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.
Now in our 15th year, we are proud to offer affordable, all-levels workshops!
Class topics include Intro to Whip Tricks, Badass Shimmies, and Song-writing. We are also offering a FREE LECTURE on the history of Sideshow with America’s top historian, the legendary James Taylor. Study with the best!
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.
Take a daily, short, guided stroll at 1 PM that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. Included with admission. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet by the Pollinator Garden at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center. Read more about our species of rhododendron.
“The Four Seasons story still hits all the high notes!” Experience the Unforgettable Music and Untold Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Boys. This Tony Award-winning musical, filled with chart-topping hits, captivating storytelling, and electrifying performances, will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats. Featuring iconic songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” this musical is a celebration of the timeless music that defined a generation. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic, the music, the story of Jersey Boys.
We dig this annual event – the Ménage-á-Freak Carnival Celebration! Enjoy live music by Todd Cecil and the Dirt Yard Choir, Gypsy Swingers, and The Hot Club of Asheville. Plus, catch exciting performances by Asheville Aerial Arts and an art market. Food, beer, and cocktail specials will be available all day. Saturday, May 25, 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM Admission is Free. Event is Kid-friendly.
Hendersonville Theatre (HT) continues its New Works Series (formerly called Staged Reading Series) on Saturday, May 25 at 3 p.m. Showcasing the work of area playwrights and performed by local actors, The New Works Series is a FREE public reading of a new play in development. However, donations are welcome to support HT.
May’s New Work:
Paradise On The Rocks by Stephen Marsh
Retired actor Michael West is offered a lead role in a new television series, which he reluctantly accepts.
Playwright Stephen Marsh of Brevard had his play Where the Heart Is featured in Hendersonville Theatre’s New Works Series and then workshopped last June. He has many credits as a Motion Picture and Television Production Designer, Art Director, Animator, and Actor.
Join for a tap dance workshop with Amanda Hoyte, LEAF’s Spark the Arts Artist in Residence for May. On Saturday, May 25, at 3:30 p.m., Amanda will lead a workshop and community conversation. Bring your tap shoes. Free and open to the public!
The parlour bar features a curated
beer and wine selection, craft cocktails, and a design and vibe inspired by the hotel’s namesake, Zelda Fitzgerald. A small menu of decadent bites will debut later this summer.With a curated beer and wine selection, craft cocktails, and air of sophistication, Wine & Roses offers a peek into the
captivating personality of the hotel’s namesake, Zelda Fitzgerald.
Designed by Hatteras Sky and with interiors by Nashville-based firm, Anderson Design Studio,
Wine & Roses is tucked within a thoughtfully restored turn-of-the-century mansion in Asheville’s
South Slope neighborhood. Wine & Roses is inspired by the clandestine meetings that first
ignited their whirlwind courtship, leaving Zelda wistfully nostalgic and furiously imaginative in her
writing and artistry. The space exudes warmth with golden hues, dim lighting, and lush velvet
accents. Always topped with fresh roses, the eight-seat bar at Wine & Roses sits under
glimmering chandeliers and overlooks a portrait of Zelda herself. Additional seating for up to 21
guests is spread throughout the bar area. A dreamy outdoor patio boasts two roaring fire pits
and 24 additional seats for those who choose to indulge al fresco.
Wine & Roses serves craft cocktails like The Sayre (Monkey 47, lemon, orange blossom, egg
white, and orange bitters), The Fitz (Four Roses, demerara simple syrup, angostura bitters,
orange, and luxardo cherry), and the Gilded Girl (Casamigos Reposado, orange curacao,
apricot juice, and lime juice), and a curated selection of local beers and wines by the glass. A
small menu of decadent bites will debut later this summer.
Wine & Roses is open to guests Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and to the public
Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm to 10pm. For additional information about Wine & Roses,
to book a private event, or to reserve a seat at the bar, call Zelda Dearest at 828.514.2489, visit
zeldadearest.com, or follow @zeldadearest on Instagram.
Bootleg Biology and Riverbend Malt House are excited to bring this festival to Asheville in its second year. This celebration of Southern terroir will cap Asheville Beer Week, and draw craft brewers from across the region to Asheville for the festivities. Open to interpretation, “Southern Lager” tends to be a cold-fermented, dry-finishing, lower-ABV beer that pairs well with sweltering heat. Taste more than 20 expressions of Southern Lager made with Riverbend malt and fermented with Bootleg Biology yeast at the 2nd annual Southern Lager Festival on Saturday, May 25 at The Mule from 5 to 9pm. Tickets are limited and cost $50 per person.
