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.
Every Sunday in September
This Labor Day Weekend art affair will feature a collection of national and regional artists specializing in hand-made works of art. There will be painters, potters, jewelers, glass blowers and much more. Asheville’s historic Pack Square Park is the picturesque venue for the Downtown Asheville Festival of the Arts. This regional landmark has been a focal point since the city’s creation in 1797, lying at the intersection of ancient trading paths. The beautiful public park has grown to 6.5 acres for events and visitors to relax while they enjoy all that Downtown Asheville has to offer.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1852530621534962/
Please consider volunteering for the Beer City Cup to help raise money for Special Olympics. This is an annual fundraiser we do every year. We will be serving beer at the beer tent on Sunday, September 2.
https://www.facebook.com/events/615341902195363/
Chihuly at Biltmore represents the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens, and the first garden exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. The world-renowned American artist’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, and now, for a limited time only, they can be seen at Biltmore.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this unique visual experience, an absolute must-see presentation of unparalleled artistic expression.
Dazzling in daylight, the exhibition takes on an entirely new dimension when viewed after nightfall; experience the brilliance and beauty of these awe-inspiring marvels of color, form, and light.
BIKE DAY SUNDAY’s , EVERY SUNDAY Live Band,
Outdoor Bars, Riverfront Seating & Service
Hot Food, Bikes & Babes, Drink, Food, Kiosk &
Apparel Store Specials, Sewing Services,
Brotherhood Leather With Your Biker Gear Onsite,
All Makes & Models Welcome, Bike Games,
Pool Tables, Gaming, NASCAR & NFL Headquarters
Great Rides Available in Every Direction…
For A Great Day With Great People, Get Your Knees
in The Breeze and Come Visit with Us…
https://www.facebook.com/events/2053293278078363/?event_time_id=2053293348078356
9th Annual Beer City Cup Finals at Memorial Stadium.
This event is FREE and open to the public!
Soccer fans, beer fans and families are all invited to join us for the largest adult soccer event in the Nation!
100 teams from 30 cities across 10 states and 2 countries promises lost of action, smiles and good times.
$3 tasty beverages from all your favorite breweries!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1606465466131599/
Each Tuesday and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m., April through October, trained volunteer guides lead small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season, topics of discussion include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history, and the cultural and land use history of The North Carolina Arboretum. Guides may include areas such as the Natural Garden Trail and Bent Creek.
Programs are held rain or shine and participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Individuals should also wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walks last 1.5- 2.5 hours, depending upon the interest of the group, and are approximately one to two miles in length. Due to length and content, this program is not recommended for children under 8 years of age.
Walks begin in the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of five or more are required to pre-register by calling 828-665-2492. Walks are FREE, however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Due to size limitations of the tours, groups of 10 or more are required to book a private guided trail tour.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 15th Annual: LAAF, Living Asheville Arts Festival which will be held on Sunday, September 2nd from 11AM-9PM in Downtown, Asheville, North Carolina (Lexington Ave. from the corner of College St. down to the intersection at I-240 | Walnut St. from Broadway to Rankin Ave | Hiawassee from Broadway to Rankin Ave.).
FREE EVENT~ FAMILY FRIENDLY~ LOCAL HANDCRAFT ART VENDORS~ FUN ACTIVITIES~ KIDS AREA~LOCAL FOOD~LOCAL MUSIC~COMMUNITY
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
LAAF, Living Asheville Arts Festival is a yearly festival FOR locals BY locals. LAAF believes in Asheville’s transformational power of creative expression. This one day end of the summer festival hosted in downtown Asheville is an alternative creative placemaking experience where hundreds of local artists through a wide range of art installations, music, performances, artisan crafted goods and other vendors, food, beverages and interactive education.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
LAAF, Living Asheville Arts Festival will continue to activate the core values of our organization by working with partners to hold workshops, discussion forums, and interactive activities that promote the social and environmental well being for Asheville’s arts community. The festival will expand from a general focus on the arts to embody and honor the ways Asheville utilizes creative expression to enhance the natural environment, provide social equity and support healthy lifestyles.
