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, September 22, 2019
Asheville Van Life Rally
Sep 22 all-day
Elysium Center

A weekend of camping, community, connection, and celebration with van dwellers, weekend warriors, roadtrippers, overlanding geeks, and all sorts of adventure mobile lovers. There will be 400 vehicles camping and 3,000 daytime visitors on a beautiful 65-acre property just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville.

Join us for the weekend, or as a visitor Saturday during our general admission hours (10am-10pm). More information on our ticketing site.

This is a family-friendly event where all are welcome!

Imagine Music Festival Creates An Unbelievable First Round Lineup
Sep 22 all-day
Imagine Music Festival Creates An Unbelievable First Round Lineup

After giving fans a glimpse into Chapter Six of the aquatic fairytale, with the release of the theme for Imagine 2019- “What Lies Deep at the Bottom of the Ocean,” the first round lineup is finally here. Featuring a series of mind-blowing headliners, as well as talent that underscores the depth of this annual announcement, fans are once again invited back to this aquatic mecca September 20-22, 2019. Headlining artists joining previously announced Seven Lions, include: Diplo; REZZ; Above & Beyond; Alison Wonderland; Zeds Dead and Marshmello. With still more headliners to be announced, this initial collection of top tier names are joined by over 30 additional artists.

Featuring four main stages, with more stages and artists to be announced, Imagine’s immersive aquatic fairytale will permeate all areas of the festival- from the infield to deep into the early morning in the camping areas. Additional artists on the 2019 performer lineup include: Oceania Stage: Alan Walker; KSHMR; Matoma; 1788-L; Ghastly; K?D; Leah Culver; Said the Sky and Svdden Death. Amazonia Stage: Louis the Child; Tipper; Cherub; Detox Unit; GoldfishPhantoms and Thriftworks. Disco Inferno Stage: Claude Vonstroke & Dirtybird Players Stage Takeover; Anna Lunoe; Dr. Fresch; J.Philip; Justin Jay; Justin Martin; Nora En Pure; Rusko; Wax Motif; Grave Gang and HE$H. Aeria Stage: BT; Darude; AK1200 and Reid Speed.

“Finally we are able to let the cat out of the bag and show our fans what has taken many months to curate,” says Iris Presents founders Glenn and Madeleine Goodhand. “Each year we challenge ourselves to top the previous lineup and that is proving to be more and more difficult. We are thrilled with the initial lineup and have many more gems to reveal over the next few months.”

Returning September 20-22, 2019, Imagine continues to further evolve embracing the aquatic theme that has been its hallmark over the past six years. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.

General Admission is available now starting at $199 for a 3-day pass and $249 for a 3-day pass with camping. VIP passes with express entry into festival, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $299 for a 3-day pass and $329 with a 3-day pass with camping. Payment plans are available for a downpayment as low as $57.00, where fans can elect for four low monthly installments. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.

Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information.

The Y Celebrates New Americans: Welcoming Week 13-22
Sep 22 all-day
varies see schedule below

September 13-22

Welcoming Week is all about what the Y does best – helping people
reach their potential and bringing the community together! 

Welcoming Week, an initiative of Y-USA’s national partner Welcoming America, celebrates the growing movement of communities across the U.S. that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. During Welcoming Week, communities bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents to promote cross-cultural understanding raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone.

Corpening Memorial Y

Sept. 20

  • Community Swim Night, 4-6 p.m.

Sept. 21

  • Zumba Family Fiesta, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Reuter Family Y

Sept. 16

  • Voter Registration

Sept. 17

  • Multicultural Potluck Lunch at 11 a.m.

Sept. 18

  • Presentation by Pisgah Legal Services on Immigration Law and Policy 11 a.m.

Sept. 20

  • Feature Zumba Class with Curtis at 6:30 p.m.

Y at Mission Pardee Health Campus

Snacks from around the world, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and more.

Ferguson Family Y

Sept. 15

  • Zumba Dance Class, 1:30-3 p.m.

Sept. 20

  • Special Parents Night Out

Sept. 21

  • Fun Around the World, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Woodfin Y

Games from across the globe, voter registrations, and more.

