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, June 30, 2023
Sandburg Home Tours
Jun 30 @ 11:00 am
Carl Sandburg Home

Sandburg Home Tours – Thursday to Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2pm.

*As of April 2022, tours are free until further notice. See rates below if they change before your visit. Online reservations are available at recreation.gov.

The Sandburg Home is a great place to start your visit! The ground floor of the home contains visitor information, exhibits, tour ticket sales, the park store, and you can watch the park video. The main and top level of the home are furnished with the Sandburg family belongings. Visitors may only access the furnished ares of the home on a guided tour.

  • Tour Reservations: Reserving in advance lets you pick your preferred house tour time. Tours fill up quickly. Last-minute, in-person tickets may not be available on the day you visit. Plan ahead and reserve house tour tickets at recreation.gov.
  • Passes: The park does not currently sell the America the Beautiful– National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
    *These passes do not waive the house tour fee, but do provide a discount.
    *You can purchase a pass online at 
    America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass | USGS Store.
  • 30-minute house tours are offered year-round, schedule varies by season. Visit recreation.gov for the current schedule.
  • Visitors may only tour the Sandburg Home on a guided tour.
  • Tours are limited to 6 persons.
  • Strollers are not permitted on the house tour, but there is a place to leave them for storage. Infants and small children should be carried through the house while on tour.

    Sandburg Home Guided Tour Fee
    *Tours are free until further notice, this chart is the rate when fees resume.

    (credit card only)
    $10.00 for Adults 16 and older
    $6.00 for Adults age 62 and older and all interagency pass holders
    Free for Children age 15 and under

The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation
Jun 30 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum

The Art of Food features works from important postwar artists, like Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, John Baldessari, Wayne Thiebaud, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Jasper Johns, alongside the work of contemporary artists, like Alison Saar, Lorna Simpson, Enrique Chagoya, Rachel Whiteread, and Jenny Holzer, among others.

The Art of Food features more than 100 works in mediums that include drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and ceramics by 37 artists.

Each artist has a unique means of depicting food in their work that, when seen alongside others, creates a nuanced representation of the complex place food holds in everyday life. Cross-historical resonances between artists in the exhibition spark novel meditations on food and its discontents, while speaking to a broad range of audiences.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Jun 30 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Outdoor County Pools Open
Jun 30 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Various Buncombe County Outdoor Pools

Gather bathing suits and sunscreen, Buncombe County’s outdoor pools are getting ready to open. The County’s five outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on May 27. This includes the pools at Cane Creek, Erwin, Hominy Valley, North Buncombe, and Owen.

Outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until area schools are out for the summer. Starting on June 10, Pools will be open seven days a week.

Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost for pool entry is $3 per person.

Private lessons at the outdoor pools are available for different age groups from 3-year-olds and up. For more information on lessons or to register for a class, click here.

The pools can also be booked for private parties 14 days in advance and must have a minimum of 50 patrons. Pool bookings are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Click here for more information on booking pools.

Buncombe County Pool Locations:

  • Cane Creek Pool – 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
  • Erwin Pool – 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
  • Hominy Valley Pool – 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler
  • North Buncombe Pool – 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville
  • Owen Pool – 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa

In addition, lap swimming is available year-round at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center, a 10-lane pool managed by the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools.

For more information on outdoor pools, visit the County’s pool website or call (828) 348-4770.

Performers Playground – Acting Class
Jun 30 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Get ready for a week of laughter and creativity in our theater camp! In this class, you’ll discover the exciting world of improvisation and learn how to think on your feet. We’ll play tons of theater games that will challenge your creativity and bring out your silly side. With our guidance, you’ll create scenes from scratch using your own unique ideas and imagination. Using your body and voice, you’ll learn how to create dynamic and memorable characters that will leave your audience in awe. And at the end of it all, you’ll have the chance to showcase your talent in a special performance for your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, this class is perfect for anyone who loves to have fun and express themselves through the art of theater. Sign up now for a camp you’ll never forget!

Class cost: $180

Min students: 7

Max students: 20

Class Dates: June 26-30

Time: 12 pm-3 pm

Rising 6th-9th Grade (10-14 years old)

The Photographs of Anne Noggle
Jun 30 @ 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
On Exhibit
TFAC’s JP Gallery
June 22 – August 18
Anne Noggle’s work consistently challenged the stereotypes and standard mythologies of women. She herself began her artistic career at age forty-three, to complement her already-established
profession as a pilot.
The exhibit is a joint presentation between TFAC, and the Tryon Arts & Crafts School and both locations are curated by Martha Strawn, president of the
Anne Noggle Foundation and art historian Lili Corbus.
Eliada Campus Farm Tours
Jun 30 @ 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.

