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.
Join us for a concert that features the talented students of Greenville County Youth Orchestras (GCYO) led by conductors Dr. Pyeongkang Park, Elizabeth Conrad, Patrick Murch, Charis Burger, Catherine Crowe, and Kathleen Robinson. The ensembles include Prelude, Intermezzo, Sinfonia, The Philharmonic and Young Artist Orchestra. They will perform orchestral music by Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Mozart and Grieg among others.
This performance will also feature the winner of the Young Artist Orchestra Concerto Competition Andrew Ning in a performance of the finale of Edvard Grieg’s riveting and virtuosic Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16.
Greenville County Youth Orchestras, celebrating more than 50 years of music making, is an educational program for students in Greenville who play an orchestral instrument. Find out more information at gcyo.net. Auditions are held every spring in May. GCYO rehearses weekly at the Fine Arts Center and at League Academy and Sevier Middle School during the Fall and Spring Semesters.
Greenville County Youth Orchestras Association is a local arts non profit organization that receives support from the Greenville County School District, Metropolitan Arts Council, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and private donations from friends of the organization. Thank you for making this concert possible!
Come Back To Earth, the world’s first and only Mac Miller tribute band is known for their
captivating live performances, thoughtful arrangements and heartfelt dedication to
honoring Mac. The focus on authenticity and attention to detail ensures that every note,
every lyric, and every moment captures the essence of Mac Miller’s unique artistry.
The incredibly talented lineup includes Marco Cirigliano on drums & musical director,
Noah Fense as the emcee, Timothy Mitchum on keys & vocals, Ben Chilbert on bass, Austin DePalma on synth, & Greg Meisenzahl on guitar.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Palmyra
“Like the best folk often does, [Palmyra] balances melancholic yearning with intimate beauty, crafting a dance of lovely harmony and unadorned instrumentation.”
-Under The Radar, 2023
“Their voice(s) drips with a beautiful desperation, every single word holding an earnestness you don’t find just anywhere anymore.”
-The Alternative, 2023
Established in the Shenandoah Valley, Palmyra’s set explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three part harmonies, and earnest songwriting. The trio captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy (he/him), Manoa (he/him), and Sasha (they/them), often described as a distant cousin of the progressive folk band, Punch Brothers, mixed with elements of Oliver Wood or the Avett Brothers. Palmyra’s songs are intimate and contemplative, with arrangements that allow them to create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble. The trio’s sound is a nod to Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, apparent through their stirring craftsmanship and dedication to a folk-driven, innovative experience throughout each unique live performance.
Palmyra has supported Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light on the road and had the honor to play the historic Newport Folk Festival in both 2022 and 2023, Americanafest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, and Floydfest where they were named the “On The Rise” competition winner in ’22.
Time Sawyer
Time Sawyer’s name reflects the pull between the past and the future. The character Tom Sawyer evokes the rural background and love of home that the band shares. Time is a muse for songwriting; it’s the thread that runs through life, bringing new experiences and giving us a sense of urgency, while still connecting us with our past.
The folk-rock band has performed on the stages of some of the Southeast’s most iconic festivals, including Merlefest, Floydfest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Albino Skunk Music Festival, and Carolina in the Fall. They’ve shared bills with American Aquarium, John Craigie, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, John Moreland, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wood Brothers, Susto, and many more.
Are YOU READY for NERD PRIDE FEST 2024!!
Saturday, June 1st 2024 : 10am – 4pm
Asheville’s local artist convention every first Saturday in June in honor of Pride month! This is a fun, free way to celebrate pride month by supporting local artists and nonprofits who do incredible things for the queer LGBT+ community in western North Carolina.
Nerd Pride Fest was our first ever event in our current location. So it had to be to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reopening with food, games, live music, and more.
As a shop owned and operated by queer-identifying folks, The Nerd Dungeon is committed to being a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages to express themselves any time of year, not just during Pride Month. We will always be a 3rd Place.
It is nice to have an excuse to go all-out and party, though! Pride Cosplay encouraged!
A portion of each ticket will benefit Appalachian Wild’s Wild Animal Rescue
Join us on Saturday, June 1 for live music at the vineyard with Garner Frick! Garner will be performing covers and originals at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery on Saturday from 12-3 PM. Come sit, sip, and soak up some tunes on the terrace overlooking Sugarloaf Vineyard! We can’t wait to see you here!
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Join Pack Square Collection on June 1st from 2-5pm for Bluegrass & Brews, a free event with live bluegrass music and refreshing sips, presented by Dig Local! The event, located on the corner of Eagle and Market Street, will include performances by Bear Creek String Bandits at 2pm, Cast Iron Bluegrass at 3pm and Blue Ridge Tradition at 4pm!
