Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Monday, April 12, 2021
Free Pet Food Giveaways from Blue Ridge Humane Society
Apr 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society Adoption Center

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.

If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Broadway Cardio + Choreo 9th Grade – Adult
Apr 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52

Picture

Get moving in this all-levels dance class that combines Broadway steps, cardio fitness, and easy-to-follow choreography. Each class begins with a full-body warm up, moves onto accessible cardio sequences utilizing musical theatre steps, and ends with a short, high-energy Broadway-style combination. No prior experience is required, only a sense of humor and play. Dancers of all levels can expect to learn some new musical theatre moves, break a sweat, and have fun!
 Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around, comfortable clothes, and light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes. 
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
Thursday, April 15, 2021
Broadway Dance  4th – 8th Grades
Apr 15 @ 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52
Picture

Boogie to Broadway in this low-pressure, high-energy virtual dance class focusing on fun musical theatre steps and choreography for all levels! With an emphasis on focus, body awareness, musicality, and acting through movement, young actors will learn Broadway-style choreography and leave feeling more confident expressing themselves through dance at home or on stage. No prior experience is necessary.

Grades: 4th – 8th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Anna Kimmell


Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a small, designated space to safely move around during class.

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Starquest
Apr 17 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Starquest

Sunday, April 18, 2021
Conserving Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society: Tails and Trails
Apr 18 all-day
online w/ Conserving Carolina

Gather your favorite hiking buddy, canine or human, and explore the amazing trails in our community thanks to the work of Conserving Carolina and support two organizations at one time!

During the week of April 11-18, hit the trails that have been made possible by Conserving Carolina with your favorite two- or four-legged friend and complete additional challenges for prizes from BRHS and Conserving Carolina.

There are three hike options: Bearwallow Mountain, any segment of the Oklawaha Greenway between Jackson Park and Berkeley Mills Park, and the perimeter trail of the Park at Flat Rock.

Complete one or all of the hikes and walks and discover for yourself the work of Conserving Carolina in our community with your furry friend! Proceeds support Conserving Carolina and the programs of Blue Ridge Humane Society that provide new homes for pets in need, support services for local pets and their owners, and more!

To RSVP, click on https://conservingcarolina.org/event/tails-and-trails-3/

Mountain Nationals Cheer + Dance Competition
Apr 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
ExploreAsheville.com Arena

Mountain Nationals

Join us for our 2-day Mountain Cheer and Dance Nationals in Asheville, NC. Our host, the Harrah’s Cherokee Center and exploreasheville.com arena.
All teams will perform twice at this event. Group and solo performances will only perform once.

It will be a spring floor event and a fun ending to your season with jackets awarded to supreme grand champions and rings awarded to grand champions.

We will host an individual, duo, stunt group and team competition for dance and cheer.

On site we will have an event vendor selling custom bows, t-shirts, and awesome other apparel.

Spectator Admission: Each spectator will need to purchase their entry. Use of credit cards may incur additional fees. Children under 3 years old are FREE.

Tentative Awards are (be sure to check the coaches packet for final award details):
We’re Giving away $5000 at each of our National Events
Backpacks for Supreme Grand Champions
Hooded Towels for Grand Champions
Rings for 1st place teams (with a minimum of 3 teams in division)
1st place banners for team and 1st place individual performers
2nd place banners for team
3rd place banners for team
4th place, and below, teams recognized with maximum performance banners

Maximum Cheer and Dance is a non-sanctioned IEP. We follow industry standard rules and guidelines, but do not require USASF membership.

Starquest
Apr 18 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Starquest

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Broadway Cardio + Choreo 9th Grade – Adult
Apr 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52

Picture

Get moving in this all-levels dance class that combines Broadway steps, cardio fitness, and easy-to-follow choreography. Each class begins with a full-body warm up, moves onto accessible cardio sequences utilizing musical theatre steps, and ends with a short, high-energy Broadway-style combination. No prior experience is required, only a sense of humor and play. Dancers of all levels can expect to learn some new musical theatre moves, break a sweat, and have fun!
 Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around, comfortable clothes, and light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes. 
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Broadway Dance  4th – 8th Grades
Apr 22 @ 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52
Picture

Boogie to Broadway in this low-pressure, high-energy virtual dance class focusing on fun musical theatre steps and choreography for all levels! With an emphasis on focus, body awareness, musicality, and acting through movement, young actors will learn Broadway-style choreography and leave feeling more confident expressing themselves through dance at home or on stage. No prior experience is necessary.

Grades: 4th – 8th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Anna Kimmell


Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a small, designated space to safely move around during class.

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
City Dance
Apr 22 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Saturday, April 24, 2021
Believe Talent Dance
Apr 24 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Epic Dance Showcase
Apr 24 @ 9:30 am
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Epic Dance Showcase

With over 30 years of dance convention and competition experience, EDS has integrated the positive aspects of both, and eliminated the unfavorable. We strive to present a fun, friendly atmosphere with fair results! Using a system that acknowledges studio size, you are guaranteed to compete on a “level playing field”. You will be categorized in a division with studios of comparable size, much like the divisions in college sports. Finally, the stress of competing against studios much larger or smaller than yours is removed! In addition to our 3 levels of competition, we will have 2 divisions of overall awards!!! With cash prizes, scholarships, fun games, and more, we’re sure your “Epic” experience will be one you will want to relive each year!

