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.
BMC’s esteemed faculty perform one of Shostakovich’s best-known chamber works, written for piano and string quartet.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Quintet
Other works TBA
A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
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!
The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.
The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.
Fairy Trail 2021
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.
Included with admission
Our fun-for-all-ages botanical model train displays invite you to experience our grounds in an engaging new way. Located in the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the displays feature replicas of structures connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt. Each beautifully executed piece was handcrafted from such natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs.
In compliance with state and local mandates related to COVID-19, all guests must enter the Conservatory via the ADA entrance in the back and follow a one-way route.
READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE
Love, Marriage and the Irish!: Two Comic One-Acts
The Twelve Pound Look by JM Barrie – directed by Jim Reid; O’Flaherty, V.C. by GB Shaw – directed by Ellen Pappas
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances at Attic Salt Theatre Company
LOCATION: 2002 Riverside Dr. Suite 42-O; Asheville, NC 28804
AUDITION DATE: Thursday, July 15; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
PERFORMANCE DATES: August 6-8, 2021; 2:30 pm
REHEARSAL DATES: July 26, July 27, July 29, August 3, and August 5; 10:30 am -2:30 pm
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Auditions held atThe Autumn Players will be performing a readers theater program of two delightful one-act comedies this summer at Attic Salt Theatre (while ACT is closed). The program is called Love, Marriage and the Irish!: Two Comic One-Acts by JM Barrie and George Bernard Shaw. Fireworks fly in the drawing room as an unexpected visitor sends Harry Sims Into a tailspin on the day before he is to be knighted in JM Barrie’s delightful play The Twelve Pound Look. And George Bernard Shaw infuses comedy into the terrible experience of war in O’Flaherty, V.C. as he depicts an Irish soldier trying to come to terms with what it means to be a hero. The Twelve Pound Look will be directed by Jim Reid and O’Flaherty, V.C. will be directed by Ellen Pappas. The plays will be performed as reader’s theatre. All are welcome to audition! |
Preserving & Promoting
Our
Carolina Flying Heritage
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Musician Schedule
Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
- Thursday 7/8 – Juan Holiday (R&B/Soul) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Jackson Grimm (Folk/Bluegrass) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/9 – No Event
- Thursday 7/15 – Liz & Elizabeth (Folk/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/16 – Kevin Williams (Country/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Steve Newbrough (Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.Click here for the full schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
- Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
- Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of buildings.
- To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
- Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
The Rhythm & Brews concerts series brings together live music, a variety of food trucks, and locally crafted beer, wine and cider! These free concerts close part of South Main Street to make room for all the fun, as well as a children’s area with games and activities. Tickets and wristbands, for the purchase of beer, wine and hard cider, will be located at the Downtown Hendersonville tent.
The Rhythm & Brews musical line-up includes established acts as well as up-and-coming artists from around the nation playing a wide range of tunes from southern rock, soul to R&B.
The concerts begin with an opener at 5:30 pm followed by the headlining performance at 7:30 pm,on the third Thursday of each month from May – September (2021 the concerts will run July – October) on Main Street between Allen & Caswell Streets.
The Inclement Weather Policy is to delay each act by 30 minutes before moving onto the next act. If headline act is unable to perform by 8:00 pm the show will be canceled. Follow the weather decisions on Facebook page.
Please leave your pets comfortably at home. A Hendersonville City ordinance allows event organizers to exclude animals from the event space for the health, safety and welfare of the community, dogs, patrons, and vendors and their products.
This is gonna be one big party as Sidecar Honey brings its six-piece lineup to the One World West stage! Grab a brew and put on your dancing shoes!
Let’s make homegrown music together at the library! Come play, sing, learn, or just listen at these musical East Asheville Library events.
Courtyard Jam Nights
Grab your guitar, fiddle, ukulele, or any other acoustic instrument and join us at the East Asheville Library for our Courtyard Acoustic Jam nights Thursday, July 15 and Aug. 19 from 6:30-8 pm, rain or shine. All ages and abilities are welcome. No amps or electric instruments please.
vs. 
An exciting and critically acclaimed tribute to Linda Ronstadt, Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz belt out her hits in perfect harmony, while adding personal stories to celebrate Linda’s 75th birthday! A Must see!