“The Four Seasons story still hits all the high notes!” Experience the Unforgettable Music and Untold Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Boys. This Tony Award-winning musical, filled with chart-topping hits, captivating storytelling, and electrifying performances, will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats. Featuring iconic songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” this musical is a celebration of the timeless music that defined a generation. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic, the music, the story of Jersey Boys.
Womansong, Asheville’s longest-running women’s community chorus, celebrates its 37th anniversary with the spring concert, “We Come From Women.” The concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, One Edwin Place, Asheville 28801, on Friday, May 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, May 18 at 3 PM. Another performance will be held at Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732 on Saturday, June 1 at 3 PM.
The concert features music celebrating the legacies of women who came before us as well as inspiring us to carve our own paths for those who will come after. It includes songs by our own Lytingale along with favorites by Sara Bareilles, Ysaye Barnwell, May Erlewine, Holly Near, Dolly Parton, and Carly Simon. From choral anthems to contemporary pop tunes, there’s something for everyone — music to make you laugh, cry, and dance!
Womansong celebrates the unity, diversity, and empowerment of women through musical expression, as we sing for Joy, social justice, and community. Our concerts help fund the operation of our nonprofit organization including the choir’s New Start Program, which provides scholarships and emergency funds to local women in need.
Womansong concerts are accessible to the hearing impaired through music sign language interpretation by Shiner Antiorio. Advanced tickets (including NC sales tax) are $25 for per adult, and tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $30 per adult. Children ages 12 and younger are free! Tickets are available at www.womansong.org.
No RSVP required. Bring a chair just in case!
ANNA KLINE
“[Anna’s] voice is a marvel—powerful and expressive—with a keening, gorgeous vibrato that brings forth images of a displaced Depression-era farmer’s wife, mourning the loss of her land to the dust.” (DeSoto Magazine).
Anna Kline grew up in a small town between Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. Hailing from a long line of musicians and singers, she was raised on a steady diet of hymns and folk, three-part harmonies, blues, and Memphis soul. She and husband, John Looney, formed Grits & Soul, and promptly set up a home base in Asheville. For the next five years they crisscrossed the Southeast, appearing at MerleFest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Suwannee Springfest & Suwannee’s Magnolia Fest, Countryfest in Belgium.
In 2017, they moved back to John’s home state of Kentucky and kept writing, performing, and playing in the region. John went on tour with John R. Miller. Anna sang harmony and played square dances with The Local Honeys. In 2021, Anna and John formed Swift Silver and put out a self-titled album drawing on their love of Memphis soul, blues, and country.
Lately Anna takes the opportunity to strike out on her own, playing solo shows, sharing songs and poetry, revealing her musical vision in a new way. Her writing is directly influenced by the redemptive strains of gospel, the drawling tremolo of rhythm and blues, and the raw twang of rural American life.
“Anna Kline’s vocals perfectly compliment the lyrics that speak to her move to Kentucky, and finding her personal rhythm amongst an inspiring web of human curiosity and creative emotion.” — A VOICE IN THE MOUNTAINS
As a solo act, she keeps good company, whether opening for Graham Sharp of The Steep Canyon Rangers, collaborating onstage and off with Kentucky stalwarts The Local Honeys, and sharing songwriter rounds with Tiffany Williams—among others.
Anna co-wrote “Last Mule in the Holler” with her friend, Montana Hobbs of The Local Honeys, which appeared on The Local Honey’s recent self-titled album, and songs from Swift Silver’s debut album were recently featured on ESPN’s True South Season 5 featuring Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Anna is also part of a Kentucky Roundtable discussion for Ari Wallach’s PBS series A Brief History of the Future, currently airing on PBS. She is currently working on a collaborative songwriting and album project called Thinking Like a Mountain.
A natural soul singer and blues musician, Drew Foust’s music sounds like it’s made between the bleary hours of a rock bar’s last call and a southern preacher’s early morning prayer. Hand made, self-made and arranged in dramatic structure, the music is lyrical and rhythm driven, always pushing a feeling forward.
The Wheelhouse is an amalgamation of some of the best musicians in the piedmont region of North Carolina. Together, Drew and the band lend themselves to heartfelt songwriting with high test grooves, purveying their signature southern soul n’ roll sound. Current members are Jimmy Washington on rhythm guitar, Jared Church on bass, Chuck Pinckney on drums and Cole Covington on keys. The band is known for expanding beyond its core members, having collaborated in studio and on stage with DaShawn & Wendy Hickman, Sam & Eli Fribush, Maia Kamil and Jive Mother Mary. With notable performances at Shakori Hills Festival, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, and FloydFest 24 in addition to opening for The Wallflowers in Winston-Salem, NC.
