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.

Sunday, March 8, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Mar 8 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Monday, March 9, 2020
Early Bird Registration Open for Senior Games and Silver Arts 2020
Mar 9 all-day
Buncombe County NC

Each spring, hundreds of locals 50+ years-old enjoy participating in the Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and Silver Arts. This year’s program will be held at locations throughout Buncombe County from Tuesday, April 14-Friday, May 15. Registration is $5 before March 9 or $10 after that date. Military veterans may register for free.

To register, fill out a registration form (see documents below) or register online at ncseniorgames.org. Archery and pickleball have registration deadline dates.

Sports include basketball, bocce, croquet, football throw, softball throw, golf, cycling, track and field, archery, cheerleading, bowling, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, racquetball, shuffleboard, tennis, and table tennis. Miniature golf, rowing, and team softball and basketball are new this year. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

Silver Arts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, and woodturning), Visual (solo, small group, and large group), Performing, Literary (poem, short story, essay, and life experience), and Contemporary. Art pieces will be displayed at Buncombe County Libraries in April and May.

A full schedule can be accessed below as a PDF.

Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.

Table: News Item Documents
File Name Size Type Date & Time Added
Registration 209 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Schedule 45 KB 02/04/2020 7:52 AM
Monday, March 16, 2020
Free Lecture and Book Signing with Neal Barnard – Your Body in Balance
Mar 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
The Collider

Join Dr. Neal Barnard on Mon., Mar. 16, 2020 at The Collider in Asheville to celebrate the release of his new book, Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health. Guests will hear remarks from Dr. Barnard about food’s effects on hormones and health.

Books will be available for purchase, and Dr. Barnard will be available to sign books.

Space is limited for this free event—reserve your spot now!

Sunday, March 22, 2020
Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Jeff Scheen
Mar 22 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Jeff Scheen is a stand-up comic hailing from the Michigan woods. His offbeat humor and affable demeanor pairs well with expressive yet stupid face. Jeff has been featured on the FOX TV series Laughs and was a finalist in the Laughing Skull Festival in Atlanta, GA. He’s also been in a number of other comedy festivals including The Bridgetown Comedy Festival, Big Sky Fest, Montreux Switzerland’s Jokenation, and Laugh Your Asheville Off in North Carolina. Jeff has opened for Ryan Hamilton, Chris Gethard, and can be heard on XM radio.

Featuring Cody Daniel Hughes

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-jeff-scheen-tickets-89634508227

Thursday, March 26, 2020
City Dance
Mar 26 @ 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.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
Apr 7 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Monday, April 13, 2020
The Party’s On(line)! Week of the Young Child Celebration
Apr 13 – Apr 17 all-day
Online

Each year, the Week of the Young Child spotlights young children, families, and early educators. Buncombe Partnership for Children usually celebrates with a day of outdoor play and performance, but this year, we’re moving the party online!

It is so important to give hope to our children during what are uneasy times. We are excited for a fun-filled week of music, gardening, art, storytime, and family connection. Knowing that circumstances are different for everyone, we will focus on providing experiences you can enjoy wherever you are celebrating. All activities will be live-streamed and/or posted on YouTube.

There’s something special planned for each day of the week! For more information about Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/216960056254414/.

Saturday, April 18, 2020
Earth Day Kids Festival
Apr 18 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Salvage Station

RiverLink is hosting the 6th Annual Earth Day Kid’s Festival! This event will feature an exciting variety of environmentally focused activities for kids in grades K-12. Some of these activities include arts and crafts, musical performances, hands on learning, educational materials, interactive booths, and more! Earth Day Kids Festival encourages collaboration between environmental organizations in order to inspire younger generations to be stewards of our planet. This event is hosted in conjunction with WNC for the Planet, a collective of local environmental organizations that provides access to service, educational, and recreational opportunities in recognition of Earth Month in April. We hope you can join us to inspire younger generations to make positive change in our local and global environment!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
Apr 21 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Thursday, April 23, 2020
City Dance
Apr 23 @ 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.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Drive-Up Free Game Giveaway
Apr 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Well Played Board Game Café

No photo description available.

To participate, simply:

1. Drive up to Well Played at 58 Wall St.
2. Pop your trunk
3. Our gloved & masked attendant will provide contactless game delivery!

There is no cost to participate. All you have to do is visit us!

“We want to keep this simple, safe, and fun. So show up to Well Played next Wednesday, and I’ll meet you out front with a board game to help get you through quarantine,” said Kevan Frazier, co-owner of Well Played. “While we can’t shift our operations to produce hand sanitizer, masks or other critical medical supplies, that doesn’t mean we can’t do our part to help. We hope everyone enjoys these games and finds time to play and connect with their loved ones.”

FAQ’s
Is there a cost?
Nope, it’s free! Just show up while supplies last!

What kind of games are they?
The good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright weird. They’re all lightly used, but very playable!

What game will you get?
No one knows! That’s why it’s a mystery!