Hendersonville Family Y

Family-friendly events all week long.

Asheville Y

Sept. 18

  • Dance-A-Thon

Black Mountain Y

Sept. 16

  • Cookies Around the World
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sep 22 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

Local Natives The Gloomies
Sep 22 @ 9:00 pm
Orange Peel

This Sunday, one of our very favorite indie/folk/pop bands Local Natives returns to the Peel and the show is almost sold out!

Monday, September 23, 2019
MANNA’s 18th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser
Sep 23 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore

Today in Western North Carolina, 1 in 6 people and 1 in 4 children is facing an empty bowl.
You can help fill it—at MANNA FoodBank’s 18th annual Empty Bowls!

Empty Bowls is a unique and memorable event that celebrates community, art, and collaboration, while bringing awareness to the very real problem of hunger in Western North Carolina.

Guests select a bowl hand-made by local artisans and enjoy a seasonal meal of delicious soups, breads, desserts, and coffee. To complement the experience, local musicians provide fabulous live music. The souvenir bowl guests take home reminds them of the many WNC families that are currently struggling with hunger.

Almost every part of the event is donated, including the event space, food, beverages, and local pottery and art. This allows MANNA to use event proceeds for our food distribution and nutrition programs, which serve the more than 100,000 food-insecure households across our 16-county service area. Every dollar raised can help provide food for 3.5 meals!

Adult Ticket: $40 (includes a meal and a souvenir bowl handmade by a local artist)
Child Ticket, ages 12 and under: $10 (includes a meal and a souvenir kid’s bowl)

Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Call for Chefs- Okra Tasting Day
Sep 25 all-day
Bhramari Brewing Company

Chefs are formally invited to take part in the taste testing. Please RSVP via https://forms.gle/ZXSjGzXfDB4vCG3bA

In 2019 The Utopian Seed Project took on a wide range of crop and variety trials, including an
entirely different 50 varieties of okra to 2018. Those varieties plus Swofford’s four, will form the
54 variety taste test. “We don’t think there has ever been an okra taste test on this scale,” says
Smith. “It’s going to be pretty exciting.” By collaborating with another food-focused organization,
The People’s Seed, the okra taste test is able to reach the chef network of the Triangle area,
another food-rich region of North Carolina.
Will the same varieties perform well in all three regions? Will the Turkish variety win for a
second year running? Can anyone imagine so much okra in one place?
All these questions and more will be answered on Sept 25.

Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Sep 25 @ 8:00 pm – Sep 26 @ 2:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748857719581

Thursday, September 26, 2019
Young Farmers BBQ Mixer
Sep 26 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Hickory Nut Gap Farm and the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) have joined together to celebrate all those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

On Thursday, September 26th from 5pm to 9pm, all new and future farmers are invited to spend the evening enjoying a buffet of farm-raised bbq, drinks, and fellowship. To start the evening, attendees will enjoy a guided square dancing icebreaker, followed by live music by Bull Moose Party and finally an update from the NYFC on their tireless efforts on capitol hill lobbying for young farmers.

“With the average age of farm owners in the U.S. approaching 60 and all of the food-related challenges ahead of us in the coming decades it can often feel hopeless and daunting to be involved with agriculture in the 21st century. But the truth is, there is hope, there are more and more young and beginning farmers joining our food system every day; but with such a decentralized form of production, these young farmers often don’t have many options to connect with each other, network, and feel encouraged,” says Hickory Nut Gap farm director, Asher Wright. “Here at HNG we have a great event space and kitchen with the capacity to host an event, and so we are very excited to welcome the next generation of producers to our farm to connect with each other and be assured that nobody is alone in this industry.”

5p-6pm: Mingle and Official Welcome

6pm-9pm: Complimentary dinner, drinks, live music

Dinner: BBQ, farm-to-fork sides, fresh breads all prepared by our culinary team at Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Drinks: Each attendee will receive two (2) complimentary drink tickets that can be used for beer, wine, or specialty soft drinks. Water and tea are unlimited. Additional beverages available to purchase.

