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 18, 2023
LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Aug 18 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
At the Café
Aug 18 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Four women navigating middle age are thrown off course with their own personal challenges.  Join them on their journey in this funny, poignant story about aging and friendship.  Fourteen original songs will have you tapping your feet, laughing out loud and even shedding a tear. (Mature themes, not suitable for children.)

A musical by local playwright Marcy Gallagher.

Music by local singer/songwriter Sarah Kohrs.

Comedy at Catawba: Lace Larrabee
Aug 18 @ 7:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Lace Larrabee is an actor, nationally touring stand-up comedian and former southern beauty queen who can be seen at clubs across the country

Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This weekend we have Lace Larrabee from Atlanta!!!

Lace Larrabee is an actor, nationally touring stand-up comedian and former southern beauty queen who can be seen at clubs from coast to coast. Lace was a season 17 semifinalist on America’s Got Talent and was brought back at the finale show to roast judge Simon Cowell alongside the Roastmaster General himself, Jeff Ross!

Lace’s debut comedy album,White Trash Cinderella, produced by 800 Pound Gorilla Records, was released in September 2022 at the number 1 spot on the comedy charts. The accompanying YouTube special garnered over 190k views in the first month and continues to climb.

Lace and fellow Atlanta comedian Katherine Blanford (The Tonight Show) co-host the hilariously healing podcast, CHEATIES! CHEATIES is a delicious, juicy, part of a well balanced diet. Every week, these two snarky co-hosts interview a guest who’s either been cheated on or been the cheater. This podcast focuses on the mistakes we all make in relationships and more importantly, how we overcome them and make it out on top.

Lace is also very passionate about helping to elevate the voices of other women. She founded Atlanta’s first and only all female stand-up comedy class Laugh Lab at the legendary Punchline Comedy Club. Laugh Lab now offers coed classes as well and was voted “2019 Best Comedy Class” by Atlanta Magazine.

 

ages 18+

doors at 6:30, show at 7pm

Tickets $18, premium seating $23

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 18 @ 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.

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Midnight Basketball Summer Slam
Aug 19 all-day
Carrier Park

Midnight basketball returns this summer outside at Carrier Park! Come out for open play with your squad and experience some amazing local food trucks and have some fun! All for FREE!

¡Sal a ENCESTAR! ¡El baloncesto de medianoche regresa este verano al aire libre en el Parque Carrier! ¡Ven a jugar libremente con tu equipo y disfruta de increíbles camiones de comida local y diviértete! ¡Todo gratis!

NOC Paddling School
Aug 19 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 19 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Aug 19 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Summer Cycle Riding in Color: BIPOC + Asheville on Bikes
Aug 19 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
New Belgium Brewing Company

Summer Cycle Schedule

Riding in Color: BIPOC Affinity Schedule

10:00 AM:
Summer Cycle Check In

10:30 AM:
Summer Cycle Begins

11:30 AM:
Summer Cycle Returns

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM:
Pop-Up Bike Park

Asheville on Bikes: Open Afternoon Schedule

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM:
Pop-Up Bicycle Park

3:00 PM:
Summer Cycle Check In

3:30 PM:
Summer Cycle Begins

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM:
Post Ride Silliness & Pop-Up Bicycle Park

*The morning affinity program is for individuals and families that identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color.

The Summer Cycle includes the pop-up bike park sponsored by Kid Cycle Club and three route options which can be previewed and downloaded to your device via the Summer Cycle Ride With GPS Event Page. Each route features an infrastructure project that AoB is influencing.

The Routes:

  1. Cruiser: (4 miles) A mostly level tour of the River Arts District featuring the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, protected and traditional bike lanes. The route rolls by the French Broad River West: AVL Unpaved project area.
  2. Main Ride: (13 miles) Includes the Cruiser plus active city and slow neighborhood streets. The route rolls by both the Bacoate Branch: AVL Unpaved & College Patton Complete Street project areas.
  3. Ride More: (17 miles) Includes the Main Ride and features a climb through North Asheville before descending back into the River Arts District. The route rolls along the new Merrimon Ave bike lanes and street calming project.
LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
Aug 19 @ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room


Kids’ Comedy Tour: 
Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

  • Perfect for birthday parties
  • Makes for memorable school field trips
  • Tickets are $27 per person
  • Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Toybox’s (mostly) Monthly Puppetry Series
Aug 19 @ 11:00 am
The Magnetic Theatre

Toybox Theatre, in collaboration with The Magnetic Theatre, presents a new puppetry series for ALL AGES. This new series will feature original works by acclaimed award-winning puppeteer and clown Toybox, and will bring some of the best puppeteers in the nation as special guests!

