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.

Saturday, August 7, 2021
Hip Hop Night: Vinyl Timetravelers
Aug 7 @ 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Hip Hop Turntablism party with DJs Kutzu & Chubby Knuckles & the Vinyl Time Travelers first Saturday of the month.
Every First Saturday 10pm to 2am
All events 21+
BIG SOMETHING WITH THE MANTRAS
Aug 7 @ 10:30 pm
Salvage Station

Big Something

Fusing elements of rock, funk, and improvisation, Big Something takes listeners on a
journey through a myriad of musical styles. It’s no secret why this group has quickly
become one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the Southeast. Huge rhythms
paired with soaring guitars, E.W.I (electronic wind instrument), synths, horns and
alluring vocal hooks rise to the top of their infectious collection of songs and represent a
sound that has landed the band marquee appearances at Bonnaroo, Peach Music
Festival, Lock’n, Summer Camp and Electric Forest as well as critical acclaim from the
likes of Billboard, Guitar World, Glide Magazine and Jambase.
With 6 full-length studio albums produced by Grammy-nominee John Custer, and even
their own Summer music festival: The Big What?, the band has carved out their own
niche in the live music community and continues to grow nationally with sold out
headlining performances throughout the United States.

Sunday, August 8, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
Aug 8 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

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!

Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway Workday
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hominy Creek Greenway

Join Asheville GreenWorks and Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway for a workday of tail maintenance, milkweed planting, invasive removal, and more. All gear and supplies will be provided. Please wear pants and close toed shoes and prepare to be among vegetation, including possible briars. Bring water and sun protection. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

We work with groups of all ages and abilities. Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult on all workdays. Minors 14-17 can volunteer unaccompanied but must have a parent or guardian submit a minor waiver. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

This event will take place outside. Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a mask at all times. Review our Communicable Disease Guidelines for Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities at Blue Ridge Humane Society
Aug 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:

  • Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
  • Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
  • Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
  • Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.

It’s easy to get started!

  1. Fill out the Volunteer Application.
  2. Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
  3. Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
  4. Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
$5 Mimosas
Aug 8 @ 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Down Dog

$5 Mimosas

$5 Mimosas every Saturday & Sunday

Bluegrass Brunch
Aug 8 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

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!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Aug 8 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Clawhammer Celebration, Supporting Conservation
Aug 8 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company

Tamarya teaching youth camp about chickens on farmSouthern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Our Corporate Partners at Highland Brewing Company have planned a jam packed weekend celebrating their newest seasonal release, Clawhammer!
Friday:
Axeville set up outside the tasting room from 5-8pm
The Get Right Band live in the Meadow from 6-8pm
Plus delicious food by Sweet Cheeseus and Baires Food trucks
$1 from every pour of Clawhammer will be donated to our community partner Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy!
Saturday:
Grab a liter of half liter pour of Clawhammer and enjoy music by Alex Arcana in the meadow from 6-8pm
Sunday:
Rooftop pop up with Clawhammer and donuts for sale by Stay Glazed. Rooftop will be open to anyone 21+
More info at https://highlandbrewing.com/event/clawhammer-celebration/

 

Food Truck Sundays
Aug 8 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

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!

Monday, August 9, 2021
BIKE NIGHT MONDAYS
Aug 9 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

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.

DISCLAIMER COMEDY STAND UP OPEN MIC NIGHT
Aug 9 @ 7:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall
Carolina Celtic Live
Aug 9 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