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks on the Isis Music Hall Lawn. Dinner Reservations are required
Exquisite ensemble pieces from the world’s most beloved operas.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Into the Fog makes their Grey Eagle debut on the patio stage on FRI 7/16. A limited number of reserved seating tickets are available now!
– 5:00PM DOORS / 6:00PM SHOW
– ALL AGES
– SOCIALLY DISTANCED, RESERVED SEATING
– MASKS REQUIRED
Into The Fog is a genre-jumping string band located in Raleigh, North Carolina. With its members having various backgrounds ranging from bluegrass, country, rock, to funk, Into The Fog creates a musical melting pot of sounds in an acoustic/newgrass setting. The band is made up of Brian Stephenson on Vocals and Guitar, Winston Mitchell on Vocals, Mandolin and Dobro, Derek Lane on Vocals and Bass, and Michael Malek on Banjo. The original iteration of the band was formed in Wilmington, NC late in 2017 around an opportunity to play in the band competition for the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival. That cross country trip was recorded by friend of the band and videographer Mason Godwin in his documentary Band #7:The Ride to Telluride.
After the Telluride trip, the band’s lineup restructured around the trio of Stephenson, Mitchell, and Lane. In November 2018 the band went to a cabin outside of Waynesville, NC and spent a week recording their debut album Wishin’ It Would Rain, which was released on February 22, 2019.
“The trio crafts a dynamic mix of songs and sounds, from the gypsy feel of “Caawphonation” to the running-from-Johnny-Law feel of instrumental “Cedar Island Rendezvous.”- Brian Tucker(Star News)
The trio went on to play over 175 shows in 2019 making a name for themselves by frequenting breweries and venues throughout North Carolina and Virginia. By August they were looking to round out their sound as they were transitioning to higher profile gigs, so they added Michael Malek as a full time banjo player. Since the addition of Malek, they have gained momentum through festival performances like Shakori Hills, Groove in the Garden, and The Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival, along with opening slots for acts like Jon Stickley Trio and Sam Bush Band. With their 14 track sophomore album Runnin’ Blind and Chasin’ Time due out in April of 2021 they are looking to make a statement about their sound and gear up for the next chapter of their musical journey.
“While purists might label label their sound as Newgrass, those in attendance respond to the gospel they are preaching and seem perfectly content with the foggy genre, since the sound is so clear”- Donna Davis(The Daily Reflector)
https://intothefogmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Intothefogmusic
https://www.youtube.com/intothefogmusic
A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.
Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!
Premium Seating
Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.
Patron Accessibility
The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.
Ride in style on the historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad aboard your very own restored Caboose. These are great for family reunions, birthday parties, private meetings, corporate field trips or just any time!
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. (And, remember, babies are people, too!) The cabooses feature heat, private bathrooms, windows that can be opened, and open air vestibules at each end for unobstructed views. Advanced reservations are required and availability of caboose rentals are limited.
A platter of cheese and crackers, and an assortment of 15 bottled Coca-Cola products are included. Plus, the caboose is the only place where you can bring your own food and drink (please, no alcohol) in picnic baskets or coolers.
You can charter the caboose on:
Best value for small groups and private parties up to 15 passengers. Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
Rafting
Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.
Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!
- Adult (13 years and older) $109
Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92
A Fully-Guided Experience
The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
Enjoy this trip combining the Great Smoky Mountains Railroads trip with the Waterfall Jeep® tour. You’ll begin your trip in Bryson City, NC, with a 2 hour (approximate) railroad excursion over Fontana Lake and into the Nantahala Gorge. As you travel on the train, watch paddlers challenge the rapids. At the top of the line, disembark from the train and climb aboard Wildwater’s customized Jeep® for a 2-hour (approximate) personal exploration up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, up to the Appalachian Trail and back. A delicious deli lunch is included.
Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.
* Children 40 – 80 lbs. are required to sit in the front passenger seat with the airbag disengaged using a child booster seat. Children 80 lbs. or greater will sit in the back using a lap seat belt. If there is more than one child in the 40 – 80 lb. range, the second child will sit in the back using a lap belt.
Tarzan Train
Our train and canopy combo trip will start in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train depot. You will ride through the Smoky Mountains, along Fontana Lake and up into the Nantahala Gorge. On your 2 hour train ride, watch paddlers challenge the rapids on the Nantahala River. A delicious Deli Sandwich lunch is included. At the top-of-the-line, you will disembark the train and travel a short distance to Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.