MUSIC LINEUP!!!
(ordered as announced // full music lineup with times/stages will be posted)
Christy Lynn Band, Galena, Koresma, Heather Taylor, Nick Gonnering Music, Indigo De Souza
VENDOR APPLICATIONS are OPEN:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQGKjDafT-iAzfCZdiqINposABZu9vVwdd-s3UeW8luUQYfg/viewform (any questions, please email [email protected])
INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS are OPEN – (Movement Performing Artists, Workshop Presenters, and Art Installations):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOT9svBSmZ4MBmM7CWjb7iiEmyj023K2YaOfB5XRwuT-GOVg/viewform?usp=sf_link
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?: Please email, [email protected]
INTERESTED IN MEDIA COVERAGE?: Please email, [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/2048691092009140/
The CMA and Grammy winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is among one of numerous nationally-acclaimed bands that will be playing at the 112th Canton Labor Day Festival presented by Champion Credit Union and sponsored by Ingles Markets. Rounding out the bill are International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year winner – Balsam Range, America’s Got Talent semifinalists – Summer Brooke and Mountain Faith, Nashville’s rising southern rock star – Joe Lasher Jr., along with performances by the talented artists – Canaan Cox, McKayla Reece, Lyric, Keil Nathan Smith, and bands to include Vintage Country, Running Wolfe, and The Renegades. The event will also have an inflatable kids area, food truck row, car show, parade, and Ingles Ultimate Air Dogs.
https://www.facebook.com/events/175588096491251/
Live Music: Caribbean Cowboys
https://www.facebook.com/events/228825041290311/
Spend your Labor Day weekend with local folk duo Swamp Rabbit Railroad in this beautiful setting as they share their favorite original songs as well as a few creative arrangements of folk tunes.
Like folk songwriters of the past, this husband and wife duo seeks to be a voice for its generation. Their original songs come from an honest place and are performed with real conviction. The Casons’ unique blend of harmonies creates a haunting and beautiful sound that captures the essence of the foothills in which they were formed while their onstage chemistry captivates the attention of any audience.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1288958884572876/
The Groundling
By Marc Palmieri; Directed by Betsy Puckett
August 17-September 2, 2018
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm
NC Premiere! After stumbling upon an outdoor production of a Shakespeare play in Manhattan, Long Island landscaper Bob Malone returns home inspired to write a play about his troubled marriage. He hires two reluctant New York theatre professionals to spend a week at his home and stage the play in his garage, with a cast of colorful locals. A modern romantic comedy with a moving and unexpected ending.
NC Premiere! After stumbling upon an outdoor production of a Shakespeare play in Manhattan, Long Island landscaper Bob Malone returns home inspired to write a play about his troubled marriage. He hires two reluctant New York theatre professionals to spend a week at his home and stage the play in his garage, with a cast of colorful locals. A modern romantic comedy with a moving and unexpected ending.
By Marc Palmieri; Directed by Betsy Puckett; Starring Mandy Bean, Robinson Fox, Scott Keel, Ralph Redpath, Daniel Sandoval, Kelsey Simmons, and Haven Volpe
https://www.facebook.com/events/2148369268538254/
Beginner Wheel Throwing with Cayce Kolstad
Tuesdays 3-5:30pm
August 28- October 2
With an emphasis on ceramic tableware, this class is a perfect introduction to throwing on the potter’s wheel. We will explore the fundamental forms of functional pottery and work towards altering them to make cups, mugs, bowls and more. We will also cover the basics of glazing in order to create food safe pots you can use at home.
Level: Beginner and Seasoned Beginner
Tuition: $235 + $35 Lab Fee
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Everyone loves a parade! Come join Asheville Second Line once again as we parade with members of Asheville Mardi Gras and other fun groups through the streets of Ashevegas. The parade will start down by the South Lexington stage and proceed through the event ending up at the Karma Bus stage (in the Lancious lot). Time will be 3:00. Watch, jump in or rsvp to be a part of the parasol posse! See you then!!
