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.

Sunday, May 5, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Monday, May 6, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Virtual Lunch + Learn: Made X Mountains
May 7 @ 12:00 pm
online

 

The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, growing outdoor businesses, and amplifying outdoor culture. This work is funded by Appalachian Regional Commission, Dogwood Health Trust, and Mountain BizWorks. Join the Building Outdoor Communities Program Specialist, Bradley Spiegel to learn about the 7-month capacity building program that 19 WNC counties have completed to holistically and proactively plan for outdoor assets that balance conservation and community development. FREE virtual presentation.

PROpel AVL Awards
May 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Get ready to celebrate at our inaugural PROpel AVL Awards Celebration on May 7th! It’s a night to honor excellence and network with fellow professionals. With Carin Metzger (aka Cookie Carter of LaZoom) as our MC and DJ Molly Parti spinning tunes plus unveiling this year’s honorees, it’s sure to be something special.

Join us to celebrate the outstanding individuals nominated for PROpel AVL Awards. From remarkable innovators and mentors to dedicated volunteers and trailblazers, these young professionals are making waves in Asheville’s community, and they’re nothing short of inspiring! Read about the nominees

About the Awards:

The new PROpel AVL Awards honor young professionals who have distinguished themselves in their profession or as leaders along with individuals who serve as mentors to young professionals in our community.

  • Community/Public Service: This award honors an individual for their involvement in the community or for public service.
  • Trailblazer: This award honors an individual for outstanding leadership in their organization, industry, profession or the young professional community.
  • Innovation: This award honors an individual for creativity and innovation in business.
  • Mentor: This award honors an individual who serves as a mentor to young professionals in our community.
  • PROpel Award: This award honors an individual who embodies the spirit of PROpel AVL – whether that’s making great strides in their profession or propelling our community.

About our MC: Carin Metzger has been performing professionally on stages large, small, and mobile for over a decade. A graduate of Elon University’s BFA Acting Program and the Asheville Improv Collective, she has worked for such companies as the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, National Theatre For Children, Immediate Theatre Project, Magnetic Theatre, Attic Salt and NC Stage. Most recently she was seen hosting Enter the Garden, a pole dance ballet, at Diana Wortham and the Tour de Fat at New Belgium Asheville and directed the Double Dip production Quality Service at the Masonic Temple. She currently performs full time with LaZoom Comedy Tours.

About PROpel AVL: At PROpel AVL, we go beyond the ordinary. Imagine having exclusive access to top-notch workshops, rockstar mentors, local employers seeking talent, and a community of fearless young professionals like yourself. We don’t just offer resources; we serve up opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re fresh out of school or making your mark, PROpel AVL has your back.

You can sign up for text alerts by texting #propel to 828-827-5332. Learn more about upcoming programs at www.ashevillechamber.org/propel

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Business Morning Update
May 8 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elk's Lodge

This monthly event is co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Electrify Asheville-Buncombe ElectriFair
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
A-B Tech Mission Conference Center

The ElectriFair is a free and fun one-day event for people interested in home electrification. Participants will explore electric technologies, learn more about incentives that lower their cost, connect with local contractors, and celebrate energy efficiency.

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Thank you to our event sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors:
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Silver Sponsors:
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Bronze Sponsors:
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Community Sponsors:
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ElectriFair is brought to you by these coalition partners:

While ElectriFair is free, we ask that you register to help us keep in touch with you and manage event attendance and logistics effectively! Get your tickets below.

Eager to highlight your company and offerings or sponsor ElectriFair? Click the button below to sign up for an event that promises to enlighten and entertain!

Young Professionals of Henderson County Social
May 8 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
The Buzz

Elevate & Connect

Gear up for our monthly socials, where networking takes center stage. Join other Young Professionals under 40, for connections, exchange of ideas, and occasional guest speakers. Enjoy a complimentary beverage on us, as you mingle in style. Bring your energy, business cards and elevate your professional circle!

