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, August 1, 2021
NC Mineral & Gem Festival
Aug 1 all-day
Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center

The 62nd annual NC Mineral & Gem Festival located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. One of the oldest running and most popular mineral and gem festivals in the country. Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday Hours are 12:00 to 5:00 PM.

The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 1 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Mountain Makers Craft Market
Aug 1 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Haywood Square Plaza

Mountain Makers Craft Market is a monthly indie art fair designed to cultivate community in Western NC. Located in Downtown Waynesville, we bring together 20+ artisans selling handmade and vintage goods that’ll make you smile! Join us on the first Sunday of each month from 12p-4p at 308 N. Haywood Street, and visit MountainMakersMarket.com

Monday, August 2, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 2 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 3 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Weaverville Library Evening Book Club
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Weaverville Library Evening Book Club

Join us as we discuss The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss. We will be meeting virtually this month.  All participants must pre-register.  Newcomers are always welcome. Copies of this title are available for check out at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.

Enka-Candler Library Evening Book Club
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library--ONLINE

Enka-Candler Library Evening Book Club

Chat with other book lovers about this month’s book selection. The book we’ll be discussing in August is “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins. This program is in person and hosted virtually for those unable to attend in person. To get the link, email [email protected] or call the library at 250-4758.

Books are reserved at the Enka-Candler Library. Call to hold your copy or come in to pick one up!

Tacos + Trivia Tuesday
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog

Tacos & Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Tacos & Trivia!

Twisted Roots will be cooking up a variety of tacos and authentic sides (vegetarian options available) starting at 5 pm.

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for good food, a good time, and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Wednesday, August 4, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 4 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Witty Wednesday Trivia
Aug 4 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Aug 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Thursday, August 5, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 5 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Aug 5 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Weaverville Library Afternoon Book Club
Aug 5 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Weaverville Library ONLINE

Weaverville Library Afternoon Book Club

Join us as we discuss The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. We will meet in person at the Weaverville Library with the option to join by ZOOM. Registration is only necessary for ZOOM participants.  Newcomers are always welcome.  Copies of this title are available for check out at the Weaverville Library while supplies last.  See you at the Library!

Adora Winquist DNA Book Signing + Workshop
Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Salt Cave

Introducing local Asheville resident, Adora Winquist of ADORAtherapy, a world-renowned healer, alchemist and author.

Adora will be hosting a book signing and product demo at the Asheville Salt Cave on Thurs August 5th. Her new book titled “Detox,Nourish, Activate: Plant and Vibrational Medicine for Energy, Mood and Love” was released beginning of July 2021 and has received rave reviews. The book can be ordered from her website, Aeon Books, or Amazon, or at the event.

This revolutionary book guides readers along the path of self-mastery and the ultimate expression of their personal truth, offering a three- step system designed to heal trauma at the core level from this lifetime and many previous generations. Three well-being areas are explored in-depth, with eleven primary alchemical interventions to facilitate healing down to the DNA level.

We would love the opportunity to introduce you to Adora and to share this revolutionary book with you. Please join her at this event, held outdoors in the gardens at the renowned Asheville Salt Cave Spa. This nature-inspired salt cave offers pure relaxation and a chance to recharge, with 20 tons of pure pink salt that has naturally recreated the micro climate of a salt mine. This climate is maintained with the specific temperature and humidity levels found in a naturally occurring cave. The salt in their cave comes from all corners of the earth: from deep in the Polish salt mines, to the Dead Sea, to the Himalayan Mountains, to the Celtic Sea. It is antibacterial, uncontaminated by dirt, and is free of toxins and pollutants.

Adora and the Asheville Salt Cave promise an evening of reflection, relaxation, meditation and purpose.
We look forward to welcoming you!

East Asheville Library Book Club
Aug 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Online

East Asheville Library Book Club

Join other literature lovers to discuss your favorite books over Zoom. This month’s pick is The Ghosts of Eden Park, by Karen Abbott.