Check out the LAAF Facebook page for maps and more info.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2229509963948199/
Sol Driven Train presents
Sol Slam Mountain Jam 2018
Aug 31 – Sept 2
On the banks of the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN
Featuring:
Sol Driven Train
Yarn
Empire Strikes Brass
Josh Roberts And The Hinges
Jeff Sipe’ “Slam Shine”
Lovers Leap
Terraphonics
Sol Driven Train and Mountain River Guides are excited to present Sol Slam Mountain Jam, a family-friendly camp out music festival on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN, over Labor Day Weekend, August 31-September 2, 2018. Our mission is to be the best “end of summer” music festival in the region while celebrating music and life in an intimate, naturally stunning environment. Ticket quantities will be limited to promote the highest quality event experience.
After seven annual Sol Slam Music Festivals in the midst of the sweltering summer heat at Charleston’s oceanfront music venue The Windjammer, Sol Driven Train is moving the party to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee. USA Raft is a whitewater outfitter boasting a beautiful tent campground along with cabins nestled in the woods. Daily activities will be offered including hikes, stand up paddle boarding, tubing and caving. Vendors will be on hand selling delicious food and libations. The musical entertainment will include Yarn (Americana), Empire Strikes Brass (horn funk), Jeff Sipe’s Slam Shine (jazz/jam), Josh Roberts And The Hinges (rock n roll), Lovers Leap (progressive bluegrass), two nights of Sol Driven Train (jamericana), as well as a Sol Driven Train kids show and Terraphonics. Expect collaborations and jams from these longtime musical conspirators.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. SAHC works to conserve the unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee for the benefit of present and future generations. We achieve this by forging and maintaining long-term conservation relationships with private landowners and public agencies, owning and managing land and encouraging healthy local communities. ZSCN is a small group of volunteers dedicated to providing care to special needs and senior animals… and spaying all the cats!
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MUSIC SCHEDULE
FRIDAY – 8/31/18
7pm Lovers Leap
9pm Empire Strikes Brass
11pm Drum Circle
SATURDAY – 9/1/18
3pm Terraphonics
5pm Josh Roberts And The Hinges
7pm Sol Driven Train
9pm Yarn
SUNDAY – 9/2/18
12pm Sol Driven Train Kids Show
2pm Jeff Sipe’s Slam Shine
4pm Sol Driven Train
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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CAMPING:
Camping will be festival style! We have a lovely site on the banks of the Nolichucky river, but space is limited and we want as many happy campers as possible to attend the Sol Slam Mountain Jam!
– Check in for camping is Friday at 12 Noon
– Check out is Monday at 11am.
Tent spaces will be close together. Please count on only having room for a tent, small table, and chairs so that more people can camp! You may bring a canopy but please conserve space! There are lots of trees for hammocking.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles! Pack in, Pack out! Bring extra trash bags, don’t litter, clean up after yourself and be a good neighbor. Please do not leave items at the campground when you leave.
Practice Kindness and meet your new festy fam! It makes the festival more enjoyable for all!
If there is an emergency, or you really need to make a phone call there is a land line in the lodge and the USA Raft Store.
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FIRES:
Campfires are permitted in established fire rings throughout the property. Please do not build additional fire rings.
Outside Firewood is prohibited due to the increase in invasive species transfer.
We will have firewood for sale in our store.
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TICKETS:
We will not be mailing or emailing tickets.
Arrival and check-in will be at will call in the USA Raft Store. Please check-in at the store for directions to your campsite and instructions for shuttle and offsite parking. Bring a photo ID.
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PETS:
Dogs on a leash are welcome at Sol Slam! We love Fido!!!
Please be considerate of your neighbors and don’t leave Fido alone if he/she likes to bark.
Please scoop the poop! Plan to bring bags, but they will be available on site as well.
We will keep our resident USA Raft/Mountain River Guides dogs on leash or inside.
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PARKING & SHUTTLES:
Off-site parking a few miles away will be the standard unless special circumstances have been prearranged. For example: You have a sleeping setup in your vehicle.
You will have 30 minutes to unload your vehicle on-site when you arrive on Friday. If you cannot pull directly up to your campsite we will have people onsite available to assist.
We will provide shuttles to and from off-site parking throughout the day until a hour after the last show.
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STORE:
We have a store onsite that will sell general snack items, bug spray, sunscreen, t-shirts, stickers, firewood, ice, supplies etc..but we encourage you to bring all supplies with you as we do not have a large selection of camping goods.
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VENDORS:
There will be lots of food and merchandise vendors onsite. We will put a list on Facebook soon..
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FOOD & DRINK:
We will have several food vendors to choose from during the festival as well as our camp store that sells snacks and drinks.
Lodging guests are welcome to use our communal kitchen in The Lodge or the charcoal grills on site.
Bring coolers for your food and beverages! We sell ice in the store.
There will be alcoholic beverages for sale on site, but you are welcome to bring your own.
NO GLASS BOTTLES as they can break and become a safety hazard!
Please remember to stock up on food and drink before you arrive as most parking will be offsite. There are 2 grocery stores in Erwin. There are also pizza places that deliver to our office.
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TRASH & RECYCLING:
Practice Leave No Trace Principles!
Please help keep our campground clean by picking up all trash.
Trash and recycling receptacles will be provided throughout the property.
Cigarette butts are NOT biodegradable and will be picked up one by one after the festival so PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE.
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CELL PHONES:
We will not have dedicated phone charging areas but campers may use electric outlets in the Lodge to charge cell phones.
Signal is extremely limited. AT&T, Consumer Cellular, and Verizon may be able to send/receive text messages. Do not count on phone calls to meet your friends!
If there is an emergency, or you really need to make a phone call there is a land line in the lodge and the USA Raft Store.
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LOST & FOUND:
The lost and found is located in the store at the USA Raft outpost.
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WHAT TO BRING:
In packing for your stay at SSMJ, bring rain gear, warm clothes, and an extra pair of shoes or sneakers in case it rains.
We also recommend bug spray, a blanket for seating, sunscreen, hat for shade, a container (or two!) for water, plastic bags for trash, extra toilet paper (just in case), a lantern or a flashlight with extra batteries, a camera, and a smile!
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WHAT NOT TO BRING:
No weapons of any kind
No fireworks
No illegal substances
No unauthorized vending
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WHITEWATER RAFTING SPECIALS
Saturday 9/1/18 – 10am to 3pm – Nolichucky Gorge Lunch Trip
– Ages 10+ – Class 4 Adventure!
– $80.00 person
Saturday 9/1/18 11am-3pm Lower Nolichucky w/ Lunch Trip
– Ages 4+ – Class 1-3 Family Float Adventure
– $40.00 a person
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www.usaraft.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/237747023634445/
www.soldriventrain.com
1-800-872-7238
https://www.facebook.com/events/237747023634445/
Vaden Landers is a multi-instrumentalist from eastern Tennessee. As a young man he began traveling America’s highways and railroads, studying American folk music styles such as Old-time, Country, Blues, Cajun & Jug. With a voice like a young Hank Williams, and an acute musical attention to detail, he plays with an authenticity that he hopes will spread the knowledge of American culture and music through his own.
https://www.facebook.com/vadenlanders1001/
https://www.facebook.com/events/2069969886553872/
Hey Folks,
Mark your calendars, for Saturday, Sept 1st. Vaden Landers and The Do Rights will be doing up Triskelion Brewing Company in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The show starts at 3 pm.
See ya there.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2083339215265367/
112th Canton Labor Day Festival. The Town of Canton will celebrate its Historic 112th Labor Day Celebration Sep. Sunday, September 2 – Monday, Sep. 3rd, 2018. The CMA and Grammy winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is among one of numerous nationally-acclaimed bands that will be playing at the 112th Canton Labor Day Festival presented by Champion Credit Union and sponsored by Ingles Markets.
https://www.facebook.com/events/851869078336918/
Amazing Pizza Company is a wood fired pizza food truck.
