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.

Monday, February 26, 2024
Diana Krall
Feb 26 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two GRAMMY® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum albums. Her 1999 release of When I Look in Your Eyes spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the #1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two GRAMMY® Awards, and went Platinum in the U.S. and Canada. Her most recent release, This Dream Of You, has garnered critical acclaim from fans and press alike. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. As The New York Times recently noted, she possesses “a voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication.”

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Feb 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
LEAF RETREAT TICKETS ON SALE FOR MEMBERS
Feb 28 all-day
online

What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.

 

Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!

 

DATES: May 9-12, 2024

TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.

 

Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.

Saturday, March 2, 2024
LEAF RETREAT TICKETS ON SALE FOR MEMBERS
Mar 2 all-day
online

What is LEAF Global Arts Retreat? Imagine all the adventure, traditions, art, and music of LEAF festivals, still at beautiful Lake Eden, but in a more intimate gathering of just 1,500 attendees. “Old School Magic and Happiness” is how people have described LEAF Retreat since its inception in 2021, with space to kick back, relax, play, camp and connect with arts, music, and nature – it’s super sweet.

 

Retreat was created during COVID as a way to heal and experience joy in unusual times. We loved the experience so much that we decided to keep this format for our signature May event. Retreats are for renewal, reconnecting, and learning at Lake Eden’s 300+ acres. Come enjoy with family, friends, or solo!

 

DATES: May 9-12, 2024

TICKETS: $50-$250 for adults. Limited day passes available; Weekend Passes must be purchased by LEAF Members; Youth tickets are available; Kids younger than 10 are free! WeX Volunteering Options are available. Weekend passes include access to camping at Lake Eden. Passes for car camping, RVs, and private rustic camp cabins are limited and available through the website.

 

Save the dates for LEAF Global Arts Festival, October 17-20, 2024.

Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 2 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, March 8, 2024
Perennials + Dahlias
Mar 8 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

Learn about the basics of perennial and dahlia culture. What is a perennial and what makes them special in the garden? How can you get free plants from your current perennials? These questions and so much more will be covered. We will also have a demo on how to divide perennials. Presented by Isaac Wyatt, Agricultural Program Assistant with Henderson County Extension, will teach the basics of perennial and dahlia culture.

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 9 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Western Carolina Singer-Songwriters Showcase V
Mar 10 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

– ALL AGES      

– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

WESTERN CAROLINA WRITERS

Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022!  This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters:  Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee.  There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live.

 

Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show.  The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina.

 

After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate.  And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse.

 

In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated.  With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move.

 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Standup Comedy in The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement
Mar 12 @ 7:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

Standup Comedy featuring Allison Shelnut
The Orange Peel’s Pulp
When: Tuesday March 12, 2024.
7p-9p, doors at 6:30p
Where:
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge, 103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley, featuring Allison Shelnut open mic is 3-5m each, comics get in free with free snacks!
Host Hilliary Begley-
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter. With her larger that life personality!! Voted repeatedly Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Featuring Allison Shelnut-
Allison once stole a hamster from the mall in Greensboro, North Carolina. It bit her. She deserved it. Allison is now a stand-up comedian based out of Asheville. Allison is known to engage the crowd on a wide range of topics from contraceptives to 90s toys. Outside of comedy you’ll find Allison in the woods with her darling dog, Jacob.
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info!

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Mar 13 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Neil deGrasse Tyson is the Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City, as well as a renowned astrophysicist. He is the recipient of twenty-one honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen.

He will speak about The Cosmic Perspective: There is no view of the world as emotionally potent as the one granted by a cosmic perspective. It’s one that sees Earth as a planet in a vast empty universe. It profoundly influences what we think and feel about science, culture, politics, and life itself.

The VIP post-show Q&A includes the following:

  • One reserved seat ticket
  • A private Q&A session with Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Creative Writing Group online
Mar 14 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
online

Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other.  This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun.

Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting.

The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only.  Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue.  You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions.  Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation.  The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System.

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 16 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
Firefly Gathering’s Spring Equinox Mini-Fly
Mar 16 @ 4:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Celebrate the start of Spring with Firefly Gathering! Join us in the daytime for Earthskills demos, live music, and local flavors, then dance the night away with our after-hour DJ sets. Learn more and get your tickets today at www.fireflygathering.org

~
Full Description:

Tickets are going fast for this community celebration! This experience shares a taste of everything that Firefly is known for: earthskills, expert instructors, live music, local flavors…and ample time to dance! With day and night-time offerings, this Mini-Fly has something for everyone.

Bring the whole family during the day for Earthskill demos with our expert instructors, and enjoy live music, a traditional Cherokee Indian dinner, and all the craft beverages that One World Brewing has to offer while you’re there (dinner and drinks available for purchase from vendors)! As the sun goes down, bust out those dancing shoes and join us for our DJ Dance Party with DJ Lakesolace from 8pm – 10pm and DJ Meticulus from 10pm – 12pm (21+ ONLY).

Our ticket options give you the flexibility to join for all or part of the event, with full event tickets starting at just $29. Join us on March 16th at One World Brewing West through the ticket link below. We can’t wait to dance in the Equinox with you!

