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.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Donate and Vote: “Mr. and Ms. August” Campaign
Aug 2 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Blood Connection--Asheville

DONATE BLOOD TO VOTE!

Right now, The Blood Connection has a critical need for blood donations and we need community members like YOU to help us out!

Community members have chosen to help TBC ramp up blood donations in August, and your donation can help crown them MR. OR MS. AUGUST!

These contestants have stepped up to be community lifesavers…WILL YOU?

Twenty contestants from across the Carolinas and Georgia have signed on to share TBC’s mission and
encourage others to roll up their sleeves this August. They include:

– Dr. Annie Andrews – Politician and Pediatrician from Charleston, SC
– Michelle Brandt – Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Politician from
Charleston, SC
– Wool E. Bull – Mascot for the Durham Bulls Baseball Team
– Jan Correll – Blogger/influencer behind Silver is the New Blonde® in Charlotte, NC
– Jordan Coppinger – Radio Host, 98.1 The River in Asheville, NC
– Max Diekneite – News Anchor from Savannah, GA
– Jane Dough – Radio Host, Kiss 101.9 in New Bern, NC
– Anastasia Garcia – Social Media Influencer from Greensboro, NC
– Brevin Galloway – Basketball Player for Clemson University
– Dr. Carlos Grant – Principal of Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC
– Nikki Kuniej – Account Manager for Charleston Radio Group in Charleston, SC
– Dr. Zion Ko Lamm – Internal Medicine Specialist in Greenville, SC
– Andrew Lord – Head Coach of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in Greenville, SC

– Miguel Lucero – Paramedic and EMT Teacher from Berkely County, SC
– Walker Merritt – Football Player at The Citadel
– Ed Piotrowski – Chief Meteorologist, WPDE from Myrtle Beach, SC
– Jane Robelot – Anchor, WYFF News 4 from Greenville, SC
– Ian Robinson – Leukemia Survivor from Greenville, SC
– Sarah Margaret Sandlin – Social Media Influencer from Charlotte, NC
– Rhys Shaw – 12-year-old Lymphoma Survivor from Charleston, SC

WNC Farmers Market
Aug 2 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WNC Farmers Market

NCDA&CS - Marketing Division - Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The WNC Farmers Market is the premier destination for buying and selling the region’s best agriculture products directly from farmers & food producers to household & wholesale customers in an environment that celebrates the region’s diverse culture, food & heritage.

House of Operation:

WNC Farmers Market: 24/7, 361 days a year market access for farmers
Office: Monday- Friday, 8am-5pm
Market Shops: 7 days a week, 8 am-5 pm
Wholesale and Truck Sheds: 7 days a week

Advanced Theatre Camp Sessions * Ages 13-18
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

 

Advanced Campers will work with directors and their fellow campers on every step of creating a production, learning and performing a published play by the end of the week. Final performance details TBD. Masks are currently optional for all students, regardless of vaccination status. Campers should plan to bring their own lunch, water bottle, and snacks from home.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Please do not purchase registration prior to applying for a scholarship. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the first day of the camp session for consideration.

Advanced Camp 1: June 13-17, 2022 – WAIT LIST

Bullington Gardens: Fairy Trail
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bullington Gardens

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 charming 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.

MOANA WORKSHOP
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Moana 2022 Summer

Come and see how far YOU’LL GO!

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Camp features: acting and improv classes, music and choreography, prop building, theatre games and more!

PIGEON RAFTING SPECIAL
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center
People browsing the
                                            outdoor gear vendor market
                                            at Guest Appreciation
                                            Festival

 

Find adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains! Try one of our two  whitewater rafting trips on the Pigeon River, conveniently located near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, and Maggie Valley.

 

Raft the Upper Pigeon for a full dose of excitement with a dozen Class III and IV rapids, or if gentle rapids and swimming holes are more your speed, float the Lower Pigeon – ideal for families and groups with young children.

 

Save $10 per person on the Upper or Lower Pigeon! Use code: PIGEON10 at checkout.

