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.
The Great Wagon Road Game is an interactive role-playing version of the “Oregon Trail” game of Mom and Dad’s youth. The Cradle of Forestry has brought the game to life along our Biltmore Campus Trail (1 mile). This interactive walking game takes you around the trail to learn more about the trials and tribulations the first European settlers faced as they traveled the Great Wagon Road and settled our beautiful mountains. This is a great game for families to work together and have fun! Families will travel in “wagon groups”, “purchase” supplies (no real money involved in the game) for the journey and stop to roll the dice of destiny that will choose their cards of fate.
This is open to all ages and will have a family-friendly atmosphere. Children under 4 are free to come along as long as they don’t distract the other players from having fun. Please dress appropriately for the outdoors, as we will be walking our 1-mile paved, Biltmore Campus Trail.
TICKET INFORMATION
Register by emailing [email protected] with your name, number of people in your group, number of children in the group and their age.
SCHEDULE
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
WHAT TO BRING
Water bottle
Closed toed shoes
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. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.
Itinerary
Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure 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 with
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation’s annual firework display is returning to Lake Julian Park, and will be taking place on June 29, 2024. Buncombe County residents, families, friends, and neighbors are invited to experience the dazzling firework show on lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks are scheduled to begin just after dark. It is recommended to arrive earlier to allow ample time to park and board the shuttle. Lake Julian Park is located at 37 Lake Julian Road in Arden.?
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to delight in the delicious food-truck lineup. Food trucks will be at the park from 2 to 9 p.m. There will also be an activity station where cornhole bags and horseshoes can be checked out. Disc golf and fishing will be open on the backside of the park closest to Hendersonville Road (56 Fisherman’s Trail). Please note that boat launching is not available on the backside of Lake Julian Park.
Parking on June 29 is restricted to Estes Elementary School (275 Overlook Road, Asheville). Those with a valid handicap placard can park at Lake Julian Park. There will be a shuttle transporting guests from the Estes Elementary School parking lot to Lake Julian Park from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.??
There will be one accessible boat launch at Lake Julian on June 29. Guests are allowed to bring their own boats to launch on this day. We will also be renting paddle boats. All boats must be off the water by 8 p.m. All picnic shelters will be available on a first come, first served basis.??
Before You Go:?
- Parking will be located at Estes Elementary. There will be a shuttle transporting guests to Lake Julian from this parking lot only. Only vehicles with a valid handicap placard, or those who are boat launching may park at Lake Julian Park. Limited parking is also available in the gravel lot next to Wild Wing Cafe.
- Alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited on the grounds at Lake Julian Park.?Pets are not recommended.
- Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax around the lake.
Music by Jonathan Dove
Libretto by April De Angelis
Brevard Festival Orchestra
Joseph Mechavich, conductor
Dean Anthony, stage director
Sung in English
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
|
Join us for the Swannanoa Library’s Star Trek Fan Club meeting! This is a group for adults who love all things Star Trek! Whether you’re a long-time fan or completely new to the Star Trek universe, we invite you to come hang out and talk ‘Trek, watch episodes, do trivia, make themed arts & crafts, and more! Additionally, accessibility and diversity are core themes of Star Trek, and we’ll be embodying that here at the library. If you have any questions about accessibility, COVID safety, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or by email. Meetings will be held monthly in the library’s community room. |
Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!
*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.
| Some animals sleep during the day and are busy at night. Find out which ones are out at night and what they’re doing! This is a presentation at the library by Friends of WNC Nature Center.
Ages 5 and up. |
|
Use your imagination and join other kids to create ocean-theme sensory bottles and sea globes (like snow globes, but for summertime)! Ages 5 and up. Registration required. |
The DCMF Festival Finale is Saturday, June 29 at 3PM in the Williams Recital Hall. Featuring all
twenty-three young artists, the program will feature chamber music by Clara Schumann, Reena
Esmail, Edouard Destenay, Maurice Ravel, Alberto Ginastera, Viet Cuong, and Erich Korngold. All
events are free of charge and open to the public.
