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.
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Get up-close views of rare motorcycles and outstanding vehicles as Team Us honors bike clubs at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center’s Biker Bash on July 1 from 1-9 p.m
Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!
The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.
Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.
| 30m before departure | Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot |
| See schedule for departure time | Depart Bryson City, NC |
| 1h 30m | Arrive at Dillsboro, NC |
| 1h 30m—2h 50m | Layover |
| 2h 50m | Depart Dillsboro, NC |
| 4h 00m | Arrive at Bryson City Depot |
| Time from Departure | Activity |
|---|
Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.
A fresh take on a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.
Romance. Tragedy. Passion. Parties! Filled with timeless melodies, iconic arias, and an unforgettable score, Violetta and Alfredo’s love story will transport you to a bygone era. Join BMC’s Janiec Opera Company and see why Verdi’s La Traviata is the world’s most beloved opera.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Brevard Festival Orchestra
Dean Anthony, stage director
Steven White, conductor
GIUSEPPE VERDI La Traviata
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Auditorium seating is reserved.
Go on an epic adventure with us as we perform a made-for-Moppets adaptation of the original road trip gone wrong story!
Food Trucks, Art Vendors, Live Music and more!
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
THE SCATTERLINGS
The Scatterlings are a three-piece acoustic/Americana band based in Asheville, North Carolina. The members share a fondness for songs about heartbreak, whiskey, and killings, although they promise they are actually all very peaceful people. Many of their original songs offer masterful personal storytelling, while others are steeped deep in local history.
The Scatterlings are: Elfy Kornfeld on lead vocals and baritone ukulele, Brad Pope on guitar and mandolin, Kevin Gary on guitar, mandolin, and harmony vocals
The Scatterlings have released two albums–‘Being Human’ and ‘The Scatterlings’
A coalition of local labor, community and faith groups is joining in a statewide “Day of Outrage” on July 1, along with groups in 12 other cities across the state, to protest the state legislature’s attack on voting rights, education, reproductive rights and more. The People’s Power Coalition is calling on lawmakers to invest in our children’s education and safety, to fund and protect accessible healthcare, to keep bans off our bodies, to uproot racism and protect immigrants, to create a just economy for all, to defend voting rights and democracy, and to protect our future with environmental justice. The July 1 event includes speak-out opportunities and is free and open to the public. For more on the NC People’s Power Coalition, visit NCPeoplesPower.org.
The NC People’s Power Coalition has been endorsed to date by 93 North Carolina organizations. Local groups participating in the Asheville event include Asheville DSA, Asheville Food and Beverage Workers, Carolina Jews for Justice, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Indivisible Asheville/WNC, PSL Carolinas, Racial Justice Coalition, Southern Vision Alliance, Southern Workers Assembly, and Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry NC, among others.
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Join us at McCormick Field to welcome the energetic and captivating ZOOperstars!
From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.
If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6
, Come out toaka ‘The Orchard’ to watch the
Hendersonville Honeycrisps defend their 2022 Western Division title in The Old North State League. You are bound to see great
plays & big hits while you and your family make memories and are entertained at the ball park! $10, Season runs through July 30th,
Click here for the full schedule: https://www.hendersonvillehoneycrisps.com/schedule
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
is a lively and extremely danceable world percussion ensemble based in Asheville, NC, that has been playing around the Southeast for over a decade. Their music is played on an array of large wooden African-style marimbas, accompanied by hand percussion and drum kit. Chikomo Marimba is known for their high-energy, tight arrangements, and infectiously joyful grooves. They are sure to get people of all ages up and shaking their bodies!
The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.
Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.
The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.
Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
all ages welcome
Steep Canyon Rangers will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Saturday, July 1st , 2023 with Jon Stickley Trio opening the show! Doors open at 6PM and the music starts at 7PM. This is a General Admission, All-ages (kids under 7 are free; all others must have a ticket).
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food, along with a couple of other amazing local food trucks on-site (and, of course, we’ll have several full bars open for you to enjoy)!
Check out the relaunch of the Westie scene in a premier venue right in Downtown
Hendersonville, from 7-8pm, take an beginner swing dance class with Rachel Harris or an intermediate swing dance class with
instructor Ryan Pflumm, then from 8-10pm, enjoy a social dance with everyone, dress is casual and no partner is needed BYOB
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Fable Wilde Day
Always an audience favorite, Twelfth Night returns to the MPP stage with all of the mistaken identity, love triangles and general wackiness you may already know and love!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!
Yue Bao, the Houston Symphony’s electric young Assistant Conductor, makes her Brevard debut with Rachmaninoff’s driving and rhythmic Symphonic Dances. Bao has conducted orchestras from Chicago to Shanghai, and shares her international perspective with the Brevard Sinfonia.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Sinfonia
Yue Bao, conductor
Chad Hoopes, violin
Matthew Lipman, viola
ADOLPHUS HAILSTORK An American Port of Call
W.A. MOZART Sinfonia Concertante in E flat major, K. 364
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
– AGES 18+
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
CARNIVALE MACABRE: The Longest Hunch
Burlesque, Pro Wrestling, Magic, Music and More! Join detective Ima Swinehunt in her search for the missing and alluring “Layla Two Hands” in this chaotic and hilariously comedic noir mystery free-for-all!
Proceeds from the show are a benefit for one of the show’s creators, Paul Lentini, who is currently fighting cancer. CARNIVALE MACABRE never fails to have a flair for the absurd, a fun and original script, wild outlandish characters and acts that get the audience literally jumping out of their seats and fighting for tickets. Get yours now!
A fresh take on a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.
GORDON LIGHTFOOT TRIBUTE
Featuring Robin Bullock
May 1st of this year saw the passing of one of Canada’s greatest musical exports and one of the finest singer-songwriters of all time, Gordon Lightfoot.
On July 1st, White Horse Black Mountain and Indie Award-winning guitarist Robin Bullock pay tribute to Lightfoot and his incomparable body of work with a one-night-only tribute concert. Bullock, a forty-year-plus Lightfoot fan, brings back to life all the classic hits and many exquisite deep-catalog finds for a re-creation of an evening with the bard himself. Not to be missed, either for Lightfoot fans or for anyone who loves great songs
Robin Bullock’s virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands, their vigorous American descendants, and the masterworks of the Baroque and Renaissance eras into one powerful musical vision. The 17th-century harp tunes of legendary Irish bard Turlough O’Carolan, the spirited jigs and reels of rural Ireland, the haunting ballads of the southern Appalachians and the timeless compositions of Bach, Dowland and Francesco da Milano all find a musical common ground in Robin’s music, where lightning-fast fingerwork one moment is perfectly balanced with tender, quiet intimacy the next. A warm, friendly presence onstage, Robin effortlessly creates a magical world for the audience with his multi-instrumental wizardry, taking them on an unforgettable journey into the deep heart’s core and through the music of the spheres.
CLICK HERE to read an article about the career of GORDON LIGHTFOOT
Join us this Saturday, July 1, for a spectacular Fireworks celebration! (sponsored by the Town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain TDA). Adventure seekers and families can take in the beautiful show from the resort village, Play Yard slope, or Lodge at dusk. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and the whole family can come early for live music, inflatables, and games for all ages. Bring your friends and let’s make some magical memories!