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.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.
Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021
If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance. If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Yet another reason to love fall in WNC! The front window display of Woolworth Walk will come alive with wildlife as imagined by 17 local artists. Mark your calendars and visit Woolworth Walk in October to purchase your favorite, these works are sure to sell out fast! Not only will you go home with a beautiful piece of art, but you will be supporting the wild ones and the mission of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge!

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.
We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!
If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.
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* 2-night standard accommodations at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival. * 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend. * 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court. * 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night. |
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
* Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). * One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours. * 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. |
Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.
Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

Yet another reason to love fall in WNC! The front window display of Woolworth Walk will come alive with wildlife as imagined by 17 local artists. Mark your calendars and visit Woolworth Walk in October to purchase your favorite, these works are sure to sell out fast! Not only will you go home with a beautiful piece of art, but you will be supporting the wild ones and the mission of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge!
Get your family together for this Wild West Shindig. Admission includes a real cowboy supper, live foot-stompin’ music, hay rides, petting zoo, spectacular fireworks and much, much more! A Family Event you don’t want to miss!

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.
|
* 2-night standard accommodations at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa (Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021)
* 2/weekend passes to the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival. * 1/free vehicle Parking Pass for Dirty Dancing Festival weekend. * 2/vouchers to enjoy the Dirty Dancing Festival Food Court. * 2/tickets to the After Party on the Beach at Lake Lure Saturday night. |
* Sunday Breakfast Buffet for 2 at The Veranda Restaurant located inside the Lake Lure Inn.
* Dirty Dancing Festival Merchandise (2/shirts, 2/hats, 2/cups, and extra surprises). * One-hour pontoon boat cruise for 2 with Lake Lure Tours. * 2/tickets to visit and explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. |
Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.
Enter the raffle drawing to win a trip for 2 and stay at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa where Baby & Johnny’s cabins are located, tickets to all the festivities surrounding the festival weekend, tours of the breathtaking, mountain area, and mementos to take back home with you. Each raffle offered doubles your chances to win, so go ahead and give it a try!

Yet another reason to love fall in WNC! The front window display of Woolworth Walk will come alive with wildlife as imagined by 17 local artists. Mark your calendars and visit Woolworth Walk in October to purchase your favorite, these works are sure to sell out fast! Not only will you go home with a beautiful piece of art, but you will be supporting the wild ones and the mission of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge!

We are teaming up with Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County to host a safe and socially-distanced trick-or-treating event for friends and families alike!
We are creating a maze of tables (minimally 6ft apart) for trick-or-treaters to follow stopping at each table to collect a special Halloween treat from volunteers at the Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County.
Check-out the details below:
– Fun Halloween music and decorations throughout the building
– Admission is $10
– Admission gets you (1) Beer Token and up to 6 entries in your group (i.e. 1 Adult & 5 Kids, etc.)
– A special treat for each person in your group at each station
– Only 15 groups allowed per 30-minute session to allow proper social distancing
***All ticket proceeds go directly to the Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County***
We are happy to be able to present live dance in 2020, two nights in a row! Danse Macabre is a one act Halloween-themed story ballet featuring the artists of the Asheville Ballet.
Audience capacity is capped at 100.
Reserved seating only. Each section purchase will safely fit TWO people per social distancing guidelines. If your party is larger than two please purchase an adjacent section and combine.
Come and join our artists on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, at 7:00pm, for an hour long presentation of classical and modern dance and theatre featuring the music of, among others, Camille Saint-Saëns, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Misfits!
No refund on tickets. Rain date will be Sunday November 1st at 7pm.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Yet another reason to love fall in WNC! The front window display of Woolworth Walk will come alive with wildlife as imagined by 17 local artists. Mark your calendars and visit Woolworth Walk in October to purchase your favorite, these works are sure to sell out fast! Not only will you go home with a beautiful piece of art, but you will be supporting the wild ones and the mission of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge!

https://www.facebook.com/events/358787162213411/
We are happy to be able to present live dance in 2020, two nights in a row! Danse Macabre is a one act Halloween-themed story ballet featuring the artists of the Asheville Ballet.
Audience capacity is capped at 100.
Reserved seating only. Each section purchase will safely fit TWO people per social distancing guidelines. If your party is larger than two please purchase an adjacent section and combine.
Come and join our artists on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and 31st, at 7:00pm, for an hour long presentation of classical and modern dance and theatre featuring the music of, among others, Camille Saint-Saëns, Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, and The Misfits!
No refund on tickets. Rain date will be Sunday November 1st at 7pm.
No-Frills Halloween Dance Party!
We all know: this year is different. So, this is the deal and it’s not fancy:
We have no DJ; it’s a play list with some of our favorite dance music.
You have to dance outside in our parking lot. And, wear a mask. And, dance six feet apart from people you don’t know. And, don’t take candy from strangers. Just joking. But, it’s a good rule in general.
We’ll probably have a costume contest but guess what the prize is. Nothing. Simply the honor of winning. Which is something.
If you’re out, stop by. We’d be honored to be a part of your celebration because it’s our most favoritest time of year.
21+

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.
We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!
If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older
ABOUT WORDplay©
WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.
We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.
Staff Picks From Around the Web
The Royal Ballet:Alice in Wonderland
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the rehearsal of the Royal Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