Grab your leash, gather your squad (both human and furry), and join us for some Sips and Treats. Plus, 15% of the proceeds will go to our friends at Mountain Pet Rescue. See you at The Golden Hour Patio from 4 – 6 p.m.
JUNE 28 @ 4:30 and 7:30 PM – JUNE 29 @ 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 PM – JUNE 30 @ 3:00 and 6:00 PM – 2 KIDS ADMITTED FREE Per Adult! Get ready for a family adventure like no other as the Loomis Bros. Circus rolls into town in 2024. With a captivating blend of classic charm and modern thrills, this circus promises a mesmerizing experience for audiences of all ages. From their menagerie of exotic performing animals to the fearless daredevils, every act is crafted to create a collective sense of wonder and excitement. Bring the whole family and immerse yourselves in a world where the extraordinary becomes the norm, and the magic of the circus comes alive in ways that will leave you breathless. Loomis Bros. Circus is “Simply the Best”!
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2472015-2?pid=10412
Category: Kids / Family
Prices:
Adult (With 2 Kids Free): USD 30.00,
Additional Child: USD 8.00
Artist / Speaker: Loomis Bros. Circus
Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!
The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.
Michael Franti is a globally recognized musician, activist and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Throughout his multi-decade career, Franti has earned three Billboard No. 1’s with triumphantly hopeful hits “Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “I Got You,” as well as six Top 30 Hot AC singles, 10 Top 25 AAA Singles and three Billboard Top 5 Rock Albums. Spearhead’s Follow Your Heart was released in June 2022 and debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes Pop Chart behind Harry Styles. Praised by American Songwriter as “an energizing batch of songs that spotlight the common threads that connect us,” Franti & Spearhead’s 13th studio album Big Big Love is available everywhere now, featuring 17 tracks cowritten by Franti, reflecting his tenacity, inclusiveness, and optimism.
Franti & Spearhead will embark on the Togetherness Tour in 2024, bringing their dynamic and invigorating shows to Soulrockers across North America, including a return to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With 60+ dates through the summer, the Togetherness Tour will kick off on April 6th in Fort Lauderdale at Tortuga Festival.
The Bay-Area native resides in Bali when he is not on tour and owns Soulshine Bali, a 32-room top-rated boutique hotel located in Ubud, Bali that focuses on joy through wellness and music, offering unique retreat opportunities and accommodations, along with special events and celebrations. Franti continues to foster community both on and off stage with a wish granting non-profit, Do It For The Love, which brings those with life threatening illnesses, veterans, and children with severe challenges to concerts worldwide, fulfilling over 3,500 wishes and touching the lives of over 15,000 people to date.
MichaelFranti.com | Facebook.com/MichaelFranti | Instagram @MichaelFranti | TikTok @MichaelFranti | Twitter @MichaelFranti
Chart-topping country artist NIKO MOON is all about making people feel-good with his positive
vibes and tunes.
His first single “Good Time” went #1 on country radio and his other hits continue to climb the
charts as he releases more music. His upcoming album, Better Days, is set to release January
19th nationwide.
Beyond being a solo act, Moon, a SESAC country songwriter of the year, has written eight #1
songs and over 40 major record label cuts for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks
Bentley, Pitbull, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts and more.
He is also the founder of the “Happy Cowboy Foundation”, a 501c3 nonprofit.
Bombargo is a Canadian based international touring band that drops a vibrant splash of soul over their distinctive ‘vintage-pop’ sound. Well known for bringing unrivaled energy to the stage with sing-along anthems, double-brother harmonies, and a powerful message that combined make for one of the most captivating live shows ever! Frontman Nathan Thoen’s passionate conviction and ‘Jagger-like’ dance moves even impressed billionaire and music industry icon Sir Richard Branson, quoting “I haven’t seen this type of energy since The Rolling Stones!” – and he would know, having personally signed The Rolling Stones to Virgin Records.
