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, August 29, 2025
Garden and Adventure Photography
Aug 29 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Garden and Adventure Photography Basics

with Cami Calnan

Friday, August 29  |  10 am – 1 pm

Elevate your photography from the level you are currently working from. In this immersive workshop, we will explore the technical aspects of the camera you photograph with. Bring your phone, your slr or point and shoot digital or film camera, and we will explore the concepts behind taking the kinds of photos you are hoping to capture.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition
Aug 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mars Landing Galleries

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

 Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age
Aug 29 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Agefocuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

Native America: In Translation
Aug 29 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Live Music at All Day Darling
Aug 29 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
All Day Darling

All Day Darling, the all-day eatery in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, invites the community to enjoy live music from local musicians every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm on their patio. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner, drinks and good vibes as local musicians set the tone for the weekend.

Upcoming performance schedule:
Friday, August 29 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, August 30 – Brent Riddle
Friday, September 5 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 6 – Ryan Furstenberg
Friday, September 12 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 13 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
Friday, September 19 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Friday, September 26 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 27 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)

The rotating dinner menu features crave‑worthy offerings like the Thunderbird fried‑chicken sandwich with Harissa aioli and fermented vegetables, the Darling Burger with chop‑shop beef and house aioli, hearty salads and bowls, and seasonal specials – all served in a warm and laid‑back atmosphere.

Admission is free – no tickets or reservations required to enjoy Asheville’s live‑music scene alongside thoughtful, market‑driven fare.

Asheville Tourists vs. Hub City
Aug 29 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Head on out to the ballgame at McCormick Field. Asheville is taking on Hub City. Game starts at 6:35pm.

Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 29 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Cyrano de Bergerac tells the poignant story of the witty and courageous Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a big heart. In love with Roxane, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian win her affection, all while hiding his own feelings and sacrificing his love for her. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Drivin N Cryin
Aug 29 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: Drivin N Cryin

with Laid Back Country Picker

All Ages
Friday, August 29
Doors: 7pm // Show: 8pm
$27.06

Grey Eagle Music Hall
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Plies and Big Boogie
Aug 29 @ 8:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Doors open at 7pm. Come on over for the fun. Labor Day weekend EME fest.

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Aug 30 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Train Depot

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,
Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.

Chasing Dragons and Damsels in WNC
Aug 30 @ 9:00 am – 10:30 am
NC Arboretum

Chasing Dragons and Damsels in WNC

with Shane Myers

Saturday, August 30  |  9 – 10:30am

Dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata) are some of our most fascinating insects. Come with us as we talk about their natural history, lives, and ecological importance. We’ll go down to Willow Pond and observe some of these enchanting insects in the wild and up close.

This program will take place outside and will follow easy trails and paved walkways. Dress for the weather and prepare to be outside for the entire program time.

 

Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition
Aug 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mars Landing Galleries

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

 Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age
Aug 30 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Agefocuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

Blue Country Line Dance’s Giddy-Up Brunch
Aug 30 @ 11:00 am
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle Presents: Blue Country Line Dance’s Giddy-Up Brunch

Saturday, August 30
Doors: 11am // Show: 11am
$11.74

Grey Eagle Music Hall – Special Event
ALL AGES
Native America: In Translation
Aug 30 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

Asheville Tourists vs. Hub City
Aug 30 @ 6:00 pm
McCormick Field

Head on out to the ballgame at McCormick Field. Asheville is taking on Hub City. Game starts at 6:05pm.

Live Music at All Day Darling
Aug 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
All Day Darling

All Day Darling, the all-day eatery in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, invites the community to enjoy live music from local musicians every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm on their patio. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner, drinks and good vibes as local musicians set the tone for the weekend.

Upcoming performance schedule:
Friday, August 29 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, August 30 – Brent Riddle
Friday, September 5 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 6 – Ryan Furstenberg
Friday, September 12 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 13 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
Friday, September 19 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Friday, September 26 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 27 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)

The rotating dinner menu features crave‑worthy offerings like the Thunderbird fried‑chicken sandwich with Harissa aioli and fermented vegetables, the Darling Burger with chop‑shop beef and house aioli, hearty salads and bowls, and seasonal specials – all served in a warm and laid‑back atmosphere.

Admission is free – no tickets or reservations required to enjoy Asheville’s live‑music scene alongside thoughtful, market‑driven fare.

The Return Of The King: An Unrivaled Tribute To Elvis
Aug 30 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center For The Arts

The Return Of The King is an internationally acclaimed Elvis Tribute Show, starring multi award-winning Elvis Tribute artist Tyler Christopher and The Roustabout Showband.

Cyrano de Bergerac 
Aug 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Cyrano de Bergerac tells the poignant story of the witty and courageous Cyrano, a man with a large nose and a big heart. In love with Roxane, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian win her affection, all while hiding his own feelings and sacrificing his love for her. Shows are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 each night. And always FREE! No Sunday performances for the last weekend of each show.

Sunday, August 31, 2025
Boomtown Arts & Heritage Festival
Aug 31 all-day
Pack Square Park
Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL proudly announces its return to downtown Asheville, set for August 29-31, 2025, at Pack Square Park. This year’s festival emphasizes community resilience and celebrates the region’s history of rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters. Drawing inspiration from Asheville’s emergence as a vibrant boomtown following “The Great Flood” of 1916, the 2025 festival seeks to support regional recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.
The three-day, family-friendly festival will offer a dynamic lineup of musical performances, heritage trail tours, wellness activities, interactive workshops, and local artisans, all aimed at highlighting and preserving Asheville’s unique cultural tapestry. Boomtown FestAVL will feature rich programming designed to engage residents and visitors alike in celebrating the city’s past, present, and future.
Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Aug 31 @ 12:00 am – 2:30 pm
YMI Cultural Center

Written and Performed by Award-Winning Playwright and Actor, Mike Wiley
Co-presented by NC Stage and the YMI Cultural Center
*Please note: All performances of Tired Souls will take place at the YMI Cultural Institute at 39 S. Market St. Downtown Asheville*

Tired Souls opens in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955 – the day Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man. Her determination was the catalyst that inspired Montgomery’s black citizens to abandon all travel on city buses until they were no longer forced to sit in the back or stand when a white person boarded. But there were others who came before Mrs. Parks and laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and others so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever.