Free Pet Food Giveaways from Blue Ridge Humane Society
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County Parking Lot

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.

If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

Mountain Pet Rescue Valentine’s Adoption Day
Apr 24 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville returns to Haywood on February 13th from 1-5pm.
Fall in love with your next fur baby friend and take them home for Valentine’s Day.
Bun Intended Food Truck will be serving up Thai Street Food and Homemade Steamed Buns. Voted Asheville’s best food truck, they bring the spice.
+ Kevin Daniel Miller will be playing live music.
Local businesses have donated items for a raffle, and if you’re staying home, tune into the live Puppy Feed on Archetype’s Facebook page.
This event kicks off what will be a monthly occurrence at Haywood. The needs of these animals don’t go away without the compassion of our community. Loving dogs ourselves, we’re committed to bringing this opportunity to unite new families for months to come! Expect this on the last Saturday of every month unless we update you otherwise.
Changes: A Night of Dance and Media Performance
Apr 24 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online w/ UNCA

TheaterUNCA will present its spring dance performance “Changes: A Night of Dance and Media Performance” virtually on April 24 at 6 p.m.

The performance innovatively blends and utilizes Projected Media, Lights, Sound, and Dance with spoken words. It is a student-led collaboration between the Advanced Lighting, Media, and Sound Class and the Dance Minor Classes. The performance will be directed by Mustapha Braimah, visiting assistant professor, and Robert Bowen.

Sunday, April 25, 2021
Believe Talent Dance
Apr 25 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Epic Dance Showcase
Apr 25 @ 9:30 am
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Epic Dance Showcase

With over 30 years of dance convention and competition experience, EDS has integrated the positive aspects of both, and eliminated the unfavorable. We strive to present a fun, friendly atmosphere with fair results! Using a system that acknowledges studio size, you are guaranteed to compete on a “level playing field”. You will be categorized in a division with studios of comparable size, much like the divisions in college sports. Finally, the stress of competing against studios much larger or smaller than yours is removed! In addition to our 3 levels of competition, we will have 2 divisions of overall awards!!! With cash prizes, scholarships, fun games, and more, we’re sure your “Epic” experience will be one you will want to relive each year!

Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Blue Ridge Humane Society Free Pet Food Giveaway
Apr 27 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Interfaith Assistance Ministry’s Drive-Thru

Drive-thru Blue Ridge Humane Society Free Pet Food Giveaway

Free Pet Food Giveaways from Blue Ridge Humane Society
Apr 27 @ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Interfaith Assistance Ministry

part of  Drive-Thru Tuesday

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need. Social
distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during
the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies
will also be available first come, first serve.

If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at
(828) 393-5832.

Dance Theatre of Harlem 50th Anniversary Tour Rescheduled
Apr 27 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

Dance Theatre of Harlem, October 23 & 24, 2020 at 8PM

If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance.  If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Broadway Cardio + Choreo 9th Grade – Adult
Apr 28 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52

Picture

Get moving in this all-levels dance class that combines Broadway steps, cardio fitness, and easy-to-follow choreography. Each class begins with a full-body warm up, moves onto accessible cardio sequences utilizing musical theatre steps, and ends with a short, high-energy Broadway-style combination. No prior experience is required, only a sense of humor and play. Dancers of all levels can expect to learn some new musical theatre moves, break a sweat, and have fun!
 Supplies Needed: Internet connection, enough space to move around, comfortable clothes, and light sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes. 
REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
Live Stream: Gavin Larsen Launches Being a Ballerina, in conversation with Shannon Wheeler
Apr 28 @ 6:00 pm
Online w/ Malaprop's

Click here to RSVP for this event. On the day of the event, we will send a reminder email with the link required to attend.

Like most of our events, this event is free. If you decide to attend and to purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


Inspiring, revealing, and deeply relatable, Being a Ballerina is a firsthand look at the realities of life as a professional ballet dancer. Through episodes from her own career, Gavin Larsen describes the forces that drive a person to study dance; the daily balance that dancers navigate between hardship and joy; and the dancer’s continual quest to discover who they are as a person and as an artist.

Starting with her arrival as a young beginner at a class too advanced for her, Larsen tells how the embarrassing mistake ended up helping her learn quickly and advance rapidly. In other stories of her early teachers, training, and auditions, she explains how she gradually came to understand and achieve what she and her body were capable of.

Larsen then re-creates scenes from her experiences in dance companies, from unglamorous roles to exhilarating performances. Working as a ballerina was shocking and scary at first, she says, recalling unexpected injuries, leaps of faith, and her constant struggle to operate at the level she wanted–but full of enormously rewarding moments. Larsen also reflects candidly on her difficult decision to retire at age 35.