Toybox Theatre has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast with their unique brand of humor and art for over 20 years! Garnishing many “fan favorite” and “funniest show” awards, Toybox has also received an UNIMA Citation for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry, and funding from The Jim Henson Foundation.

At the Café
Aug 19 @ 7:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Four women navigating middle age are thrown off course with their own personal challenges.  Join them on their journey in this funny, poignant story about aging and friendship.  Fourteen original songs will have you tapping your feet, laughing out loud and even shedding a tear. (Mature themes, not suitable for children.)

A musical by local playwright Marcy Gallagher.

Music by local singer/songwriter Sarah Kohrs.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 19 @ 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.

Modelface Comedy Presents: Eitan Levine at Ginger’s Revenge South Slope
Aug 19 @ 7:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge South Slope

Eitan Levine is a New York based writer and comedian/human theme park. He’s also written for the New York Times, New York Magainze (The Cut), Amazon, Sony/Embassy Row, Reader’s Digest and has worked on creative projects with companies like Nike, Red Bull, JEEP, Audible, Tru TV and others. His work has been featured on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Extra and More. He has previously been staffed as a journalist/producer/on-air talent at Elite Daily, Cheddar, Mashable and several other publications. In 2017, Eitan was hired as a writer for “Hollywood Says,” China’s only celebrity talk show filming in the U.S.. During his time at Cheddar, his series “Money Menu” and “Business of Going Viral” were the highest-rated shows on the channel. His work has been covered by the New York Post, Daily Beast, Jerusalem Post, Algemeiner, BroBible, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, several Taylor Swift message boards, Glen Beck once for some reason and others. Through articles, videos, a documentary series and live broadcasts his work has been seen by billions of people across the globe.

In 2022, Eitan was tapped to Co-Host a show on Amazon’s new Sports Talk network. It’s called “Game Breakers” and is LIVE everyday from 2-4pm

In 2020, with comedy clubs shut down, Eitan started an outdoor show in Central Park with comedian Drexton Clemons. The show became a local hit and was picked up by Sony / Embassy Row (Watch What Happens LIVE!) to be turned into a podcast with video called NYC Is Dead.

In 2022, Eitan went viral with his Jewish Man On The Street videos— especially a series called “Jewish Or Antisemitic”. To date, the video series has over 21 Million views and 3.5 Million likes.

Other credits include writing for the Emmy awarding winning sports segment “5 For Fischler,” being one of 30 finalists in the running to live in the MLB FanCave 2013 and posing for a picture featured in The New York Times while holding a sign that said “PALIN! CALL ME” with his cell phone number underneath. He’s also been featured as a performer at Asheville Comedy Festival, Milwaukee Comedy Fest, Motor City Comedy Fest, Baltimore Comedy Festival, the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, Comedy Mob Fest, New York Comedy Festival, Stand Up NY, Cleveland Comedy Fest (BEST OF FEST AND WINNER OF THE NATE COCKERILL PERFORMANCE AWARD), Cola Con, North Carolina Comedy Festival, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, Carolines, Broadway Comedy Club and others around New York city and across the country. On top of that, Eitan has performed at numerous synagogues, JCCs, cultural centers, colleges and corporate functions.

None of his favorite sports teams have won a championship since 1994.

He also once threw a 5 day comedy festival in his apartment called “Apartment Fest.” It had 6 sponsors, which is crazy.

 

ages 18+

Sunday, August 20, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Aug 20 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 20 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Aug 20 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
At the Café
Aug 20 @ 2:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Four women navigating middle age are thrown off course with their own personal challenges.  Join them on their journey in this funny, poignant story about aging and friendship.  Fourteen original songs will have you tapping your feet, laughing out loud and even shedding a tear. (Mature themes, not suitable for children.)

A musical by local playwright Marcy Gallagher.

Music by local singer/songwriter Sarah Kohrs.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 20 @ 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.

Monday, August 21, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 21 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

2023 Bulldog Athletics Association Scholarship Golf Classic
Aug 21 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Country Club of Asheville

The 2023 Bulldog Athletics Association (BAA) Scholarship Golf Classic presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be held August 21 and 22 at the Country Club of Asheville. All proceeds from the Golf Classic go to support the UNC Asheville student-athlete scholarship fund. These funds support the cost of tuition, health services and more to give our Bulldogs a foundation of success for their time at UNC Asheville and beyond.

To register as an individual, foursome, or sponsor, please email [email protected] or call 828-258-7752.

The cost for an individual player is $500, with foursomes available for $2,000. Space is limited to the first 200 paid entries.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. each day, with a shotgun start scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Country Club of Asheville on both days. At approximately 3 p.m. on each day, there will be an “Awards and After Party” after the conclusion of play.

Visit the UNC Asheville Bulldogs website for more information.


Accessibility

UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.

