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, May 7, 2021
SILENT DISCO with Molly Parti
May 7 @ 7:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Silent Disco night returns. This silent dance party featuring an amazing local DJ that starts at 7:30pm! These have become downtown Asheville’s favorite safe, outdoor socially distanced activity! Every ticket comes with a pair of sanitized RF headphones from us at the front for $5 or reserve your headphones in advance online. These events are fun for any age group: come see for yourself!
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 8 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Revolution Talent
May 8 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

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Revolution Talent

Llama Hike Experience
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/ group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain.
We welcome all ages on our llama hikes and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age in the notes section.

Led by: Mark English aka “The Llama Dude”

Llama Hike Experience
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/ group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain.

Duration: The total experience lasts about an hour and a half

Ages: We welcome all ages on our llama hikes and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age in the notes section.

Led by: Mark English aka “The Llama Dude”

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Revolution Talent
May 9 @ 8:00 am
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

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Revolution Talent

Traditional Archery
May 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Exact Location Given Upon Registration For Student Safety

Come on out for a day of fun. We’ll be hiking a bit and learning archery at the same time. Bring your own bow or use one of the ones we provide.

Learn:
-Bow fundamentals
-Different aiming techniques
-Bow care and safety

For The People Academy is an inclusive high level skills training company based in Asheville. Our goal is to create heroes in our own communities.

Food Truck Sundays
May 9 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
The Classic Hikes of the Smokies: Baxter Creek to Mt. Sterling
May 11 @ 9:00 am
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Baxter Creek to Mt. Sterling 12.2 miles | Difficult Wildflowers, Trail Restoration

2021 CLASSIC HIKES OF THE SMOKIES

Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.

After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Friday, May 14, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 15 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Southern Dance Academy Showcase 2021
May 15 @ 5:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Southern Dance Academy Showcase 2021 | Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Sunday, May 16, 2021
No Budget Camping Class
May 16 all-day
Exact Location Given Upon Registration

This primitive survival skills class provides mental health benefits and builds confidence in a covid-safe environment. For The People Academy, a high-end skills training company, is offering an all day No Budget Camping class. Students will learn how to survive in the wild without expensive gear. Skills taught will be:
How to build a shelter
How to find and purify water
How to start a fire with one match
How to make your own cookware
Basic knife skills
Basic first-aid

April 18th and May 16th from 11am-6pm. Classes will be held in the Asheville area and are open to all ages, skill levels and backgrounds. To ensure participant safety, students will be given the exact class location after registering.

Registration starts at $85 at FTPAcademy.org, but readers can get a 10% discount at checkout by entering promo code ‘CAMPING2021’.

Classes will be led by For The People Academy’s senior instructor Ami Le. Ami is a Primitive Skills instructor at Florida Earthskills gathering as well as a certified NC Concealed Carry and Red Cross First-aid/CPR/AED instructor.

LEAF ReTreat: May 13-16th
May 16 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Lake Eden

LEAF Retreat is created to Rejuvenate the soul and Replenish our inspiration in this beautiful secluded place, Lake Eden, in which you can relax and get away.
It’s less than 1/5 the attendee size of Festival while maintaining the same footprint which gives you the feeling of having the place to yourself. Connecting with the outdoors is an essential part of the experience. Stages are smaller, more intimate with meet and greets and a focus on local and regional artists.
Great music in open air settings, special featured performances with LatinX artists, along with workshops, panel discussions and activities to recharge your spirits. Prepare for a time of reflection, reconnection, healing, friendship and fun in a safe healthy beautiful setting.
*Please note: This is a private event for LEAF members only.*
Not a member? Don’t worry! You can easily become a member for as little as $50 a year. Simply visit this link to join: https://theleaf.org/give-to-leaf/

Food Truck Sundays
May 16 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt Challenge All month long!
May 16 @ 8:07 pm – 9:07 pm
Online w/ Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Gray's lily

Participating in citizen-science is a great way to get engaged with conservation. This month, we challenge all our members, volunteers, and your friends to participate in SAHC’s iNaturalist Scavenger Hunt and record as many observations as you can!

Ever wondered about what plants or animals fill your yard? Populate your nearby favorite trail? Or what that vibrant mushroom you found is? Join SAHC’s ongoing scavenger hunt to learn about and discover with your friends, family, and your community all the wonderful creatures that inhabit our mountains. Interact with SAHC staff and other hunters to help identify plants and animals, learn new fun facts, and explore beautiful photos.

If you have never used iNaturalist before, iNaturalist is a great place to identify plants and animals with the help of the internet and the surrounding community. You can learn about what the names of plants and animals are in your area and much more. Explore the great outdoors and find plants, animals, fungi, insects, etc. and take pictures of them. Once you have your pictures, you can upload them to the mobile iNaturalist app, or from your computer on the iNaturalist website.

Thursday, May 20, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Saturday, May 22, 2021
WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Hickory Nut Gap Hike
May 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap

 

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.

Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)

Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)

Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)

Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start

Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.

  • Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
  • We are limited to 25 participants total.
  • Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
  • Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
  • Social distancing is required while we hike.

Rain Date:

Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.

Hike Leader

This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

Sunday, May 23, 2021
Backcountry Navigation With A Map and Compass
May 23 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
REI
  • FITNESS LEVEL : 1

    Relaxed

During this class, our instructors will help you understand the information provided on your map, the proper use of your compass, and how to put the two together. You’ll learn about magnetic north, true north, and magnetic variation (declination). After covering these fundamentals, you’ll get time to practice taking a bearing from the terrain and your map so that you can make sense of your position and plan a route. This engaging course is a great introduction to outdoor navigation and map reading!

