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.

Thursday, May 26, 2022
Round Up for RiverLink at Mast General Store
May 26 @ 11:30 am – 6:00 pm
Mast General Store

Round Up for RiverLink

Shoppers at any Mast General Store during the month of May will be invited to round up the last dollar of their purchase to benefit RiverLink! Those small gifts do add up over a month–often up to $5,000–so if you visit Mast General, please do round up for RiverLink!

YWCA’s Racial Justice Workshop
May 26 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
online
Join the YWCA in a 3-Part Racial Justice Training that explores anti-Black racism, overlapping systems of oppression, and racial equity in Asheville and Buncombe County. The training will take place over three sessions, each lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. Please sign up for all three when you register.

May 12, 2022 12:00 PM
May 19, 2022 12:00 PM
May 26, 2022 12:00 PM
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
May 26 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Million Dollar Quartet
May 26 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Million dollar Quartet. May 20 -
                June 19.

You couldn’t get enough the first time, and you’ve been requesting it every year since! Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Featuring over 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits including: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Down By the Riverside,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and many more. Don’t miss Nat Zegree returning as Jerry Lee Lewis! Tickets will fly away fast, so don’t miss your chance to see this exceptional musical feast.

Asheville Parks and Rec Afterschool Programs: Afternoon Adventures
May 26 @ 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 2:45-6pm
K-6th graders.
Does your child enjoy having fun and making new friends? Offering
arts, crafts, special events, homework assistance and more!
Families currently enrolled in the school system’s reduced or free
meal program, please contact your recreation center for discount
fee information.
Locations: Burton, Grant, Montford, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Daily Meditation + Support (online)
May 26 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
online

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
May 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
75% of Enka-Candler Tailgate Market proceeds go towards a student and summer camp scholarship fund for Asheville Farmstead School to promote diversity and accessibility to children learning about themselves and nature through farm and forest. The remaining 25% will be given back to the local Enka-Candler community, directed by the Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Advisory Committee.

List of Supporters (Discounts, donations, or in-kind support)

  • Small Business Center at A-B Tech, Enka Campus

  • Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)

  • Anthony Brickner, for creating our wonderful logo.

  • Henco Printing

     

  • Signs Express

  • Griffin Waste

  • Enka-Candler Business Association

  • The Sutton Firm, P.A. and Emily Sutton Dezio, P.A.

  • HomeLight
Flat Rock Farmers Market
May 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Flat Rock Farmers Market

Find fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through
October in Flat Rock.  This market is made of a diverse group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and
merry makers.  You will love the friendly, informative, creative vendors that set up for the market.  Be sure you stop by each one to
introduce yourself and ask questions, Free, Pinecrest ARP Church, Hendersonville, [email protected],

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
May 26 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Montford Community Center

Montford Pre-Teen Afterschool Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021 – June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
5th-6th graders.
New program designed to meet the needs of your pre-teen.
Providing time dedicated to school assignments, life skills, arts,
communication, leadership, fitness, nutrition, and loads of fun.
Location: Montford

Teen Leadership Program
May 26 @ 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area

Teen Leadership Program
Pre-registration required. FREE for the 2021-2022 school year
August 23, 2021-June 3, 2022 | Monday-Friday | 3:30-6pm
6th-9th graders.
Looking for a cool and enriching alternative for your Teen to attend
this school year? We offer creative activities, diverse projects,
field trips, and more.
Locations: Grant, Shiloh, Stephens-Lee

Youth Literacy Tutors Needed!
May 26 @ 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Asheville

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

  • Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
  • Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

  • GED or High School diploma
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
  • Access to reliable internet
  • Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
  • Complete a background check

Training:

  • Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student
Pint Night
May 26 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Reading Buddy – Project Lighten Up – Shiloh
May 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Project Lighten Up

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Getting Back to the Basics/Project Lighten Up is a unique summer and afterschool educational opportunity for low-income and minority youth that supports students’ recreational and educational learning. We provide meaningful educational support and develop self-esteem in a positive environment through mentoring and enriching activities.

Project Lighten Up is seeking in-person volunteers to assist students attending the afterschool program during the school year with spelling and reading 1-2 times a week for 1 hour.  