Under the Stars
Sep 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing

Save the date for Asheville Museum of Science’s largest fundraiser of the year! The 6th annual “Under the Stars” is a benefit taking place September 26th from 6 PM to 9 PM at Highland Brewing Company with a special musical guest to follow. Come celebrate and support science and STEM education. For $40/person, the fundraiser includes dinner, drinks, live music, a visit inside the museum’s portable planetarium, and premier live and silent auction items to bid on. More details coming soon!

Friday, September 27, 2019
CELTIC CORNER Music of the Irish Baroque Pan Harmonia
Sep 27 @ 7:00 pm
REVOLVE at RAMP SOUTH Studio

The Reel Sisters: Rosalind Buda Scottish smallpipes • Kelly Brzozowski harp

Arrival From Sweden: The Music Of ABBA
Sep 27 @ 7:30 pm
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

The original ABBA is Sweden’s biggest music export ever, with 370 million records sold. With rich sounds of pop, rock and funk, The Music of Abba is a salute to the legacy of countless hits including “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen” and “SOS”. This band is hailed as the most authentic and greatest of all ABBA show bands ever! So pull out your spandex, pull up your platforms and prepare to dance the night away under the sparkle of the disco ball!
Ticket Prices: $25, $31, $38

Saturday, September 28, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Sep 28 all-day
various locations see details

August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville

Hendersonville Oktoberfest
Sep 28 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Southern Appalachian Brewery

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Hendersonville with games, food, music, and of course great beer! Things to do for all ages. Small entrance fee at gate. You don’t want to miss this event!

The Ramble Fall Concert Biltmore Forest
Sep 28 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Longmeadow Park Biltmore Park Town Square
Pride. Karaoke. Love.
Sep 28 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Aloft Asheville Downtown

Join Aloft Asheville Downtown on Saturday, September 28 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for a night of fun, laughs and karaoke! Hosted by local comedian Betsy Puckett, Pride. Karaoke. Love. is an event you won’t want to miss.

And, all weekend long, Aloft Asheville Downtown will be hosting an information desk to answer all your questions. Stop by and be sure to check out these other awesome events happening all weekend long!

Movies & Mixers – Thursday, September 26
Catch a movie at the Fine Arts Theater then head over to Aloft for a fun-filled mixer! Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink.

DJ at W xyz Lounge – Friday, September 27
Enjoy an evening of music and fun at w xyz Lounge.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival – Saturday, September 28
Stop by the information booth during the Blue Ridge Pride festival with all your questions! Even better, there will be w xyz gift cards up for grabs!

Green Man Brewing IPA Special – Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29
Stop by for a refreshing glass of Green Man Brewing Luv All Brut IPA. Receive a complimentary Green Man Brewery pint glass and Green Man Pride sticker for every 16oz Luv All Brut IPA purchased. The best part? All sales go to Blue Ridge Partner Fund!

Call (828)232-2838 for more details. We hope to see you there!

Asheville Coffe Expo
Sep 28 @ 9:00 pm – 1:00 pm
pleb urban winery

A celebration of all that is coffee — the taste, smell, look and feel.

Guided by a team of coffee professionals, the curators of the Asheville Coffee Expo embrace all of the aspects of coffee, not just the caffeine buzz.

Sunday, September 29, 2019
6th Annual WNC Battle of the Burger
Sep 29 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Salvage Station

VIP tickets are $55 and include a slider from each challenger (12 burgers), complimentary beer provided by Upcountry Brewing, hard sparking water from Bold Rock Cider, and a special VIP area.

The Challengers

The following restaurants will be competing for the title:

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge
Foothills Local Meats
Salvage Station
The Real Smokehouse BBQ
Mountainview BBQ and Deli
Kitchen 743 at Isis
Biltmore Stable Cafe
The Barrelhouse
Asheville Burger and Mugshakes
White Labs Kitchen & Tap
The Grey Eagle Taqueria
Southern Porch
Zack of All Trades
Sandhill Kitchen

The Bands
Boogi Therapi

DownTown Abby and the Echoes

Longhorne Slim and The Lost at Last Band
Sep 29 @ 1:00 pm
Firefly Field Blue Ghost Brewery