Drew’s second full-length album, “Good Thing,” released on Charlie Hunter’s SideHustle label in September of 2022, offers 8 tracks inspired by Memphis soul music from the 60s and 70s.
Join us Saturday, June 1 at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery for live music at the vineyard with Two Step Too! Marc Brown and Rick Reles (Just Rick), make up the Two Step Too duo. Marc’s musical journey started in New England and the Maine Seacoast. Rick is a veteran of over 20 years in Midwest bands. You can find his original songs on iTunes and Spotify. The duo has been performing for over 3 years together at dozens of venues around Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, and all points in between.
Two Step Too delivers soulful vocal harmonies to an eclectic collection of tunes you have heard, my have forgotten, and are glad to hear once gain. Their influences span Americana, roots, acoustic blues, traditional, jug band, and country. As they put it: “from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin”. Their soundscape is rounded out with 6 and 12 string acoustic and electric guitars, resonator, percussion and harmonicas. Marc and Rick will be bringing the tunes to Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville on Saturday from 4-7 PM. It’s sure to be an afternoon of amazing music, fabulous wines, great food and good times! We can’t wait to see you here!
Celebrate the culmination of the 2024 Blue Ridge Guitar Camp when we present the 3rd annual North Carolina Guitar Celebration concert hosted by iconic guitarist Bryan Sutton. Featuring Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas, Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek (The Watkins Family Hour), Jerron Paxton, Kaia Kater, Chris Eldridge, Jake Workman, Courtney Hartman, Michael Daves, Charlotte Carrivick, Barry Bales, Casey Driessen, Bennett Sullivan, and Woody Platt.
Doors Open: 7:00 PM
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY
JOHN HOWIE JR & THE ROSEWOOD BLUFF
In 1995, John Howie Jr.’s honky-tonk band, the Two Dollar Pistols, emerged out of the North Carolina alt-country explosion that gave the world Whiskeytown and the Backsliders, among others. The Pistols spent twelve years traveling around the United States and Europe, making records for the esteemed Yep Roc label with an updated, soulful take on old-school country and honky-tonk sounds. Over the course of seven albums – including a series of duets with Grammy nominee Tift Merritt – Howie and the band developed a sizable following, packing clubs on the East Coast and being flown to festivals in Europe, while the band’s albums regularly appeared on the Americana chart. In that time, the Pistols shared the stage with a veritable who’s-who of country music legends, including Merle Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver, Dale Watson, BR-549, the Derailers, and many more, and were invited to play at Opryland in 2003.
When the Two Dollar Pistols went on an extended hiatus in 2008, Howie set about forming a new group, an expansion on the Pistols’ sound that broadened its musical scope to incorporate other influences that had crept into John’s songwriting, like Southern soul, rhythm and blues and country-rock.
That group, John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff, has released two full-length albums, and, like the Pistols, the Rosewood Bluff has shared the stage with big names like the legendary George Jones, Wayne Hancock, Shovels and Rope, Dale Watson and many more. Both of the Rosewood Bluff’s albums, 2011’s Leavin’ Yesterday and 2014’s Everything Except Goodbye, were met with critical acclaim and received steady airplay on key programs like Sirius/XM’s Outlaw Country. The band’s five piece line up – that includes Nathan Golub on pedal steel guitar, Tim Shearer on electric guitar, Mark Connor on bass and Dave Hartman on drums, with Howie on acoustic and lead vocals as always- allows for movement between honky-tonk shuffles, driving country-rock numbers, and deep soul ballads, all delivered via Howie’s rich baritone.
Howie spent the majority of 2016/2017 in the studio and on the road playing drums for Bloodshot Records artists Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, receiving a co-writing credit for the song, “Fuck Up,” from the album Sidelong. He left the Disarmers in late 2017 to continue to work on his own music, and released his critically acclaimed solo album, Not Tonight, which featured members of the Disarmers and the Rosewood Bluff, in September 2018. 2020 found John and the Rosewood Bluff releasing the “Better Things” single and video and working on a new album of original material, Never Enough, for release in 2023.
Original classic-style country and honky tonk full of heart and soul, laced with wit and woe. Bringing fire and feeling to the age-old stories of heartbreak, love,loss, and victory for the underdog. They shoot straight from the hip with impassioned vocals, a tight rhythm section, and smoking leads to hit their target dead on. Hearts Gone South is based out of Asheville, NC, with members hailing from Asheville, Bristol TN/VA and Shelby NC, they have played sawdust strewn floors to festival stages everywhere from Anchorage to Atlanta. Hearts Gone South has 3 albums under their belts, with a fourth one on the way, capturing hearts and putting a wiggle in the walk in folks near and far.