Can you donate lightly used games?
Sure thing, feel free to drop them off during this time period! If there’s enough interest, we’ll get them sanitized and host another giveaway! If not, we’ll make sure they find a good home.

You’re not going out of business are you?
No! We’re just in the business of having a bunch of games 😂 We have extra games that are either starting to show their age or can’t fit in our library, and we wanted to pay it forward at a time when people would appreciate it!

Thursday, April 30, 2020
Asheville Scavenger Hunt Cancelled
Apr 30 all-day
Asheville

Explore Asheville’s historical gems, flourishing neighborhoods, and latest attractions. Tourist, local, or new to town, this is a lively small group activity that anyone can enjoy. Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to experience the city like you never have before. Snap pics, race against the clock, and put your navigation skills to the test as you wander at your own pace. No reservations, no tour guides, and fun for all ages.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
May 5 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Friday, May 8, 2020
Golf Tournament Fundraiser
May 8 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mount Mitchell Golf Club

Join Irene Wortham Center’s 20th annual golf tournament fundraiser! As a non-profit, this annual event helps us continue serving the Buncombe County community. For 57 years and counting, we have been helping children and adults with developmental and/or socioeconomic challenges live more independent, happy, healthy, and full lives. Funds raised at this event will kick-start the building project for a new Early Learning Center. The current center, which is one of two organizations in Buncombe County helping pre-K children with developmental disabilities, enrolls 100 children and has a wait list of more than 400! We need YOUR support to expand our program and offer services to more children and families in need.
Please consider registering as a player, a sponsor, or making a donation toward the cause. The day will be full of golf, great food, cold beer, and lots of prizes and giveaways! Visit the event website to learn more and register!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Empower Hour CANCELLED
May 19 @ 11:30 am
YWCA of Asheville

Join us for Empower Hour, a one-hour program and facility tour where you will experience firsthand the YWCA’s work to bridge gaps in earning power, education, health & wellness and access to childcare.

Empower Hours take place twice a month on the first and third Tuesday at 11:30 am.
Lunch is served as part of our Empower Hour, so reservations are required.

To make a reservation: contact Elizabeth Alvandi, Advancement Assistant, at (828) 254-7206 ext. 103 or [email protected].

Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Dungeons and Dragons Club!
May 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Online

Dungeons & Dragons Club Online

Epic adventure awaits with the Dungeons & Dragons Club!

Join us for a special installment of Dungeons & Dragons Club to be played online using ROLL20.NET and DISCORDAPP.COM.
4pm-5:30 every Tuesday in May.

  • Each player will need an account on ROLL20.NET and DISCORDAPP.COM (accounts are free and easy to set up)
  • Any of these audio/video combinations:
  1. Voice & Video: A working set of headphones/earbuds and microphone or a working headset (mic/headphone combo) and a webcam. Most laptops have these capabilities built-in.
  2. Voice Only: A working set of headphones/earbuds and microphone or a working headset (mic/headphone combo). Video capability isn’t required, but suggested if available.

We will be using ROLL20 as our virtual table-top and DISCORD for our voice and chat needs.

If this is your first game, please login at least 30 minutes early for character creation.
If you can’t log in early, you can choose from one of the many pre-generated characters I’ve created for our game.
Please login early if your character needs to level up or if you joined a faction in the last session.

Open to players grades 6-12.
SPACE IS LIMITED! Only the first 4 players to register will have a seat at the virtual table.
Registration for the following week’s game will open on Tuesday mornings.

Thursday, May 28, 2020
City Dance
May 28 @ 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, June 12, 2020
Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive
Jun 12 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville outlets

The need for blood donations continues! Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm between Famous Footwear and VF Factory Outlet.

Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.

For more information visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Thursday, June 18, 2020
The Art of Games
Jun 18 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Online

The Art of Games – VIRTUAL

This program takes place via Zoom.

Join the Museum, Well Played Board Game Café, and Devil’s Foot Beverage Company for this fun program centered around card games! After mixing up some ginger-beer cocktails with Devil’s Foot, Kevan Frazier, co-owner of Well Played and a former history professor, gives a brief look at the history of card games and card games as art—including unexpected card games in the Museum’s Collection. Tanner Johnson, gamemaster at Well Played, then introduces Draft-a-Dragon, a card game he created in 2017, and teaches us how to play.

Space is limited; to register, email Kristen Boddy, membership & Museum events manager, or call 828.253.3227 x117. Museum brainteasers and Zoom login information will be emailed to participants prior to the program.

Presented in conjunction with Intersections in American Art, in partnership with Well Played Board Game CaféDevil’s Foot Beverage Company, and Perspective Café by Food Experience.

Thursday, June 25, 2020
Virtual Trivia Night Fundraiser
Jun 25 @ 7:00 pm
Online via Facebook Live

Truly Trivial logo 1

Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina (JFS) is delighted to announce its first-ever Truly Trivial Virtual Trivia Night fundraiser. JFS is a nonprofit social service agency open to people of all faiths in Western North Carolina.