The Band:
Roof Garden Waltz Band
Laurie Fisher: Fiddle
Chelsea Cribbs: Keyboard
Nic Coker: Guitar
Attire:
Casual or fancy.
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Kick Off the Summer With Us! |
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Tickets are available now for our upcoming fundraising concert, “A Salute to Our Summer Season” happening THIS SATURDAY, May 25th at 7pm! This concert will feature two regional crowd-pleasers, The Gypsy River Band and The Dwayne Melton Band. Formed in 2021, The Gypsy River Band’s dynamic and familiar sound will satisfy any listener with its blend of southern rock, blues, and country music. This five-piece band is composed of Robert Bryant (lead guitar, vocals), Billy Sprouse (piano, guitar, vocals), Nick Rash (lead vocals, guitar), Faron Silvers (Bass, vocals), and Derick Graybeal (Drums). They have played regionally since their inception and have become a favorite among locals and visitors of the mountains. The Dwayne Melton Band is a mixture of great classic rock songs, ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s, playing the biggest hits from that era. Dwayne Melton (the bandleader) is a veteran on the club circuit and plays with such bands as the Krystal Image and also plays backup for “The Johnny Cash Tribute Show.” The other members of the band are John Tippton (drums and vocal); Tim Hensley (guitar and vocal); and Barbar Hoffman (lead vocalist) and they’re sure to bring you back to the era of great classic songs. |
The 15th Anniversary Saturday Spectacular is THE SHOW NOT TO MISS! Madame Onça fills the stage with artists of every variety to bring the bling and blow your mind. Acrobats, Burlesque, Live Music, Stage Magic…Enjoy our epic Vendors and support the Raffle. Our charity partner is Asheville’s feral kitten rescue, Sister Kitten. VIPs enjoy preferred seating and pre-show entertainment. VIP doors & show 7pm, Gen Adm at 7:45.
Every Saturday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week it’s a special AVLBeer Week show at Catawba Brewing!!!
A killer lineup of local favorites and nationally touring comedians and Catawba Brewing’s award winning craft beer is the recipe for a perfect night!
ages 18+
doors at 6:30, show at 7pm
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of
Disney on Ice Presents: Frozen & Encanto! Coming to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC this Spring!
Catch the magic on ice May 25 – May 27 with 5 shows to choose from!
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 19 at 10AM. Purchase tickets online via Ticketmaster or at The GSP International Airport Box Office, open Monday – Friday, 10AM – 2PM.
Hendersonville Theatre welcomes soul-driven Harvest Moon: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as May’s Hometown Sound Music Series concert. With over a hundred million albums sold and countless hits, CSN&Y songs have defined the music of a generation that still resonates today. Harvest Moon features four-part vocal harmonies and an intuitive feel for the music and vibe of Neil and CSN&Y, giving heart and soul to a lifetime of songs.
Harvest Moon was formed in 2018 by seasoned Atlanta music scene veterans to pay tribute to the legendary careers of Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Rod Gunther started the band on guitar and Henry Davis on keyboards. Brad Berry, of Reuben’s Bell and a long-time anchor of the Metalsome events, is on drums/vocals. Wade Carreker on bass/vocals and Meg Scalise on vocals bring their many years of performance and incredible talents to the band. On guitar and vocals is Grant Reynolds, a first-call Atlanta guitarist, vocalist, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, and on pedal steel guitar is Mark van Allen, a nationally acclaimed session and touring musician. Mark has appeared on hundreds of recordings and has toured with Sugarland, Jimmy Herring, and many others, along with being a founding member of Blueground Undergrass.
You can follow Harvest Moon at www.facebook.com/HarvestMoonAtlanta.
Hendersonville Theatre welcomes soul-driven Harvest Moon: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as May’s Hometown Sound Music Series concert. With over a hundred million albums sold and countless hits, CSN&Y songs have defined the music of a generation that still resonates today. Harvest Moon features four-part vocal harmonies and an intuitive feel for the music and vibe of Neil and CSN&Y, giving heart and soul to a lifetime of songs.