Join us for 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄, a charming and melodic afternoon at DSSOLVR, where we’ll transport you to a bygone era with folksy melodies and a hearty brunch!
June 2nd starting at 12:00pm loosen up those ear holes for live music by the folksy Jackson Grimm and friends. Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the sweet rhythms of old-time music, creating the perfect backdrop for a charming and unforgettable afternoon.
We’ll also be serving up a delicious classic brunch from Deadbeat Kitchen. Stay tuned for the menu! Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors and tunes, as we bring together the very best of brunch and Appalachian music.
Get ready for a truly sweet celebration that promises to tantalize your taste buds and create a delightful buzz in the air – the Third Annual Asheville HoneyFest is back, and it’s better than ever!
There will be live music, vendors, food trucks and a chance for guests to sample and purchase both local and international honey. As a highlight, witness the thrilling live finals of the 13th Annual International Black Jar Honey competition, where local celebrities will determine the world’s best tasting honey.
Bring the whole family! We’ve got a hive of activities for the little ones, including face painting, games, and interactive learning experiences. It’s a day of fun for everyone.
And don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity – come dressed in your best pollinator-themed costume! It’s all part of the fun at Asheville’s 3rd Annual Honey Festival. For your convenience, personal water bottles are recommended, and families are encouraged to attend.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 2nd and join us in celebrating the wonderful world of beekeeping, honey, and all things pollinators as we help the Center for Honeybee Research with their largest fundraising event of the year. Together, we can make a difference and help save the bees!
Doors open at 12 PM, and the enchanting tunes begin at 12:30 PM. Secure your spot now – EARLY BIRD tickets are on sale for $12 (General Admission) but jump up to $15 per person on April 22. Children under 12, teachers, and first responders with a valid ID receive free admission. Tickets are otherwise required. Enjoy the festival stress-free with our free on and off-site parking, complete with shuttle service, courtesy of Salvage Station.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!
Join us Sunday, June 2 at the Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Winery for live music at the vineyard with Jeff Michels and Steve Kirkland!
Jeff Michels, Steve Kirkland and Jim Robertson comprise the Folkadelic 3. With influences as diverse as the Beatles, David Bowie and Neil Young, Jeff’s brew of folk rock originals and cover tunes make for a great listening experience!
They will be performing at Burntshirt Vineyards in Hendersonville on Sunday from 2-5 PM. It’s sure to be an afternoon of amazing music, fabulous wines, great food and good times! We can’t wait to see you here!
Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Mondays: Pickin’ in the Park
Enjoy performances by local singer-songwriters in an intimate and relaxed setting. Experience the rich musical heritage of Asheville as talented musicians share their stories and songs.
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Tuesdays: Hoop Jam
Join the fun with hula hoops and a live DJ. Whether you’re a seasoned hooper or a beginner, this vibrant event invites everyone to dance, spin, and groove to the music in a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.
ELECTRIC BLUE YONDER
Electric Blue Yonder is a musical group like no other, featuring Beth Hataway and Johnny Veres as its core members. Their music takes the listener on a journey through space and time, blending influences from folk, rock, and ambient music into a unique sound that is both familiar and alien.
Beth’s haunting vocals and Johnny’s intricate guitar work are the perfect match, creating a sonic landscape that captivates audiences and leaves them spellbound. Their music touches on themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world, conveying heartfelt emotions and genuine experiences.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Electric Blue Yonder continued to showcase their music through virtual performances and interviews, captivating audiences with their otherworldly sounds and unique blend of space-folk. Their debut album, “B/TST Between Space and Time,” was released just two weeks before the pandemic began, but the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft enabled them to overcome adversity and continue to create and perform.
Their sophomore album, “Mourning Sounds,” takes listeners on a metaphorical journey through the process of loss and grieving, highlighting the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find a way forward. The album’s message of friendship, perseverance, and radical acceptance resonates deeply, garnering critical acclaim from prestigious outlets such as American Songwriter, Americana UK, and V13.
With their innovative blend of musical styles and themes, Electric Blue Yonder has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of indie music. Their continued growth and evolution as artists, while staying true to their unique sound and vision, is a testament to their talent and commitment to their craft.
Their highly anticipated album, “MicroPARTY,” promises to be a celebration of life’s small moments, with catchy hooks and danceable beats that will have listeners grooving along in no time. The album’s production is said to be top-notch, with expertly crafted layers of synths, guitar riffs, and vocals that create a sonic landscape that is both immersive and exhilarating. Electric Blue Yonder’s music is a beacon of hope in a world that is ever more complex and uncertain, reminding listeners that the human spirit is capable of reaching for the stars. Their unique sound and commitment to their craft are sure to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.
For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!
Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.