Tuckasegee River Excursion
Jun 30 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Summer Animal Encounters
Jun 30 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Anime Costume Party
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center

Registration required
Attention all anime fans, it’s time to party! Come dressed as your favorite character or wear your favorite anime tee! We will have several fun activities such as Naruto run races, foam sword fight matches, trivia, as well as different mini anime-themed games and arts and crafts. Each guest can sign up to be entered into a raffle to win cool anime swag! All ages welcome!

Fiesta de Disfraces de Anime
GRATIS | Viernes | 30/6 | 15:00 – 18:00
Se requiere registro
¡Atención a todos los fans del anime, es hora de hacer una fiesta! ¡Ven disfrazado de tu personaje favorito o usa tu camiseta de anime favorita! Tendremos varias actividades divertidas, como carreras estilo Naruto, combates con espadas de espuma, trivia, así como diferentes juegos y manualidades de temática anime. ¡Cada invitado puede inscribirse para participar en un sorteo y tener la oportunidad de ganar productos geniales de anime! ¡Todas las edades son bienvenidas!

East Asheville Tailgate Market
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
East Asheville Tailgate Market

🖤 Vendor list drop! Welcome new vendors @blazingstarflowers @djspickles and @monkasbakery and welcome back @wildgoodsforaging!

2022 Market Season: Every Friday April – October

Forest Farming Tour at Wild East Farm
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wild East Farm

Integrating Trees and Grazing Livestock In A Silvopasture System

Join Noah and Lyric for a tour of Wild East Farm, where they have established ~12 acres of crop tree plantings designed for pasturing livestock (pigs and chickens) throughout. Learn about the fundamentals of silvopasture and experience firsthand how to plan for long-term tree regeneration and intensive livestock management.

About the farm:

Wild East Farm is a 44-acre beauty in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape is a diverse mix of open pastures, flowing streams, and woodlands.
“We envision a contiguous farm ecosystem that will take decades to develop. In the early years, we are producing crops that are familiar, reliable, and economically viable for a new farm business including annual vegetables and pastured poultry.
All the while, we have established agroforestry plantings over 11 acres and are preparing the land to holistically graze ruminants- with intentions to transition to these forms of production over time.”

Integrating Trees and Grazing Livestock In A Silvopasture System
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wild East Farm

My project-1 (11)

Forest Farming Tour dates announced!

 

Most farms in Western NC and the Southern Appalachians contain forested land. These forest farm tours and on-farm workshops aim to train beginning forest farmers and land stewards, both novice and experienced, to understand the wealth and history of woodland botanicals and forest products.

 

Additionally, this series will explore the opportunities for land stewardship and possible income streams within existing farm operations while also promoting health, respect, and diversity for forests.

 

Integrating Trees and Grazing Livestock In A Silvopasture System
Join Noah and Lyric for a tour of Wild East Farm, where they have established ~12 acres of crop tree plantings designed for pasturing livestock throughout. Learn about the fundamentals of silvopasture and experience firsthand how to plan for longterm tree regeneration and intensive livestock management.

 

North Asheville Cluster Social Buncombe Democratic Party
Jun 30 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaver Park

Come join with fellow North Asheville Democrats – for fellowship, ice cream, and upbeat steel drum music from Blue Iron Percussion. This is a family-friendly event; bring your kids!

Blue Iron Percussion will kick off the afternoon. Then get inspired as Rep. Caleb Rudow and Buncombe Dems Chair Jeff Rose talk about “How we can help win North Carolina in 2024.”

Mingle with your neighbors, enjoy the treats and music, and learn how you can help. Working together, we can take back our state in 2024!

For a teaser on Blue Iron’s music, click on this link: blueironpercussion.com and start tappin’ your feet.

“The Odyssey”
Jun 30 @ 5:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheater

Go on an epic adventure with us as we perform a made-for-Moppets adaptation of the original road trip gone wrong story!

