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lake Julian Park

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (828) 250-4260
Event Location: Lake Julian Park – 406 Overlook Extension Arden, NC
Link: http://buncomberecreation.org

Tryon Spring 2 – Hunter A/Level 4
May 12 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
AshevilleE-Z Gardeners Spring Plant Sale for Scholarships
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Souls Pizza adjacent parking lot

Plants selections include a huge variety of cold -hardy perennial plants such as irises, daylilies, hellebores, ferns, wildflowers, hydrangeas and bedding herbs. All are offered at very reasonable prices.
All proceeds from the 7th annual sale will go toward horticulture scholarships at Haywood Community College.

BRCC Commencement Ceremony
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Killian Parking Lot -002

Organization: BRCC
Expected Headcount: 1200
Organizer: [email protected]
Categories: HOT EVENT, COMMUNITY EVENT, SPECIAL EVENT, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ADMINISTRATIVE SPONSORED
Event Name: BRCC COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Event State: Confirmed

BRCC Commencement Ceremony

Dahlia Tuber Sale
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
NC Arboretum

The Carolinas Dahlia Society will host its annual dahlia tuber sale inside the Education Center.

Guided History Tour
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Art & Culture,Couples,Entertainment,Family
Contact: Concierge Desk
Contact Phone: 828-252-2711
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/tours

Our guided history tour covers the history of E.W Grove, the construction and early years of the resort, our Arts and Crafts style furniture, and some of our most notable guests. 

Sign-up at the Concierge desk. 

Yoga Basics
May 12 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Omni Grove Park Inn

Property: Omni Grove Park Inn
Event Type: Hotel Event
Event Category: Recreation,Wellness & Fitness
Contact: Sports Complex
Contact Phone: (800) 438-5800
Link: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/wellness/fitness-centerhttp://

This 90 minute class is offered at the Sports Complex. Learn basic yoga postures using props and paying attention to alignment. This class is good for first time yogis.