This event was created in lieu of the in-person Truly Marvelous fundraising event, which was has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All proceeds from Truly Trivial support JFS programs and services including mental health counseling with sliding-scale fees for those without insurance, guided case management, and the Elder Club Program, which provides socialization for the elderly and respite for caregivers.

Truly Trivial is an online trivia game and fundraiser with a Jewish twist! Play 5 rounds of trivia with themes both Jewish and not, featuring local celebrity question-askers and fun-filled virtual energy from emcee Seth Kellam. Participants are urged to gather a team or play solo to win prizes such as gift cards to Asheville’s finest restaurants.

City Dance
Jun 25 @ 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, June 26, 2020
Asheville Outlets Hosts American Red Cross Blood Donation Drive – All Blood Donations Tested for COVID-19 Antibody
Jun 26 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

Help those in need by donating blood. Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Famous Footwear. The American Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for the COVID-19 antibody. Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.

Sunday, June 28, 2020
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jun 28 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit open the 36th season of An Appalachian Summer Festival on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The summer stop is part of the highly anticipated national tour behind the group’s newest album, Reunions (to be released May 15). As such, the festival is included in the tour announcement and is opening up sales ahead of the rest of the festival in support of the tour. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit is A Schaefer Popular Series Event.

Tickets:
$60 adults, $50 students. *Limit 4 tickets per transaction*

MONDAY, MARCH 2 at 9AM – LOCAL/WALK-UP PRESALE – Maximum 500 tickets available for purchase in person only at the Schaefer Center Box Office, 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC. No phone/online sales.

Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 3 at 9AM – Online, in person, or by phone at www.appsummer.org, 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.

Friday, July 3, 2020
All-Star Orchestra: “The New World and Its Music”
Jul 3 @ 7:00 pm
Online

● Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
● Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Avanti!
Inspired by American dreams and legends, Dvořák created some of his greatest works while living in the United States, above all the “New World” Symphony. This program illuminates the multiple stories and influences – Native American, African-American and Czech – that Dvořák transformed in his most beloved work. Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Avanti! offers a contemporary interpretation of the American archetype of “moving on.”

To learn more about All-Star Orchestra: https://allstarorchestra.org/

Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Sunday, July 5, 2020
Tesla Quartet
Jul 5 @ 2:00 pm
Online

Praised for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), the Tesla Quartet brings refinement and prowess to both new and established repertoire.
Enjoy this special message and preview scheduled in conjunction with the Tesla Quartet’s planned appearance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Tesla Quartet: http://www.teslaquartet.com/about-us
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Friday, July 10, 2020
Shana Tucker: An Evening of ChamberSoul
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Join us for a memorable evening of jazz-infused ChamberSoul, featuring live interviews with cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker and her band, moderated by Todd Wright, Professor of Jazz Studies in the Hayes School of Music.

With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Shana’s melodies weave strong hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry. Touted by JazzTimes Magazine as a jazz talent “…whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible…” Shana’s style and sound as been described as a blend of Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman, with an efficient complexity that is reminiscent of Bill Withers.

To learn more about Shana Tucker: http://www.shanatucker.com/bio

Available via YouTube Live, appsummer.org

Saturday, July 11, 2020
Parsons Dance: ‘Caught’ at Home
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Enjoy this select program featuring archival gems, glimpses of the dancers at home, and sneak peeks of the world premieres that were scheduled for The Joyce this spring.

Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Parsons Dance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Parsons Dance: https://www.parsonsdance.org/

Available exclusively via YouTube, appsummer.org

Sunday, July 12, 2020
Canadian Brass
Jul 12 @ 2:00 pm
Online

With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” Masters of concert presentations, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Each of their concerts ranges from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them – from formal classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun – but never at the expense of the music. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by the Canadian Brass as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Canadian Brass: http://www.canadianbrass.com/

Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org

Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Fortnite: eSports Summer League: Register by July 18th
Jul 14 all-day
Online


Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ first Fortnite champion?

Start practicing because on Fridays starting July 24th you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Fortnite. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.

Fortnite: Friday 8pm eSports League
07/24/2020 –08/28/2020
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Registration Now Open

Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Recommended Age: 12+
Available on XboxOne, PS4, Computer, and Switch.
For more information email [email protected]

Register July 18th 5pm: AVL’s newest eSports league Madden 20–Thursdays
Jul 14 all-day
Online

Think you have what it takes to be AVL Parks’ Madden 20 champion?

Madden 20: Thursday 7pm eSports League
07/23/2020 –08/27/2020
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Th

Start practicing because on July 21st you’ll be able to compete head-to-head in with other gamers in Madden 20. Whether you’re a noob or a pro, you’ll be able to put your skills to the test against other Asheville gamers.

Registration Now Open

Register by Friday, July 18th 5pm to secure your spot in AVL’s newest eSports league.
Available on XboxOne and PS4.
For more information email [email protected]