Please join us for an afternoon of live music, beer, food and comradery! This event is a fundraiser for Fernleaf Community Charter School. 50% of ticket sales will go to directly serve the schools mission which can be found here http://www.fernleafccs.org. Children 12 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

Schedule

1:00 PM- Gates Open

2:00 PM- Hayley Jane

3:15 PM- The David Mayfield Parade

4:30 PM – Jill Andrews

6:00 PM- Langhorne Slim and The Lost at Last Band

Asheville Humane’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Sep 29 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company (The Meadow)

This September marks Asheville Humane Society’s 35th Anniversary, and they want to thank our animal-loving community for making their lifesaving work possible! Come cheers to 35 years on Sunday, September 29 from 3 – 7 PM at The Meadow, Highland Brewing’s outdoor space. Pack your fold-up chair or blanket and bring the whole family (pets included!) for a fun-filled day, including:
• Live performances by Ben Phan and the Jim Arrendell Dance Band
• Vegetarian & vegan fare from Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Papa John’s & The Hop Ice Cream will be available for purchase
• Contests and games for you and your pet including Most Talented Pet and Pet/Person Look-alike Contest
• Kid-friendly activities
• Raffle items with proceeds benefiting AHS
• Craft beer will be available for purchase from Highland Brewing
All well-behaved, leashed (or safely contained) pets are welcome!

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sep 29 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session 

Sundays

1 till who knows when?

Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.

Jack of the Wood

95 Patton ave

Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252.5445

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

The New Mastersounds
Sep 29 @ 8:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Touting the release of their new album, “Shake It,” and celebrating an epic 20-year-run

Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Motionless In White: The Trick ‘R Treat Tour
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Support:
We Came As Romans
After The Burial
Twiztid

An industrial city situated in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you could say Scranton quietly prides itself on a tried-and-true Rust Belt blue-collar work ethic.

For their fourth full-length album and first for Roadrunner Records Graveyard Shift, Motionless In White-Chris Motionless [Vocals], Ricky Horror [Guitar], Ryan Sitkowski [Guitar], Ghost [Bass], and Vinny Mauro [Drums]-dug into the roots of their hometown’s pervasive attitude.

“We’re a band that came out of the small town blue-collar spirit,” affirms Chris. “We put ten years into growing this and working hard to do what we love the most. We look forward to putting in another ten. Both the area we come from and the fan base brought us to this point. Graveyard Shift is all about that work ethic. It’s been instilled in us. Early on, we realized if you give the time and effort to chase a dream, it’s possible to achieve it by the sheer amount of drive and passion you have.”

Since 2006, that ethos has fueled Motionless In White’s rise to the upper echelon of modern rock. Albums such as 2010’s Creatures and Infamous in 2012 would galvanize a rabid fan base around the quintet. During 2014, Reincarnate reached new heights, bowing at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 and claiming #1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums Chart. The title track and lead single turned into a Top 20 Active Rock smash and notched 13.2 million YouTube views and 9.8 million Spotify streams. Simultaneously, they have shared stages alongside everyone from Slipknot, Korn, and Breaking Benjamin to A Day To Remember and Marilyn Manson in addition to making arresting festival appearances at Warped Tour, Aftershock, Rock On The Range, Rock Allegiance, and beyond.

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Reduced Price Growler Fill Wednesdays
Oct 2 @ 8:00 pm – Oct 3 @ 2:00 am
plēb urban winery

Select a wine on draft and fill a plēb urban winery 500mL or 1L growler for a reduced price (see menu for availability and pricing). Growler purchase is separate. Carry out only.

https://www.facebook.com/events/859748727719594/?event_time_id=859748864386247

Catch the Wave Celebration
Oct 2 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
French Broad River Academy

Join us for a night of celebration and fun October 2nd for our second annual Catch the Wave event hosted by RiverLink! We’ll have live music provided by The Barsters, awesome raffles, food, refreshments, and informational sessions providing updates on the project.

All proceeds from the event will help build the Greenway & Blueway so grab your friends and get ready for a good time!

