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.

Thursday, June 16, 2022
REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM JAM: Benefit for Planned Parenthood Votes!
Jun 16 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM JAM: Benefit for Planned Parenthood Votes! S. Atlantic

 

All proceeds from Reproductive Freedom Jam 2022 directly fund the NC ACTION PAC. This PAC supports the advocacy and voter contact work by endorsing NC candidates who advocate for accessible reproductive healthcare, protect access to abortion, support LGBTQ+ rights, and work for equity of people and their families.

Hosted by Barbie Angell, the event will feature performances from Ken Kahn, Melissa Hyman and Dulci Ellenberger, Daniel Shearin (of River Whyless), Lo Wolf, Life Like Water, Kendra Penland and Friends, Greg Cartwright (of Reigning Sound), The Smoky Mountain Sirens, and more!

Thursday, June 23, 2022
Carl Sandburg Monthly Writing Workshops
Jun 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ The Carl Sandburg House

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

Poetry of the Spirit with Luke Hankins

This class will focus on contemporary poetry that engages the “spirit” in some way, from a range of perspectives, both religious and non-religious. Some of the aspects of spiritual poetry that will come under discussion are the experience of transcendence, the longing for connection to something larger than ourselves, and the search for overarching meaning that might guide us throughout our lives. In addition to reading and discussing sample poems, we will do an in-class writing exercise aimed at writing from or to whatever “spirit” means to each participant.

Luke Hankins is the author of two poetry collections, Radiant Obstacles and Weak Devotions, as well as a collection of essays, The Work of Creation. A volume of his translations from the French of Stella Vinitchi Radulescu, A Cry in the Snow & Other Poems, was released by Seagull Books in 2019. Testament, a chapbook of poems, is forthcoming from Texas Review Press. His poems, essays, and translations have appeared in a wide variety of periodicals, including 32 Poems, American Literary Review, Image, New England Review, Poetry International, Verse, World Literature Today, and The Writer’s Chronicle. Hankins serves as an Associate Editor at Asheville Poetry Review and he is the founder and editor of Orison Books, a non-profit literary press focused on the life of the spirit from a broad and inclusive range of perspectives.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Zoom for the virtual connection. The link will be sent by the morning of the presentation. Check your junk folder if you have not received it by then.

Thursday, June 30, 2022
Writing to Heal: Free Write to a Free Life
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
online

Writing to Heal: Free Write to a Free Life

Come join us as we meet online to do therapeutic free writing together in community! No writing experience is required. Therapeutic free writing is a process where you write on personal and emotional topics as fast as possible, without editing, and without regard to grammar rules. The group structure is that I will give out a couple of therapeutic prompts to choose from, and we will write for approximately ten minutes. Then you will have an opportunity to share what you wrote with the group (but only if you want to!). After that, the other members will have a chance to comment on how your writing affected them and offer support from their own experiences with only positive comments. This process will create a safe space for you to do your healing work and spark creativity in a community of fellow creatives.

Saturday, July 16, 2022
Slavic Music Concert to Benefit Ukraine
Jul 16 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
DoubleTree Biltmore Hotel

The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) annual Festival Concert brings together musicians from around the world to perform Slavic folk music on traditional instruments, including Ukrainian, Eastern European, Romani, and Klezmer tunes. The performance will feature an 80-piece folk orchestra with virtuoso soloists on balalaika, domra, and mandolin. This is the first time the BDAA will be performing in Asheville and is for one night only!

We are joined by balalaika soloist Tetiana Khomenko from Kyiv, The Alexandrov-Skliar Duo on domra/mandolin, and Dr. Alexander Tentser as the orchestra conductor.

Ticket Prices:
Adults: $25
Students: $18
Children 12 & Under: Free
Message us for Group Rates!

A portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian relief efforts. We will also collect additional donations to support Ukraine during the performance.

Masks and vaccinations are highly encouraged for the safety of our performers and guests. Please be advised that this policy is subject to change to reflect local policies and recommendations at the time of the concert.

 

Friday, August 5, 2022
Light Up the Night 5k
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Carrier Park

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries and iDaph Events present the 4th Annual Light Up the Night 5k! This event is a fundraising, nighttime walk/run event that welcomes all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith. All the proceeds from this event will directly benefit the continuous work of recovery, rescue, and restoration to individuals throughout WNC.

The first 200 people to register will also receive a FREE glow-in-the-dark commemorative finisher medal!