Sand Hill Nursery Workdays
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Sandhill Tree Nursery

 

 

Each year, Asheville GreenWorks plants more than 1,000 trees as part of our commitment to restore Asheville’s tree canopy. However, we can’t do it without the help of our volunteers. Each year hundreds of tree lovers dedicate a day (or more) to potting, planting, or caring for the saplings that will keep urban Asheville cool and green now and in the future.

 

You are welcome to schedule a specific workday for your group or to join one of our public workdays every Tuesday from April to July from 10am-12pm.

School’s OUT for Summer Movie Express! 
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Regal Biltmore Grande & RPX

Regal Summer Movie Express

 

Summer Movie Express

The entire family can enjoy $2 tickets at Regal Biltmore Grande. Enjoy these discounted tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday for the first show of the day. Buy tickets today!

 

 

 

TECH THEATRE Class
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Tech Theatre Summer Camp

Ages: Rising Middle & High School

Love to be involved in theatre, but prefer to be behind the scenes? Maybe you love being on stage but want to explore how sets and props are designed and created? This experience is for you! You will learn how to create and execute a plan of design for our shows and help transform our space for the final productions.

Tours: Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
Aug 2 @ 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Old Kentucky Home -The Thomas Wolfe Memorial

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

American Novelist Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938)

Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th-century American literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of “Altamont” Asheville, North Carolina, and “Dixieland” the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse, earned the Victorian period house a place as one of American literature’s most famous landmarks.

House tours are offered daily at half past each hour. Last tour leaves at 4:30 pm.
Group tours by reservation.

Adult – $5.00
Student (ages 7-17) – $2.00
Adult Group (10+) – $2.50 each
Student Group – $2.00 each
6 & under – Free

Hours of Operation

9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday
Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Closed State Holidays

“We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina” Exhibit at Pack Memorial Library
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pack Memorial Library
PSABC is excited to be co-hosting the “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina” travelling exhibit with the Buncombe County Special Collections.
The exhibit was put together by Preservation North Carolina and highlights the history and legacy of Black builders and craftspeople from throughout the state.
Earth’s Gifts | Focus Gallery Exhibition
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center

purple patchwork lap quilt

Featured Artists: Jude Stuecker (fiber) Erica Bailey (jewelry) Mary Dashiell (clay) Steve Miller (wood) Rex Redd (clay)

Have a Gardening Question? Call the Helpline
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
online

The Garden Helpline is open March 2 through October 27 in 2022.

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers will be staffing the Helpline as indicated in the schedule below. You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. When emailing, please include a photo if it helps describe your garden question. Soil test kits can be picked up at the Extension office, 24/7, located in a box outside the front door.

Two ways to contact the Garden Helpline
Call 828-255-5522
Email questions and photos to [email protected]

Garden Helpline Hours
March:
  Monday 12:00 – 2:00; Wednesday 10:00 – 12:00
April – September:  Monday and Wednesday 10:00- 2:00; Tuesday 10:00-12:00;
Thursday 12:00-2:00
October:  Tuesday 10:00-12:00; Thursday 12:00-2:00

We are here to help and support you! Please contact us; we look forward to answering your gardening questions.

Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program Graduate Exhibition
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center
Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program Graduate Exhibition
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folk Art Center
North Asheville Library Check out a Pair of Binoculars
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
North Asheville Library

The Perfect Turkey

Want to take your hiking trip to the next level? Interested in getting a closer look at our local wildlife? The North Asheville Library now has binoculars available for check out!

RAD Collabs
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
North Carolina Glass Center

Image for RAD Collabs

Being an artist can be a lonely endeavor. RAD Collabs seeks to inspire artists to leave behind solitary work habits, encourage new friendships and inspire imaginative art.

We put the word out to Asheville-area artists earlier this year and had an overwhelming response from painters, potters, metalsmiths, woodworkers and others who expressed an interest in working with glassblowers.

The work exhibited in this show will shine the light on these new partnerships. Come see the show and watch glassblowers in action all at the same time!

Pictured is a collaboration between Joe Nicholson and Vanessa Tsumura.

