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, August 31, 2020
It’s Time to Clean Up the French Broad River
Aug 31 all-day
Online

Call on Asheville City Council to do its part to clean up the French Broad River, starting with the establishment of a Stormwater Task Force to address the City’s water pollution problems. Not only does the City have a legal obligation to protect water quality, Council’s commitment to racial equity demands action to protect residents of the Southside neighborhood from the highest pollution levels in the city.

Our river is a public resource, and tens of thousands of people recreate on the French Broad every year. However, none of the testing sites within the City of Asheville pass the EPA’s safe limit on average, and the worst site that we test is Nasty Branch, which drains over half of downtown Asheville and flows through the historically African American Southside neighborhood, before discharging into the French Broad River in the River Arts District.

High levels of E. coli also indicate the presence of other, more harmful microbes, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, and norovirus. Heavy rains and storms often result in spikes in E. coli contamination, increasing the risk to human health. Contact with or consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

Asheville City Council has a moral and legal responsibility under the Clean Water Act to protect our river and water quality for all city residents. Henderson County has already established a Stormwater Task Force, Asheville should too.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 2 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Modelface Comedy presents Sean Patton and Friends!
Sep 2 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ben's Tune Up

Sean Patton is back in Asheville for two nights and he is bringing some of his favorite NYC comics with him! Join Sean Patton, Cipha Sounds, Caitlin Cook, and Wil Sylvince at Bens Tune Up for outdoor comedy and music.
Ben’s will be serving food and drinks so come early for a good seat and dinner. Door’s at 7pm, show at 8:30pm both nights
This will be a masks on event and all current health and safety guidelines will be followed. A limited number of presale seats available and more will be added week of based on weather.
These shows will be filmed
ages 18+
Limited seating
Please order your tickets in groups or contact to let us know that you will be a group to help with seating.
[email protected]
Tickets $20
9/2
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-wednesday-tickets-117729250357
Buy a table (6-7 seats) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-wednesday-table-tickets-117932243515
9/3
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-thursday-tickets-117933078011
Buy a table (6-7 seats) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-thursday-large-table-tickets-117933435079

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 2 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 3 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Modelface Comedy presents Sean Patton and Friends!
Sep 3 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ben's Tune Up

Sean Patton is back in Asheville for two nights and he is bringing some of his favorite NYC comics with him! Join Sean Patton, Cipha Sounds, Caitlin Cook, and Wil Sylvince at Bens Tune Up for outdoor comedy and music.
Ben’s will be serving food and drinks so come early for a good seat and dinner. Door’s at 7pm, show at 8:30pm both nights
This will be a masks on event and all current health and safety guidelines will be followed. A limited number of presale seats available and more will be added week of based on weather.
These shows will be filmed
ages 18+
Limited seating
Please order your tickets in groups or contact to let us know that you will be a group to help with seating.
[email protected]
Tickets $20
9/2
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-wednesday-tickets-117729250357
Buy a table (6-7 seats) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-wednesday-table-tickets-117932243515
9/3
GA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-thursday-tickets-117933078011
Buy a table (6-7 seats) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modelface-comedy-presents-sean-patton-and-friends-thursday-large-table-tickets-117933435079

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 3 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
ArborEvenings
Sep 3 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Friday, September 4, 2020
Grandfather Mountain
Sep 4 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

ArborEvenings
Sep 4 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 4 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Saturday, September 5, 2020
Grandfather Mountain
Sep 5 @ 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain


To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Grandfather Mountain is only selling tickets online.

Only a select number of tickets will be sold per day for certain time-slots to limit the number of guests in the park at one time, in accordance with the state of North Carolina’s phased “reopening” plan and social gathering guidelines.

Please check back closer to your visit for ticket availability. As of now, reservations are only available through June 21.

Each guest entering the park must have a ticket, which includes a time-slot. Prices are as follows:

Adult: $22
Senior (age 60+): $20
Child (ages 4-12): $9
AAA Adult: $20 (must present valid AAA card)
AAA Child: $8 (must present valid AAA card)

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Sep 5 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 5 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Venardos Circus All New Livestream Sept 5, Broadway-style animal free
Sep 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Livestream access at www.VenardosCircus.com

The Venardos Circus, a touring Broadway-style animal free production, is thrilled to announce it will return with a brand-new livestream production on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Venardos Circus will perform one show at 4:00 P.M. PDT. No live audience seating will be available near the performance site, just via the Internet. Access to the livestream will require a ticket which costs $18.50 per person, three for $29.99 or larger multi-pack discounts are available at their website here. Sponsorships are also available. Venardos Circus has pivoted from its usual format for the time being, in response to COVID-19. Livestreams provide the opportunity for The Venardos Circus to bring a little circus magic to audiences not only in the U.S. but around the world.

