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.

Saturday, September 26, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Sep 26 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Eduardo de Rosamarie’s Noche Flamenca
Sep 26 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

Eduardo de Rosamaria is a Raleigh, NC based Canadian guitarist. His virtuosity extends throughout the Classical Spanish, Flamenco, and Flamenco Fusion genres. He has performed throughout North America as a soloist, a member of the North Carolina Guitar Quartet and the Paco Band. His numerous return engagements with the North Carolina Symphony, Raleigh Symphony, North Carolina Theater, North Carolina Bach Festival and concert series at universities and colleges in the southeast, have established him as one of the region’s most sought after performers. His versatility is reflected in his discography: Kypoyka – Ukrainian Children’s Songs and Stories, Winter Branches – North Carolina Guitar Quartet (Liscio Recordings) (1997), Ino Live – Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band (Liscio Recordings) (2011), Esencia – Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band (Alanna Records) (2012), A Paco Band Christmas – Ed Stephenson (2013), & Rosamaria – Ed Stephenson and the Paco Band (Alanna Records) (2015). The Classical Voice of North Carolina praised his Esencia album saying, “It has all the characteristics and virtuosity of traditional flamenco guitar but falls outside – or perhaps expands upon – the limited traditional flamenco harmonies and structure. You find influences such as bossa nova or Latin, rock, jazz, swing and salsa, and others.” His most recent CD Rosamaria was recently completed with the Paco Band and was released in April 2015 under the Alanna Records label.

Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations

Sunday, September 27, 2020
Mountain Child Advocacy Center presents Dancing w/ the Local Stars
Sep 27 @ 5:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This performance has been rescheduled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date.

Dancing With The Local Stars is an annual fundraising event that pairs Asheville community
leaders with professional dancers for an evening of performances benefiting local non – profit
organizations. In 2020, we are pleased to partner with Mountain Child Advocacy Center in their
effort to identify, advocate, and respond to child abuse and neglect in Buncombe County.

This year’s cast of Star performers include:

Ingrid Allstaedt, WLOS
Guadalupe Chavarria II, Studio Chavarria
Murphy Funkhouser Capps, Kudzu Brands
Dr. Tim & Betsy Gillespie, Gillespie Dental Associates
Jacqueline Grant, Roberts-Stevens Attorneys At Law
Benjamin Hamrick, Johnson Price Sprinkle PA
Amy Hanks, Beverly-Hanks Realtors & Associates
Dr. William Hathaway, Mission / NC Division HCA Healthcare
Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Strategist & Author
Oscar Wong, Highland Brewing Company

All net proceeds from this event will go directly to Mountain Child Advocacy Center.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Pilobolus presents BIG FIVE-OH!
Sep 30 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

For this 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus questions its own “givens,” turns its traditions sideways, and brings its past into the future — in a thoroughly engaging new way. As fresh and vibrant as ever, Pilobolus — that feisty arts organism — puts the ‘Oh!’ in BIG FIVE-OH!, and continues to morph its way thrillingly into audiences’ hearts and minds.

The celebration includes the vintage classic, Untitled, the high-voltage Megawatt, signature shadow works, and a few concepts that have never been seen before!

Pilobolus presents the BIG FIVE-OH!, September 30 & October 1, 2020 at 8PM

Thursday, October 1, 2020
Pilobolus presents BIG FIVE-OH!
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Pilobolus presents BIG FIVE OH!, October 1, 2020 at 10AM

For this 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus questions its own “givens,” turns its traditions sideways, and brings its past into the future — in a thoroughly engaging new way. As fresh and vibrant as ever, Pilobolus — that feisty arts organism — puts the ‘Oh!’ in BIG FIVE-OH!, and continues to morph its way thrillingly into audiences’ hearts and minds.

The celebration includes the vintage classic, Untitled, the high-voltage Megawatt, signature shadow works, and a few concepts that have never been seen before!

Pilobolus presents BIG FIVE-OH!
Oct 1 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

For this 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus questions its own “givens,” turns its traditions sideways, and brings its past into the future — in a thoroughly engaging new way. As fresh and vibrant as ever, Pilobolus — that feisty arts organism — puts the ‘Oh!’ in BIG FIVE-OH!, and continues to morph its way thrillingly into audiences’ hearts and minds.

The celebration includes the vintage classic, Untitled, the high-voltage Megawatt, signature shadow works, and a few concepts that have never been seen before!

Pilobolus presents the BIG FIVE-OH!, September 30 & October 1, 2020 at 8PM

Saturday, October 3, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Oct 3 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Friday, October 9, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 9 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Saturday, October 10, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 10 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Oct 10 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Sunday, October 11, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 11 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Monday, October 12, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 12 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 13 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 14 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Thursday, October 15, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 15 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Friday, October 16, 2020
Discover Alvin Ailey Through “Revelations”
Oct 16 all-day
Online

Brevard Music Center: Staff Picks From Around the Web

Discover Alvin Ailey
Through “Revelations”

Join the Kennedy Center for a behind-the-scenes look at Revelations, Alvin Ailey’s dance masterwork.

Saturday, October 17, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Oct 17 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

MountainTrue ‎Fall Scenic Hike
Oct 17 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pilot Cove Loop

Image may contain: people standing, sky, outdoor and nature

Join MountainTrue’s Ecologist and Public Lands Director, Bob Gale, for a gorgeous and educational hike through Pisgah National Forest. This hike offers breathtaking views of the fall foliage, and if we are lucky, we will catch glimpses of the Monarch Butterfly migration. We will be hiking the Pilot Cove Loop Trail in Pisgah, which is approximately 4 miles long. The trail starts in a lesser known part of Pisgah National Forest and winds upward among the brightly colored sourwood and black gum trees. After opening up onto a beautiful rocky outcrop, the trails travels through recently logged forested as well as much older sections of forest. There are some steep inclines on this trail, but Bob will be making frequent stops to rest and interpret the flora and fauna. Due to the pandemic, we are restricting group size for outings to 10 participants. Sign up today!

