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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, May 16, 2023
Noble Pest Solutions Ribbon Cutting
May 16 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Noble Pest Solutions
LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 16 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 17 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

Small Business Week
May 17 all-day

Small businesses are a vital part of Asheville’s economy: sustaining jobs, adding to our unique culture and innovating.

Small Business Shoutout Challenge
Each day of Small Business Week, give a shoutout on social media to local small businesses you interact with or whose support you count on. These could be small businesses you rely on for your business operations, small businesses you love or companies you partner with. Tag the business and use hashtags #smallbusinessshoutout #avlchamber #avlsmallbiz

Small Business Week Events

Please click the links below to register for each event.

  • Tuesday, May 16, Policy on Tap & WomanUP in Action, Part II, 3:30-5 p.m. at White Labs – Register

    Policy on Tap teams up with WomanUP for the second in our WomanUP In Action series to talk about the business and economic impacts of childcare for families and businesses of Buncombe County. Hear from a Wells Fargo economist, who will share highlights from a recent report on the importance of childcare to families and to businesses and the need for public and private investments in the childcare system. Local employers will also share their experiences.

  • Wednesday, May 17, Smart Series: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks, 12-1 p.m. – Register
    Many people avoid, dread, and even hate marketing, but why? Oftentimes it’s because their understanding of marketing is out of date. Marketing has evolved to become something else in the modern world and brands must let go of the old marketing paradigms and embrace the new. Take a leap of faith and learn to fall in love with marketing! Discover ways in which your marketing can be a powerful voice in the world for your brand and the people you serve.
  • Thursday, May 18, Sky High Growth Awards, 4-6 p.m. Sierra Nevada Brewing – RegisterThe Sky High Growth Awards honor the determination and accomplishments of Asheville’s businesses. Honorees are companies experiencing growth and contributing to our local economy through innovation and hard work. A stand-up reception style event with plenty of opportunity for making new connections and engaging conversation.

 

Tourism Product Development Fund Applications Open
May 17 all-day
online

graphic card for tourism product development fund applications due May seventeenNews from BCTDA

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) is accepting Phase I applications for the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) until Wednesday, May 17. Nonprofits and government partners are invited to submit proposals for major tourism capital projects with $8 million available for award this grant cycle.

The BCTDA has invested nearly $60 million in 46 community capital projects since 2001, including sports and recreational facilities, performing arts and entertainment venues, greenways and trails, and museums and other cultural amenities. These investments are powered by visitors through the lodging tax collected from their stay at hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts in the County. The application portal as well as more information on the TPDF grant process, evaluation criteria, and FAQs, can be found at ashevillecvb.com/product-development/.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 17 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Smart Series: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks
May 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Hatchworks Coworking

Many people avoid, dread, and even hate marketing, but why? Oftentimes it’s because their understanding of marketing is out of date. Marketing has evolved to become something else in the modern world and brands must let go of the old marketing paradigms and embrace the new. Take a leap of faith and learn to fall in love with marketing! Discover ways in which your marketing can be a powerful voice in the world for your brand and the people you serve.

Our speaker for this event is Sarah Benoit. Sarah is the lead instructor of JB Media Institute, a digital marketing school, and president of Creative Original, Inc., a small business web design and consulting firm. She is an SEO, social media, and marketing and communications strategist who has worked in this field since 2003. Sarah has also led classes, workshops, and presentations about many aspects of digital marketing throughout North Carolina and the U.S. since 2006.

Sarah received the 2017 Woman Executive of the Year Award from WomanUp at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She was inducted into Asheville’s 40 Under Forty in 2013 and is a graduate of Leadership Asheville. She is also a 2017 graduate of the Hive Global Leaders program.

Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.

 

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 17 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 18 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

Small Business Week
May 18 all-day

Small businesses are a vital part of Asheville’s economy: sustaining jobs, adding to our unique culture and innovating.

Small Business Shoutout Challenge
Each day of Small Business Week, give a shoutout on social media to local small businesses you interact with or whose support you count on. These could be small businesses you rely on for your business operations, small businesses you love or companies you partner with. Tag the business and use hashtags #smallbusinessshoutout #avlchamber #avlsmallbiz

Small Business Week Events

Please click the links below to register for each event.