Dupont State Recreational Forest – Fawn Lake Access Area

Food Truck Sundays
May 23 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
May 27 @ 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

City Dance
May 27 @ 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.

Friday, May 28, 2021
Scandals Re-Opening
May 28 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Scandals Night Club

The Grove House Entertainment Complex (Scandals Nightclub) is reopening this Friday and we are gathering in support of our friends and owners of one of the oldest and largest dance/bars in Asheville. Its time to put on your dance shoes and burn up the dance floor and dance the night away.

What we’re about

Common Blue Ridge Mountain activities with old and new friends through public and private events. Giving to and celebrating life in positive ways…Share what nourishes us socially, spiritually, physically or emotionally. You will find a variety of activities…

Volunteering, Hiking, Camping, Mtn Bike Rides, Motorcycle Riders, Fishing, Game Nights, Campfires, Karaoke, Visits to Local Establishment of all types (Food, Activities, Concerts, and much more).

SILENT DISCO: 80s vs 90s
May 28 @ 7:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Ticket price includes one set of wireless headphones.

Friday night, we welcome the return of our weekly Silent Disco local DJ dance party! A pair of headphones to pipe the music in just for you will be given out at the doors for just $5 and you will be able to dance with all your friends in the middle of downtown under the stars. It is SUCH a fun night out, guaranteed! It starts at 7:30pm.
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Food Truck Sundays
May 30 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Friday, June 4, 2021
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE PRESENTS La Sylphide
Jun 4 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A Scottish fairy, La Sylphide, enters the dream of a young Scotsman, then allures him when he wakes. On the eve of his wedding, a sorceress reveals that his fiancé and best friend are actually a better match. Spirited Scottish dances infuse the first act’s pre-wedding celebration as the fairy makes her flirtations clear to the Scotsman. Sadly, if a human touches the fairy, she will lose her wings and perish. As the second act descends into the Scottish woods, the sorceress offers the Scotsman a charmed scarf and an ill-fated plan to romance the fairy.

Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive pre-professional program and full schedule of open classes for all ages in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. Faculty include ballet mistress, Nadia Iozzo (KC & Alberta Ballet), director Angie Lynn (Arts Educational, UK; Vienna Festival Ballet) and Gavin Larsen (PNB; principal, Oregon Ballet Theatre; SAB). BCA hosts a popular four week summer intensive, plus frequent master classes with world-class guest teachers like Karen Averty (“Etoile”, Paris Opera Ballet; principal, San Francisco Ballet; JKO & Boston Ballet faculty); Daniel Ulbricht (principal, NYC Ballet); Paul Taylor Dance Company; John Selya (American Ballet Theatre dancer & choreographer, Tony Nominee-Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”); Amanda Edge (NYC Ballet, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”), Parson’s Dance Company.

Recent students have trained year-round at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre JKO School, The Royal Ballet School in London, School of American Ballet (NYC Ballet’s school), Harid and Nutmeg Academies; trained summers at ABT & SAB in NYC, Royal Ballet School, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City and Chautauqua; and were accepted with scholarship to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Butler Universities, plus Marymount-Manhattan.

Saturday, June 5, 2021
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE PRESENTS La Sylphide
Jun 5 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

A Scottish fairy, La Sylphide, enters the dream of a young Scotsman, then allures him when he wakes. On the eve of his wedding, a sorceress reveals that his fiancé and best friend are actually a better match. Spirited Scottish dances infuse the first act’s pre-wedding celebration as the fairy makes her flirtations clear to the Scotsman. Sadly, if a human touches the fairy, she will lose her wings and perish. As the second act descends into the Scottish woods, the sorceress offers the Scotsman a charmed scarf and an ill-fated plan to romance the fairy.

Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive pre-professional program and full schedule of open classes for all ages in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. Faculty include ballet mistress, Nadia Iozzo (KC & Alberta Ballet), director Angie Lynn (Arts Educational, UK; Vienna Festival Ballet) and Gavin Larsen (PNB; principal, Oregon Ballet Theatre; SAB). BCA hosts a popular four week summer intensive, plus frequent master classes with world-class guest teachers like Karen Averty (“Etoile”, Paris Opera Ballet; principal, San Francisco Ballet; JKO & Boston Ballet faculty); Daniel Ulbricht (principal, NYC Ballet); Paul Taylor Dance Company; John Selya (American Ballet Theatre dancer & choreographer, Tony Nominee-Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”); Amanda Edge (NYC Ballet, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”), Parson’s Dance Company.

Recent students have trained year-round at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre JKO School, The Royal Ballet School in London, School of American Ballet (NYC Ballet’s school), Harid and Nutmeg Academies; trained summers at ABT & SAB in NYC, Royal Ballet School, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City and Chautauqua; and were accepted with scholarship to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Butler Universities, plus Marymount-Manhattan.

June Ecstatic Dance
Jun 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Pack Square Park

May be an image of text that says 'STARTRIBE PRESENTS JUNE ECSTATIC DANCE Morphonic WITH JUNE 5 7-9 PM PACK SQUARE AMPHITHEATER PREPARE TO BASS UP AND GET DOWN'

Dear Startriber,
At last, it’s nearing the time to come together and dance in the way we love most!…and at our favorite location, Pack Square Park…aaaand with DJ Morphonic! Just a heads up… dancing your heart out will be irresistible; so prepare to bass up and get down.
* Attendance is limited to 200, so reserve your space early
Sunday, June 6, 2021
WNC Dance Academy Spring Showcase
Jun 6 @ 2:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

WNC Dance Academy presents their annual Spring Showcase, featuring award winning WNCDA Performance Company and the artistry of talented academy students and choreographers.