Each 5k registration will include a FREE t-shirt until July 10th at midnight. After that date, shirts will be available for purchase, in limited quantities and sizes, for $10. Glow sticks, necklaces and bracelets will be available for our in-person participants!

The event will take place at Carrier Park in Asheville, NC on Friday, August 5th. This is your time to shine! Runners will have a rolling start between 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM and take to the greenway to run or walk this fun and unique event.

In addition to the in-person event, there is also a virtual offering for participants who aren’t comfortable coming to an in-person event. The Virtual 5k event experience gives participants an opportunity to participate in this fundraising event ANYWHERE! Walk/Run/Hike 5k and submit your results online!

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) exists to serve the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. They meet people in crisis, focus on helping them at the point of their need, invest in their future, and help them until they can move forward.

Saturday, August 6, 2022
Community Benefit Sale at Linville River Pottery
Aug 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Linville River Pottery

Linville River Pottery studio building

On Saturday, August 6, 2022, Linville River Pottery will hold a Community Benefit Sale at their studio in Pineola, NC. 75% of all proceeds will be donated to the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Linville River Pottery is owned by Patti and Dan, who moved to the area full time in 2008. Since Patti was six years old, she has been working with clay. Patti views experimenting with clays and glazes as an immersion into the wilderness. This passion shows in the beautiful clays pieces created and in their dedication to benefiting the community around them. We invite you all to come out and enjoy supporting local artists and environmental conservation!

The Sale will feature stoneware and porcelain bowls, mugs, and vases—all handmade on a kickwheel by Patti Connor-Greene. The hours are from 11 am – 3 pm or until pots are gone; no early sales. Cash or checks only; no credit/debit cards.

Thursday, August 11, 2022
Creative Writing Group online
Aug 11 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
online

Join us for creative writing online! We’ll meet on Zoom and do several rounds of writing prompts. The group is simple – we just write and read our writing to each other.  This is a supportive and fun environment that gets your creative juices flowing with low stakes and lots of fun.

Email [email protected] for the link to the online meeting.

The contents of this presentation are for informational purposes only.  Nothing herein constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice nor is it a substitute for professional advice on any issue.  You should not rely on the information received in this presentation for any important decisions, including medical, legal, or financial decisions.  Always consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice related to your situation.  The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of Buncombe County or its Public Library System.

Saturday, August 20, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Aug 20 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, August 21, 2022
AVL Clothing Swap + Benefit for Reproductive Justice
Aug 21 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District

The swap takes place on Sunday, August 21 from 1-4 at Hi-Wire Brewing River Arts District. All profits from ticket sales, as well as $1 from six of Hi-Wire’s flagship beers sold on the day of the event will be donated to Asheville’s Planned Parenthood.

How it works
Drop off clothes from July 26 – August 19 at Hi-Wire RAD in the collection bin
Hi-Wire’s hours are below. There will be a sign on the collection bin to receive a discount on your ticket for contributing clothing to the swap!

Monday–Thursday 3-10pm
Friday & Saturday 12pm-12am
Sunday 12-9pm

Accepted clothing:
Women’s style adult clothing only – no shoes, accessories, or kid’s clothing
Clothing should be in good, clean condition
Bring 1-20 items leave with up to 10!

All details on eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3zEHvZZ

Saturday, August 27, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Aug 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Saturday, September 3, 2022
‘4M’ Mountain Makers Mushrooms & Music Festival
Sep 3 all-day
Jackson Arts Market

Celebration and education of Blue Ridge Mountain culture, arts, & nature.
jacksonartsmarket.com for more information

Coffee Shop: The Rhu | Session #1 | Topic: Bubbles
Sep 3 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
The Rhu

Coffee Shop: The Rhu | Session #1 | Topic: Bubbles

Creative Prompt
Write a story from within a bubble.