Making thin crust Neapolitan style pizza
fresh each day from their mobile kitchen.
www.facebook.com/APCpizzaCO
https://www.facebook.com/events/473185326491159/
Every Sunday, stop by the Bywater to see some of the best #bluegrass players that Asheville has to offer. There is no cover, food will be provided by Sackett Street BBQ and tunes will be led by Drew Matulich.
See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2120809821516686/
Closed for private event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1221063044662725/
Closed for private event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1391252017685616/
We’re celebrating the fun of summer the same way we welcomed it! This Sunday is the last day of our extended summer hours and the last day our community grills will be out until next year. Come help us say goodbye to long summer nights and welcome fall’s cooler temperatures and vibrant colors. We’ll have the grills out and coals lit and ready for you to grill your own tasty items at 5pm. Pack a picnic for you and friends or bring a dish to share. We’ll take care of plates, napkins, and utensils.
Grilling will be weather permitting.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2121405964740566/
FREE DEAD
https://www.facebook.com/events/2255958731085343/
We have music ? by Jeff Gregory on Sunday! Ready for a cold craft beer while listening to music sitting on one of our four outside decks/beach beside the Rocky Broad River?
https://www.facebook.com/events/973270876157523/
Dan Keller trio is an instrumental jazz project comprised of upright bassist Ryan Kijanka, drummer Micah Thomas, and guitarist Dan Keller. They put their own spin on timeless standards and melodies, without losing the grit and authenticity of jazz. Many eras from early swing, latin jazz, bebop, and soul-jazz are represented. They strive to entertain both casual listeners and connoisseurs. This week’s show features special guest violinist Alex Travers.
kellerjazz.vpweb.com
Adopting Asheville as his home town in 2016, Alex has since been working as a collaborative artist, arranger, performer, teacher, violinist and songwriter. His style permeates into a variety of musical styles and genres. Absorbing every experience like a sponge, he is likely to squeeze the most out of any piece, performance or project he comes across. But when asked what it comes down to, his reply is one simple word: “Honesty”. Having performed on the same venues with such acts as Thor and Friends, Explosions in the Sky, Carly Taich, and many more, his musical influences include Phillip Glass, Charlie Parker, Elliott Smith, the Pixies, Andrew Bird, J.S. Bach, Buckethead, and others. Taking a break from symphony work this year to spend more time in the studio, he is heavily working with artists and musicians as a collaborator in the Asheville area.
https://www.facebook.com/events/548196522304466/
The band, led by the world famous Italian mandolin player and scholar Carlo Aonzo, presents a very interesting repertoire of Italian musics, chosen among the evergreens of the Italian national tradition, arranged with the unique personal ‘Carlo Aonzo Trio’ style.
The Trio, featuring Carlo Aonzo on the Italian mandolin, Lorenzo Piccone on the guitar and Luciano Puppo on the double bass, made a real trip around the world musical genres last year with the release of their first album “A Mandolin Journey”. This work celebrates the Mandolin as icon of the Italian culture in the world following its evolution through centuries and continents and was presented during a very intense musical tour through many Italian towns and the United States where it was warmly welcomed by both audience and critics.
The new project focuses now on the roots of the Italian music enriched by the flavor and uniqueness of the Carlo Aonzo Trio sound: swing, jazz, elaborated rhythms strongly influenced by North and South American elements interact here with classical, folk music and movie soundtracks.
The show is completed by stories and anecdotes, introducing the different musical pieces in a very lively and capturing atmosphere.
https://www.carloaonzo.com/trio
Photography by Stephen Houseworth
https://www.facebook.com/events/333301443905821/
LAAF is almost upon us and we are so excited! Last year’s fashion show was a major success and so much fun! We can’t wait to see all of the beautiful designs this year.
https://www.facebook.com/events/625017144564227/