Part of the HT Hometown Sound Music Series
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 7:30 pm
All Tickets: $35
Reserved Seating
https://www.facebook.com/events/202003266339621/
Ballet’s greatest love story debuts on the Peace Center stage when International Ballet presents Swan Lake accompanied by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Deeply moving and visually stunning, Swan Lake is the quintessential classical ballet, steeped in themes of temptation, jealousy, deception, and drama. Set against Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this story of love and betrayal, features San Francisco Ballet dancers Katherine Barkman as Odette/Odile, Esteban Hernández as Prince Siegfried, and Nathaniel Remez as von Rothbart alongside International Ballet company dancers as the majestic, glimmering swans in the corps de ballet. With exquisite costumes and dramatic sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed!
Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light shows as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly species!
Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From sunset and starry skies to fireflies, we’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s light show as we explore the forest, hoping to encounter the elusive Blue Ghost firefly species!
The evening begins with a gentle, guided stroll into a peaceful forest as the sun sets and sparkling fireflies emerge. While we cannot guarantee a showing, we hope to see the elusive Blue Ghost fireflies and will surely enjoy the forest at twilight and other beings present there.
This is a unique opportunity to unplug in a peaceful setting with a series of invitations led by a certified forest therapy guide that invite you to connect more deeply to the environment around you. Quiet your mind and awaken your senses as we sink into the heightened awareness of this special evening experience. Together, we’ll deepen our relationship with nature, community and ourselves. The best part: there’s no right or wrong way to forest bathe; just bring an open heart, adventurous spirit and be yourself. All is welcome in the forest.
This special offering takes place on only 8 evenings each year with group sizes limited to 12 for a more intimate experience.
FAQ & Important Info:
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Secret Location: This magical Firefly Forest Bathing experience takes place in a peaceful forest about 1 hr from downtown Asheville. To protect this fragile environment and the elusive fireflies we hope to visit, we release the exact location to registered guests 3 days in advance of the walk.
Make it private! Schedule an exclusive walk for your group & get the fireflies all to yourselves. Private walks are available daily May 20- June 4 (with the exception of Thu/Fri/Sat evenings). If the date you’re hoping for isn’t listed on the calendar on our website, call us! We’ll always accommodate if we can.
Our Saturday Spectacular is THE Burlesque & Variety Show not to miss in Asheville! Legendary artists from across the country light up the stage, bringing live music, empowering burlesque, and more. Special guest Tiny Girl Big Show brings never-before-seen-on-our-stage acrobatic foot archery. Enjoy our artisanal vendors! There will also be a raffle benefiting Sister Kitten animal rescue.
VIPS receive early access for preferential seating, first look at our vendors, and access to the charming VIP pre-show at 7:15 PM!
VIP Doors open at 7 PM.
VIP Pre-Show starts at 7:15.
Preferred Seating and General Admission doors at 7:45.
Please note that General Admission tickets are standing room only.
The Spectacular starts at 8:30.
18+ Audience
AVL Beer Week!
AVL Beer Week 2024 will be an exciting opportunity to celebrate the beautiful Asheville area. Expect old favorites like beer tastings, craft beverage dinner pairings, and panel discussions along with new local philanthropy opportunities. This year’s events will emphasize arts, craft, and creativity within Asheville and the ever-evolving beverage industry. We are also bringing back the Craft Beverage Expo and adding educational seminars from our partners at the NC Craft Brewers Guild and a Tasting Experience. The Expo will be open to industry partners and the general public.
Western North Carolina is rich with exceptional craft beer, innovative artists, original music, and delectable food. Experience it all this AVL Beer Week.
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Presents
The Prom
The Asheville Performing Arts Academy is excited to produce our first full-length summer production The Prom. Rehearsals will take place over the summer with the show going up in September. All students in rising 8-12 are invited to audition to be part of the cast and crew.
2024 Performances
- Friday, September 27 at 7:00pm
- Saturday, September 28 at 7:00pm
- Saturday, September 28 at 2:00pm
- Sunday, September 29 at 2:00pm
Summary
- Rehearsals: Mondays & Thursdays 6-8pm (Starts June 17, 2024) (and Saturdays in September)
- Performances: September 27-29, 2024
- Audition Videos Due: June 1, 2024
- Callbacks: June 8, 2024
- Cast list Announced: June 15, 2024
- Ages: Rising 8th grade and High School Only
- Price: $450
- Audition Material: Any song and monologue from a musical allowed.
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GRANT SELECTION PANELS
ArtsAVL seeks reliable community members knowledgeable about Buncombe County’s arts and cultural organizations, local arts resources, and arts needs to volunteer to serve on ArtsAVL grant review panels.
