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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.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Jul 26 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection
Jul 26 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home.

Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection.

Outdoor County Pools Open
Jul 26 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Various Buncombe County Outdoor Pools

Gather bathing suits and sunscreen, Buncombe County’s outdoor pools are getting ready to open. The County’s five outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on May 27. This includes the pools at Cane Creek, Erwin, Hominy Valley, North Buncombe, and Owen.

Outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until area schools are out for the summer. Starting on June 10, Pools will be open seven days a week.

Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost for pool entry is $3 per person.

Private lessons at the outdoor pools are available for different age groups from 3-year-olds and up. For more information on lessons or to register for a class, click here.

The pools can also be booked for private parties 14 days in advance and must have a minimum of 50 patrons. Pool bookings are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Click here for more information on booking pools.

Buncombe County Pool Locations:

  • Cane Creek Pool – 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
  • Erwin Pool – 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
  • Hominy Valley Pool – 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler
  • North Buncombe Pool – 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville
  • Owen Pool – 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa

In addition, lap swimming is available year-round at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center, a 10-lane pool managed by the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools.

For more information on outdoor pools, visit the County’s pool website or call (828) 348-4770.

The Photographs of Anne Noggle
Jul 26 @ 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
On Exhibit
TFAC’s JP Gallery
June 22 – August 18
Anne Noggle’s work consistently challenged the stereotypes and standard mythologies of women. She herself began her artistic career at age forty-three, to complement her already-established
profession as a pilot.
The exhibit is a joint presentation between TFAC, and the Tryon Arts & Crafts School and both locations are curated by Martha Strawn, president of the
Anne Noggle Foundation and art historian Lili Corbus.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Jul 26 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

A Chorus Line
Jul 26 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The “One Singular Sensation,” A Chorus Line, is coming to Flat Rock Playhouse for the first time and we are thrilled to share this award-winning musical with everyone! A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers. The show follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the cut for a new Broadway Musical. One by one, the dancers come forward to share the stories of their lives, giving it their all and putting themselves on the line to make the cut. Only eight will remain. Capturing the spirit, tension, and hope of an audition, A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all out there to make it come true!

A Chorus Line once held the record as the longest running show on Broadway with over 6000 performances, and heralds nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett. Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban. Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian. Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 26 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Etowah Lions Farmers Market
Jul 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Etowah Lions Farmers Market

On Wednesdays through October, check out the Etowah Lions Farmers Market, which
showcases local farmers, vendors and artisans and the delicious produce the area is known for, all items sold are made by or
grown by the vendor.

River Arts District Farmers Market
Jul 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
River Arts District Farmers Market

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Located in the River Arts District, and surrounded by art galleries and breweries, come find out about Asheville’s favourite mid-week market!

Weaverville Tailgate Market
Jul 26 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weaverville Tailgate Market

Weaverville Tailgate Market

Proudly serving the Weaverville community since 2009

Read to Puptart!
Jul 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

Empower Hour
Jul 26 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Henderson County EMS Center
Celebrate the women in your life with women-centric networking. Athena of Henderson County presents this unique and informal networking opportunity designed to inspire and connect women. No entrance fee – just bring your business cards and enjoy expanding your network!
Join us this month at the Henderson County EMS Center with host, Kathy Morgan, 2021 Athena Recipient and first female Henderson County Rescue Squad Chief. Along with networking, we’ll have the chance to tour this facility and learn about the services and support the Henderson County Emergency Medical Services provides throughout our community!
2023 Empower Hours are Presented by Beverly-Hanks & Associates – Ali Thomas.
‘Beer Flight’ Drag queen bar crawl
Jul 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Downtown Asheville

Asheville’s only and original DRAG QUEEN BAR CRAWL!
Experience Asheville’s one-of-a-kind Drag Queen Bar Crawl, a unique fundraiser supporting local non-profit organizations. “Beer Flight” offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vibrant craft brewery scene of Beer City while enjoying the delightful company of our hilarious drag queen flight attendant. Perfect for special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, and even divorce parties, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all fans of drag and beer alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support local non-profits and have a blast doing it!

The two-hour tour promises a side-splittingly funny experience, featuring:

  • The beer! The drag queen! FUN!
  • 2-3 Flights of craft beer/seltzer/wine/sours ($45 value)
  • Souvenir sticker ($5 value)
  • Mid-flight snack (priceless!)
  • VIP seats at an after-party event*
  • No cover and no waiting at venues
  • Photo ops with your drag queen guide
  • See FAQs at the bottom of this page
  • *After-party not available on all tours; ask!

Prepare for takeoff as Bearded Lady Productions presents a first-class “beer flight” bar crawl tour featuring the company of a hilarious drag queen wannabe flight attendant. You won’t want to miss this two-hour tour, where you’ll get to enjoy fine brews, seltzers, wines, and sours from multiple iconic downtown breweries, all while being entertained by a fabulous drag queen leading the way. Tickets for the first-class “beer flight” tour include the tour itself, all beverages along the route, fun surprises, and other perks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. You won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best of Asheville’s craft brewing scene while being entertained by a top-notch fabulous queen.