The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 13 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges. Our two highest platforms have unbelievable views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake and waterfalls. This gliding experience, naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change, takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. All Canopy Tour Rangers are trained to – and all courses are built and inspected to – ACCT Standards to provide for your well-being and fun. This is a great experience for families.
After enjoying the fully guided zip line tour, check out your photos and buy a t-shirt in Wildwater’s store. Your adventure will end later in the afternoon back at your car in Bryson City, NC. All transportation is included.
Members of your party who can’t – or don’t want to – go on the canopy tour can ride the train round trip. You’ll all meet up shortly after the train’s return in Bryson City, NC.
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!
The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is proud to announce The Glass Animals’ “Dreamland” Tour in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on March 28, 2022. Tickets for the event will go on publicly via ONLINE ONLY on Thursday, May 6 at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Adding to an already incredible year, Glass Animals have announced their North American “Dreamland Tour.” The run kicks off August 30th in Lewiston, NY and takes the band across North America well into 2022. The shows add to their already sold out UK tour dates, previously announced Red Rocks shows and confirmed festival performances at Bonnaroo, Life Is Beautiful, and Outside Lands. For more information about this event, please click here.
In addition, last week the band was selected as 2021 Billboard Music Awards finalists for Top Rock Song “Heat Waves” and Top Rock Album Dreamland. This is the first time the band has been recognized by the BBMAs. The Billboard Music Awards LIVE will take place Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm EST/5pm PT on NBC.
Earlier this month, Glass Animals performed “Heat Waves” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the band took over Margate’s Dreamland Theme Park and brought it back to life with an electrifying performance—watch HERE. In addition, they performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show where they took over a skate rink and used fan submitted footage to fill the television screens behind their performance—watch HERE.
The North Carolina Arboretum is going wild for art and nature in 2021 with Wild Art! On view April 1 through September 26, this outdoor sculpture exhibition features works by 17 local and national artists drawing inspiration from the natural environment. Situated throughout the Arboretum’s spacious, open-air gardens, the show offers guests a doorway into the wild world from the comfort and safety of cultivated landscapes transformed by art.
The 18 sculptures on display represent a variety of approaches to the theme of “wild art,” from the literal to the abstract, and are crafted from a diverse array of materials that will delight and inspire. Let your imagination take you on a wild journey into the world of plants and animals near and far with Wild Art at The North Carolina Arboretum.
The exhibit is available to all guests during normal Arboretum hours, and there is no admission cost to view the sculptures beyond our usual parking fee of $16 per personal vehicle.
In this collegiate-style, two-week summer session, teen artists will learn from industry experts in a combination of acting and musical theatre training, rehearsal, and performance. Daily classes in acting, movement, and music will challenge students to explore the nuances of theatre technique and provide a framework for approaching songs, scenes, and monologues, developed and performed in an original revue at the end of the two weeks. This session is ideal for students who are passionate about theatre, excited to collaborate in a pre-professional environment with peers and industry experts, and looking to grow and develop as artists. Space is limited.
(2021 high school graduates are welcome)
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
Fairy Trail 2021
Join us on the magical Fairy Trail where your imagination is the only limit.
Developed by Fairies and dedicated volunteers, Bullington Gardens’ Fairy Trail is a whimsical treat for the young and the young at heart. Featuring playful vignettes and villages, the fairy trail will charm you with its thoughtful design, eye catching displays and secret woodland trail.
Rules of the trail:
Do not move or rearrange fairy displays. The fairies are very fond of their own decorating.
Do not leave trash on the trail. Fairies do not like litter in their town.
Please ensure children and pets are supervised at all times. Dogs and loud noises can scare the fairies into hiding.
Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation. The fairies depend on the vegetation to build their homes.
The trail is one way only. Please stay on the trail at all times.
P.S. the Fairies would like us to remind you that we are a non-profit and donations are greatly appreciated. Help us keep the fairies living in the style with which they’ve become accustomed.
Bullington Gardens and the Fairy Trail are closed on Sundays.
Global Arts for rising 1st through 6th graders! A variety of LEAF Teaching Artists bring to life theatre, music, dance, and art. Living each day like a festival.
