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, September 8, 2023
Membership with the Organic Growers School
Sep 8 all-day
online
Text (4)@300x

OGS has kicked off its membership opportunities for donors. We depend on the community and members like you.  Become a member and help the Organic Growers School transform the food system to serve the needs of all people.

 

Donate at the $120 level or more, once annually or in monthly increments, to receive an OGS gift! Plus, you’ll receive discounts to OGS special events, 10% off select OGS programs such as the Gardening Series, Homegrown Dream, Farm Dreams, and the annual Spring Conference, and discounts from our partners listed below:

  • Chelsea Green Publishing – 35% off
  • Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine- 10% off
  • Fifth Season Gardening Company – 10% orders of $50 or more
  • Mountain Rose Herbs  – 10% off
  • New Society Publishers – 35% off
  • Seven Springs Farm Supply – 7% off
  • And many more to come!

Becoming a member is as simple as making a contribution as mentioned above, and we’ll handle everything else for you!

Mountain Song Festival
Sep 8 all-day
Brevard Music Center
RAHZEL OF THE ROOTS AT LEAF FESTIVAL
Sep 8 all-day
online

What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.

Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.

Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it! 🔥🔥🔥

Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”

Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.

LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.

Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 8 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Bullington Gardens Fall Plantapallooza Sale
Sep 8 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fall Plant Sale will feature a range of natives, old favorites, and exciting new introductions.
Among the standout additions are Toad lily ‘Tojen’, Gordlinia, a small tree introduced by Tom
Ranney (Mountain Horticultural Crops Research), and a Coreopsis ‘Flower of Hope’ that
benefits the Mayo Clinic when purchased. You can find a partial list of plants here

Eliada Campus Farm Tours
Sep 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Eliada Homes

Join us at Eliada Home’s campus for a small group guided walking Farm Tour. Tours last approximately 1 hour. Participants will learn about outdoor and greenhouse growing practices, aquaponics, hydroponics, market gardening, corn maze production, and about our equine therapy program.

Reservations required. There is no cost, but donations to the non-profit agency are greatly appreciated.

We recommend bringing the following: comfortable shoes for walking on pavement and grass, hat, sunglasses, and water. This tour is not handicap accessible and will require participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven ground.

Wee Wine + Dahlias
Sep 8 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Sep 8 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
PATIO: WE HAVE IGNITION
Sep 8 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

WE HAVE IGNITION

We Have Ignition hails from Asheville. Playing high energy Surf/Punk originals. The band consists of:

 

Robert Lloyd Martin on guitar (Puddles Pity Party, Crooked Fingers)

 

Nick Harvey on drums (Marblehead)

 

Jeff Manson on bass (Rich Nelson band)

An Evening with Holly Near
Sep 8 @ 7:00 pm
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville Sanctuary

Enjoy a live performance with Holly Near accompanied by John Bucchino on piano.

Holly Near has been singing for a more equitable world for well over 40 creative years. She is an insightful storyteller through her music, committed to keeping the work rooted in contemporary activism.

Holly’s joy and passion continue to inspire people to join in her celebration of the human spirit. Equally compelling at her shows and through recordings, Holly’s music fully engages listeners in the world around them, speaking to anyone who believes in peace, justice, and feminism; a wonderful spectrum of humanity.

Doc At 100
Sep 8 @ 7:00 pm
J.E. Broyhill Civic Center

DOC AT 100  is a concert program celebrating the life and legacy of Doc Watson by artists who performed with Doc, were profoundly influenced by his music and called him a friend. This includes T. Michael Coleman and Jack Lawrence who performed, recorded, and toured with Doc.

Joining T. Michael and Jack are fellow guitarists Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood, both having been greatly impacted by Doc’s music and were also considered close friends.

Dinner starts before the show at 5:30 p.m.

Embracing Roots of the South with Ballet Folklórico Raíces and David LaMotte
Sep 8 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

 

The brilliant colors of traditional costumes and the songs and folkloric dance of Mexico by local, talented youth will fill The White Horse Black Mountain on Friday, September 8. Ballet Folklórico Raíces, a program of Raíces Emma-Erwin, a local Latine cultural arts organization, will share the stage with musician David LaMotte and the Indigenous Mä hñäkihu musical group.