Summer Sounds in the Gorge
Jun 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus

May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties

June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio

June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston

June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton

June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well

June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys

June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls

June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing

June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA

June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio

June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue

July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs

July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel

July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand

July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin

July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo

July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton

July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers

July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue

July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child

August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire

August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson

August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo

August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band

August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band

August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney

August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around

August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin

August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child

September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA

September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69

ArborEvenings
Jun 30 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
Jun 30 @ 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**
Montford Glow Nights
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tempie Avery Montford Center

Montford Glow Nights 3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Fridays, June 30, July 28, and August 25, 2023
6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Tempie Avery Montford Center (34 Pearson Dr, Asheville, NC)

Description: Enjoy a night out! Drop the kiddos off with us at the Tempie Avery Montford Center for a night of fun. We will have our black lights set up in the gym for a night of glowing fun. Each month we will offer a different glow in the dark activity.
June 30 – Laser Tag
July 28 – Dodgeball
August 25 – Capture the Flag

PATIO: Kim Smith
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

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

KIM SMITH
Kim Smith is a singer-songwriter/collaborator based out of Asheville, North Carolina.  “Songwriting is not just a passion, it’s an expression and extension of myself in the most vulnerable and strongest times.”  Kim continues to record and release songs produced by Asheville-based Chris Rosser as well as Nashville-based Dean Miller.

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Drum Circle
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:45 pm
Pritchard Park

The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive — Fireworks Night
Jun 30 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5

Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Blue Ridge Power!

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Jun 30 @ 6:30 pm
Salvage Station

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Friday, June 30th, 2023 with Of Good Nature opening the show, and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers closing the night out on the indoor stage! Doors open at 5:30 PM and the music starts at 6:30 PM. 12+ ONLY (no exceptions)! PAID ON-SITE PARKING opens at 4:30 PM and our FREE shuttle service to our satellite lots will be available. Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have several food trucks and FULL bars open for you to enjoy!

Camping chairs are welcome for this event.

Comedy at Catawba: Sam Evans
Jun 30 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company South Slope

Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week we have Sam Evans from NYC!

Sam Evans is a comic originally from Cincinnati, OH. After winning the 2012 Funniest Person in Cincinnati competition, Sam relocated to New York City in order to pursue comedy further, and was rewarded in 2014, when he was selected as one of the New Faces of the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in 2014. He has been featured on the Audible comedy podcast “Sounds Like America”. In 2020, he released his debut standup album “Sweet Baby Boy” with Blonde Medicine records, which debuted at #1 on iTunes.

ages 18+

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Jun 30 @ 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.

Music on Main
Jun 30 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Downtown Hendersonville

The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.

Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18

OUTPOST: Kenny George Band
Jun 30 @ 7:00 pm
The Outpost
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE

Kenny George Band
Music’s elders and icons established the initial template for Rock ‘n’ Roll, but it’s the newer generation that keeps it thriving and moving forward. So credit the Kenny George Band for doing exactly that. Comprised of Kenny George (lead guitar, vocals, songwriter), Randy Borawski (drums, harmony vocals), Center Ely (steel guitar), and Brooks Andrews (bass) this hardworking ensemble has earned their stripes the hard way. Performing an average of 100 shows per year throughout the heartland, they bring their music to the masses one gig at a time. “Our goal has always been to connect with our audiences,” George insists. “Our music is honest and organic, and we deliberately avoid pretense. We may seem like a ragtag bunch, but there’s a passion, purpose and sincerity that underscores everything we do, and hopefully that’s apparent even the first time you hear us play.”

The group can further be described as a country, southern rock and folk band, owing as much to Waylon and Willie as they do modern archetypes such as Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson. Hailing from Aiken, South Carolina, the Kenny George Band has created an indelible impression with fans throughout the Southeast and Midwest. They’ve traveled the highways and byways between North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Missouri, reconnecting with their fervent followers and picking up new fans along the way.

CONCERTO FOR ORCHESTRA
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

BMC Artistic Director Keith Lockhart leads the BMCO in Béla Bartók’s virtuosic showpiece Concerto for Orchestra. Maestro Lockhart opens the program with Gabriela Lena Frank’s spirited Three Latin American Dances, and renowned pianist and BMC Artist Faculty member Norman Krieger joins the orchestra in Manuel de Falla’s lyrical Nights in the Gardens of Spain.


PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Norman Krieger, piano

GABRIELA LENA FRANK Three Latin American Dances
MANUEL DE FALLA Nights in the Gardens of Spain
BÉLA BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra

Lead SponsorMoore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

Loomis Bros Circus
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm
McGough Arena @ WNC Agricultural Center
Montford Park Players: Twelfth Night
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Fable Wilde Day
Always an audience favorite, Twelfth Night returns to the MPP stage with all of the mistaken identity, love triangles and general wackiness you may already know and love!

All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.

Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.

Montford Park Players allows patrons to bring their favorite food and beverages to their shows and sells beer, wine and concessions at the shows. If you’ve never been to the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre for a Montford show, there’s no better season than this one. If you have been, you know why you should come back and catch everything we have to offer!