CAROLINA CELTIC - June 14: EJ Jones and Frances Cunningham

A Monthly Concert Series WE’RE BACK!!! NOTE FROM ROBIN: Because of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, all live performances after March of last year had to be cancelled or postponed…including our brand new monthly concert series Carolina Celtic at White Horse Black Mountain. (We did manage to get the first concert, with Al Petteway, in under the wire before the pandemic forced us to cancel all the others – we were off to a great start, too, with a full house and a great show!) Now, with the development of vaccines and the gradual, cautious lifting of restrictions, we’re delighted to be STARTING BACK UP AGAIN as of June 2021. Whatever restrictions are in place in North Carolina at any given time will be in effect at White Horse Black Mountain – as I write this in April 2021, White Horse is open to live audiences at a limited capacity – but all Carolina Celtic concerts will also be livestreamed and archived on www.whitehorseblackmountain.com, as will all future shows at White Horse, so come join us wherever you are! – RB The award-winning Celtic duo of harpist Sue Richards and guitarist Robin Bullock, in partnership with White Horse Black Mountain, are proud to present CAROLINA CELTIC, a monthly concert series in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Carolina Celtic showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and explores their commonality with the Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains. The concerts take place at White Horse Black Mountain (details and contact info below) the second Monday of every month at 7:30 pm ET. Every month Sue and Robin collaborate with a different guest artist, ensuring that no two Carolina Celtic concerts are the same. The inaugural season’s lineup of world-class musical guests is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Close the GAP – Greenway User Survey VOLUNTEERS
Aug 10 all-day
Asheville Area

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to conduct surveys of people using Asheville’s greenways!

We will be surveying on TUESDAY, August 10 and SATURDAY, August 14 at two locations.

Please indicate the times you are available to volunteer and share your name and contact information so we can communicate more details with you and select a time that works for you. Volunteer shifts are typically 2 hours long and you may volunteer for more than one shift.

All potential times when you could volunteer:
Tuesday, August 10 — morning
Tuesday, August 10 — mid-day
Tuesday, August 10 — afternoon
Saturday, August 14 — morning
Saturday, August 14 — mid-day
Saturday, August 14 — afternoon
Volunteer Work Days in Roan Highlands
Aug 10 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Carvers Gap

historic farm homesite with 19th century house and barns

Habitat Management without the Hike In!
We need a few volunteers to help with habitat management in spots on the top and front (parking lot) side of Round Bald. Volunteers will help hand-mow (using weed-whackers) brushy areas to maintain open grassy habitat atop the balds. We are planning two small workdays on August 10th and 12th (13th as a rain date), and this is a good chance to learn about what we do to manage these rare habitats.

We will meet at Carver’s Gap at 9:30 am and finish up around 2 pm. Volunteers should bring water and lunch, leather work gloves and eye protection. SAHC will provide cutting equipment and individually packaged ear protection.

Sandhill Nursery Workdays
Aug 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sandhill Nursery

Come enjoy the beautiful summer weather by joining our weekly nursery workdays! We will meet in the Sand Hill native tree nursery from 10am-12pm. We will do a variety of activities from potting trees and weeding nursery plants. Please dress to get dirty and have a good time! Bring water, sun protection, and any other personal items.

* Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult on all workdays. Minors 14-17 can volunteer unaccompanied but must have a parent or guardian submit a minor waiver (contact [email protected]). *

Please register for the workday(s) you will be attending.

Review our Communicable Disease Guidelines for Volunteers

Yoga: Where you Are
Aug 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Leicester Library

Learn about yoga through this short presentation by Devika, a Leicester resident and long time yoga practitioner and teacher of the yogic traditions of India. Devika will talk about the underlying meaning of practicing Yoga for those new to the practice and provide a demonstration. The presentation will be followed by traditional Indian snacks and Chai. All are welcome.

Magnetic in the Smoky Park OUTDOOR SHOW
Aug 10 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

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!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
Aug 10 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

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.
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!

Aquanet: Goth Night
Aug 10 @ 9:00 pm – Aug 11 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
YW Wellness and Learning Lab: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Aug 11 all-day
YWCA Asheville

YW WELLNESS AND LEARNING LAB

YW Wellness and Learning Lab

At the YWCA of Asheville, we eliminate racism and empower women by providing programs and advocacy for over 3,000 community members annually in Western North Carolina with services that support families, promote holistic wellness, and advance racial justice.