ArborEvenings
Sep 5 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 5 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

Image

Sunday, September 6, 2020
Brunch of Jokers Comdey Show
Sep 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Brunch Of Jokers Comedy Show

Patio Show: Brunch of Jokers
Sep 6 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: Brunch of Jokers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASON!!

Join us for a very special Birthday Brunch of Jokers as we celebrate our show producer’s 51st birthday. Jason Scholder will be featuring and our good friend, Ritch Shydner will be guest-hosting.

RATED R: Shows are 18+ and feature adult comics, talking about adult subjects, using adult language. We invite you to come with an open mind and a desire to laugh! If you are looking to be offended, we can arrange that, too.

 

Marquee Comedy is excited to bring comedy back to The Grey Eagle. Please wear a mask until you are seated. Respect social distancing. Support local comedy and help us make Sunday Brunch the funniest meal of your life! And if you’re sick, please stay home. We’ll be doing this again next month and will be happy to see you.

 

Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit
Sep 6 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m. (weather permitting), Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Garden Promenade.

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 6 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Monday, September 7, 2020
Great Smokies reopens campgrounds + picnic areas for Labor Day
Sep 7 all-day
Great Smokies

Starting Sept. 3, the following campgrounds will reopen:

Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cataloochee and Cosby Campgrounds, and Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom and Tow String Horse Camps.

The only campground to remain closed is Look Rock on the Tennessee side of the park, which is still closed for rehabilitation, said spokeswoman Dana Soehn. All group campsites remain closed.

Heintooga and Look Rock picnic areas and Little Greenbrier Road will also reopen Sept. 3.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Buncombe County Parks Playgrounds Open with New Guidance
Sep 9 all-day
Buncombe County Parks

Hiker with camera on a log

Playground openings.

Some areas remain closed including restrooms and picnic shelters. Paddle boat, water trike, and Jon boat rentals will not be available until further notice.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Parks are open spaces to exercise for no or little cost, places for hurried individuals to reconnect with nature, and community areas to connect with neighbors and preserve culture. While these facilities and areas can offer mental and physical health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Guidance for Park Visitors

  • Remember that ongoing community spread of COVID-19 continues. Practice the three Ws:
    • Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when you go out or are around others.
    • Wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with others who do not live in your household.
    • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. No restrooms or water fountains are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons.
  • Playgrounds are subject to regular cleaning, but the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when kids touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Picnic shelters remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 9 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 9 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 9 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Buncombe County Parks Playgrounds Open with New Guidance
Sep 10 all-day
Buncombe County Parks

Hiker with camera on a log

Playground openings.

Some areas remain closed including restrooms and picnic shelters. Paddle boat, water trike, and Jon boat rentals will not be available until further notice.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. Parks are open spaces to exercise for no or little cost, places for hurried individuals to reconnect with nature, and community areas to connect with neighbors and preserve culture. While these facilities and areas can offer mental and physical health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Guidance for Park Visitors

  • Remember that ongoing community spread of COVID-19 continues. Practice the three Ws:
    • Wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth when you go out or are around others.
    • Wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with others who do not live in your household.
    • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. No restrooms or water fountains are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 persons.
  • Playgrounds are subject to regular cleaning, but the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread when kids touch contaminated objects, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Picnic shelters remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.
Inclusion Matters: Wheelchair Swings at Parks
Sep 10 all-day
Buncombe CountyParks

Buncombe County is diverse. Playgrounds should be, too. The spirit of inclusion is straightforward in a recent partnership that has brought swing access for persons of all abilities to the three largest parks in the County’s Recreation Services system.

With support from Dogwood Health TrustSand Hill Lions Club, and the citizens of Buncombe County, wheelchair swings can be found at Buncombe County Sports ParkCharles D. Owen Park, and Lake Julian Park that adhere to Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Front and rear ramps allow easy access onto and off a 32 inch wide platform (the same as standard doorway entries). Wheelchairs can easily navigate on specially engineered mulch that also acts as a safety feature in case a user should fall.

Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 10 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Helen on Wheels CANCELLED
Sep 10 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse