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.

Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell
Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!
Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance
Join the HSO as we take you on a road trip through the United States. The excursion will start and end in New York with music from Bernstein’s West Side Story, make a quick trip to second-city Chicago, and then jaunt into the American West featuring music by Aaron Copland. As a bonus, we’ll even make a quick getaway to the city of love for Gershwin’s classic, American in Paris.
All Tickets purchase for this concert will be held at Will-Call
Concert 3: Phil & YAO Spring Concert
Say farewell to our seniors as the Philharmonic and Young Artist Orchestra perform in their final concert of the season.
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
The HALL at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium’s RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS concert series presents Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience May 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW
We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:
- May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
- June 13th: boygenius
- August 12th: Motionless in White
Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally: May 5-7, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Bike games, cash prize, concerts, tour Blue Ridge Parkway. Get tickets at rally. Friday: $25 weekend pass, all-inclusive for activities. Saturday: $20 all-inclusive for Saturday-Sunday.Visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com or https://handlebarcorral.com/springrally/.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
9 AM Gate Opens, Vendors Open
12 pm Ride-In Bike Show $1,000 Prize
1:30 pm Bike Games $1,000 Prize
Concerts:
5 pm – 7 pm Featuring… Mark Keller
7 pm – 9 pm Featuring… Cash Creek and Friends
9 pm – 11 pm Featuring… Kala McKinney
Also, Fire Dancers will be performing Friday and Saturday.
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We’re offering TWO grade levels this summer for our workshops:
- Younger Ages (Rising First – Third Grade) and
- Older Ages (Rising Fourth – Tenth Grade)
Pricing
First Student: $350 per week
Sibling & Multiple Week Camp Discounts are available
Madagascar Workshop
June 12-16 & July 17-21
Get read to MOVE IT, MOVE IT!
Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins in this crack-a-lackin’ adventure from New York City to Madagascar.
Matilda Workshop
June 19-23 & July 24-28
It’s time to act like REVOLTIN’ CHILDREN!
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
Shrek Workshop
June 26-30 & July 31-August 4
Come and let your FREAK FLAG FLY!
It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
The Little Mermaid Workshop
July 10-14 & August 7-11
Discover what it means to be PART OF YOUR WORLD!
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!
- Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
- Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
- At Checkout, discount will be applied
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Your wish is granted!
If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!
828.693.0731


The Education program at Flat Rock Playhouse is undergoing a name change! We are excited to streamline our program and we can’t wait to share the news with you!
Our new name will be Playhouse Jr.!

This new name will encompass many things. You might ask….what is Playhouse Jr.?
Playhouse Jr. means many things and we are excited to share this news with our community!

We are introducing a new software system for our Playhouse Jr. families! This new system will make your life easier! Once you have registered you are in our system for good. That means that once you register all you have to do is access your account to purchase any classes and camps moving forward. No need to register every time!
To register for our new system and to enroll in classes please visit this link: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=548849
Questions? Please email [email protected]!
Want to register over the phone? No problem! You can call our Education Director, Lauren Hopkins at (828)693-0403 ext. 246 starting Monday March 6!
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.
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Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell
Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!
Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.
Accessibility:
All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance
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
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.