ArtsAVL has 5 grant programs each fiscal year (July 1-June 30), with grant panels occurring throughout the year. Participating as a grant review panelist is a 2-4 week commitment depending on the number of applications submitted in the grant category. Applications vary based on grant program, and can range from 20-50 applications.
Panelists work with ArtsAVL staff and other panelists to evaluate grant applications, ensuring an equitable, transparent, and thorough review and ranking process. Panelists are offered a modest honorarium for their service and will be provided with detailed instructions and guidelines for review and scoring. Sufficient time is allocated for application review and scoring prior to a panelist meeting (either virtual or in person) to review scoring with ArtsAVL staff and make final recommendations.
Please note: All panelists will be required to disclose any connections to applicants and will have to recuse themselves from decisions around grant funding to those applicants. However, this does not prevent panelists from reviewing other applicants. Panelists must be 18+ and live or work in Buncombe County.
Artist Qualification Application
Explore Asheville, River Front Development Group, and the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail (BCHT) Advisory Committee seek artists to submit qualifications for consideration for public art enhancements of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Public art is art utilizing any media such as murals or sculptures in public spaces that are free and open to the public.
Project Background
In 2018 Explore Asheville, powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, supported the creation of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage trail in partnership with River Front Development Group through a Tourism Product Development Fund Grant. The process included community engagement, the creation of an advisory committee, research, design, installation, and the creation of a digital version of the trail.
Twenty-one signs at 14 sites throughout downtown, Southside, and the River Area in Asheville were installed December 2023. The content of the trail informs the physical path that the trail takes through the historically Black neighborhoods that surround and include downtown Asheville. The four interpretive goals for this project are:
- Share the accomplishments and contributions of the Black community in Asheville.
- Celebrate individuals and groups that supported the community.
- Highlight Black people’s agency and the capacity to express individual power.
- Combat or correct misconceptions and preserve history for future generations.
Phase II of the project will include enhancement and placemaking through public art.
Artist Eligibility
Explore Asheville invites applications from professional artists or designers aged 18 or older who are eligible to work in the United States. Qualified artists should have experience working within communities in or around Buncombe County and/or a proven record of accomplishment using materials and methods appropriate for large format outdoor art installations. Explore Asheville encourages artists who only have one qualification to partner with an artist or maker who can fulfill the other qualifications. New artists and/or collaboration are encouraged. This call for qualifications is open to all, regardless of experience or size of portfolio.
ASAP’s Local Food Guide, the annual free publication for finding local food and farms, is updated for the 2024–25 season. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian GrownTM certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, artisan producers, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to listing content, the 2024–25 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Delia Jovel Dubón of Tierra Fértil Coop (pictured on the cover) talks about creating a sense of belonging for the Hispanic immigrant community in Henderson County. Lyric and Noah East of Wild East Farm in McDowell County detail the journey through their first full year of farming and how they’ve arrived at “a rough draft that’s working.” Kaci Nidiffer of The Liar’s Table in Avery County shares how scaling up and opening several retail spaces have created stronger connections with customers and community. Rounding out the issue are recipes from farmers at Two Trees Farm (Sustainabillies), Lee’s One Fortune Farm, Two Stones Farm + Mill, Carringer Farms, and Terra Lingua Growers.
“The Local Food Guide is such a beautiful way to share the stories of this place,” said Sarah Hart, ASAP’s Communications and Engagement Director. “To emphasize that sense of place, listings in this year’s Guide are organized into nine subregions with a short intro on what makes local farms in each area unique.”
Look for the Guide at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. Copies of the Guide are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Tuesday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area or if you are interested in distributing Guides at your business.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, location, activities, and more.
Funding for the Local Food Guide was made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, and Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Support was also provided by Dogwood Health Trust, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Asheville Regional Airport.
Whenever you want!
Supplies available at
2 Sulphur Springs Road
If you need to request supplies for the same or next day, please call 828-254-1776.
Organizing a litter cleanup with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or other community members is easier than you may think! Asheville GreenWorks provides cleanup supplies and safety information, and will coordinate trash pick up as needed. Available supplies include safety vests, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, and SHARPs containers (upon request).
Review the attached guides for instructions and safety information.
Need to know
Please review the attached documents and contact [email protected] with any questions. Your supplies will be available for pickup on the date you’ve requested at Asheville GreenWorks’ office at 2 Sulphur Springs Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
All cleanups should be reported using the online form and supplies should be returned after your cleanup.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.