Young Adult Intersectional Summer Book Club
Aug 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Skyland/South Buncombe Library

Young Adult Intersectional Summer Book Club

Join us outside in the garden at South Buncombe Library to discuss identity and intersectionality in this Young Adult novel. Copies of the book will be available for check out at the circulation desk. Ebook also available on the digital library.
For young adults and new adults 14-20 years old.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: PAELLA COOK-ALONG WITH CHEF KATIE BUTTON
Aug 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Online

From sofrito to “soccarat” (those delicious crispy bits!), Chef Katie Button of Cúrate: Tapas
Bar, La Bodega, Wine Club and Trips will guide virtual guests through the timeless process
of building layers of flavor, culminating in a glorious one-pan meal that’s as perfect for
entertaining as it is a weeknight treat. Order a paella starter kit today from Cúrate, and take
it for a few test runs before the main event! $50 from every paella kit sold to ticket holders
will be donated to Chow Chow. Additional ingredient and recipe details will be shared prior
to the event

Friday, August 6, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 6 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Outdoor Story Time at the Enka-Candler Library
Aug 6 @ 10:30 am
Enka-Candler Library

The Perfect Turkey

The Enka-Candler Library will have a special outdoor Story Time on Friday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 am. Come and join us for stories, songs, and a dance party at the end! Storytime carpets will be available for children and chairs will be available for adults, but feel free to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs if you prefer. Enjoy listening to our librarians read fun interactive stories with puppets and all kinds of silliness. The selections are targeted at preschool-aged students, but all are welcome!

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Aug 6 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Saturday, August 7, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 7 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Weaverville Library Used Book Store
Aug 7 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Weaverville Library

The Friends of the Weaverville Library (FOWL) are excited to announce the opening of their used bookstore in Weaverville on Thursday, July 8. Located in the lower level of the Weaverville Library at 41 N. Main St., the store will be open Thursdays 1-5 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with expanded hours beginning in September. The store is stocked with thousands of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and more. All adult books are priced at $1.50-$3.00, children and teen books at $1.00-$1.50, audio and video at $2.00.

There is also a bargain-priced area and a collection of special finds that are priced individually. Please feel free to contact us at 828-641-1812 or [email protected]. All proceeds from the store will benefit the Weaverville Library.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Aug 7 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Lipinsky Hall Auditorium at UNCA,

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival

Are you ready to be part of the 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 5, 6, 7, 2021, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.

This 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.

A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.

The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.

If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival!

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Click here for more history of the Festival.

Click here if you are interested in performing.

Click here if you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor.

Sunday, August 8, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 8 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Monday, August 9, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 9 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 10 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!

Tacos + Trivia Tuesday
Aug 10 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Down Dog

Tacos & Trivia Tuesday

Join us every Tuesday night for Tacos & Trivia!

Twisted Roots will be cooking up a variety of tacos and authentic sides (vegetarian options available) starting at 5 pm.

Trivia will run from 7-8:15 pm. We will be capping the teams at 20 and teams will not be able to join after 7 so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot!

No reservations needed, just grab your thinking caps and get ready for good food, a good time, and a chance to win a $10, $20, or $30 gift certificate to Down Dog!

Trivia Tuesday
Aug 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Village Porch

Stop by and play trivia at The Village Porch with Geeks Who Drink and win prizes from our pub and from Wicked Weed!

We aren’t trying to re-invent the wheel, so instead we hired Geeks Who Drink, who provide the coolest wheels *trivia* around! Everything you need to know from the Geeks Who Drink website:

1. Bring a team (up to 6), or join one at the bar
2. It’s free to play (but order something, cheapo)
3. Expect 70-ish questions over 2 hours
Win free pints and other prizes
4. Go on to massive fame, fortune, a happy home life, self-realization, etc.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
The 2021 Summer Learning Program: Tails + Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales
Aug 11 all-day
Online

Illustration of animals reading book.

Get ready to go wild at the library for our annual Summer Learning Program. Join us for Tails & Tales – an exploration of wildlife and fantastical folktales. We’ll have an activity sheet with lots of fun adventures for all ages. You can pick up a sheet at any library starting June 1, or download it HERE. Check our calendar to find our most up to date list of programs all summer long.

 

The 2021 Summer Learning Program is open to young people, preschool through teen, with books and activities for every age. All library programs are free and open to children of all abilities. Come in and see what the library has for you!