Skateboard Re-Purposed Exhibit
Aug 2 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

The synergy of vibrant outsider art created locally and shared with Tryon Fine Arts has resulted
in a one-of-a-kind art exhibit opening June 1, 2022. The Skateboard: Re-purposed includes
works from North Carolina, Oregon, California, England and Germany. Seven artists are
featured, including Tryon’s own Jonathan Caple, Nicholas Harding (England), Matt Mercurio,
George Rocha, Michael Mauney, Paris Evans and Folk Dunker (Gemany).
Skateboarding has been popular for over a century and is now experiencing a resurgence in both

the sports arena and the art world—it became an Olympic sport in 2020 and was part of a
successful 2019 Sotheby’s auction, with boards by, among others, Damien Hirst and Marilyn
Minter.
Skateboards re-purposed as art will be on exhibit in TFAC’s Parker Gallery beginning June 1,
2022. The exhibit will feature skateboard art in many sizes and forms including graceful
sculptures, nature art, chairs, wall art, a crocheted piece, photographs, and more. Several of the
exhibit pieces will be for sale, supporting both the artists and TFAC as the exhibit sponsor.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception on June 9 from 5 – 7 PM, where they can
also meet local skateboard artist, Jonathan Caple. The exhibit will be on display through to the
end of July 2022.
To access the gallery, plan to enter through the Pavilion at the rear of Tryon Fine Arts Center.
Free parking is available behind TFAC and on surrounding side streets. For more information,
call 828-859-8322 or visit www.tryonarts.org.

Panther’s Training Camp
Aug 2 @ 10:30 am
Wofford College

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Is training camp free and open to the public?

Yes, practices are free to attend with first-come, first-serve seating along the grass hill alongside the practice fields.

Do fans have to show proof of vaccination to attend?

Proof of vaccination and face coverings are not required. Mask-wearing is not required.

Are autographs available?

This year, there will be opportunities for fans to be able to get autographs from players after practice. Signage will direct fans to the area along the Field 1 fence where there is potential for players to stop and sign autographs after practice.

Can I bring in outside food and beverages?

Fans are allowed to bring in coolers and containers with food and drink (non-alcoholic). Glass containers are not allowed for safety reasons.

What else is permitted?

The following items are permitted at camp:

-Backpacks

-Containers for medical supplies

-Flags without poles or sticks

-Folding chairs, seat cushions, umbrellas

-Strollers

-Selfie sticks

-Tablets

What items are not permitted?

The following items are NOT permitted in the practice field complex:

-Alcohol

-Explosives, fireworks

-Horns, bells, whistles, artificial noisemakers

-Illegal drugs

-Oversized tents

-Pets, excepting service animals assisting those with disabilities

-Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, scissors and those carried with a permit

The Panthers retain the right to confiscate items judged to pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of other patrons. Prohibited items that are discovered during security inspection must be returned to the owner’s vehicle or discarded. Unlawful items discovered during inspection are subject to confiscation and the person in possession of the item may be denied entry and is subject to arrest. All containers like coolers and backpacks will be inspected before allowed to enter.

What happens if it rains?

Severe weather is always possible in Spartanburg during the summer months. Typically, practice will continue through light rain. If there is severe weather, practice times may be shifted or cancelled. Follow the Panthers on Twitter (@Panthers) for up-to-date announcements.

Where can I find up-to-date rosters and team information?

We are once again sharing a mobile-first fan guide through the Panthers app. Download the app and navigate to the Training Camp Fan Guide button. The mobile experience will have enter-to-win promotions, updated rosters and depth charts, player features, trivia, fan info, things to do in Spartanburg and more.

Make A Splash: Buncombe Swimming Pools Open
Aug 2 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Swimming Pools


Start mentally preparing for the ceremonial start to the summer and your first dip in the pool! Buncombe County Recreation Services opens its five outdoor swimming pools on Saturday, May 28.

Pools are open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, pools may close for a short period of time or the entire day. Follow individual pools on Facebook for the latest information on closings.

Cost to swim is $3.00 per day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and lounging towels.

For many local families, our pool openings signal the beginning of summer and more relaxing days. They’re an affordable, fun, and healthy way to beat the heat. Thanks to their locations, they’re also surrounded by stunning views of our mountains.

Pools are located across the county, ensuring easy access for all kids and families. The facilities are managed through an agreement with Swim Club Management Group of Asheville which oversees maintenance, hires staff, and handles daily operations. Community members can sign up for swim lessons and book private parties on the management group’s website, buncombepool.com.