Ballet Folklórico Raíces was organized just last fall by Latine teens, some of whom had been dancing with Raíces Emma Erwin programs for almost 10 years. They applied for and received grant funding to hire professional folklorico dancer, Daniel Vega Vazquez, as their instructor and creative director. He is the founder of Ballet Folklorico Asheville. Verner Learning Center in Emma provides space for their weekly and intensive rehearsals and they have performed six times in the last year including at the Hola Carolina festival in downtown Asheville.

“I think it’s something beautiful,” Yoltzin Alviter Hernandez, 16, says. She started folklorico dancing in the first grade and loves how it allows her to embrace her culture and share it with other people. “All the colors and each dance has a meaning behind it.”

David LaMotte is a big fan of Ballet Folklórico Raíces and traditional cultural art, dance and music. He proposed the event to create awareness about the youth dance group, to support their funding needs, and to have fun. He is contributing his talent to the evening–including a song in Spanish– and a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the program. Mä hñäkihu, the namesake of a language and cultural preservation project based in Emma, is composed mostly of Hñähñu musicians who are Indigenous to the Mezquital Valley in Mexico. 

The Music of Dirty Dancing
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” Get ready for the time of your life with The Music of Dirty Dancing! This musical tribute to the film shot, in part, at Henderson County’s own Lake Lure is sure to feature all the hip-shaking guilty pleasure the world came to love in the 1987 blockbuster. The sizzling soundtrack comes to life on ‘The Rock’ with vocals and dancing that will dazzle you.  Feel free to sing and dance along to tunes like “Be My Baby,” “Hungry Eyes,” “She’s Like the Wind,”  the Academy Award winning “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and so many more!

The Tams at Point Lookout Vineyards
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm
Point Lookout Vineyards

Join us for a fun evening on the mountain as The Tams return to Point Lookout Vineyards!
For more information on The Tams, visit: https://thetams.com/
NO COOLERS
NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
SEATING IS AVAILABLE, BUT YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. SPACE FOR PERSONAL CHAIRS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
GATES OPEN AT 6:00PM

PAUL THORN
Sep 8 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Ages 18+ PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW

This show was originally scheduled for Feb 25, 2023.

Saturday, September 9, 2023
Have a Gardening Question? Contact the Helpline! 2023 Schedule
Sep 9 all-day
Extension Office

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7. The kits are located in a box outside the front door.

Three ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]
Visit the Extension Office at 49 Mt. Carmel Road during Helpline hours, listed below.

Garden Helpline Hours

March – (starts March 6)
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

April through September:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Wednesday 12:00 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

October – (ends October 26th) 
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us. We look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Membership with the Organic Growers School
Sep 9 all-day
online
Text (4)@300x

OGS has kicked off its membership opportunities for donors. We depend on the community and members like you.  Become a member and help the Organic Growers School transform the food system to serve the needs of all people.

 

Donate at the $120 level or more, once annually or in monthly increments, to receive an OGS gift! Plus, you’ll receive discounts to OGS special events, 10% off select OGS programs such as the Gardening Series, Homegrown Dream, Farm Dreams, and the annual Spring Conference, and discounts from our partners listed below:

  • Chelsea Green Publishing – 35% off
  • Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine- 10% off
  • Fifth Season Gardening Company – 10% orders of $50 or more
  • Mountain Rose Herbs  – 10% off
  • New Society Publishers – 35% off
  • Seven Springs Farm Supply – 7% off
  • And many more to come!

Becoming a member is as simple as making a contribution as mentioned above, and we’ll handle everything else for you!

Mountain Song Festival
Sep 9 all-day
Brevard Music Center
RAHZEL OF THE ROOTS AT LEAF FESTIVAL
Sep 9 all-day
online

What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.

Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.

Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it! 🔥🔥🔥

Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”

Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.

LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.

Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden

Vintage Radio Market\
Sep 9 @ 7:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville-Buncombe Community Technical College,

Restored and restorable vintage radios, parts, accessories, books. Tour Asheville Radio Museum . Free admission. Visit.

U-PICK FLOWERS
Sep 9 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walker Town Farm

No reservations

We are 1/4 mile up the road on the left. Park in the designated mulched area at the bottom of the back flower field and check in at the white tent.

