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.

Friday, May 14, 2021
Self-Guided WNC Tours
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes!  The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience.  Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
May 14 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
May 14 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Haunted Asheville Tour
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare.
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
Private Caboose Party
May 15 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rail + Trail
May 15 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.

Self-Guided WNC Tours
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes!  The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience.  Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
May 15 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
May 15 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
May 15 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Guided Trail Walk
May 15 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about the Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! In response to COVID-19, new safety measures have been put in place to protect our guests, members, volunteers and staff: Walks will be limited to 10 people, including the guide, and all participants will be required to wear face coverings for the duration of the walk.

This free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks depart from the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby every Tuesday and Saturday at 1 p.m. through the month of October. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours and are approximately one to two miles in length, and as such are recommended for guests 14 years or older. Walks are held rain or shine, so all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Driving Tour with Smith-McDowell House
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
The residents of the Smith-McDowell House and grounds were woven in to the fabric of Asheville.

This driving tour begins at the Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of A-B Tech and continues through historic sites related to early occupants of the house.

Haunted Asheville Tour
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Asheville, and the surrounding mountains, have also hosted numerous writers, musicians, and folklorists who have promoted (if not possibly created) some of these legends. Perhaps these are some of the reasons lore permeates the streets, hills, and valleys of this mountain city. You can see many of these sites for yourself, if you dare.
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
Private Caboose Party
May 16 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!

Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.

A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.

You can charter the caboose on:

Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Rail + Trail
May 16 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.

Self-Guided WNC Tours
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA)
Western North Carolina is defined as much by the various chains and valleys within the Appalachian Mountains as it is by the various people here. The region contains large swaths of national forest lands and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It contains old rivers and old folkways, along with an increasingly large stream of transplants and temporary visitors. This virtual tour gives a broad overview of our region.
Victoria: The Forgotten Town Walking Tour
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Western North Carolina Historical Association
Contained by its larger growing neighbor (Asheville), the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, and the Southern Railway line, the Town of Victoria existed from 1887 until 1905, when it was absorbed into Asheville. The community—which included the Smith-McDowell House and Fernihurst mansion—originally incorporated into a town to prevent unwanted development (particularly from the Vanderbilts).
Virtual Arts + Crafts Home Tours
May 16 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County

Join us for this virtual tour of three wonderful Asheville homes!  The tour link will be sent to you to watch at your convenience.  Thank you for your support of the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County and our work in the community!

Biltmore Gardens Railway
May 16 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Included with admission

Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.

In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.

Biltmore: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty
May 16 @ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Biltmore

Image result for Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty

Included with admission

A unique-to-Biltmore, large-scale outdoor sculpture will be crafted and installed in Antler Hill Village this spring by Patrick Dougherty. Over the last three decades, this internationally-acclaimed artist has combined his carpentry skills and love of nature to build over 300 of these wondrous works, captivating the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.

Image: Close Ties (2006) Scottish Basketmakers Circle, Dingwall, Scotland. Photo: Fin Macrae
NOTE: This is an example of Patrick Dougherty’s work; the artist will create Biltmore’s unique structure in Antler Hill Village this spring.

Tip-Based Walking Tour
May 16 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Square

This insider excursion provides you with tips and local secrets about the best way to do Asheville on a budget! You will have a better understanding of how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and learn everything we are doing to “Keep Asheville Weird.” This is the only walking tour provided that allows you to choose how much you think a walking tour is worth and pay whatever you like. We will follow the urban trail, stop along the way for some free honey tastings and finish the tour with some special beer tastings at one of the best local breweries in South Slope! At the brewery, you will also be able to participate in a free raffle where you receive gifts donated from local businesses like free salsa classes, local theatre performances, books and more! I want you to know and love my city as much as I do and I am excited to share this experience with you!

Pay what you want at the end!

Downtown Tour
We will meet at Pack Square where the road cuts through the park! I will be wearing a free walking tour Tshirt
My parking recommendations are either street parking in the square or the Aloft parking deck on Biltmore Ave. If it’s a weekend, there should be free parking on the streets but be sure to check the meter! Feel free to ask any other questions you may have! 
River Arts Tour 
We will meet outside of the Magentic Theatre and your guide will be wearing a blue T-shirt !
 
I recommend parking in the public parking lot directly beside the theatre for free parking close to the meeting spot! 
Monday, May 17, 2021
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 17 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding