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.

Thursday, September 16, 2021
Theatre Dance and Movement Ages 9-12
Sep 16 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, August 26th for consideration.

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 16 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 17 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 17, 2021
Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 17 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 18 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 18, 2021
Art in Autumn
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Main Street Weaverville

The 14th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival is a much loved event held on Main Street in downtown Weaverville, North Carolina, located in Buncombe County 7 miles from downtown Asheville. The festival features over 100 juried artists and craftspeople, and live music.

HERITAGE DAY
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Join us from 10 am-4 pm for a celebration of Southern Appalachian culture on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This festival has old-time music and demonstrations of the crafts of yesteryear.

Activities:
Chairmaking, quilting, heirloom apples, sheep shearing, cornshuck dolls, woodcarving, blacksmithing, weaving, stone carving, soap making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, rifle making, natural dyeing, basketry.

Band Schedule:

10:00-11:00 Cary Fridley and Old Time Friends
11:15-12:15 Highland Highlights
12:30-1:30 Split Rail
2:00-2:45 World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition
3:00-4:00 Buncombe Turnpike

Don’t Miss the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition at 2:00 pm!!

Monday, September 20, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 20 all-day
online
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 21 all-day
online
Aquanet: Goth Night
Sep 21 @ 9:00 pm – Sep 22 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 22 all-day
online
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sep 22 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

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Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.

Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s website

Latin Night Wednesday
Sep 22 @ 9:00 pm – 11:59 pm
One World Brewing West

Latin Night Wednesday

MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday.  Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.

DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.

Move On Up: Soul/R+B
Sep 22 @ 9:00 pm – Sep 23 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.

Thursday, September 23, 2021
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 23 all-day
online
Theatre Dance and Movement Ages 9-12
Sep 23 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

And a 5-6-7-8! Have you ever wanted to feel confident in a dance audition or learn awesome choreography to your favorite musical numbers? In this class students will learn basic dance styles used in musical theatre and how to act through their dancing. This course will help dancers prepare to ace an audition and pick up choreography quickly and efficiently.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, August 26th for consideration.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: RECIPES FROM RABBIT’S MOTEL
Sep 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Opened in 1948 by Fred “Rabbit” Simpson, Rabbit’s Motel was a crown jewel of Black-owned
Tourist Courts for African-American travelers in the segregation-era South, and provided
lodging and soul-food dining for many Black travelers. Rabbit’s Motel sat in the heart of
Southside, a flourishing African-American community that was one of many early-Asheville
vibrant Black communities in Asheville. SoundSpace@Rabbit’s, opened in 2020, will create a
creative arts hub in Asheville including music rehearsal studio space, soul food kitchen and
artist studios, and will promote historic pride while embracing a model of diversity in the most
authentic way possible, through music, art, community, and food. Join us for a lively event
featuring music, drinks and bites inspired by the original Rabbit’s Motel and Cafe

City Dance
Sep 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.

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sep 23 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

.

Born in 1968 at the height of the civil rights movement, Dance Theatre of Harlem conveys a message of empowerment for all through the arts. Its founders, Karel Shook and Arthur Mitchell — the latter of whom made history in 1955 as the first black principal dancer in New York City Ballet, believe that the most impactful art is born in moments of extreme injustice and frustration. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the 17-member, multi-ethnic company celebrates half a century of dance, performing forward-thinking, impassioned repertoire that celebrates African American culture through the language of ballet. A powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century, Dance Theatre of Harlem recently appeared on The Ellen Show after finding viral fame on Twitter, amassing 8.5 million views for a colorful outdoor performance video shot across various New York City locales.

Engage deeper with the art and artists
Pre-show discussions at 7pm in Henry LaBrun Studio

Dance Theatre of Harlem’s website

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 23 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 24 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 24, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 24 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 24 all-day
online
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021 Kick-Off Party
Sep 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Lure

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Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Show-stopping Dance Performances

Live Music  by The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

The return of Hot Lake Lure Nights dance lessons
hosted by Coach Natalie Foreverland

A Message from PanCAN

Nighttime Lakeside Screening of Dirty Dancing

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Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 24 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 25 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 25 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 25 all-day
online
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Lure

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

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Professional Dance Lessons to the Original
Movie Soundtrack

Film-Inspired Dance Performances by the Asheville Ballet

Top-notch  Live Music by  DJ Michael Sprouse,  Envision, and ACE Party Band.

Watermelon Races for PanCAN

Selfie  Portraits with scenes from Dirty Dancing filmed here in Lake Lure

A Car Show featuring the 1957 Chevy Bel Air “Swayze” look-alike car

A variety of Movie-inspired Games

The Lake Lift Competition

And much more!

 

Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WCU's Intramural Field

dancing in front of stage

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is diligently working to create a safe environment for everyone, whereby booths and seating are spaced for physical distancing.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: BURTON STREET GARDEN GATHERING
Sep 25 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
PEACE GARDENS & MARKET

The past, present, and future of African-Americans in Asheville is a story of resilience. Join
DeWayne Barton and Hood Huggers International for a Garden Gathering in the Peace Gardens
& Market in West Asheville. Hood Huggers builds greater communication, connection and
wealth in systematically marginalized neighborhoods in the Affrilachian region through
the arts, environment, and social enterprise. The Peace Gardens & Market–a labor of love in
the heart of the Burton Street Community–is a sanctuary for positive action, designed to
create neighborhood food security, community cohesion, and a vibrant, sustainable local
economy. The Gardens are also a vibrant sculpture park, featuring installations created by
DeWayne Barton and other artists, telling a compelling story of social and environmental
justice and black history. The Gardens will be activated with food, drink, art, music, poetry and
performance

Heart and Soul Dance Company presents Flesh and Conflict Rescheduled
Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

This performance has been rescheduled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. 

Flesh & Conflict is a modern dance portrayal of the scarring effects that societal norms can have on people facing different major adversities. From depression of body image and Sexual Orientation to domestic violence and suicide, Flesh & Conflict is created to initiate positive, productive, and constructive conversations to create a community of understanding and support! We are stronger together than we are separate!

Heart+ Soul Dance Co. presents Flesh + Conflict
Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

Heart & Soul Dance Co. presents Flesh & Conflict

This performance has been rescheduled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date.

Flesh & Conflict is a modern dance portrayal of the scarring effects that societal norms can have on people facing different major adversities. From depression of body image and Sexual Orientation to domestic violence and suicide, Flesh & Conflict is created to initiate positive, productive, and constructive conversations to create a community of understanding and support! We are stronger together than we are separate!

Sunday, September 26, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 26 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!