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.
New Park Updates Starting June 5
Since moving into Phase 2, we have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting:
- The Park is open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. We will continue to be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot.
- Since the Park will be operating at a “limited” parking capacity to allow for safe & maintainable social distancing, entrance into the Park will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If capacity is reached, the Park will close to any further entry until some space has cleared to allow more vehicles to enter.
- The top parking lot is still closed due to construction, so all guests will be required to park in the Meadows area (just past the Ticket Plaza).
- While we are still encouraging guests to hike into the Park from the Meadows, we are now offering a limited shuttle service up to the top parking lot for those who are unable to hike. Facemasks or face coverings are required on all shuttles. Masks will be available for purchase for a minimal cost at the Ticket Plaza and in our gift shops. Shuttles will only be able to transport a limited number of guests per trip which may result in longer wait times. If you plan to ride the shuttle, please plan your day accordingly.
- All annual passes purchased between March 2019 and March 2020 will receive an additional two months to their expiration date to make up for the period in which the Park was recently closed.
- All six hiking trails are open, the Great Woodland Adventure trail is open for those looking for an easier, family-friendly hike. The Animal Discovery Den will be closed.
- The elevator will remain closed at this time.
- Cliff Dwellers gift shop and the Sky Lounge (near the Chimney) will be open with limited capacity. Snacks and bottled drinks will be available at both of these locations.
- The Ticket Plaza will be accessible by drive-thru windows or the lobby will be available for one-person entry at a time.
- The restrooms are open and will be marked with standing areas to provide proper social distancing. Beverage vending machines are also located next to each of these restrooms.
- The Old Rock Café (in Chimney Rock Village) is open daily from 11am – 5pm for limited indoor and outdoor seating, which will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take-out service is also available. Please see OldRockCafe.com for more information.
- Our associates will be taking appropriate precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and all of our guests. We are prepared and trained to handle any situation during this time.
- Please recreate responsibly and continue to maintain proper social distancing, handwashing, and hygiene during your visit. Stay safe!
This plan is subject to change depending on circumstances. We appreciate your support and understanding during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you on the mountain sometime soon.
The Fairy trail is open Monday thru Saturday, 9am-4pm. We encourage all visitors to be patient as there will be limits to the number of people allowed on the trail at the same time. While the trail is outdoors, there are some small spaces and we want to ensure our guests and fairies are safe. Please practice appropriate social distancing and bring a mask in case. Masks are not required, but are considerate in a close area. Our restrooms are not open to the public at this time. Please make arrangements prior to visiting.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
The Fairies can’t wait to see you all here!
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process
Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828-210-3404.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”
As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”
When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month. “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.
Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.
Guests can once again peruse and purchase handmade wares from the local artist community. Guests who visit
the Spruce Pine location will also be able to preview artwork that will be featured in an upcoming
online auction to help raise funds lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep all visitors and staff
safe, visitors will be required to wear a face covering and sanitize their hands upon entering.
Toe River Arts has made great strides within the last few years to reassess programming and artistic
endeavors to ensure the organization is truly fulfilling its mission. The organization has wonderful
partners in both the town of Burnsville and Yancey County. Since 2006, Toe River Arts has occupied
office space and featured the work of local artists at 102 West Main Street in Burnsville. In July Toe
River Arts will turn the upper floor into artist studio spaces. Artists who are members of Toe River Arts
with studio space in the Burnsville location will have access to the gallery space, as well as unlimited
access to their studio space. Toe River Arts will feature artist demonstrations and continue to sell
artist’s work in the gift shop.
Anyone interested in renting a studio space should contact Nealy Andrews at [email protected]
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FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.
For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.
$20 Day / $40 3-Day Pass
Children under 12 are free
Show Times
Ticket at door ONLY
Friday 2 PM – 11 PM
Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
Instructor: Kelsey Sickmeyer
We are going to go learn how to use a pottery wheel to make cups, bowls, vases and plates! Students will learn different ways to decorate these vessels, and once finished, they will be food safe treasures for the whole family! This is a fun exploration of the clay studio for kids age 8-12.
Tuition: $225
$25 discount for siblings enrolled in the same class
Use promo code “claycamp25”
Check out our new weekly segment called In This Together, something to help bring us a little closer with music and conversation in a time when we need to be apart. Hosted by Daniel Gilliam and Teddy Abrams, with each show we’ll virtually gather with notable figures, musicians and you. You can listen Fridays at 3pm on 90.5 WUOL or watch live on Facebook.
Couch Concerts
Brought to you by Millennium Stage
Introducing our NEW series of live performances streamed to you!
It is in times like these that we need artists most. Watch talented artists perform their work and help us inspire, grieve, heal, and move forward as a nation.