Where
https://www.the-rhu.com/

Fun Fact for this day

### 3 Sept, 1976 Mars Viking 2 Lands

September 3rd, 1976 : The unmanned U.S. spacecraft Viking 2 launched on September 9th1975 lands on Mars to take the first close-up, color photographs of the planet’s surface.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 3 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, September 4, 2022
Elks Lodge Apple Breakfast
Sep 4 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Elks Lodge 1616, Hendersonville,

Elks Lodge Apple Breakfast, 7am-12pm, Join Hendersonville Elks Lodge 161 for the 2022 Apple Big Breakfast, which includes
pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits, gravy, hash brown casserole, apple dessert and a beverage, Proceeds to benefit
the Elks’ Christmas Charity Project, Adult tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door; children tickets (6-12 years old) are $6 in
advance, $7.00 at the door; children und

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic & Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

9.8.22 Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Gameroom (for 18+)
What: Stand up Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing,
When: Thursday 9.8.22. 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
Where: Asheville Pizza & Brewing Gameroom, 675 Merrimon Ave, Asheville 28804
Tickets: $13 (available at door or Asheville Pizza website)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]
[Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]
Hosted by Blaine Perry
Featuring: Jess Cooley, Julia Macias & Allison Shelnut
We will also be signing people up for the Sweet Sweepstakes for Jubilee Alternative Shelter for Women, please donate items or tix ar sliceoflifecomedy.com or get tix at: https://go.eventgroovefundraising.com/jams/

Saturday, September 10, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 10 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Monday, September 12, 2022
20th Annual Arby’s Mountain Child Advocacy Center Golf Classic
Sep 12 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Kenmure Country Club

Join us at Kenmure Country Club for our 20th Annual Arby’s Golf Classic! Enjoy a golf day on this beautiful course with some friendly competition for a great cause. Your participation raises vital funding for our mission and helps every one of our children!

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Toss for a Cause Cornhole Tournament
Sep 17 @ 9:30 am
The Salvation Army-Hendersonville
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Of the Universe: A Recital Benefiting Literacy Together
Sep 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church Asheville NC

Presenting “Of The Universe: A Recital Benefiting Literacy Together,” a vocal recital to raise awareness for Literacy Together (www.lit-together.org). Originally conceived as an event in partnership with First Presbyterian Church of Asheville’s Mission Committee, this program will emphasize sacred text settings of a historically significant nature to bring attention to the fantastic and vital work done by Literacy Together, whose mission is to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy.
The program includes Harmonia Sacra selections by Henry Purcell, Spanisches Liederbuch selections by Hugo Wolf, an oratorio aria from George Frideric Handel’s La resurrezione, art songs by Ned Rorem and Libby Larson, and selections from Benjamin Britten’s The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35. The music program should last one hour with a reception afterward.
This event is *FREE* to the public, but all attendees are kindly asked to donate any amount to Literacy Together as they can. Please share this event with anyone you think may be interested!
Performing artists are as follows:
Casey Edwards, tenor
Barbara Weiss, harpsichord
Jeremy Roberts, organ
Katherine Haig, cello
David Berger, piano

Playing for our Partners – Music at the Old Rock Cafe
Sep 17 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Old Rock Cafe

Live music returns to the Old Rock Cafe with our new music series: Playing for our Partners. Come enjoy an evening of good food and good music on the deck overlooking the Rocky Broad River and support a good cause, too. A percentage of proceeds from each event in the series will benefit one of our local non-profit partners. The September event will feature musician Mike Pauer and support Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

Thursday, September 22, 2022
Pups + Pints
Sep 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pack Square Parking Garage Rooftop

Bring your furry friends for a rooftop {paw}ty benefiting the Asheville Humane Society on Thursday, September 22nd from 5-7pm at the Pack Square Parking Garage off 26 Biltmore Avenue! This free event will include multiple breweries with beer tastings, live music, caricature art, pet portraits and more!

Raegan Payne Virtual Writers Workshop “Inciting Incident”
Sep 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online

The Jump Off: The Importance of the Inciting Incident will help writers craft exciting openings to hook an audience. “If you don’t grab an audience in the opening moments of a speech, play, novel, or even television series, they’re lost forever. Learn how to identify a compelling inciting incident and make it riveting.”

Raegan Payne is a published, award-winning playwright whose plays have been produced from Los Angeles to Lagos. She studied Shakespeare at the British American Drama Academy and improv/sketch writing at The Groundlings in Los Angeles and has just finished a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge in Writing for Performance. She is a member of Ammunition Theatre Company’s Writers Group, the Dramatist Guild, Actors’ Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and the Los Angeles Female Playwrights Initiative. She unwinds by fostering kittens and practicing Aikido. For more info go to: raeganpayne.com

Saturday, September 24, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Sep 24 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

WNC Family Fun Festival – A Hands On! Reunion
Sep 24 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Innisfree Farm

WNC Family Fun Festival - A Hands On! Reunion

Join us on at Innisfree Farm at 1485 North Rugby Road for the WNC Family Fall Festival – a benefit for Hands On! Children’s Museum!