Sun safety information is available at each location, but pool visitors are reminded to apply water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before putting on a bathing suit and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Other tips to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays include wearing high-UPF swim shirts, wide brim hats, and wraparound UV-blocking sunglasses. More sun safety tips are available from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Pool Locations

Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
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Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
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Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715
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North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787
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Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778
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Civic Center Commission Meeting
Aug 2 @ 12:00 pm
online

Civic Center Commission Meeting

For information about upcoming meetings, agendas, and how to view this event, please Click Here To Access our PublicInput.com account.

The Civic Center Commission consists of nine voting members; seven voting members shall be appointed by the City Council and two voting members shall be appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The term of office is three years. The Commission reviews and makes recommendations on programming goals and objectives; long-range plans; proposals for changes in the fees and charges; and encourages promotion of sports, recreation, entertainment, and cultural events and activities at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, formerly known as the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville and the Asheville Civic Center.

Mozart to Pop Chart
Aug 2 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Mozart to Pop Chart. The Musical
                Story Continues. Aug. 5 - 13.

The one and only Nat Zegree (Million Dollar Quartet, Amadeus) returns to The Rock to whisk our audiences away on an all-new musical journey through the history and triumphs of music from Mozart to today’s current hits. Joining Nat on stage will be some of the brightest rock and symphonic musicians from the region each commemorating and celebrating the musical masters and masterpieces throughout time!

Daily Meditation + Support (online)
Aug 2 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
online

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

Historic Marion Tailgate Market
Aug 2 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Historic Marion Tailgate Market

WELCOME TO THE HISTORIC MARION TAILGATE MARKET

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT THE TAILGATE MARKET!

No cash is not a reason to miss the Market!  

Marion Tailgate Market accepts cards; credit, debit and EBT.  EBT/SNAP users can use Market Fresh Bucks to double up to $40 to provide additional funds for fresh, seasonal items to supplement their Food and Nutrition Income.

 

LEGO Builders Club
Aug 2 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Pack Memorial Library

LEGO Builders Club

Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs!
Show off your building skills and make new friends with other LEGO maniacs.

Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.

West Asheville Tailgate Market
Aug 2 @ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
West Asheville Tailgate Market

WATM Flier.png

ABOUT WEST ASHEVILLE TAILGATE MARKET

•  We accept SNAP EBT + Credit Cards  •

At the West Asheville Tailgate Market, vendors’ tables are abundant with an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, milk, meat, poultry, and fish.  You will also find plant starts for gardens, locally made specialty items, natural beauty products, herbal medicine, and locally made art and crafts. We have live music and free kids activities so there’s fun for the whole family.

PATIO SHOW: Matt Sellars
Aug 2 @ 5:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW: Matt Sellars

Blending styles and genres of folk, blues, bluegrass, country, honky tonk, rock n roll, R&B, and American roots music. Matt has played guitar since he was 16, and banjo since he was 26. He discovered the music of and befriended Doc Watson while attending Appalachian State University, and started to seriously pursue music shortly after.

 

After living in Greensboro, Boone, Johnson City, Nashville, and Asheville, Matt now calls Brevard home. He is a licensed plumber in the state of North Carolina.

Pints with Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County
Aug 2 @ 5:30 pm
Archetype Brewing - North

Interested in historic preservation? Want to learn more about what we do at PSABC? Just want to come say hi? Join us at Archetype Brewing – North next Tuesday August 2nd at 5:30pm and let’s talk shop!

Heart of Brevard Tuesday Night Block Party Series
Aug 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
East Main Street

The final block party is held in conjunction with the Brevard Police Department and Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department’s National Night Out Celebration.

Attendees can expect a lineup of live music, delicious local food and children’s activities, creating a fun community gathering for all. The June events feature LEAF Global Arts and the July and August events feature our beloved Old Time Street Dances. Block parties will be held weekly from 6-8pm on East Main Street. Many downtown retail businesses and restaurants will also be open for the block party.

HOB and LEAF Global Arts invites everyone to experience a world without borders! From dance, to drumming to arts & crafts, LEAF’s performing artists will bring a new lineup of cultural art experiences and live music to the June block parties. Each week will feature a different band and the LEAF Easel Rider, a mobile arts & crafts lab.

