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.

Sunday, March 8, 2020
2020 Spring Conference Kid’s Program
Mar 8 @ 8:30 am – 5:45 pm
Mars Hill University

Growing Wild Forest School is excited to provide a dynamic, nature-based Kids Program at this year’s OGS Spring Conference. Our talented staff educators believe in nurturing kids outdoors to help them grow and reach their full potential.  We believe in supporting and engaging the whole child, inside and out. We will offer crafts, science experiments, outdoor activities, and indoor and outdoor play opportunities on the Mars Hill University campus during the conference hours. Children should be dressed to go outside and be comfortable for outdoor play activities. Snacks and water bottles should be brought each day. We will break for lunch from 12:45-1:45 for children to eat with their parents or caregivers.

  • March 7th and 8th, 2020, 8:30-5:45 (lunch break, children eat with parents 12:45-1:45)
  • Location: Check in and headquarters will be in Spilman Parlor at Mars Hill University, though kids will be out and about exploring the campus throughout the day!
  • Cost: $40/day for single day registration, $60 for two day registration
  • Ages: potty-trained to 12 years old

Parents, please provide daily snacks and water bottles, along with a change of clothes for younger aged children. Please have children dressed for outdoor play, as we do plan to go outside

 

UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run
Mar 8 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
UNCA starting on the Main Quad

Pi symbol, event basic information with running track in the background

Registration is open for UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run, an annual fun run that celebrates all things Pi(e). This year’s event will be held on Pi Day, Saturday, March 14, at Pi time, 3:14 p.m. Runners will run 3.14 miles around UNC Asheville’s campus and celebrate with pie at the finish line. The event is open to the public with an early-bird rate of $15 before Feb. 15. Runners who sign up before March 1 will receive a t-shirt and swag bag, and registration continues through March 14 at a cost of $20, with on-site registration and check-in starting at 2 p.m. the day of the race. Visit unca.edu/pi-run to sign up.

The 2020 Pi Day Run will start from UNC Asheville’s Quad and circle University Heights three times, via campus sidewalks, concluding with pie at the finish line. The fun run includes a pie baking contest, judged by Math Leaders from the Marvelous Math Club, with prizes awarded, and this year will feature a raffle. Registration includes a raffle entry for each runner. Registration also is available for the pie contest, without the run, by filling out the interest form at unca.edu/pi-run.

Proceeds from the annual Pi(e) Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club at Pisgah View Community Center. Marvelous Math Club is a partnership between UNC Asheville, Asheville Housing Authority, and Asheville City Schools. The Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community and provide a space for individualized academic support and social-emotional growth.

 

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 8 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 11 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Thursday, March 12, 2020
St. Patty’s Day Burlesque Show
Mar 12 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
BGR Burlesque Presents: St. Patrick's Day
Black Garter Revue is a burlesque troupe bringing you the ultimate St. Patty’s Day show in Asheville.
  • AGES 18+
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 8:30PM DOORS, 9PM SHOW

BLACK GARTER REVUE

While Irish eyes might be smiling your eyes will be delighting! Black Garter Revue is back at The Grey Eagle for a night of St. Patrick’s Day fun that will entice you into loving all things Irish

Friday, March 13, 2020
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 13 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Saturday, March 14, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 14 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 14 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Mar 14 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.

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Mar 14 all-day
Catawba College
Keeper For A Day at Grandfather Mountain
Mar 14 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Grandfather Mountain

Keeper For A Day

Learn how to interact with the animals, clean up, prepare food and provide enrichments. Observe various training sessions, animal behavior and the inner workings of the animal habitats.

Requirements:

Limited to two persons per day. No pets allowed in habitat area. Keepers for a Day must:

— be 12 years of age or older
— be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain
— sign a waiver of liability

Expected Daily Schedule:

Arrive at 8 a.m., meet the keepers, and go to work! Assist as we let out the animals, feed them and clean their habitats. You may be asked to lift and carry animal food, tools or other items. Learn about training and providing enrichments. End your exciting shift at 11 a.m.

What to Wear:

You will get dirty! Please wear appropriate, closed-toe hiking or work boots and no loose jewelry. Coats, jackets, gloves and hats are recommended for cooler weather. Please bring sunscreen.

Weather:

Keeper for a Day will continue on schedule regardless of weather conditions. In the event that weather conditions could affect the opening of the habitats, you will be contacted.

The weather on Grandfather Mountain can change at a moment’s notice. Temperatures are commonly 5 to 10 degrees colder than what they are at the bottom of the mountain in Linville. It is recommended that you dress in layers and be prepared for any weather condition.

