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.
River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.
In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!
$5 Mimosas every Saturday & Sunday
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
Jackson Arts Market is WNC makers and music festival every Saturday rain or shine on Main street in downtown Sylva 1 – 5. Connect with local creators where everything for sale is handmade. Learn their artistic processes with demonstrations and workshops with live music.
more info at jacksonartsmarket.com
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Double duos Aditi and Jay (of Shantavaani) and Angie and Cas (of the Blushin’ Roulettes) join together as The Appalucians. The original folk and roots band from the hills of North Carolina blend lyrical depth, humor and harmonies to create their signature sound.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.
A fresh, progressive bluegrass group birthed straight from the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, Fireside Collective blends the characteristic interplay of bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies with strong original material and exuberant energy to deliver a blast of electrifying creativity to the music scene. They draw on folk, blues, funk and a wide variety of bluegrass sounds to create a distinctive body of work that’s all their own.
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Donors of $75 or more receive priority access to this event beginning June 1.
Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!
Monday night live music is here! Karen is a solo singer-songwriter from Greenville, South Carolina. She is an indie alternative artist exploring her sound one song at a time. If you like soft-edge guitar picking and soulful vocals, grab your pup and join us for a drink and some jams!
Join us every MONDAY for our 2021 Summer Bike Night Series with special musical guest Contagious rocking our stage. Fresh catered BBQ Plates will be available for sale. Hop on your bike and come on down for bike nights in the Swannanoa Valley!
Just a friendly reminder, the State of NC requires a MEMBERSHIP to enjoy our venue.
Trailblazing pianist Lara Downes curates and performs a recital program inspired by legacies of history, family, and collective memory. In collaboration with members of BMC’s Artist Faculty, Ms. Downes explores the broad landscape of American music, and “reminds us just who we are, a nation of diverse voices and experiences.”
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Program details to be announced soon.
OUTDOOR SHOW
Join us on Tuesday nights for Magnetic’s signature variety show. There will be an exciting mix of comedy, music, theatre, dance, magic and more! Smoky Park Supper Club is offering us their beautiful outdoor venue, and will be selling food and drinks. The event is BYOC (bring your own chair), and we will, of course, be following strict Covid safety protocols. We can’t wait to see you there!
Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.
There will be food and beverages available for purchase.
- This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
- In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
- We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
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!
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Warren Jones, piano
Program TBD
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Help us support a paw-some cause! Mountain Pet Rescue will be bringing adorable, adoptable pups while Twisted Roots cooks up some delicious grub!
Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!
Head full of useless knowledge? Now’s your time to shine! Join us every Wednesday starting at 6:30pm for a night of interactive trivia perfect for all skill levels. Live scoring, music rounds, photo rounds and even themed categories!
Celebrate the 100th birthday of the brilliant Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, master of the tango. Piazzolla revolutionized the traditional dance into a new sound incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. Flutist Amy Porter depicts the history of the tango here in one of Piazzolla’s most ambitious and popular works.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
PIAZZOLLA Histoire du Tango
Other works TBA
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.
The Orchard Sessions Live Concert series continues on Thursday, July 22 with country music singer-songwriter Kristen Kelly. Settle into a musical evening under heirloom apple trees at The Farm at Old Edwards. Growing up in small-town Lorena, Texas, Kristen studied the music of her late grandfather, a country music musician and learned about classic rock from her father. Along the way, she fell in love with the Blues. She learned to love poetry and listened to country giants; the Judds, George Strait, and Willie Nelson. She fell in love with the “simple” songwriting style of Merle Haggard, who embodied her belief that “country music is three chords and the truth.” Enjoy Kristen kelly’s heartfelt songs on Thursday, July 22 at The Farm at Old Edwards. The $25 ticket includes light bites, and a cash bar is available. The Orchard Sessions concert series brings a stellar lineup of well-known musicians to The Farm at Old Edwards – located at 336 Arnold Road in Highlands. For more information about Orchard sessions – and to book online visit oldedwardshospitality.com/ORCHARDSESSIONS.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas!
Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century.
Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and a specialty boxed lunch. During the month of October. 9am and 2pm departures. 9am will feature the option of a delicious Sausage & Bacon Quiche or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole. The 2pm departure will be serving the popular BBQ meal.
| Diesel | $109.00 ($114.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Steam | $119.00 ($126.00 October) | Not Permitted |
| Locomotive | Adult (21+ Only) | Under 21 |
|---|
How to Purchase
You can purchase your tickets online or call our reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Or, you can purchase your tickets the day of in the Bryson City Depot. No matter how you purchase tickets, they’ll be waiting at will call.
Sing and dance your way through an entire musical in just a week! This high-energy, low-pressure virtual class explores the plot and characters of a Broadway musical as young actors learn songs and dances from the show. With fun activities and games emphasizing creative play, movement, voice, and improvisation, this process-based camp will build theatre skills and allow a fun outlet for your bite-sized Broadway star. No experience is necessary.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
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.
From bread to beer, pastry to pasta, and rice to spirits, grains are central to much of what we
eat, drink and enjoy. Great Grains celebrates and educates about our regional grain shed,
which connects farmers, millers, maltsters, chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers and you. Learn
about our vibrant grain community from Jennifer Lapidus – Carolina Ground, David Bauer –
Farm and Sparrow, Sebastian Wolfrum – Epiphany Craft Malt, and others, all while enjoying a
delicious array of grain-based goodness