LEAF performances will feature an eclectic mix of music that is different each week, ranging from blues and rock toNew Orleans style jazz.

LEAF resident artist Melissa McKinney kicks off the series on June 14th. “We are so excited to bring the energy of LEAF Global to downtown Brevard,” shares McKinney, “connecting community is part of our mission and we believe downtown Brevard holds the same values. Music is the best way to bring people together.”

Old Time Street Dances, a long-time community favorite, returns to the Heart of Brevard at our July 5th block party. The dances offer free, family-friendly fun that celebrates our Appalachian heritage and is sure to move your feet.

Old Time Street Dances in downtown Brevard are an 80-year tradition. This summer, Whitewater Bluegrass Co. returns to the stage as the host band to lead the crowds in a collection of square dance and contra-style dancing. Evenings will include classic songs, a chance for clogging and traditional Appalachian-called dance. Old Time Street Dances are geared toward participation at every age and skill level.

The Tuesday Night Block Parties are free and open to the public. For more information about LEAF, Old Time Street Dances and other upcoming events, follow Heart of Brevard on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter here.

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Heart of Brevard 501(c)(3) is a North Carolina Main Street Community, designated by the NC Department of Commerce and Main Street & Rural Planning Center.  Heart of Brevard is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.

Hybrid Event: Heather Newton launches The Puppeteer’s Daughters in conversation with Tommy Hays
Aug 2 @ 6:00 pm
Malaprops Bookstore and online
Image shows a black box with text Hybrid. Heather Newton in conversation with Tommy Hays. Tuesday. 08.02.2022. 6 PM ET. Nex to the text are photos of the presenters and the cover of Newton's books THE PUPPETEER'S DAUGHTERS.

This is a hybrid event, meaning there is an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats are available to attend the event in-store. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance.

Please click here to register for the VIRTUAL event. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Please click here to register for the IN-PERSON event. Note the important event details on the RSVP form.

If you decide to attend and to purchase books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!


Famed puppeteer and master manipulator Walter Gray surprises his three daughters by announcing there is a fourth at his 80th birthday party. An incomplete paternity test–and a will that places a condition on each daughter’s inheritance–suggest that the missing daughter isn’t a figment of his dementia.

The sisters each knew a different version of their enigmatic father, but all grew up in the presence of fairy tales acted out with marionettes and shadow puppets. If they are to find the fourth daughter and claim the legacy their father has left them, the three must confront their fractured relationships with their father and each other. Infused with fairy tales that sometimes spill magic into the sisters’ real lives, The Puppeteer’s Daughters is a stunningly-woven family saga about the cost and rewards of claiming a creative life.

Heather Newton’s short story collection McMullen Circle (Regal House 2022) was the finalist for the W.S. Porter prize. Her novel The Puppeteer’s Daughters is forthcoming from Turner Publishing in July 2022 and has been optioned by Sony Pictures Television. Her novel Under The Mercy Trees (HarperCollins 2011) won the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award, was chosen by the Women’s National Book Association as a Great Group Reads Selection and named an “Okra Pick” by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. A practicing attorney, she teaches creative writing for UNC-Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program and is co-founder and Program Manager for the Flatiron Writers Room  writers’ center in Asheville.

Tommy Hays is the author of four novels. The Pleasure Was Mine (St. Martin’s Press), Sam’s Crossing (Atheneum) and In the Family Way (Random House), winner of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award and a selection of the Book of the Month Club. Tommy’s middle grade novel, What I Came to Tell You (Egmont USA), was chosen as a SIBA Okra Pick. He’s published stories and various pieces in magazines and literary journals such as RedbookOur StateSmoky Mountain LivingThe Chattahoochee Review and storySouth. Hays was recently inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors, writers judged to have added to South Carolina’s literary legacy. In 2021 he was named to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the governor of North Carolina. He’s a member of the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina Writer’s Network and a member of National Book Critics Circle. He is retired Executive Director of the Great Smokies Writing Program and Lecturer Emeritus in the Master of Liberal Arts program at UNC Asheville. He received his BA in English from Furman University and graduated from the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College.