2019 Keeper for a Day Dates

Month Days Time Number
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
May 7, 14, 21, 28 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
June 4, 11, 18, 25 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
August 6, 13, 20, 27 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
September 3, 10, 17, 24 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 8 a.m.-11 a.m. limited to two people per day

Reservations:

Keeper for a Day must be booked at least one week in advance by calling (828) 733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Price:

The cost is $75 per participant ($60 each for Bridge Club members). Admission to the park is included.

Annual Candler Cleanup
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
AB-Tech Enka Campus

Image

Join in the annual Candler cleanup with the Enka Candler Business Association and Asheville GreenWorks. Sign up with your family or work team and select a road to work on for the morning. Please dress appropriately for the weather, including long pants and closed-toe shoes. All other gear and supplies will be provided.

Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Doors and Event begin at 10:00am til 1:00pm – Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with a Live DJ Oso Rey! Drop in anytime.

Playing Child-Appropriate FUN dance music from the Jackson 5’s “ABC” to “Shake it Off” to old-school hip hop tracks, favorites from 23 Skidoo, and much more!

There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids’ juice boxes).

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

The music will be especially chosen to appeal to kids from ages 2 to 12, but the whole family is more than welcome! 12 and under are only $3 (under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $5.

2 private rooms available for rent for birthday parties after the dance party ends! Bring decorations and a cake and let the Orange Peel & the Hop help you create a fun and unique birthday experience for your child and their buddies after they dance their booties off! Contact [email protected] for more information and party reservations.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!
Mar 14 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Join us on Saturday, March 14 for the first annual NOC Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!

Managers from NOC’s Adventure, Retail, Restaurant and HR Departments will be available for open interviews, giving you the opportunity to be hired on the spot! To register in advance, send your resume to our HR office by clicking “Register Now”! Browse a list of open opportunities at noccareers.com.

All offers will be conditional pending successful background and reference checks.

Two Step and Swing Dance Class
Mar 14 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Two-Step & Swing Dance Class

The Grey Eagle hosts Dance For Life and their two-step and swing dance class!
  • ALL AGES
  • DOORS 11:30AM / CLASS 12PM

Have fun dancing anywhere with these popular dances. Taught by UCWDC World Champions Richard & Sue Cicchetti.

No partner needed (Bring one if you can). Both classes are beginner level. Take one or both.

Online discount: 2-hour class $20 or, first hour 12-1 pm

Beginner $10 or, second hour 1-2 pm Level-two $10

At the door: 2-hour class $25, 1-hour class $15.

TICKETS: https://squareup.com/store/dance-for-life?fbclid=IwAR3wYr5ZrbRp34IGDoA14qzMlk6V04C2QcfVHszQwdrekBK6vHubJ1cDNcE

UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run
Mar 14 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
UNCA starting on the Main Quad

Pi symbol, event basic information with running track in the background

Registration is open for UNC Asheville’s 2020 Pi(e) Run, an annual fun run that celebrates all things Pi(e). This year’s event will be held on Pi Day, Saturday, March 14, at Pi time, 3:14 p.m. Runners will run 3.14 miles around UNC Asheville’s campus and celebrate with pie at the finish line. The event is open to the public with an early-bird rate of $15 before Feb. 15. Runners who sign up before March 1 will receive a t-shirt and swag bag, and registration continues through March 14 at a cost of $20, with on-site registration and check-in starting at 2 p.m. the day of the race. Visit unca.edu/pi-run to sign up.

The 2020 Pi Day Run will start from UNC Asheville’s Quad and circle University Heights three times, via campus sidewalks, concluding with pie at the finish line. The fun run includes a pie baking contest, judged by Math Leaders from the Marvelous Math Club, with prizes awarded, and this year will feature a raffle. Registration includes a raffle entry for each runner. Registration also is available for the pie contest, without the run, by filling out the interest form at unca.edu/pi-run.

Proceeds from the annual Pi(e) Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club at Pisgah View Community Center. Marvelous Math Club is a partnership between UNC Asheville, Asheville Housing Authority, and Asheville City Schools. The Club uses math as a catalyst to build leadership skills, create community and provide a space for individualized academic support and social-emotional growth.

 

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 14 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Fontana Trestle Train ft. BBQ & Brews
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad

Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating will be available on this experience!

Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.

In the Basket

Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.

And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.

Featured Breweries

                                

 

March 14                     May 2                      May 23(S)

              

    June 19 and 20       July 17&18(S)                                                 August 22
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Burlesque Brunch
Mar 15 @ 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!