All participants will be required to agree to our COVID-19 event guidelines listed below and again agree to comply with the policies on the day of the event in addition to signing our standard wavier.

What to bring:

  • Hiking boots and appropriate clothing for hiking (including rain gear)

  • Lunch/trail snacks

  • Plenty of water

  • Sunscreen

  • Camera

  • Please, no pets on this hike

Tales of the Trail Chimney Rock Park
Oct 17 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

Tales of the Trail **New Fall Event**

Come experience a unique, guided night hike that is fun for the whole family. Tales of the Trail is a non-scary, fall event that introduces you to woodland creatures and how they live. Groups of 20 – 25 people will be led along a lighted, half-mile loop trail to meet costumed animal characters and receive fun giveaways. This festive event will also include music, crafts, a campfire with s’mores and other festival fun.

 

Sunday, October 18, 2020
Burlesque Brunch
Oct 18 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Thursday, October 22, 2020
City Dance
Oct 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

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.

Friday, October 23, 2020
Dance Theatre of Harlem 50th Anniversary Tour
Oct 23 @ 11:00 am
Diana Wortham Theatre

Dance Theatre of Harlem, October 23, 2020 at 11AM

Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

Recommended for Grades 3-12

Saturday, October 24, 2020
Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Oct 24 all-day
Grandfather Mountain

Interpretive Rangers are available to lead guided hikes, bird walks and wildflower walks for families and groups that visit Grandfather Mountain. To see the mountain in this whole new way, you can schedule an appointment by calling the interpretive ranger office at (828) 737-0833 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that walks and hikes are available for all ability levels, but hikes that take you into Grandfather Mountain’s backcountry require careful footwork, proper footwear and the ability to handle heights. All backcountry hikes require participants to traverse ladders and use cables to navigate steep sections of the trail.

Interpretive Rangers are available year-round (weather permitting) to lead guided hikes to:

MacRae Peak ($15 + park admission)
Attic Window ($25 + park admission)
Calloway Peak ($35 + park admission)

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and a minimum of two participants per hike are required. For more information, please call (828) 737-0833.

Dance Theatre of Harlem 50th Anniversary Tour Rescheduled
Oct 24 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

Dance Theatre of Harlem, October 23 & 24, 2020 at 8PM

If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance.  If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.

Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Divine Feminine Circle – Igniting the Goddess Within
Oct 28 @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

Let’s gather together VIRTUALLY to celebrate the goddess Lada Nada and discover our own inner divine feminine.

The Invitation

“You are the keepers of sacred magic, the template of the divine feminine protector of the Holy Grail, the Goddess, the Holy of Holies.

She is known by many names: Diana, Mary Magdalene, Isis, Hathor, Quan Yin, Hecate, Venus, Aphrodite, Diana, Freya, and Gaia. Keepers of the sacred flame, you are being called to come together in community to be held, scene, and to heal your wounds – our wounds of separation, of struggle, and profound forgetting.

Thursday, October 29, 2020
Win A Dirty Dancing Festival Weekend Getaway!
Oct 29 all-day
Online
September 24-25, 2021
Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC! Whether you’ve been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to win a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.
DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL GETAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE
* 2-night standard accommodations  at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival.
* 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend.
* 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court.
* 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night.
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). 

* One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours.
* 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

Giddy Up Fandango Square Dancin’
Oct 29 @ 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sky Brook Farm

Get your family together for this Wild West Shindig. Admission includes a real cowboy supper, live foot-stompin’ music, hay rides, petting zoo, spectacular fireworks and much, much more! A Family Event you don’t want to miss!

Friday, October 30, 2020
Win A Dirty Dancing Festival Weekend Getaway!
Oct 30 all-day
Online
September 24-25, 2021
Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC! Whether you’ve been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to win a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.
DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL GETAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE
* 2-night standard accommodations  at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival.
* 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend.
* 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court.
* 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night.
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). 

* One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours.
* 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

The Asheville Ballet presents Danse Macabre
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

We are happy to be able to present live dance in 2020, two nights in a row! Danse Macabre is a one act Halloween-themed story ballet featuring the artists of the Asheville Ballet.

Audience capacity is capped at 100.

Reserved seating only. Each section purchase will safely fit TWO people per social distancing guidelines. If your party is larger than two please purchase an adjacent section and combine. 

Come and join our artists on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, at 7:00pm, for an hour long presentation of classical and modern dance and theatre featuring the music of, among others, Camille Saint-Saëns, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Misfits!

No refund on tickets. Rain date will be Sunday November 1st at 7pm.

Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South
Oct 30 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Online

Virtual Guest Teachers: Buddhism in the South

Friday Nights October 30 – November 20. 7pm ~ 8:15pm. Each talk will be available for one Week.

Modern Kadampa Buddhism is flourishing across the South, because folks have discovered that meditation is a powerful and practical method to maintain a peaceful mind no matter what.

Please join these Southern teachers from across NC, GA and SC (online)! They will share their love for meditation by offering practical advice and simple tips for finding happiness within our own good hearts.

You’re welcome to register for any individual week or the entire series at a discount. Individual weeks $10 each. Package $30, Discounts for Monthly Members.

October 30 Letting Go with Gen Tilopa from KMC North Carolina
November 6 What’s the Meaning of Life with Gen Norden from KMC Georgia
November 13 From Anger to Compassion with Kelsang Jangchen from KMC South Carolina
November 19 TBD: Ethan Lechner from Kosala Buddhist Center