Time Commitment:

  • Commitment to a 5-week session
  • Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week
  • Volunteers choose from one, 1-hour session per week OR two, 30-minute sessions per week
  • Volunteer shifts are Tuesdays & Thursdays between 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to shift start for health screening and transition time

Requirements/Training:

  • Respond above to the opportunity
  • Answer all health/safety and opportunity related questions prior to submitting your response
  • Phone interview with the program director
  • Volunteer application
  • Complete a background check
  • Attend training by program staff
  • Adheres to all CDC guidelines and safety protocols

Skillset: 

  • Enjoys working with youth in different grade levels
  • Enjoys working in a learning environment
  • Remains patient and calm with students experiencing technical or learning challenges
  • Demonstrates a positive attitude and empathy for students and Lighten Up team
  • Non-judgmental, fair, firm, and friendly
  • Models excellent verbal and non-verbal communication

Health/Safety:

  • Health and safety screening prior to every shift start:
    • List of health and safety questions asked
    • Temperatures taken
  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering (masks available upon request)
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage with students closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
  • Volunteers will be asked to adhere to proper hand hygiene
The Rhythmic Arts Project: Percussion for All Abilities
May 26 @ 4:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Drum

The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP) will be meeting at the Enka-Candler Library on April 14 and May 26 at 4 p.m. TRAP curriculum engages children and teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with typical children and teens. TRAP embraces rhythm as a method to learn basic life skills, as well as teaching reading, writing and arithmetic.

TRAP classes enhance the mind, body, and spirit through playing drums and percussion instruments. Parents, caregivers and children of all ages and abilities are welcome.

If you have your own percussion instruments, feel free to bring them! This class is free, but registration is required. To register, please email [email protected] or call 828-250-4758.

Volunteers Needed for Griffin Awards
May 26 @ 4:00 pm
Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County
Want to help out at Griffin Awards on Thursday May 26th? We need volunteers for house docents, bartenders and general set up/clean up. Click here to sign up, and give us a call at 254-2343 if you have any questions!
Griffin Awards
May 26 @ 4:30 pm
Asheville Visitor Center

Because of the location of this year’s event at the fabulous Douglas Ellington House in Chunn’s Cove, guests will be arriving via Gray Line Trolley. There is no parking available at the event site so please come to the Asheville Visitor Center at 36 Montford Avenue. You can select from Group 1 (departing at 4:30) or Group 2 (departing at 5:15).
We expect this event to sell out fast!  Please email [email protected] to add your name to our waiting list.
Cook and Serve Meals – ABCCM Transformation Village
May 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Transformation Village

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Brief orientation prior to service
  • Ability to Multi-Task
  • Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
  • Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance
  • Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

    Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


    ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

    Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

    We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Online Spanish Practice Group 
May 26 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
zoom

an older woman takes an online course

 

Are you looking for a way to develop your Spanish language skills or a way to keep your skills fresh? Join this friendly and welcoming Spanish Language Practice Group organized by Pack Library. Newcomers are always welcome on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. This group meets online and is focused on providing an intermediate level, immersive discussion experience. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.

Business After Hours
May 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Southern Appalachian Brewing
Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!
With fantastic food and local beverages, compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
We will also be celebrating 100 years of both State Farm Insurance and Edward Jones!
There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
May’s Business After Hours is hosted by:
State Farm Insurance – Judy Stroud
Edward Jones – David Maupin
Business After Hours
May 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Southern Appalachian Brewery

Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!
Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time!
With fantastic BBQ from Piggy’s and local craft beverages from Southern Appalachian Brewery, courtesy of our hosts and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun!
State Farm Insurance and Edward Jones are both celebrating 100 years of business!
Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
May 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Thursday Night Live: Jeremy Loeb
May 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

 

A native of Durham, NC, Jeremy Loeb embraced his lifelong love of piano when he launched his second career as a musician. Now living in Asheville, Loeb specializes in French and Chinese piano music. Support for Thursday Night Live is provided by an anonymous donor.

THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE

On select Thursdays, local musicians enliven our spaces with music to complement your visit. As you stroll the galleries, a variety of tunes adds new dimensions to your viewing experience

VIRTUAL Adult Studio: In the Absence of Consent, Exploitation Remains: Documenting Communities with Intention
May 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online w/ Asheville Art Museum

In the absence of consent, exploitation is what remains. When documenting communities, particularly those who are marginalized, there is the potential to either support or exploit said communities by our intention and actions behind the camera. This 4-part class series will explore themes within Gillian Laub’s Southern Rites exhibition, examples of both exploitation and consent, and offer feedback & perspective to current documentary projects. Particular to this class are discussions about racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia and other discussions around intersections of identities.

Please note:

  • This class will be held via Zoom and requires participants to have a Zoom account and access to a computer with video/audio capabilities.
  • This class series is intended for photographers of all levels, but some experience behind a camera is required.
  • 2 seats for this class will be offered at $15 and priority will be given to BIPOC artists.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jupiter “Jupe” Javeta is a Black, southern, queer, nonbinary person who resides in Albany, Georgia where they were born and raised. They are an artist, culture keeper, and community member who practices community healing through visual art, documentation, written work, and installations. Their visual work (photography and documentary short films) center reconciliation and reprieve for Black folks in the Deep South. Their written work centers grief as a ritual and rites process, and digs into the transformative potential of grieving. Their community work (events and arts spaces) focuses on marginalized communities and connecting people across those communities to places and spaces of rest, affirmation, and communion. In each modality, they are driven by a deep love for their people and a determination to reflect it back to the communities they come from.

