Calendar of Events
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.
Celebrate Independence Day with us at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where grandeur meets festivity. Witness the night sky come alive with two breathtaking fireworks displays, enjoy live music in our iconic Great Hall and by the outdoor pool, and dive into family-friendly activities like movie screenings, bingo, and glitter tattoos. Our beloved mascot, Major Bear, will make a special appearance, spreading cheer and creating magical moments. From morning till night, there’s always something happening, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration.
Experience double the thrill this Independence Day with our Stars & Stripes Package. Relish in viewing two mesmerizing firework shows, with exclusive viewing, and indulge in an Evening Picnic on July 4th with live music and activities for all ages. Join us for a patriotic weekend filled with fun, music, and memories. We look forward to celebrating with you!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │1 PM – 3 PM
Live Music │Great Hall │3 PM -6 PM
Balloon Twister │Great Hall │4 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Family Bingo │Skyline │1 PM -3 PM
Live Music with Alex Taub │ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Glitter Tattoos │ Great Hall │3 PM -5 PM
Stars & Stripes Evening Picnic │TBD │7 PM – 10 PM
City of Asheville Fireworks │9:30 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Craft │Outdoor Pool│2 PM – 3 PM
Family Movie Screening │Laurel │3 PM -5 PM
Live Music with Jamar Woods│ Great Hall │ 3 PM -6 PM
Omni Grove Park Inn’s Fireworks │TBD │ 9 PM -10 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Live Music with Jeff Thompson │Outdoor Pool │1 PM -3 PM
Family Bingo │Skyline │3 PM -4 PM
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. Please refer to the map below for a layout of Dillsboro.
Itinerary
Below is an outline of this train’s excursion. Please refer to this train’s schedule for exact departure 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 with
Rodney Leftwich will be demonstrating traditional pottery techniques inspired by nineteenth century and early twentieth century styles. He will be in the lobby of the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors are encouraged to watch and ask questions while the demonstrators work and talk about their creative process! Call ahead for the latest updates: 828-298-7928.
Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription.
Downtown on Fridays, discover a delightful assortment of quality handmade goods from skilled makers at Asheville’s weekly street party. The Pack Square Artisan Market is produced by Places For Makers, an Asheville, NC based non-profit organization.
Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio
Open Art Reception, Friday, July 5 from 5-7:30 pm at the Asheville Gallery of Art. Join us in a captivating viewing of Gail S. Drozd’s works titled, “Mystery in the Mist.” Free Admission and Hor d’ oeuvres. 82 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville.
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.
Are you in town over the holiday weekend? Join us Friday July 5th from 5 – 8 PM to kick off our summer of First Fridays! The gallery will be open late, showing new work by Jeremy Russell and Alicia Armstrong, and serving local wine & select NA beverages. We hope to see you there!
Looking for something to do over the holiday weekend? Join Russell | Armstrong Gallery, located in Downtown Asheville, Friday July 5th from 5 – 8 PM to kick off our summer of First Fridays! The gallery will be open late, showing new work by Jeremy Russell and Alicia Armstrong, and serving local wine and select NA beverages. We hope to see you there!
FOMO Collective presents – Juan Holladay + Resonate + Isa Ibn Wali Featuring DJ Sporelax Visuals by Littlest_Hex
Tickets will be $10 at the door, there is NO presale. This event is 21+
An evening of rap, R&B, and artistry! On Friday July 5th visit our art market at The Getaway on the River Bar accompanied by live painters, a visual installations, and smooth, hard hitting music.Art vendor spaces available – message [email protected] or @fomomusicandart for sign up and more information.
Musicians include locals –
Juan Holladay(@juanholladay) https://www.youtube.com/@juanholladay
Isa Ibn Wali – (@isawhitaker) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcF8q0ay8DxOn9QEfynJGg
ResoNate. – (@resonate_nc) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkm_I5vJEOhEF4nPEf3-JQ?view_as=subscriber.
The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Drum Circle
The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to facilitate the return of Asheville’s iconic Drum Circle. Feel the rhythm and join the beat as the community comes together for an evening of drumming, dancing, and camaraderie.
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.
Get more information here.
Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on Friday July 19, Friday July 26, Friday September 20th, and Friday September 27th. Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
Please note: ArborEvenings is a rain or shine event. In the event of rain, ArborEvenings will relocate indoors to the Baker Visitor Center.
Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week it’s a special comedy showcase at Catawba Brewing!!!