Return to the Green – Celtic Celebration
Mar 15 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fluor Field

Even if green isn’t really your color, you’ll want to get in on all the (free!) fun at Greenville’s longest-running Celtic celebration.

In an era when parents taking their kids downtown feel like walking ATMs, we have worked hard to make sure that this family-friendly event is not just a lot of fun, but also FREE. Yes, there is no admission charge, and all children’s activities are also free! We hope that you find your ‘Return to the Green’ to be festive, family friendly, and a memorable cultural experience. And of course you could be that extra lucky attendee who returns home $500 richer thanks to our cash prize giveaway.

1:00 ~ Event Start
1:00 ~ Live music by the Dunn Sisters  
2:00 ~ Children’s Area Opens (Runs from 2-4)
2:15 Opening Ceremonies: Céad Míle Fáilte
             City of Greenville Pipes & Drums:
          ~ Irish & American National Anthems
             John Hanson/Whitney Bradley
2:30 ~ Irish Youth Hurling/ Gaelic Football Exhibition 
2:30 ~ Irish Dance Performance – Westend Dance Company
3:00 ~ Live Celtic Music – ‘Keltic Kudzu’
5:00 ~ Irish Dance Performance 
5:30 ~ Grand Prize Drawing for $500 Cash Prize 
             Must be present to win
6:00 Return to your House    
CANCELLED: Pollinator Meadow Workday
Mar 15 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Beaver Lake Pollinator Meadow

Image

Asheville GreenWorks invites you to join Florrie Funk, of the Bee City Asheville Leadership Committee, for an afternoon to improve one of Asheville’s pollinator havens! The workday will consist of removing invasive species from the pollinator meadow at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.

PLEASE wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. There will be gloves, but please bring hand pruners, trowels, or other weeding tools if you have them!
We will primarily be removing Japanese Honeysuckle, Porcelain Berry and non-native Clematis vines, pulling them out and digging out the bigger roots. These are aggressive invasive vines that displace the native wildflowers and grasses that native pollinators depend on. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to identify and manually remove some of our area’s most tenacious invasives.

Volunteers will receive a Bee City USA – Asheville window cling!

 

 

The Merrell Adventure Dash CANCELLED
Mar 15 @ 4:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Age: All Ages

The Merrell Adventure Dash is all about getting outside and challenging yourself to work hard for your good time. Suitable for families as well as adults, participants will negotiate a series of natural and man-made obstacles along the 5K course, including balance components, climbs and nets, a river-run, and raft crossing. This holiday weekend, enjoy a fun, family-friendly adventure run in the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Merrell Adventure Dash participants can choose between the 5K dash or a 1K fun run. Kids aged 12 and under race free with a participating adult.

Registraion opens March 1, 2020. Check back for more details.
Onsite Registration is available from 1pm – 3:30pm day of. The race starts promptly at 4PM on 5/23/2020.

Remember to wear anything you don’t mind getting dirty!

Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 18 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Mar 18 @ 10:30 am
ExploreAsheville.com Arena

10:30am – Buy Tickets
6:00pm – Buy Tickets

Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street!  Join the fun with an interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood…get ready for Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies, and move to the rhythm with Rosita.

Anything’s possible when everyone who shares something in common gets together.  Kick your feet to the beat at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic
Mar 18 @ 6:00 pm
ExploreAsheville.com Arena

 

There are two available times for this event:

10:30am – Buy Tickets
6:00pm – Buy Tickets

Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street!  Join the fun with an interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood…get ready for Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies, and move to the rhythm with Rosita.

Anything’s possible when everyone who shares something in common gets together.  Kick your feet to the beat at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!

 

Friday, March 20, 2020
EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 20 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Saturday, March 21, 2020
Early Bird tickets: 23rd annual French Broard River Festival
Mar 21 all-day
Hot Springs Campground & Spa

INTRO-IMAGE_1024px

Kick off spring in the mountains at the 23rd annual French Broad River Festival.  It’s part outdoor adventure, part music festival with whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, kid’s village, camping, great music, and much more.  Painter John, a popular FBRF musician, compares the atmosphere to “a big potluck at your best friend’s house”.  If you’ve been you know . . . what better way to enjoy spring in these mountains?

Weekend passes include camping

$120 online by 3/31/20
$125 online by 4/30/20
$140 at gate
$65 Saturday only
$45 whitewater rafting

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems: food and farm help/resources in WNC
Mar 21 all-day
WNC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems is a partnership of North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

 

Guided Hikes: Grandfather Mountain
Mar 21 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.

Redesigning Our Future: National Environmental Summit for High School Students
Mar 21 all-day
Catawba College