The tour has multiple dates and most tours end with VIP seats at a 2-hour special event, drag karaoke or drag music bingo. And don’t worry if a real airplane is not available for the tour, as the one-mile trip will be on foot. But that won’t stop you from experiencing the high-flying adventure that “Beer Flight” has planned for you. The after-party event is not available on all tours, so be sure to ask about it when booking your ticket. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, so grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience. The sky’s the limit with this unique first-class experience!

Upon arrival at one of Asheville’s premier craft breweries, guests will be greeted by a world-class drag queen who will serve as their stewardess for the night. As guests wait for the “flight” to board, they will have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow passengers. The tour will then take off, with the drag queen leading the way through the vibrant streets of Asheville. Although a real airplane may not be available, all seats are first-class and drinks are included. Guests will be treated like royalty, with no cover and no waiting at the breweries along the route, and a guided tasting of each flight.

Asheville Outlets Summerfest Carnival
Jul 26 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

From Friday, July 21 through Sunday, August 6, 2023, D & J Amusements is bringing the Summerfest Carnival to Asheville Outlets! Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with favorite fair foods including funnel cakes, fried Oreos, turkey legs and more. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm; Fridays from 5pm to 10pm; Saturdays from 1pm to 10pm and Sundays from 1pm to 10pm. Tickets are $20 Monday – Thursday, and $25 Friday -Sunday. For more information, visit AshevilleOutlets.com.

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Summer of Science with Asheville Museum of Science
Jul 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Pritchard Park

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Reparations Information Session
Jul 26 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
YWCA of Asheville

Reparations Information Session at the YW

In 2020, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County promised to make reparations to Black community members for hundreds of years of harm they had inflicted or been complicit in. The Community Reparations Commission, made up of twenty-five Black community members, is developing a slate of recommendations that they will eventually send to the Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Commission. Join us at this special event on Wednesday, July 26th, from 5:30-7 pm in the YWCA’s multipurpose room to learn more about this groundbreaking and historic process and how you can support it.

The event is free, but for planning, a headcount is helpful. To RSVP, click here.

Homemade Health + Wellness Series with Ashley English
Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'HOMEMADE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERIES w ASHLEY ENGLISH Learn about homemade health and wellness items with author, teacher, and homesteader, Ashley English, at Enka Candler Library. APRIL 26 MAY 24 SPRING CLEANING: LEARN HOW To MAKE NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME! SPRING PRESERVES STRAWBERRIES UNE 28 JULY 26 NATURAL BODY 6PM 7PM! AUGUST 23 NATURAL HEALTH SEPTEMBER HOME CANNING REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED'

Join us throughout the spring and summer for a class series focusing on homemade health and wellness items with author, teacher, and homesteader, Ashley English. For each class, Ashley will be bringing materials and demonstrating how to make each item. Several handouts will be given to attendees and they’ll detail everything needed for creating the project at home. The class will take place on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6 PM.
Please register so we know how many people to expect. Class is free to attend and takes place in our library community room. Please call 828-250-4758 or visit the library events calendar at buncombecounty.org/library and scroll to the date to sign up!
April 26- Spring Cleaning: All Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Wood Polish, Vinyl & Linoleum Floor Cleaner, Citrus Concentrate, Rug & Carpet Odor Sprinkle
May 24- Spring Preserves: Strawberry Jam, Quick Pickled Radishes, Beet & Dill Relish, Pickled Asparagus
June 28- Strawberries: Jam, Sauce, Frozen, Vinegar, Quick Pickled
July 26- Natural Body: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse, Rosemary Hair Oil. Easy Baking Soda Exfoliant, Rosewater Toner, Everyday Face Oil
August 23- Natural Health: -Bugs Away Insect Repellant, Boo Boo Goo, Sunburn Soother, Electrolyte Replenisher, Sleep Salve
September 27 – Home Canning: Materials & Equipment, Methods, Safety, Storage, Favorite Seasonal Recipe
Ashley English is the author of 11 books, on topics ranging from raising chickens to canning & preserving, and from hosting potlucks to homemade health & wellness products. From handcrafted pies, to natural crafting, Ashley is enamored with all things DIY, slow, and fun! She lives in a forested cove in the mountains of North Carolina with her husband Glenn (with whom she works together full-time), their two young sons, Huxley and Alistair, and a menagerie of animals. (smallmeasure.com)
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Enka-Candler Library.
Wine Down Wednesdays at Point Lookout Vineyards
Jul 26 @ 6:00 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Summer is in the Air…
Do you like wine?
Do you like peace and quiet?
Do you like sunsets?
If so, then come join us every Wednesday night for the sound of silence and relax!!