A killer lineup of local favorites and nationally touring comedians and Catawba Brewing’s award winning craft beer is the recipe for a perfect night! Especially when you add in some ice cold air conditioning
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country! This Friday we have Clark Jones from Chicago!
Clark Jones has been listed as one of the top 11 comedians by BET.com and his standup has appeared on HBO’s “Crashing”, “Night Train with Wyatt Cenac” on Starz, and the “2 Dope Queens” podcast. While in New York he has hosted the lauded Comedy at the Knitting Factory, been named one of Brooklyn’s 50 funniest people, and performed in sketches for Comedy Central and Amanda Seales’ popular Get Your Life web series. Clark was also a recurring character on FOX NFL Sunday’s pregame show and recorded stand-up on season 9 of Comedy Central’s “Feature” series.
His debut album “First of All” reached the top spot in its week’s release and is streaming on all networks and he recently wrote on season 1 of “Run the World” on the Starz network.
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm show at 7pm
Greenville Drive vs. Asheville Tourists
Prepare yourself for a whirlwind adventure of suspense and comedy with Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. This fast-paced play is a unique adaptation of the 1935 classic Hitchcock thriller film, infused with a healthy dose of Monty Python-style humor. The story revolves around the central character, Richard Hannay, who inadvertently gets tangled in a mysterious web of spies, murder, and love. Remarkably, the entire riveting narrative unfolds through the talents of just four actors, who collectively portray over 150 characters, masterfully switching roles with lightning speed. Brimming with clever references to Hitchcock’s filmography, wry British humor, and ingeniously crafted theatrical inventiveness, The 39 Steps promises a rollicking evening of entertainment that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.
A talkback with the cast & crew of The 39 Steps will be held following the performances on June 23rd and 30th.
ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
One night, a place that’s not a place, and six actors collide for this heartwarming play. A collection of vignettes, Almost, Maine shows us a story of falling in and out of love, bearing through life, and the magic of the unknown. Northern lights shine on these nine short plays and show us the beauty of Almost.
Written by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
One night, a place that’s not a place, and six actors collide for this heartwarming play. A collection of vignettes, Almost, Maine shows us a story of falling in and out of love, bearing through life, and the magic of the unknown. Northern lights shine on these nine short plays and show us the beauty of Almost.
Brevard Sinfonia
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Lara Downes, piano
GEORGE ENESCU Romanian Rhapsody No. 1
QUINN MASON Piano Concerto (world premiere)
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 6
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Jack Marion and The Pearl Snap Prophets bring a youthful-exuberance and high-country swagger to the doorsteps of modern country music. The North Carolina-based band has spent the past 6 years in honky-tonks, bars, and mountain roadhouses, collecting fodder for songs along the way. There are songs about living; written in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are straight-from-the-hip and straight-from-the heart. No bull-honky. All truth. But they are just as catchy as any songwriting-factory-formed mega hit that will ever curse your ear.
Opening set by Chris McGinnis
The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd Season:
Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses
Jason Williams, Artistic Director
5/10/2024 5/24/2024 Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024 Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024 Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024 Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024 Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille
Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.
Founded in 2012, ESB has grown from a party band of friends playing New Orleans-originated or inspired second-line and funk tunes with elements of rock and jam. Now, it consists of a collective of players, singers, songwriters, and producers who have found an original sound that fuses their individual musical influences with fresh ideas while still holding true to their foundation.
Featuring rich group and lead vocals from several members including Grammy Award-winning artist Debrissa McKinney (Secret Agent 23 Skidoo), keyboardist/producer Lenny Pettinelli, and guitarist Kelly Hannah, ESB has played over 300 shows all over the country. Since their conception, they have been a constant fixture at various festivals throughout the east coast. The band has had the pleasure of having Warren Haynes (Allman Bros. Band and Gov’t Mule) sit in with them at New Mountain Amphitheater in Asheville, NC and the honor of performing at the Jazz and Heritage Festival celebrating the life of Dizzy Gillespie in his hometown of Cheraw, SC for the past 6 years in a row. Empire has also co-billed with some of the biggest names in funk and soul including Mavis Staples, Dr. John, and Lettuce as well as a recent co-bill in November of 2019 at Woodlands Festival with jam band giants Umphrey’s McGee. ESB is also announced to play 2 huge shows at the US Cellular Center in Asheville with Umphrey’s and Billy Strings.