Visitor Parking

Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Aug 21 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 21 @ 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.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Special Olympics Fall Sports Registration is OPEN
Aug 22 all-day
online

Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!

Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!

Register here!    

Special Olympics Fall Sports Interest Form (office.com)

Asheville Parks + Recreation Adult fall athletic programs + sports leagues
Aug 22 @ 7:00 am
Various Locations

With multiple parks featuring ballfields and volleyball, pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts, Asheville has plenty of opportunities to join pick-up games or play with organized sports leagues. Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) offers a broad line-up of youth athletics programs, adult sports leagues, and special events throughout the year with an emphasis on fair play and enjoyment for any level of experience, including the fall opportunities below.

Search Current Asheville Sports and Athletics

Limited spots available, so advance registration at AVLREC.com required. Some activities offer discounted registration for early sign ups. Most team sports also offer “looking for a team” options for free agents. Some activities charge a higher rate for participants who do not live in Asheville.

Leagues

6v6 Indoor Volleyball League, $200 per team

Registration opens November 27, games begin January 16 for winter season

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center.

Over 40 Basketball League, $60 per player

Registration ends August 24, games begin September 12

Asheville’s newest team sports league provides an opportunity for community members over 40 who want to get back into the game or prefer to play with others around the same age. Sign up as an individual to be placed on a team based on height, position, and skill level for games played at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center.

Flag Football League, $600 per team

Registration opens August 30, games begin October 17

Upper, middle, and lower divisions play at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Winter Basketball League, $600 per team

Registration opens October 10, games begin November 27

Upper and lower divisions play at Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center. Middle division plays at Stephens-Lee Community Center.

Clinics and Tournaments

Tennis Clinic, $20 per player

Registration ends September 6, clinics held each Tuesday and Thursday from September 12-21

Instructional clinics for beginners and intermediate players teach the basics and build on skills each class at Murphy-Oakley Park.

Doubles Grass Volleyball Tournament, $20 per team

Registration ends September 5, tournament on September 16

Six sets to 21 in pool play for advance and intermediate divisions in which all teams advance to the playoffs on a day of music, fun, and volleyball at Carrier Park.

Intro to Golf, $10 for series with players responsible for their own green fees

Registration ends September 28, games played each Wednesday from October 4-25

Travel to a different golf course each week for one-on-one coaching to learn the game. For more info, contact Colt Miller at [email protected] or (828) 707-2376.

Pumpkin Ball Softball Bash Tournament, $150 per team

Registration ends September 30, tournament on October 7

All players hit a 16-inch softball in games played on a 200-foot distance field with unlimited home runs with a three-game guarantee. Winning teams receive prizes and trophies. For more info, contact Zack Stewart at [email protected] or (828) 545-1644.

Late Night Wiffleball Tournament, $5 per team

Registration ends November 9, tournament on November 16

Five-player teams play in this two-game guarantee tournament at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center. For more info, contact Kiley Pritchard at [email protected] or (828) 507-3357.

 

Asheville Parks + Recreation Youth Fall + Winter athletic programs + sports leagues
Aug 22 @ 8:00 am
Various Locations

Flag Football, $15 per player

Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9

Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.

Softball Clinic, $10 per player

Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11

Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.

Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer

Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16

This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.

Winter Basketball League, $35 per player

Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6

Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.

Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive

A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.

Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free

Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18

Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.

 

2023 Bulldog Athletics Association Scholarship Golf Classic
Aug 22 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Country Club of Asheville

The 2023 Bulldog Athletics Association (BAA) Scholarship Golf Classic presented by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be held August 21 and 22 at the Country Club of Asheville. All proceeds from the Golf Classic go to support the UNC Asheville student-athlete scholarship fund. These funds support the cost of tuition, health services and more to give our Bulldogs a foundation of success for their time at UNC Asheville and beyond.

To register as an individual, foursome, or sponsor, please email [email protected] or call 828-258-7752.

The cost for an individual player is $500, with foursomes available for $2,000. Space is limited to the first 200 paid entries.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. each day, with a shotgun start scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Country Club of Asheville on both days. At approximately 3 p.m. on each day, there will be an “Awards and After Party” after the conclusion of play.

Visit the UNC Asheville Bulldogs website for more information.


Accessibility

UNC Asheville is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. If you have any questions about access or to request reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event, please contact the Event Organizer (see below). Advance notice is necessary to arrange for accessibility needs.

Visitor Parking

Visitors may park in faculty/staff and All Permit lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.
Prior to 5pm, any visitor (regardless of their reason for visit) need to adhere to the current practices listed on the parking website. Get your visitor parking permit here

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
Aug 22 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Asheville Tourists vs. Brooklyn Cyclones
Aug 22 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Get BOGO GA Adult Tickets with promo code INGLES when you buy online.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 22 @ 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.