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.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.
We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.
For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

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With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.
Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.
With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.
We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.
For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

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With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.
Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.
With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.
We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.
For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.
On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:
- Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
- Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
- Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
- Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
- Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
- Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
- Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
- Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.
We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.
For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
DuPont State Recreational Forest and neighboring Holmes Educational State Forest have begun a phased reopening in Western North Carolina.
To encourage responsible use and to maintain required social distancing, phased reopening will begin by allowing public access only to areas of the forest that promote movement-focused activities. Some areas and facilities of the forest will not be available to the public during phase one of the reopening but will become available in accordance with Governor Cooper’s phased plan for reopening the state.
“N.C. Forest Service staff are working hard, taking every precaution, to make sure our state forests are available for families and visitors to safely enjoy some of North Carolina’s most beautiful views,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Now, we need the public to join our efforts. We must take care of public lands and each other by following social distancing guidelines and recommendations from our public health experts.”
Minimal services, facilities and assistance will be available for visitors. Responsible recreation is critical during this time. Visitors are asked to be good stewards and good neighbors. Visitors may find limited parking at busy times. Please only park in designated parking areas.
What can visitors expect during a visit to DuPont State Recreational Forest during phase one of the reopening?
- DuPont State Recreational Forest is open daily, 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Most of the trail system is open, and visitors should come prepared to access trails and to keep moving. Come prepared to share trails with all types of users. Trail courtesy is critical during this time to ensure safe access for everyone.
- Parking is limited to Fawn Lake Access Area, Guion Farm Access Area and Corn Mill Shoals Access Area. Expect crowding and limited parking.
- Portable toilets are available. Permanent restrooms are not available.
- Gathering areas of the forest remain closed to encourage movement and separation. These areas include the following:
- High Falls Access Area Hooker Falls Access Area, and Lake Imaging Access Area
- Visitor Center and Office
- Triple Falls Trail and Staircase, Base of High Falls Trail, Wintergreen Falls, and the area at the base of Bridal Veil (Waterfall viewing areas remain available. Remember social distancing. Remain patient. Wait your turn.)
- Three Lakes Trail
- All picnic areas
- Swimming areas and waterfronts
- Hooker Falls, Fawn Lake, Lake Dense and Lake Alford
Parks open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Buncombe County Sports Park on 58 Apac Circle in Asheville
- Charles D. Owen Park on 875 Warren Wilson Wilson Road in Swannanoa
- Lake Julian Park on 406 Overlook Extension in Arden
With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.
We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.
For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.

NPS Photo
On Memorial Day folk musicians from across the region will share a day of toe-tapping fun and music. Just as Carl Sandburg’s family enjoyed sitting on the porch while he played a guitar and sang for them, you can experience the joy of music at Connemara. All performances take place in the amphitheater, unless otherwise specified, and signs will direct festival goers.
2020 Performers include:
- Pretty Little Goat Band
- Jon Shain
- Kat Williams
- Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters
Parking
Keep in mind that our parking lots fill up quickly. We will run a courtesy shuttle from satellite parking lots at the Flat Rock Playhouse (located across the street) and from the Flat Rock Village Offices (110 Village Center Drive) to the park entrance, throughout the day. It is a short walk from the park entrance to the amphitheater. There will be also be a shuttle operating inside the park to take visitors from the entrance to the amphitheater, Sandburg Home and barn area.
The event will be held at the new amphitheater located near the park entrance. Bench seating is available and visitors are also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets as seating is expected to fill quickly. Come prepared for warm weather, with sun protection, water and snacks. Dogs are not permitted in the seating areas for the festival.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

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With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.
Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.
- Parks and Recreation Indoor Facilities are Closed until further notice.
- Park Playgrounds are Closed until further notice.
- Park Restrooms will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Courts will reopen on Friday May 8th at 5:00pm.
- If you are waiting to use a court please wait outside of the fence or in your vehicle.
- If others are waiting to use a court please keep your playing time to 60 minutes.
- Outdoor Parks remain Open.
- Fields and shelters are Open, however groups must kept to 25 people or less. If you are waiting to use a field or shelter please do not wait in the immediate area; please wait outside of the field or shelter in an open area or in your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize Henderson County Parks please be respectful of other users, keep your group to 25 or less and provide others with appropriate social distancing. PLEASE NOTE that the trails at Hickory Nut Gorge are controlled by Conserving Carolina and they have closed them until further notice.