What’s provided:

  • Cup or bucket filled with water (you get to keep these.)

  • Pruners (please return these!)

Payment:

  • 32 oz cup: $30

  • 1.75 gallon bucket: $50

  • Cash or card accepted before you pick.

  • Liability release must be signed prior to picking

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Sep 9 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.

Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.

Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!

Bullington Gardens Fall Plantapallooza Sale
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

The Fall Plant Sale will feature a range of natives, old favorites, and exciting new introductions.
Among the standout additions are Toad lily ‘Tojen’, Gordlinia, a small tree introduced by Tom
Ranney (Mountain Horticultural Crops Research), and a Coreopsis ‘Flower of Hope’ that
benefits the Mayo Clinic when purchased. You can find a partial list of plants here

Workday in the Garden
Sep 9 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Leicester Library
  Come and enjoy a few hours getting your hands dirty in the lovely Leicester Library Giving Garden.

The Leicester Library Giving Garden aims to connect and strengthen our community through growing and sharing food. The food grown in the Leicester Giving Garden is given to the community for free

Bluegrass Brunch
Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bold Rock Hard Cider
Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning starting at 10AM for our Bluegrass Brunch! 🍽
We will have live music from Alex Bazemore & Friends starting at 11AM, free biscuits, a featured brunch menu, and special brunch-only cocktails. 🎶
Stop by the taproom this weekend and try it for yourself!
Compost Demonstration
Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Jesse Israel

Observe five different composting methods on display at the site: a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin and a classic 3-bin system – an example of vermiculture may also be available.
Stop by to learn more about composting at home!

Guided Trail Walk
Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
West Asheville Garden Stroll
Sep 9 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Hall Fletcher Elementary

The 14th West Asheville Garden Stroll is Saturday, September 9 from 11 AM to 4 PM. With the theme “Every Garden is a Universe,” this year’s Stroll features 15 diverse gardens in the neighborhood between Hall Fletcher Elementary School and Hanover Street. Stroll Guides with a map and garden descriptions will be available at the school, 60 Ridgelawn Road, from 11:00 until 3:30. A family-friendly kickoff program at 10:30 includes sing-alongs and a lively presentation about native plants and pollinators by Bee City founder Phyllis Stiles. Local organizations will be on hand to offer resources for gardeners and possibly some items for sale.

The Garden Stroll is free, and all are welcome to join in this community event, rain or shine. While there is street parking throughout the neighborhood, we encourage you to park at the school and walk or bike the 2.5 mile route.

In the gardens you’ll find spaciousness & intimacy, familiar natives and exotic cultivars, fruits & nuts, as well as lovely hardscapes and creative landscaping. There’s ice cream from The Hop, a tree house or two, a Japanese tea garden, terraces & rain catchments, raised veggie beds & shiitake mushroom logs, water features & a wetlands area, chickens & frogs. Come see new and mature gardens and works-in-progress, and chat with friendly and enthusiastic gardeners.

Putting Your Garden To Bed
Sep 9 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Swannanoa Library

Is your garden getting ready for bed for the winter? You and your garden have worked hard all summer, and now it’s time to pause and reflect and realign and reinvigorate your garden for next year. Come join Master Gardener John Bowen for a discussion of fall and winter garden projects.

Intro to Bluegrass Banjo Workshop + Concert with Wayne Erbsen
Sep 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Black Mountain Public Library

In this beginner’s workshop, expert Appalachian musician Wayne Erbsen will show you just how easy and fun it is to learn how to play the banjo by learning songs such as “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Ballad of Jed Clampet.” This workshop is for absolute beginners with zero experience! Banjos will be available for a rental fee of $10 per banjo. If you need to rent a banjo, please reserve a banjo on your booking for a $0 deposit, but bring $10 cash with you to the workshop. This workshop will be a very small group setting of 15 participants. SPACE IS LIMITED, so reserve your spot now!

After the workshop, there will be a concert put on by Wayne and any students of the workshop who would like to perform from 4:00 – 5:30pm at the Black Mountain Public Library. If you would like to attend just the concert without the workshop, that is also an option when purchasing tickets