LIVE: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AT 4 P.M. ET. (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) and Foundation (ADAF) today announced that they’re taking Downtown After 5 virtual.
Based on state and local guidelines regarding public gatherings, the May 15 and June 19 Downtown After 5 events are going online. Through a partnership with IamAVL and The Orange Peel, Downtown After 5 will be live streamed to YouTube and Facebook.
The 2020 Downtown After 5 concert series, presented by Prestige Subaru, will feature only local Asheville area bands. May 15’s event features April B. & The Cool and Lyric.
Hitting the stage at 5:15, locals April B. & The Cool mixes funk rock sounds with expressive vocals and impressive guitar work to create a captivating energy.
Asheville native, Lyric and her band are up next at 7pm, with a sound blends soul, R&B, funk, even a little hip-hop. She’s racked up several Mountain Xpress “best of” titles, including best vocalist, best funk and best lyricist.
Virtual Downtown After 5 is presented by Prestige Subaru and sponsored by Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Carolina Hemp Company and Cambria Suites, with additional charitable support.
The May 15 Downtown After 5 will also be part of V-LEAF, a virtual celebration of LEAF Global Arts May LEAF Festival, which was postponed due to COVID-19.
Downtown After 5 is scheduled for July 17, August 21 and September 18. It’s possible that these events will need to go virtual as well. The Asheville Downtown Association will follow all state and local guidelines for community events with the safety of the community taking top priority.
Important note: The Asheville Downtown Association and its partners will follow all requirements from state and local officials in terms of gathering size, sanitizing practices and physical distancing. If these guidelines or restrictions change, the live stream may be postponed or canceled. The health and safety of the bands and crew are our top priority.
Join us at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall every Friday at 5:30PM for our FREE Acoustic Grateful Dead series Featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.
“One Voice: BLACK & BLUE” is an exceptional narrative highlighting orations from one of America’s most influential black leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King will be embodied by Jeremiah Dew during this virtual experience, and video vignettes of local South Carolinians who lived through the Civil Rights Movement in the deep South will tell us their own stories in their own words. This special one-time presentation of JDew’s one man show, will be streamed on Juneteenth (June 19th, 2020) via YouTube Live, at 7 PM.
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)
In light of the current challenges to this highly collaborative and collective art, The Magnetic Theatre is proud to present their first annual One Act Play Festival as an online theatrical experience. Bringing together (virtually) seven teams of artists to present seven original short plays, the One Act Play Festival offerings range from comedy to drama, satire to thinkpieces, providing a little something for everyone.
Determined to keep creating while preserving the health and safety of all involved, the playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians have adapted these scripts from their original stage-bound forms into a wide variety of different styles. The One Act Play Festival has evolved into such diverse formats as audio drama, animation, and short live-action film, as well as more traditional live theatrical performance streamed over digital media.
Audiences can join with other viewers for a live-streamed watch party on Friday, June 19th at 7:30pm, or may choose to watch later through a link sent out to ticket holders. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, but registration is required to receive the link. Find more information, and sign up to see the show at www.themagnetictheatre.org.
Synopsis: In the age of social distancing, The Magnetic Theatre One Act Play Festival presents a variety of original short plays adapted to an online platform, as audio drama, animation, short film, and live-streamed performances. Audiences can join the others for a live-streamed watch party or receive a link to view the finished collection at their leisure.
Featuring:
“Hamlet’s Dead” written by Dennis Bohr & directed by Rodney Smith
“Mackerel Sky” written by Andrew Gallant & directed by Julia Christgau
“Pick Up” written by Jonathan Wickremasinghe-Kuhn & directed by Carin Metzger
“Person Meditating upon Madness” written by David Brendan Hopes & directed by Tippin
“Rosa & Leo” written by Adam Szudrich & directed by John Baldwin
“The Opposite of Entropy” written by Terran Wanderer & directed by Jessica Johnson
“Windowless White Vans” written by Bret Murphy & directed by Daniel Moore
A fancy formal live comedy show on the internet featuring 10 very well dressed comedians!
Live streaming on Instagram on @ModelfaceComedy
The show is free but tips are appreciated and will be divided among all the comics on the show.
Paypal [email protected]
Venmo @modelface-comedy
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| It’s time for a brand new Keith’s Corner! This week, Keith explores the music of Czech composer Leoš Janáček, specifically the Adagio movement from the Idyll for String Orchestra. The featured performance is by A Far Cry, a self-conducted and Boston-based chamber orchestra. |
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Summer Art Camp To Go!
Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124. Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials) |
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BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a feature-length documentary about legendary Memphis band Big Star. While mainstream success eluded them, Big Star’s three albums have become critically lauded touchstones of the rock music canon. A seminal band in the history of alternative music, Big Star has been cited as an influence by artists including REM, The Replacements, Belle & Sebastian, Elliot Smith and Flaming Lips, to name just a few. With never-before-seen footage and photos of the band, in-depth interviews and a rousing musical tribute by the bands they inspired, BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME is a story of artistic and musical salvation.