For more information and tickets please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodfin-greenway-blueway-2nd-annual-catch-the-wave-celebration-tickets-69998580639

Special thanks to our amazing co-hosts: Asheville GreenWorks, MountainTrue, Connect Buncombe, and French Broad River Academy

RiverLink is the proud fundraising partner of the Town of Woodfin and Buncombe County Greenways.
__________________________________________________________________
AWESOME RAFFLE PRIZES
Grand Prize Items:
Homeslice Whitewater Kayak from Liquidlogic Kayaks
Raft, Zipline, Yurt Package from Wildwater Ltd.
Bike from Motion Makers Bicycle Shop
Jackson Cruise FlexDrive Fishing Kayak from Southern Raft Supply
Alloy Rim Wheelset and stem by Industry Nine

There will also be a dozen additional runner-up prizes

There will be a separate drawings for each. Raffle participants will put their ticket(s) toward whichever item(s) they wish.

**** YOU NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN**** For those unable to attend the event, tickets for the raffle may be purchased online, and we’ll enter them for you. Winners will be notified by email.
__________________________________________________________________

*Children 12 and under may attend at no charge.

Learn more about the project at https://riverlink.org/

Thursday, October 3, 2019
Fall Farm To Table Dinner
Oct 3 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Olivette

Enjoy a delicious riverside meal focused on farm-fresh ingredients to celebrate an autumnal bounty. Over Easy Cafe will share their creativity and talents with the table by designing a 5 course meal. 50/Fifty: art of dessert will transform the last course into a sweet work of art. Cordial and Craft will refresh your palate with uplifting farm cocktails and mocktails. This combination of Asheville culinary elite with the back drop of the French Broad River at Olivette’s pristine riverside park will create an unforgettable experience.

Baa’d to the Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019
Oct 3 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Baa’d To The Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019 -to benefit those living with blood cancers. Come enjoy the greatest tunes of several generations with The Rewind Band, enjoy some of the tastiest beverages from the famous taps of Highland Brewing Company, and fill up with the “baa’d”est of burritos from Baa’d Sheep Burritos Food Truck on October 3, 2019 at the Meadow at Highland Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina AND help those living with blood cancers! This fun, family-friendly event will be the first of many.

Justice Forum Pisgah Legal Jose Antonio Vargas Reception
Oct 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – US Cellular Center

Jose Antonio Vargas is the founder of and CEO of Define American, a nonprofit media and culture organization that uses the power of story to transcend politics and shift the conversation about immigrants, identity, and citizenship in a changing America. He will be telling his story and speaking about the current situation on these topics. 

In 2011, The New York Times published Mr. Vargas’s groundbreaking essay revealing and chronicling his life in America as an undocumented immigrant. He then produced and directed Documented, a feature film about his personal experiences. The film received a 2015 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Documentary. Vargas published a memoir in 2018 called Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen.

Join us for a reception before the Justice Forum, with hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine.

Semi-Wild Women’s Night
Oct 3 @ 9:30 pm – Oct 4 @ 12:00 am
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards

Ladies, please join us the first Thursday of every month** for great wine, great friends, and lots of fun!

**July’s event will not be held because of the 4th.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2190909954570744/?event_time_id=2190909987904074

Beef Butchering Class
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Chop Shop Butchery

Watch and learn as our Head Butcher breaks down an entire front quarter of dry-aged Apple Brandy beef. In this class – Watch our head butcher completes a live demonstration of breaking down the front quarter of a steer. Learn about different beef cuts, including Denver, Chuck-Eye, Rib-Eye, Skirt Steak, and more! Discover the differences between often-confused names of popular cuts and learn about cuts you’ve probably never heard of-Learn the cooking techniques for different cuts of beef (and as you’ll discover, we’ll teach you how to maximize the meals you can cook from this section of a beef.) Enjoy local and house made charcuterie and cheeses. Sip beer from a local brewery, or enjoy a glass (or two) or our favorite wines. Take home a nice cut of beef just in time for the weekend! Take home PDF notes and recipes from the class. Early Bird Tickets – $100. Class Tickets: $110 VIP Tickets: $140 (Take home a pound of Chop Shop Bacon and your choice of a Chop Shop t-shirt or hat.)