Join us for a Q&A with playwright and performer Mike Wiley following each performance.

Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition
Aug 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mars Landing Galleries

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is proud to announce its first-ever craft exhibit: Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Exhibition. This landmark event will bring together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT), showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Mars Landing Galleries, owned by Miryam Rojas and located at 37 Library Street, Mars Hill, NC 28754, will serve as the venue for this celebration of craft from July 2 to September 28, 2025.

Southern Appalachia’s artistic spirit, deeply rooted in its beautiful natural environment, will be on full display. From the intricate details of pottery to the masterful craftsmanship of woodworking, the exhibition will feature 60 pieces spanning a diverse range of traditional mediums, including fiber art, printmaking, metalworking (including jewelry), and basketry. This celebration of local artistry comes at a crucial time, as Hurricane Helene impacted many artists. Artists participating are from the central and western sections of BRNHA’s 25-county footprint, encompassing the NC mountains and the Qualla Boundary.

The gallery’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Adding to the visitor experience, the exhibition coincides with three First Friday events in Downtown Mars Hill – July 4, August 1, and September 5. On these evenings, the downtown area, including Mars Landing Galleries (open 5 pm – 8 pm, with live music), will offer extended hours, inviting the community to explore local shops, restaurants, galleries and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

 Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Age
Aug 31 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Our latest exhibition, Iron and Ink: Prints from America’s Machine Agefocuses on a dynamic era in American history when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.

Showcasing Collection prints from 1905 to the 1940s, Iron and Ink explores connections between industrial labor, urbanization, and the growing middle class. The exhibition highlights works by Works Progress Administration artists from the 1930s whose powerful images of machinery, skyscrapers, and daily life—both at work and recreation—capture this transformational era in American society.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Robin Klaus, PhD, assistant curator.

Native America: In Translation
Aug 31 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Asheville Art Museum presents Native America: In Translation, an
exhibition curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Star, on view from May 22 through November 3,
2025. Featuring work by seven Indigenous photographers and lens-based artists from across North
America, the exhibition explores urgent questions of identity, heritage, land rights, and the ongoing
impact of colonialism.

Building on Red Star’s role as guest editor of the Fall 2020 issue of Aperture magazine, Native
America: In Translation continues the conversation through personal and often experimental visual
storytelling. Using self-portraits, performance-based imagery, and multimedia assemblages, the
artists offer new perspectives on Native life and representation today.

International Overdose Awareness Day
Aug 31 @ 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Carrier Park

International Overdose Awareness Day takes place on August 31st — in Asheville, OAD events will take place at Carrier Park from 12:30-5:30p Sunday. Join us in uplifting each other in recovery and honoring those we have loved and lost to overdose. This gathering will host panelists, a youth speaker, a guided writing activity, and community connection along with a collective honoring of loved ones lost. Free food from Equal Plates will be provided for lunch. We welcome friends, families, and community members in recovery as well as anyone who feels called to offer their heart to this meaningful day. Hosted by SeekHealing partnered with WNCAP, Buncombe County, UMOJA, RHA, Sunrise Community Center, and Vaya Health.

From Mike Wiley Productions: Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Aug 31 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
YMI Cultural Center

August 20–31, 2025 | Presented in partnership with North Carolina Stage Company and Mike Wiley Productions

The YMI Cultural Center is proud to host Tired Souls: King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a powerful stage production that brings to life the early days of the Civil Rights Movement and the pivotal leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Running Wednesdays through Sundays, the play offers both evening and matinee showings to accommodate diverse audiences.
Special programming includes:

  • HBCU/NPHC Nights on Fridays

  • Sliding Scale Admission on Wednesdays and Thursdays

  • Sunday Matinees designed with Black faith communities in mind

Stay tuned for special BIPOC ticket promotions, offered exclusively by the YMI.

Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience that honors the spirit of resistance and the power of community.

SpiritFest 2025
Aug 31 @ 5:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Join us for the 33rd Annual SpiritFest at Bon Secours Wellness Arena!

Featuring: Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Ricky Dillard, Luther Barnes, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites.

Tickets are available at the GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena from the on sale through show day while supplies last. Box Office hours vary but we are generally open Monday-Friday from 10AM-2PM.

Asheville Tourists vs. Hub City
Aug 31 @ 6:00 pm
McCormick Field

Head on out to the ballgame at McCormick Field. Asheville is taking on Hub City. Game starts at 6:05pm.

Ali Siddiq: In the Shadows
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center

Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.

MaMuse
Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: MaMuse

Sunday, August 31

Doors: 6pm // Show: 7pm

$35.90 to $51.35

Grey Eagle Music Hall

ALL AGES

SEATED SHOW

LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Join MaMuse for an evening of music and song to uplift the spirits and rejuvenate the soul.

MaMuse (“Ma” as in Mamma; “Muse” as in the one who inspires) is returning to Asheville with their band to share harmonic, uplifting, luscious, folk-soul: a musical tune-up for the heart.