Video of the Week
Charles Mutter shares a performance of Morgen! (Tomorrow!) by Richard Strauss with Ilona Domnich, soprano, and Anthony Legge, piano. The text is by John Henry Mackay, translated by Richard Stokes.
And tomorrow the sun will shine again
And on the path that I shall take,
It will unite us, happy ones, again,
Amid this same sun-breathing earth…
And to the shore, broad, blue-waved,
We shall quietly and slowly descend,
Speechless we shall gaze into each other’s eyes,
And the speechless silence of bliss shall fall on us.
Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools at 10:30 in the morning on Thursday, June 18. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.
Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.
Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday
1-6 p.m.
“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”
Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Digital BMC
Selected past performances by BMC orchestras, faculty, and guest artists on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Open Air Brevard.
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| Like many movements in history and moments that changed the world, there’s more than one step that pushes us forward. When thinking about how we can qualify the current moment, we have to look at what people are fighting for and see how they determine that progress has taken place. While many inequalities that people of color have faced have been outlawed for some time, it is the equity that has escaped them. The difference being an emphasis on the identity of the person asking for help.
For example, if Equality is synonymous with “leveling the playing field” then Equity should be synonymous with “more for those who need it.” Having a fuller appreciation for the difference is key to progressing our country forward. And we’ll know that we are moving in the right direction when disenfranchised communities feel hope and see change. Hope, that they will see a brighter tomorrow. Hope, their children will grow up without fear or prejudice. Hope, that the world sees them as worthy. Music creates hope and change. From American to African voices, enjoy two vintage LEAF Concerts. Jupiter & Okwess – Congolese Freedom Music
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Like many movements in history and moments that changed the world, there’s more than one step that pushes us forward. When thinking about how we can qualify the current moment, we have to look at what people are fighting for and see how they determine that progress has taken place. While many inequalities that people of color have faced have been outlawed for some time, it is the equity that has escaped them. The difference being an emphasis on the identity of the person asking for help.
For example, if Equality is synonymous with “leveling the playing field” then Equity should be synonymous with “more for those who need it.” Having a fuller appreciation for the difference is key to progressing our country forward. And we’ll know that we are moving in the right direction when disenfranchised communities feel hope and see change. Hope, that they will see a brighter tomorrow. Hope, their children will grow up without fear or prejudice. Hope, that the world sees them as worthy.
Music creates hope and change. From American to African voices, enjoy two vintage LEAF Concerts.
India.Arie – Worthy Tour LIVE
@ 48th LEAF Festival Spring 2019
While we wish we could celebrate our girls in person this season, we will use the Girls on the Run of WNC VIRTUAL 5K run and walk as an opportunity to join together virtually to support the unstoppable strength, resiliency, and power of every girl! Our virtual 5K will be held from Saturday, June 20th to Saturday, June 27th. Here are a few ways you can participate:
- Complete a 5K (3.1 miles) or another distance of your choosing in your neighborhood, on a treadmill, or somewhere that is safe. Don’t worry about how fast or how far you go, as we teach our girls, it is all about finding your happy pace and to keep moving forward!
- No interest in running or walking the 5K? No problem! Complete a GOTR Physical Activity Card (details coming soon!). These cards include fun physical activity challenges that celebrate the joy of movement and highlight some of the important lessons that girls learn throughout our program. Select whichever card appeals to you and aim to complete as many of the activities you can.
Participation in the Virtual 5K is FREE. However, you can donate to Girls on the Run during registration to help support girls in our community or you can create your own fundraising page (see Become a Fundraiser tab). All proceeds from the event will benefit the Girls on the Run of WNC scholarship fund, which aims to make the program accessible to all girls, regardless of their ability to pay the program registration fee.
A virtual run is an event that can be run (or walked!) from any location you choose and any time during the open event date (Saturday, June 20th to Saturday, June 27th). It is a great way to get active and celebrate with your family, friends, or co-workers while we practice social distancing.
Walk, run, jog, indoors on a treadmill or outside in the neighborhood, a virtual run is the best way to get comfortable moving at your happy pace!
No interest in running or walking the 5K? No problem! Complete a GOTR Physical Activity Card (details coming soon!). These cards include fun physical activity challenges that celebrate the joy of movement and highlight some of the important lessons that girls learn throughout our program. Select whichever card appeals to you and aim to complete as many of the activities you can.
Show your GOTR spirit from your respective event by posting pictures and videos to the Facebook Event or using #gotrwncvirtual5k #GOTRatHome #GOTRGotYourBack and tagging @gotrwnc!
Check back on our social media to see if you have been featured!