ADULT STUDIO

The Museum’s studio program for adults offers a core curriculum in drawing, painting, printmaking, and three-dimensional media, and also explores the intersections between them. Local and visiting artists help students of all levels and abilities develop skills in media that reflect techniques and themes featured in the Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions. Classes meet for 3–12 weeks, and are designed for anyone interested in exploring specific media in depth; daylong workshops introduce new media or processes. To add your name to our Adult Studio mailing list, click here or call 828.253.3227 x133.

A Cappella Alive!
May 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Senior Opportunity Center

We are a group of women who love to sing a cappella harmony in a variety of styles. We are seeking Leads but welcome other parts too—Baritone, Bass, Tenor.
Because we care about quality, we require user -friendly auditions.

We meet weekly.

Check us out!

Asheville Tourists Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday
May 26 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Come enjoy $1 Beers and $1 Cokes every Thursday, thanks to Catawba Brewing Co.!

Asheville Tourists vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers
May 26 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

All images  vs   Image result for Greensboro Nc Baseball Team Logo. Size: 83 x 108. Source: www.pinterest.com

Melissa McKinney
May 26 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Pisgah Brewing
Melissa McKinney live at Pisgah Brewing 2022

Pisgah Brewing is proud to welcome Melissa McKinney and friends!
Melissa McKinney is a blues and soul vocalist, musician, and songwriter living in Asheville. She is a business owner and also works for LEAF Global Arts. She recently recorded an album at Echo Mountain Studios after a 20 year hiatus from her music while she raised her daughter, who is a musician as well. Melissa’s music is triumphant and a testament to the strength of overcoming a lifetime of hurdles which you hear in every lyric. With powerhouse vocals reminiscent of Janis Joplin, and an All Star backing band of some of Asheville’s finest, May 26th is going to be a show you won’t want to miss.

McKinney will be joined by:
Jamie Hendrickson on guitar
Thommy Knowles on keys
Paul Gladstone on drums
Jonathon Lloyd on trombone
Kayla Lynn on bass and background vocals

Food Truck: El Querubin

Asheville Sessions featuring Vollie Mckenzie
May 26 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall--Lounge

Swing & Sway with Vollie Mckenzie :: A “Walter Hyatt Lookalike/Soundalike” Vollie is tall on musically pleasing tales & tall in stature. You’ll be high on the sound of this quintessential crooner. His throw back vibe is as pleasing as music & singing gets. His inviting & cozy style is a perfect match to this intimate, lovely listening room. You’ll be in exceptionally good hands with Mr. McKenzie.Peggy Ratusz opens…

The Asheville Lounge Sessions

The Isis Music Hall will be hosting a brand-new weekly series called The Asheville Lounge Sessions. Featuring and focusing on area vocalists, the 90 minute dinner and a showcase will take place in the intimate upstairs lounge.

Veteran guitarist and accomplished songwriter, Jonathan Pearlman who once hosted the area’s premiere and time-honored Thursday night Jazz Jam in downtown Asheville, will reprise his band leading role for this series. He will direct a rotating-member house band that will back up local vocalists performing various styles of music each Thursday night beginning at 7pm.

Opening the showcase each week, and serving as MC will be Best In Blues Chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz. While the crux of each month of Thursdays will feature singers in the upstairs lounge, occasionally Jonathan and Peggy will switch things up and become hosts of The Asheville Jam Session starting at 8:30pm downstairs on the main stage. For these nights, area musicians and musician-vocalists will jam the night away for 2 hours of impromptu, extemporaneous Blues and Jazz music!

Make sure to check the venue’s website for each week’s line up, location, ticket price and starting time.

City Dance
May 26 @ 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.

Listen To This
May 26 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

There are some stories that are just so good they need to be shared with an assembled audience. Local actor/comedian Tom Chalmers invites you to take part in what is quickly becoming one of Asheville’s most popular series, Listen to This. A storytelling format in the vein of “This American Life,” Listen to This is an evening hosted by Chalmers with stories and songs from some of Asheville’s most interesting writers, performers, and citizens. Each installment features a central theme (past shows have featured stories about everything from gluttony to mistaken identity). Real people. Real stories. Real good times.

Masks are required for all audience members.