Bryan McConnell, former bass player for jazz greats John Handy and Bobby
Hutcherson, brings his original compositions, and a few of his cover tune arrangements, to White Horse Black Mountain, with his 8-piece 5-star band, for his CD Release Concert on Sunday, May7 th at 7:30pm! The birth of these compositions started back in Bryan’s early 20’s, and were inspired by bebop/avant garde musician/composer, Charles Mingus. Bryan continued to evolve these pieces over nearly 40 years into the masterpieces they are today!! The Bryan McConnell Jazz Ensemble lineup is as follows:
Michael Jefry Stevens, piano
Bryan McConnell, bass
Bill Berg, drums
Will Boyd, saxophones/flutes
Todd Wright, saxophones
Rick Simerly, trombone
Christian Howes, violin
Julie McConnell, vocals
Other jazz greats Bryan has played with over the past 45 years: Phil Woods, James Moody, Harold Land, Bruce Forman, Buddy Montgomery, Richie Cole, Ernie Andrews, Ernie Watts, Red Halloway, Kenny Drew, Jr., Bud Shank, Laurindo Almeida, CalvinKeys, John Fadis, Lanny Morgan, Mose Allison, Martin Headman, Ace Hill, Dottie Dodgion, Charles McPherson, Hollis Gentry, Mike Wofford, and Holly Hoffman.
CLICK HERE to read Bryan McConnell’s full bio:
You absolutely do NOT want to miss this very special event!
Secure your seats now!!
Bryan McConnell, former bass player for jazz greats John Handy and Bobby Hutcherson, brings his original compositions, and a few of his cover tune arrangements, to White Horse Black Mountain, with his 8-piece 5-star band, for his CD Release Concert on Sunday, May 7th at 7:30pm! The birth of these compositions started back in Bryan’s early 20’s, and were inspired by bebop/avant garde musician/composer, Charles Mingus. Bryan continued to evolve these pieces over nearly 40 years into the masterpieces they are today!! The Bryan McConnell Jazz Ensemble lineup is as follows:
• Michael Jefry Stevens, piano
• Bryan McConnell, bass
• Bill Berg, drums
• Will Boyd, saxophones/flutes
• Todd Wright, saxophones
• Rick Simerly, trombone
• Christian Howes, violin
• Julie McConnell, vocals
Other jazz greats Bryan has played with over the past 45 years: Phil Woods, James Moody, Harold Land, Bruce Forman, Buddy Montgomery, Richie Cole, Ernie Andrews, Ernie Watts, Red Halloway, Kenny Drew, Jr., Bud Shank, Laurindo Almeida, Calvin Keys, John Fadis, Lanny Morgan, Mose Allison, Martin Headman, Ace Hill, Dottie Dodgion, Charles McPherson, Hollis Gentry, Mike Wofford, and Holly Hoffman.
You absolutely do NOT want to miss this very special event! Secure your seats now!! Tickets are $18.00 until the day of the concert, and $20.00 the day of the concert. Click here to read Bryan McConnell’s full bio: https://www.mcconnellsmusic.com/bios/bryan-mcconnell/
get tickets at Digable Planets Tickets | Asheville, NC | The Orange Peel (etix.com)
Support:
Kassa Overall
Ages 18+
Thunder in the Smokies motorcyle rally: May 5-7, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Soco Road, Maggie Valley. Bike games, cash prize, concerts, tour Blue Ridge Parkway. Get tickets at rally. Friday: $25 weekend pass, all-inclusive for activities. Saturday: $20 all-inclusive for Saturday-Sunday.Visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com or https://handlebarcorral.com/springrally/.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
9 AM Gate Opens, Vendors Open
12 pm Ride-In Bike Show $1,000 Prize
1:30 pm Bike Games $1,000 Prize
Concerts:
5 pm – 7 pm Featuring… Mark Keller
7 pm – 9 pm Featuring… Cash Creek and Friends
9 pm – 11 pm Featuring… Kala McKinney
Also, Fire Dancers will be performing Friday and Saturday.


Acoustic guitarist, JAY BROWN hosts our bi-weekly Local Live series featuring a variety of talented local musicians. Jay grew up playing folk guitar with his parents and has continued to pursue a career in music as a singer-songwriter and roots musician.
Special screening and moderated discussion hosted by Bill Kopp
We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!
- Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
- Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
- At Checkout, discount will be applied
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Your wish is granted!
If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!
828.693.0731
Ages 8-12
Mar 21-May 9 | Tuesdays at 4:30-6:00 PM
In this class designed for beginners and younger performers, students will learn basic acting techniques and have a great time doing so! They’ll get creative with short scenes and play drama games that teach key skills in a fun and approachable way. This class builds the confidence to help them to shine on stage and in life – even in their next audition or school play! Students will perform a showcase for family and friends during the last class.
Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.
Tickets at Voivod Tickets | Asheville, NC | The Orange Peel (etix.com)
Ages 18+

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