Additional Info:

Here’s our schedule for the day:

4PM – 7PM: Earthskills Demos with Grant Adkisson, Josh Barnwell, Jessica Kaufman, Tyler Lavenburg and Luke McLaughlin.
5PM – 8:30PM: Traditional Cherokee Indian Dinner (available for purchase at the event; sliding scale $20-40)
6:30PM – 8PM: Live Music Set with Auram
8PM – 12AM: DJ Dance Party (21+ only)

Sunday, March 17, 2024
St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info

St Patty’s Day Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Mar 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Standup Comedy celebrating St. Patty’s Day at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company with Ryan Cox Featuring
Jason Webb,
Cheney Goodson & Sarah Love with a comedy open mic. Get dinner drinks and laughs. Tickets at https://www.ashevillebrewing.com/buy-tickets

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Dark City Poet’s Society
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Asheville Fringe Arts + Festival Pre-view party
Mar 20 @ 6:00 pm
Citizen Vinyl



Come out to this beautiful Art Moderne building in the heart of Downtown Asheville to get a taste of upcoming shows with little fringey teasers. Meet artists in person. Pick up a Fringe guide.

UNC Asheville Spring 2024 Visiting Writers Series: Natalie Baszile presents “Queen Sugar” and “We Are Each Other’s Harvest”
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

 

Natalie Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room (202/203)

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.

Visiting Writers: Natalie Baszile
Mar 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
UNCA--Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union

Free

On March 20 at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Room of UNC Asheville’s Highsmith Union, Natalie Baszile will present readings from her recent work. The event is free and open to the public.

Baszile’s debut novel, “Queen Sugar,” is a mother-daughter story of reinvention — about an African American woman who unexpectedly inherits a sugarcane farm in Louisiana. “Queen Sugar” was adapted into a critically acclaimed television series directed by Ava Duvernay. Baszile’s most recent book, “We Are Each Other’s Harvest,” is an exploration and celebration of black farming in America.


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

Thursday, March 21, 2024
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
Mar 21 all-day
Asheville Area- various locations
THURSDAY MARCH 21
The BeBe Theatre
20 Commerce St | Downtown
LEAF Global Arts
19 Eagle St. Ste 120 | Downtown
Citizen Vinyl
14 O’Henry Ave | Downtown
Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
One World West
520 Haywood Rd | West Ashevile
Art Garden
191 Lyman St #316 | River Arts District
Cloud Room (Wedge)
5 Foundy St Ste 10 | River Arts District
Friday, March 22, 2024
22nd Asheville Fringe ART Festival
Mar 22 all-day
Asheville Area
FRIDAY MARCH 22
The BeBe Theatre
20 Commerce St | Downtown
LEAF Global Arts
19 Eagle St. Ste 120 | Downtown
Noir Collective
39 S Market St | Downtown
Non-traditional Venues
76 Biltmore Ave | 17 Foundy St
FRIDAY MARCH 22
Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
Fleetwood’s
496 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
One World West
520 Haywood Rd | West Ashevile
Art Garden
191 Lyman St #316 | River Arts District
Saturday, March 23, 2024
22nd Asheville Fringe ART Festival
Mar 23 all-day
Asheville Area- various locations
SATURDAY MARCH 23
The BeBe Theatre
20 Commerce St | Downtown
Argot Room
717 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
Citizen Vinyl
14 O’Henry Ave | Downtown
Non-traditional Venues
76 Biltmore Ave | 17 Foundy St
SATURDAY MARCH 23
Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
LEAF Global Arts
19 Eagle St. Ste 120 | Downtown
Art Garden
191 Lyman St #316 | River Arts District
Cloud Room (Wedge)
5 Foundy St Ste 10 | River Arts District
Random Acts of Fringe: Asheville Fringe ART Festival
Mar 23 all-day
Asheville Area- various locations
SATURDAY MARCH 23 (free events)
Artists + Writers Coffee
Mar 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

TFAC Pavilion (park/enter at rear of building)
Free drop-in event
MARCH OF THE BLADES @ Fae Nectar
Mar 23 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fae Nectar

Join us Saturday March 23rd for our next amazing festival…MARCH OF THE BLADES! Hosted by the Warriors Of Ash and Fae Nectar Meadery, our fighting arena will be ringing with the sounds of Sword and Axe fighting all afternoon, accompanied by both blood-pumping battle music and the merry sound of a medieval village upon our festival lawn.

As you wander our festive fantasy wonderland you’ll find working blacksmiths, artisan vendors selling enchanted garb and hand-crafted goods, armorers and jewelers, and even fortune tellers offering their services. And don’t forget to try your hand at Axe Throwing, or to visit our adorable Hobbit horse, Thistle!

And inside our comfortable and cozy Tavern you’ll find our Fae bartenders, happy to serve you our fine Mead, Cider, Wine, and local Craft Beer options, and we’ll be serving hot tasty comfort food to keep your bellies warm and full as you enjoy the festival.

This event is FREE! And open to all friends, families, Fae creatures, and friendly dogs on leash.

Artisan Market – 11am to 5pm
Sword Fighting & Battle Music – 1:00 to 2:30pm and 3:30 to 5pm
Thistle the Hobbit Horse – 12pm to 4pm

Sunday, March 24, 2024
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
Mar 24 @ 1:00 pm
Peace Concert Hall

THERE IS ONLY ONE.

HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.

An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.

One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.

Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.


Official Website

Recommended for ages 14+.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024
22nd Asheville Fringe ART Festival
Mar 26 all-day
Asheville Area- various locations
SUNDAY MARCH 26
The BeBe Theatre
20 Commerce St | Downtown
Argot Room
717 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
Fleetwood’s
496 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
LaZoom Bus Tour
76 Biltmore Ave | 17 Foundy St
SUNDAY MARCH 26
Noir Collective
39 S Market St | Downtown
LEAF Global Arts
19 Eagle St. Ste 120 | Downtown
Story Parlor
227 Haywood Rd | West Asheville
Art Garden
191 Lyman St #316 | River Arts District