 

CALLING ALL WNC FAMILIES! Join us at the Innisfree Farm on Saturday, September 24, 2022 for the WNC Family Fall Festival- A Hands On! Reunion presented by Turf Mountain Sod. All proceeds from this event benefit Hands On! Children’s Museum, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

WNC Family Fun Festival - A Hands On! Reunion image

LOCATION & PARKING

The WNC Family Fall Festival is located at the Innisfree Farm located at 1485 North Rugby Road. Parking is free and avaliable on the property.

WNC Family Fun Festival - A Hands On! Reunion image

TICKETS

Tickets for this event is $40 per adult, $20 per child, and $75 per adult couple. Tickets include access to all festival activities, ONE (1) BBQ/Hot Dog Dinner, soft drinks, and ONE (1) alocholic beverage for adults 21+. Additional alocholic beverages will be available for purchase. All attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and/or blanket.

ACTIVITIES

Event activites include but are not limited to: Fun Children’s Games, Old-Fashioned Cake Walk, Face Painting, Live DJ, Hay Rides, Pony Rides, 50/50 Cash Raffle, and Fireworks!

50/50 RAFFLE

Adults 18+ are eligible to purchase ticket(s) for the 50/50 raffle. At the conclusion of the WNC Family Fall Festival a drawing will take place to determine the winner of the raffle. The winner will receive 50% of the total raffle ticket sales.

Tickets are $5 each, or FIVE (5) tickets can be purchases for $20. Raffle tickets are available to purchase in-person at Hands On! Children’s Museum Tuesday – Satrurday between 9am and 5pm. The museum is located at 318 North Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville. Tickets will also be available for purchase during the WNC Family Fall Festival.

The drawing will take place at the conclusion of the event, and you do not need to be present to win. The winner of the 50/50 raffle is responsible for their taxes (federal and state). Any fees or other taxes in connection with the 50/50 raffle, are the sole responsibility of the winner. The winner will receive IRS Form W2G, and the amount of the winnings will be reported to the IRS of the winnings. State and Federal Taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. The ticket purchase price does not qualify as a charitable contribution.

EVENT POLICIES

WEATHER: Please note this event is rain or shine. In the evevent of dangerous inclement weather conditons, the event will be cancelled and your ticket purchase will become a tax-deductible donation to the museum.

PETS: For the safety of all event attendees, non-service animals are not allowed on the property. Please do not bring your pet(s) to this event.

Friday, September 30, 2022
Jubilee Talent Showcase
Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jubilee Celebration Hall

Jubilee showcases excellent local talent in many arts: music, poetry, theater, comedy and more.

Saturday, October 1, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 1 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Friday, October 7, 2022
Appalachia Day with Wicked Weed Brewing
Oct 7 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Two people
                                                    cheers Appalachia
                                                    cans with farm and
                                                    mountain background

Our partners at Wicked Weed Brewing are teaming up with Hickory Nut Gap Farm (protected by SAHC farmland conservation easement) to host an evening with live music from Rudy Ralis and Daniel Shearin and band, delicious food from HNG Meats and Garage BBQ food truck, cold Wicked Weed beers, and Fairview style fun! Proceeds from the event will benefit Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy and Project HNG. Come celebrate #Appalachia! MORE DETAILS TBA

Saturday, October 8, 2022
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Oct 8 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Award-Winning author and former Asheville resident, Chloe Kemp, presents her book, WISDOM KEEPER: My Extraordinary Journey to Unlock the Sacred Within
Oct 12 @ 8:30 pm
Sovereign Kava

Chloe lived in Asheville for 12 years and is now residing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Much of her book takes place in Asheville. Chloe’s spiritual memoir reveals the Divine pathway to a more peaceful, happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. Come meet Chloe and find out why her book is changing lives.

GOLD WINNER Memoir by a female—2022 Living Now Book Awards — Books for Better Living

FINALIST New Age Nonfiction: 2022 International Book Awards

SOVEREIGN KAVA hosting Author Event: Wed, OCT. 12, @ 8:30 pm
268 Biltmore Ave.

🌻 Book Discussion 🌻 Reading Excerpts from the book 🌻 Q & A session 🌻 Autographed English & Spanish books available to purchase

For more information about Chloe and her WISDOM KEEPER spiritual memoir: www.ChloeKempWisdomKeeper.com