Thursday, May 9, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Community Impact Awards Dinner
May 9 @ 6:00 pm
Restoration Asheville Hotel

This evening of community impact celebrates and recognizes the individuals, organizations, and companies making significant contributions to ensure that we ALL get to live in a united and resilient community where everyone belongs, and everyone thrives. We look forward to having you join us as we shine a light on those who lend their voice, support, influence, and passion to make an extraordinary impact.

Friday, May 10, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Saturday, May 11, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 11 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Sunday, May 12, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Monday, May 13, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 13 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Empower Hour
May 14 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Stuller Power Solutions

Celebrate the incredible women in your life by joining us for a distinctive and casual networking experience. Athena of Henderson County proudly presents this exclusive opportunity crafted to inspire and foster connections among women. There’s no entrance fee – simply bring your business cards and relish the chance to expand your network!

This quarter, let’s gather at Stuller Power Solutions, a local electric generator and Generac Authorized Dealer. Cheryl Stuller, a valued member of our EMPOWER Her Committee, and the Presenting Sponsor of our Empower Hours, will be hosting us. Join us for a delightful hour of connection, delicious food, and a celebration of our collective achievements!

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, May 16, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Western Women’s Business Center Anniversary Gala
May 16 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Venue

For the past 10 years, the Western Women’s Business Center has been a beacon of support, empowerment, and success for women entrepreneurs in our community. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to join us in commemorating the achievements, growth, and incredible journey of the past decade.

Friday, May 17, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Ribbon Cutting + 5 Year Celebration: Capstone Lifestyles, Inc
May 17 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Capstone Lifestyles, Inc

Join us as we celebrate members Capstone Lifestyles, Inc. and their 5 year anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting!

At Capstone Lifestyles Inc. you can find unique approaches to your kitchen and bath cabinet designs and process. They prioritize client satisfaction and project success. Their services include designing cabinet spaces for various areas like kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and more, offering a range of cabinetry brands and countertop products, as well as delivery and installation.

Come and celebrate during just the ribbon cutting and hors d’oeuvres, or celebrate with them throughout the day from 10 AM – 6:00 PM!

☕ Coffee: 10am – 11:30am
🥪 Hors D’oeuvres: 1:30pm – 3pm
🍷 Wine tasting: 5pm – 6pm

Saturday, May 18, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Black History + Conservation: Bike Ride with Pathways to Parks
May 18 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
SAHC Community Farm

Difficulty:  Moderate (6/10) — 16 miles roundtrip, elevation gain: 1,109′
Total ride time is estimated to be 2-2.5 hours, not including stops.
Cost: FREE for all participants, but registration is required and space is limited

Join us and special guests from Pathways to Parks on a special countryside bicycle ride exploring farmland conservation and rural black history. This loop rolls over gentle hills through the Alexander/Leicester area with views of open farmland valleys and breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vision of Pathways to Parks is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so.

The ride will begin at the SAHC Community Farm and then proceed to the historic Alexander Chapel Baptist Church, site of a historic African American church and cemetery. At this stop, riders will be joined by Annette Coleman, whose family was from this area. Annette will share information about the history of the church and preservation efforts to care for the site.  Annette is one of the members of ASCORE – the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equity – which desegregated public spaces in Asheville in the 1960s.

The ride will then continue to another stop to learn about one of SAHC’s recent farmland conservation projects in the area. We will end by looping back to the SAHC Community Farm.

This ride is FREE and open to the public, but some road cycling experience and proper safety equipment is needed. Helmets are required, and we recommend water bottles as well as a snack for emergency energy. You may want to consider bringing a spare tube and pump.

Less experienced riders should feel comfortable on this route, however, riding in this region always involves some hill climbing and this route is no exception. There are three climbs with a 1-2% grade that will require low gears and moderate to high effort. We will be riding on rural roads with no bike lanes alongside some vehicle traffic. This is a no-drop ride, so nobody will be left behind!

Nature at Night Hike
May 18 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance Registration Required.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Monday, May 20, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, May 23, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.