We are seeking dedicated volunteers for our new YW Wellness and Learning Lab beginning on September 8th. Volunteers will assist school-age children with their homework, administer the Read to Succeed curriculum, and build meaningful relationships with students while their parents take time for their health and well-being.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Time Commitment:

  • Shifts are 4:30–7:30 PM on Monday and Wednesday at the YWCA of Asheville
  • Must commit to one shift per week

Volunteer Requirements:

  • 18 years or older
  • Able to work patiently with students of various ages
  • Previous teaching or tutoring experience a plus
  • Must pass a background check
  • Commitment to the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all

Training

  • The YWCA will offer training in racial justice, Read to Succeed curriculum, and trauma-informed, equity-focused education. Volunteers must complete orientation and training before working with students.
  • Training will take place on Saturday, August 21st from 10 AM–1 PM at the YWCA

Health and Safety:

  • Masks must be worn at all times when interacting with students
  • Masks and hand sanitizer will be available
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Aug 11 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

“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.

Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
Aug 11 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

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!

Cider @ TreeRock Social w/ 30’s and 40’s Women Near Asheville
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
TreeRock Social Cider & Mead Bar

Cider @ TreeRock Social

Hi ladies! Let’s meet at Asheville’s first and only mead & cider bar. There is an outdoor patio and garden, which is pet friendly.
And, for those who are not fans of cider or mead, they also have craft beers available.

What we’re about

Let’s go out and experience the adventures that await in Asheville! If you like connecting with other women that are interested in easy/moderate hiking, waterfalls, breweries, restaurants, silent discos, comedy shows, paint nights, museums, and much more adventures, then this group is for you!

Sand Hill Community Garden Workdays
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Sports Park

Volunteers at Sand Hill Community Garden

Looking to get involved, stay active, and meet some new friends? Sand Hill Community Garden workdays take place on Wednesdays (6-8 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m.-noon) from Feb. 27-Oct. 30, 2021, at Buncombe County Sports Park. The garden is located on 16 Apac Dr. in West Asheville/Enka-Candler.

Join friends and neighbors as they come together on common ground to raise fresh, organic vegetables and fruits for the Enka community.

Expect to wear a mask and maintain social distance throughout. Tools and hand sanitizer are available, but any gloves, loppers, pruners, or gardening tools you can bring will decrease the amount of contact between volunteers. Please wear work clothes to get dirty and closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen, water, and a hat are also handy items to have on hand.

Sand Hill Community Garden has been growing fresh produce since 2011 and raised over 1,200 lbs. of organic produce last year.

NOTE: Community workdays are weather dependent. Please join the community garden email list (send your info to [email protected]) to stay up on workday tasks and other garden news.

To receive the I Heart Parks monthly newsletter, sign up online. Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

Well-Crafted Wednesdays w/ Matt Smith
Aug 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company
Witty Wednesday Trivia
Aug 11 @ 6:30 pm
Sweeten Creek Brewing
Scoop: Witty Wednesday Trivia
Meet and Greet – Sovereign Kava Bar w/ Into the Mystic – Asheville MeetUp
Aug 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Sovereign Kava Bar

Calling all Mystics for a relaxing evening at the Sovereign Kava Bar.
This is an open forum for everyone to come and get to know each other.

For anyone not familiar with the Kava Bar its a cool place with a laid back atmosphere. Often has local live music or some kind of open mic. Hopefully we will hanging outside in the fresh if the weather cooperates with us.

What we’re about

If you’re excited about the coming spring or just feel like getting out and having some fun, this is the group for you!

We are all about meeting in Person and exploring life Together.

Lets embrace the beauty of these mountains and all that life has to offer!

We will focus on building friendships while we explore Spirituality, our Connection to Nature and All Living Things. We welcome people of any perspective who have an open mind and are willing to create genuine connections and memories with other kindred souls.

Some activities we will be scheduling include:
-Various Social Events to meet and get to know each other
-Hammocking, Picnics, Playing Games
-Activities to help us connect with nature
-Hiking, Camping and Mountain Biking
-Activities designed to help us learn and explore
-Plant Identification, Astrology, Meditation, and Sharing Knowledge

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
Aug 11 @ 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.