Wednesday Pub Run
Jul 26 @ 6:15 pm
Archetype Brewing

Wednesday Pub Run

Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes!

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

Asheville Tourists vs. Rome Braves
Jul 26 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Your four-legged friends love baseball too! Be sure to join us for Doggies at the Diamond presented by Patton Ave. Pet Co.

Buncombe County Democrats: Volunteerism: Recruiting, Training and Retaining Training Event
Jul 26 @ 6:30 pm
Buncombe County Democratic Party

Volunteerism: Recruiting, Training and Retaining will cover approaches to the modern era of volunteerism. Cultural changes, including work life, gender roles and need for flexibility, have led to new considerations when building a volunteer pool. We need more than warm bodies to win elections and keep the party strong. Consider how to build up a skilled volunteer force that will stay engaged for more than 1 event and even more than 1 election.

Sponsored by the BCDP Training Committee and delivered by Denise Marecki (District 11 Dems 2nd VC 2021-2023, BCDP’s 1st VC 2017-2021, BCDP GOTV Coordinator 2016)

Who should attend: Precinct Officers, Cluster Leaders, Affiliate Officers

CREATIVE FACILITATOR TRAINING
Jul 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Story Parlor

Story Parlor and Inward & Artward present: an interactive 14-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation.

Guideposts Include:

  • Identifying creative blocks, obstacles, and breakthrough strategies for self and others

  • How to create and conduct creative-based groups, workshops, classes, and retreats

  • Teaching philosophy and ethics

  • The intersection of mindfulness and the creative process, and how to implement into facilitation

  • Nurturing a sustainable creative lifestyle, personally, professionally, and instructionally

  • Tools to excavate personal stories and ways they can be used for healing, transformation, and creative bounty

  • Marketing, business planning, and logistics

  • Two one-on-one creativity coaching sessions

Early Bird pricing through April 30 | $1250
Regular price effective May 1 | $1400

Class dates include Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm
5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, 8/23, 8/30
Some classes will be conducted over zoom; Final two meetings will go till 9:30pm.

Refund and Covid policies can be found here.

Before registering, prospective participants must first submit the below application. Next steps will be provided thereafter.

Foodie Book Club
Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm
online

Foodie Book Club

A book club for home cooks, foodies, industry folks, and anyone in-between.  We will be focusing on all sorts of food writing. Somethemes will be (but not limited to): food critics, chef memoirs, wine, food history, and food politics.

The Foodie group meets virtually on the last Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. (EST), beginning in June 2022.  Please email [email protected] for the Zoom meeting info.

Irish Music Circle
Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

2023/06/28 IRISH MUSIC CIRCLE - Wed June 28th at 7pm (FREE !!! )

The traditional music of the mountains of North Carolina traces its roots back to the Celtic music of Ireland and Scotland. Traditional Celtic music is still played on the porches and in the pubs of the Celtic lands… and also throughout the southern Appalachian mountains.

In true pub fashion, White Horse Black Mountain hosts a traditional Irish style session twice a month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, starting at 7pm….

……..and there is NO COVER CHARGE.

Sessions are in many ways the heart and soul of Irish traditional music, a place for players to share tunes and socialize. It’s not a performance, but rather an informal situation in which listeners are welcome to participate, whether offering encouragement, singing along on a chorus, or asking questions about the music and instruments. White Horse sessions regularly draws players from as far away as Waynesville, Cullowhee, Rutherfordton and even Clayton, Georgia.

The sessions are hosted by Richard and Melinda Halford.

Drop by for a beer or a cup of tea and get uplifted by some great traditional tunes and a few new songs.

Come join us in a long musical tradition spanning hundreds of years.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Trivia Night
Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern
Jul 26 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern

A Chorus Line
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The “One Singular Sensation,” A Chorus Line, is coming to Flat Rock Playhouse for the first time and we are thrilled to share this award-winning musical with everyone! A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers. The show follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the cut for a new Broadway Musical. One by one, the dancers come forward to share the stories of their lives, giving it their all and putting themselves on the line to make the cut. Only eight will remain. Capturing the spirit, tension, and hope of an audition, A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all out there to make it come true!

A Chorus Line once held the record as the longest running show on Broadway with over 6000 performances, and heralds nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett. Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban. Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian. Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

Audra McDonald in Concert
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

Emmy, Grammy, and record-breaking six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald brings her lustrous voice and dramatic incisiveness to a program of beloved Broadway classics, popular standards, and lesser-known treasures. Ms. McDonald will be joined by Andy Einhorn and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra on the big stage at the Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium.

This performance is made possible by Legendary Artists Series Sponsors:
Drs. Joanne and Tom Parker

and The Robinson-Hill Humanitarian Fund


PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Audra McDonald
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Andy Einhorn, conductor

Lead SponsorPLATT

SIX the musical
Jul 26 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is a global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Featuring an all-woman cast and all-woman band, SIX has won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick), and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!”  The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 Million streams in its first month.