Paul Juhl, ESB’s founder and saxophonist, put together a crew of characters that have a rich and diverse musical background. The horn players including JP Furnas (bass/tuba/trombone), Alex Bradley (trumpet), Kyle Snuffer (trombone/sax), Debrissa McKinney (sax) and Juhl all have a deep love of many styles including funk, jazz, R&B, outlaw country, hip hop, and almost everything else! In May of 2019, Empire Strikes Brass horns played 3 performances at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado – 2 shows with psy-trance icon Shpongle and 1 show with friends and livetronica legends Papadosio. Over the years, the horns have also sat in with such artists as The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Galactic, Rubblebucket, The Big Something, and many others. Other notable side projects and performances from members include Lenny Pettinelli recording and performing with Jazz is Phsh – and instrumental tribute to the music of Phish founded by the Chase Brothers featuring Grammy Award-winning saxophonists Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck, Dave Matthews Band) and Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy as well as legendary jazz trumpeter Michael Ray (Sun Ra, Cosmic Krewe) and many other heavy hitters. Paul Juhl has performed with John Oates (Hall and Oates) at MerleFest. In addition to her work with Skidoo, Debrissa McKinney has performed with Karl Denson and George Clinton. Alex Bradley, Kyle Snuffer, Debrissa & Juhl have sat in with Andy Frasco. Furnas, Juhl, and Bradley were also featured playing horns on the live album compilation from world-renowned artists Beats Antique entitled “Creature Carnival” released in 2015.
When Empire Strikes Brass comes together, whether live or in the studio, the sound is undeniably strong and solid. The band’s debut album was recorded at Asheville’s own renowned Echo Mountain Recording Studio was released in 2017. Entitled “Theme For A Celebration”, it was tapped as one of the year’s top 100 releases by WNCW 88.7 radio. ESB’s newest release “Brassterpiece Theatre”, also recorded at Echo, is a fierce followup and both albums are available through all major music distribution streaming, sales and listening platforms. Look for the band on the road and at festivals in a town near you!!
STANDING ROOM ONLY
SCYTHIAN
Washington DC-based Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began over 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets and has grown to be a headliner on the US Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name in the Bluegrass/Americana Festival Circuit. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”
For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the united states, Europe, Canada and as far aways as Australia.
Founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants, Scythian from the start has been a search and love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. They were inspired by a tale told by their 92-year-old grandmother of a roving fiddler who came into her farming village every six months or so. Once he was spotted, messengers were sent to all the outlying fields and mills and worked ceased; everyone gathered in the barn where they danced all night and danced their cares away. This spirit is what has motivated Scythian from its inception and their success as an independent band is due largely to their finding a resonance of soul amongst kindred spirits that span all ages and races. This spirit took them from the streets to playing for the US president on St. Patrick’s Day and its the enthusiastic response they receive that has made each of their 1,300+ shows unique.
THE calling card of Scythian is their ability to engage their audience no matter the venue or circumstance and truly every Scythian shows ends with people dancing, smiling and covered with sweat. This is best summed up by The Camel-City Dispatch (Winston-Salem, North Carolina): “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”
STRANGER AND PILGRIM
Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country! This Friday we have Clark Jones from Chicago!
Clark Jones has been listed as one of the top 11 comedians by BET.com and his standup has appeared on HBO’s “Crashing”, “Night Train with Wyatt Cenac” on Starz, and the “2 Dope Queens” podcast. While in New York he has hosted the lauded Comedy at the Knitting Factory, been named one of Brooklyn’s 50 funniest people, and performed in sketches for Comedy Central and Amanda Seales’ popular Get Your Life web series. Clark was also a recurring character on FOX NFL Sunday’s pregame show and recorded stand-up on season 9 of Comedy Central’s “Feature” series.
His debut album “First of All” reached the top spot in its week’s release and is streaming on all networks and he recently wrote on season 1 of “Run the World” on the Starz network.
ages 18+
doors at 8:45pm show at 9:15pm
Check Out Our New Arts Discounts Page
We have exciting news! The ArtsAVL website has a new feature: a discounts page!
At any time, you can head on over to artsavl.org/discounts to see special discount offers our members are offering.
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Whether you’re just getting into craft beer or we’re on your brewery bucket list, a Mills River tour is for you — so we recommend you reserve a spot! Our interactive tours offer everything from hop handling to nature hikes to — what you really came for — beer sampling.
Space on each tour is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Make yours below. Looking to book a private tour? Fill out the private tour form, and we’ll get it organized. See you soon!