The band began with lead singer Nathan Thoen and guitarist Spencer Chilliak after the two spontaneously met and drove 16 hours to attend Sasquatch Music Festival where they became inspired to start a band. The duo wrote their first song ‘Let It Grow’ during their very first writing session and as part of Bombargo’s debut EP ‘Back on Main’ which would go on to be included in ‘The Top 10 Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2015’ by SaskMusic. This further inspired them to continue writing, touring, and release their first full-length album titled ‘We Are Bombargo’. The group has since evolved into a 7-piece touring band adding Nathan’s brother Anthony Thoen on guitar, additional brothers Matt and Sammy Folkersen on keys and bass respectively, Connor Newton on saxophone, and Niall Cubbon on drums.
Bombargo went on to receive massive acclaim when pop star icon Taylor Swift added their 2018 single ‘Mr. No Good’ to her Spotify Playlist titled ‘Songs Taylor Loves’ alongside mega artists including Ed Sheeran, Camilla Cabello, and Kendrick Lamar. As the only unsigned band on this star-studded playlist, Bombargo was featured on CBC’s the Q, NME, Exclaim, Fashion, Noisey, People, and Billboard. This success was followed up by the release of their single ‘Oxygen’, which pushed Bombargo into the Canadian Hot AC Top 40 Charts for the first time in the fall of 2019. The band also made its US touring debut in late 2019 with their 33 date ‘North American Dream Tour’ which kicked off with Bombargo playing the sold-out Roughriders Labour Day Classic Half-Time Show to over 33,000 people. The band’s US debut at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA gained heavy press coverage including a raving article in Billboard Magazine.
Bombargo performed on the 2020 Okeechobee Festival Main Stage in Florida, with over 40,000 in attendance and joined the Okeechobee PoWow Super Jam to close the festival. In August of 2020 the band landed a ‘most excellent’ cameo in the hollywood blockbuster “Bill & Ted 3: Face The Music”. Bombargo’s most recent album ‘nebula.’ reached its Kickstarter fundraising goal in under 7 hours and released in June of 2022. The band returned to America in the Fall of 2022 to complete their 27 date “Goodtime Guarantee” headlining tour, including a main stage performance at ShredFest in Salt Lake City, and numerous sold out shows across the country. Bombargo has garnered over 10 Million DSP streams to date, and has received over 1 Million views on YouTube. There’s no doubt Bombargo will continue spreading “The Goodtime Guarantee™” for years to come and look forward to what the future brings!
Come check out our Rock Academy bands with performers ranging in age from elementary school thru high school as they perform“Decades of Hits” from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The Asheville Rock Academy’s talented students have played many high profile gigs, including the Main Stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Academy bands have also played with Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Victor Wooten and American Idol’s Caleb Johnson.
GTTM has served the Asheville Community for over 16 years and has helped hundreds of WNC Students discover the joy of music by raising more than $275,000 providing for scholarships to fund private music lessons, Rock Academy band lessons, summer camps, and musical instruments.
Prepare yourself for a whirlwind adventure of suspense and comedy with Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. This fast-paced play is a unique adaptation of the 1935 classic Hitchcock thriller film, infused with a healthy dose of Monty Python-style humor. The story revolves around the central character, Richard Hannay, who inadvertently gets tangled in a mysterious web of spies, murder, and love. Remarkably, the entire riveting narrative unfolds through the talents of just four actors, who collectively portray over 150 characters, masterfully switching roles with lightning speed. Brimming with clever references to Hitchcock’s filmography, wry British humor, and ingeniously crafted theatrical inventiveness, The 39 Steps promises a rollicking evening of entertainment that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.
A talkback with the cast & crew of The 39 Steps will be held following the performances on June 23rd and 30th.
ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
One night, a place that’s not a place, and six actors collide for this heartwarming play. A collection of vignettes, Almost, Maine shows us a story of falling in and out of love, bearing through life, and the magic of the unknown. Northern lights shine on these nine short plays and show us the beauty of Almost.
Written by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
One night, a place that’s not a place, and six actors collide for this heartwarming play. A collection of vignettes, Almost, Maine shows us a story of falling in and out of love, bearing through life, and the magic of the unknown. Northern lights shine on these nine short plays and show us the beauty of Almost.
Legendary Artists Series
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Tai Murray, violin
WYNTON MARSALIS Violin Concerto
WYNTON MARSALIS Symphony No. 4, “The Jungle”
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd Season:
Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses
Jason Williams, Artistic Director
5/10/2024 5/24/2024 Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024 Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024 Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024 Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024 Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille
Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.
Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!
*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.
Gates at 6:30pm
Match at 7:30pm
Adult tickets for ages 12 and up
Youth tickets for ages 5 to 12
No ticket needed for ages 5 and under
✨ Enter an Enchanted Realm through a Magical Forest while seeking adventure and finding much allure at “Dungeons and Drag” Fantasy-Themed Drag Show and Pride Party! ✨
Party starts at 9pm June 29th and join us on the catwalk at 10pm as VOWL becomes a fantastical world where performance and sensuality reigns supreme. Marvel at the mystical performances of our bewitching drag queens, @alexis_black_official, @kataclipse, with more to be announced soon! All while grooving to the enchanting beats of DJ wizard @bridal.parti.burcardi.
🌈 This evening is not just about revelry but also about supporting a great cause. Delight in the spellbinding @pflag Jello Shots, where each purchase contributes to @pflagasheville’s mission in creating a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. And that’s not all – you can further support by rounding up each purchase as a donation!
Be part of this ethereal Pride celebration, Don your most fabulous attire and prepare to be whisked away to a world of fantasy and magic.
Hustle Souls is an Asheville, NC based band who blend Retro-Soul, New Orleans Brass Music and Americana. American Blues Scene called Hustle Souls a “generation-jumping mashup of new school second line funk with old school vintage soul.” Bluestown Music described the music as “intimate soul…with a Curtis Mayfield like warmth.” They were recently named one of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists & Bands”Overflowing with energy and spontaneity; roaring B3 organ and jubilant brass are balanced with 3-part vocal harmony and a lust for songwriting that has been praised as “worthy of being included in that brilliant soul music canon, a heritage that features some of the greatest performers and writers that have ever graced this earth…” Aldora Britian Records.
WEBSITE:
www.hustlesouls.com
FULL SET at ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
https://youtu.be/YtUmeLHaQH4?si=7XF2g5bGVMpZZYmb
Krave Amiko is a genre-blending 5 piece band from Asheville, NC that focuses on lyrical storytelling, compelling melodies, and catchy choruses. Started in 2019 by songwriter Robert Walsh and singer Stephanie Barcelona, Krave Amiko has consistently been in the Top Twenty local bands played on local radio. Their energetic live shows turn even casual listeners into life-long fans
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.
Calling All Artists in SC, NC, GA, TN, & VA |
|
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.
About the Art League of Henderson County
The Art League of Henderson County is – like art itself – for everyone, and our membership is open to both artists and art lovers. Since its founding in 1972, members of the Art League have believed in the value of the visual arts to our community. The Art League offers diverse opportunities to enrich the cultural life of Henderson County through public programs and art projects throughout the year.
For artists, the League provides opportunities to exhibit their art and improve their skills. These include workshops, artist open studio tours, lectures and demonstrations. Program events offer an opportunity for members and visitors to interact and learn. Small, informal groups gather to share ideas, offer advice, and build camaraderie. Field trips to museums and special exhibits are scheduled to a variety of venues.
Adult classes and workshops, open to the public, are offered in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media. Our experienced instructors are experts in their fields, and limits on class size permit ample individual attention to students.
The annual Fabulous Fakes exhibit in April provides an opportunity for artists to create their own fun versions of master works which are exhibited in a variety of gallery venues. Throughout the year, the Henderson County Library hosts exhibits of member works, often featuring a theme or an art medium.
Every spring, the League’s ArtScape Project hangs a new collection of colorful banners in downtown Hendersonville. ArtScape is supported by sponsors from local businesses, artists, and art lovers. A brochure is available at the Henderson County Visitor Center and in locations around town. Throughout the year, visitors are invited to take a walking tour of this public showcase for our talented artists.
October provides an opportunity to see artists at work and learn about their inspiration and some of their secrets at the Art League’s Open Studio Weekend Tour. Brochures and maps are available at the Visitor Center for this popular event.
The Art League of Henderson County continues to be committed to the vital role that the arts play in building a strong, vibrant, and diverse community.
| View Open Calls | View Exhibit Guidelines |