An ideal read for aspiring dancers, Larsen’s memoir will also delight experienced dance professionals and fascinate anyone who wonders what it takes to live a life dedicated to the perfection of the art form.

Gavin Larsen was a professional ballet dancer for 18 years before retiring in 2010. A principal dancer with the Oregon Ballet Theatre, she also danced with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and Alberta Ballet and as a guest artist with Ballet Victoria. She has written for Pointe, Dance Teacher, Dance Spirit, Dancing Times, Oregon ArtsWatch, Dance/USA’s From the Green Room, the Maine Review, and The Threepenny Review, among others. She writes and teaches in Asheville, North Carolina.

Dance Theatre of Harlem 50th Anniversary Tour Rescheduled
Apr 28 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Born at the height of the civil rights movement, the Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Leave students in awe with the language of movement in this forward-thinking, impassioned and compelling performance that celebrates African American culture.

Dance Theatre of Harlem, October 23 & 24, 2020 at 8PM

If you had already purchased tickets for the original May 5 & 6, 2020 performances:
1. Do nothing. Your tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
Tickets for Tuesday, May 5, 2020 —> New date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tickets for Wednesday, May 6, 2020 —> New date: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

If you are holding tickets to the Tuesday, May 5, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Tuesday, April 27, 2021 performance.  If you are holding tickets to the Wednesday, May 6, 2020 performance, your tickets will automatically be transferred to the Wednesday, April 28, 2021 performance. Tickets can be exchanged between both new dates, based on availability. Exchanging show dates must be confirmed through the box office: [email protected] or 828-257-4530.
2. Can’t make the rescheduled dates? No problem. Convert your tickets into a credit to be used for another performance in the future (good until June 30, 2022).
3. Transform your tickets into a donation to the Wortham Center.
4. Request a refund.

Thursday, April 29, 2021
Broadway Dance  4th – 8th Grades
Apr 29 @ 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse/Studio 52
Picture

Boogie to Broadway in this low-pressure, high-energy virtual dance class focusing on fun musical theatre steps and choreography for all levels! With an emphasis on focus, body awareness, musicality, and acting through movement, young actors will learn Broadway-style choreography and leave feeling more confident expressing themselves through dance at home or on stage. No prior experience is necessary.

Grades: 4th – 8th
Virtual Platform: Zoom
Instructor: Anna Kimmell


Supplies Needed: Internet connection, a small, designated space to safely move around during class.

REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 8
Friday, April 30, 2021
New Off-leash Dog Park: help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
Apr 30 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Parks and Rec

 

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.

You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.

Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:

  • Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
  • Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
  • Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)

Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Saturday, May 1, 2021
New Off-leash Dog Park: help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
May 1 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Parks and Rec

 

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.

You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.

Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:

  • Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
  • Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
  • Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)

Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021
May 1 @ 1:00 pm
Gunter Theatre FINE ARTS CENTER

The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021 is a showcase of our afterschool dance program at the Fine Arts Center.  Dance 1 our youngest group and Dance 2 our intermediate group, will both perform ballet and modern dance pieces. Dance 3, is our oldest group that will be showcasing their ballet and modern pieces along with the classic “Farewell” piece.

The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021
May 1 @ 7:00 pm
Gunter Theatre FINE ARTS CENTER

The A.R.M.E.S. Dance Concert 2021 is a showcase of our afterschool dance program at the Fine Arts Center.  Dance 1 our youngest group and Dance 2 our intermediate group, will both perform ballet and modern dance pieces. Dance 3, is our oldest group that will be showcasing their ballet and modern pieces along with the classic “Farewell” piece.

Sunday, May 2, 2021
New Off-leash Dog Park: help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.
May 2 all-day
online w/ Buncombe County Parks and Rec

 

As part of the $12 million Enka Recreation Destination project, a new off-leash dog park will be constructed near the entrance of Buncombe County Sports Park. Join the fun and help us compete for a $25,000 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ grant through a letter of support.

You can send your support to [email protected] or Buncombe County Recreation Services’ physical address on 46 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Make sure to let us know why the next amazing dog park in our community should be at Buncombe County Sports Park. Let us know if you live or own a business nearby and how often you visit the park. Any special requests? This is a great opportunity to include those, too.

According to a recent poll conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), 9 in 10 (91 percent) Americans believe dog parks provide benefits to the communities they serve. More than half (55 percent) of park and recreation agencies currently have at least one dog park. This will be the first dog park in the Buncombe County Recreation Services system.

Americans list the top three benefits a dog park can have on a community as:

  • Gives dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely (60 percent)
  • Allows dogs to socialize with other dogs (39 percent)
  • Allows owners a chance to be physically active with their pet (36 percent)

Availability of dog parks is especially popular among Millennials (94 percent) and Gen Xers (92 percent) followed by Boomers (89 percent).

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

“Paws + Pints” Adoption Day Free ·
May 2 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hillman Beer - Asheville/Biltmore Village

Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.