  • Tuesday, May 16, Policy on Tap & WomanUP in Action, Part II, 3:30-5 p.m. at White Labs – Register

    Policy on Tap teams up with WomanUP for the second in our WomanUP In Action series to talk about the business and economic impacts of childcare for families and businesses of Buncombe County. Hear from a Wells Fargo economist, who will share highlights from a recent report on the importance of childcare to families and to businesses and the need for public and private investments in the childcare system. Local employers will also share their experiences.

  • Wednesday, May 17, Smart Series: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks, 12-1 p.m. – Register
    Many people avoid, dread, and even hate marketing, but why? Oftentimes it’s because their understanding of marketing is out of date. Marketing has evolved to become something else in the modern world and brands must let go of the old marketing paradigms and embrace the new. Take a leap of faith and learn to fall in love with marketing! Discover ways in which your marketing can be a powerful voice in the world for your brand and the people you serve.
  • Thursday, May 18, Sky High Growth Awards, 4-6 p.m. Sierra Nevada Brewing – RegisterThe Sky High Growth Awards honor the determination and accomplishments of Asheville’s businesses. Honorees are companies experiencing growth and contributing to our local economy through innovation and hard work. A stand-up reception style event with plenty of opportunity for making new connections and engaging conversation.

 

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 18 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Sky High Growth Awards
May 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sierra Nevada Brewing

 

  • The Sky High Growth Awards honor the determination and accomplishments of Asheville’s businesses. Honorees are companies experiencing growth (in revenue and workforce) and contributing to our local economy through innovation and hard work.

    Once again, this event will be hosted by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company — a stand-up reception style event with plenty of opportunity for making new connections and engaging conversation.

    Tickets are $20 per person for Chamber members, $30 for non-members. Guests will receive two beer tickets per person. Cash bar also available.

    Considering nominating a deserving small business, or self-nominate here: Sky High Growth Award Nomination

Ashevillians Comedy Showcase
May 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Eurisko

Hops Around Comedy is a rotating show presented by Modelface Comedy that takes place in all your favorite Asheville breweries. This week we are at Eurisko Brewing in the South Slope!!!!

Ashevillians Comedy Showcase is a celebration of some of the best comedians in the Mountains!

Featuring Art Sturtevant, Jess Cooley, Josie Beers, Ryan Cox and more!!

ages 18+

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 18 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Friday, May 19, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 19 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

Small Business Week
May 19 all-day

Small businesses are a vital part of Asheville’s economy: sustaining jobs, adding to our unique culture and innovating.

Small Business Shoutout Challenge
Each day of Small Business Week, give a shoutout on social media to local small businesses you interact with or whose support you count on. These could be small businesses you rely on for your business operations, small businesses you love or companies you partner with. Tag the business and use hashtags #smallbusinessshoutout #avlchamber #avlsmallbiz

Small Business Week Events

Please click the links below to register for each event.

  • Tuesday, May 16, Policy on Tap & WomanUP in Action, Part II, 3:30-5 p.m. at White Labs – Register

    Policy on Tap teams up with WomanUP for the second in our WomanUP In Action series to talk about the business and economic impacts of childcare for families and businesses of Buncombe County. Hear from a Wells Fargo economist, who will share highlights from a recent report on the importance of childcare to families and to businesses and the need for public and private investments in the childcare system. Local employers will also share their experiences.

  • Wednesday, May 17, Smart Series: Everyone Knows Marketing Sucks, 12-1 p.m. – Register
    Many people avoid, dread, and even hate marketing, but why? Oftentimes it’s because their understanding of marketing is out of date. Marketing has evolved to become something else in the modern world and brands must let go of the old marketing paradigms and embrace the new. Take a leap of faith and learn to fall in love with marketing! Discover ways in which your marketing can be a powerful voice in the world for your brand and the people you serve.
  • Thursday, May 18, Sky High Growth Awards, 4-6 p.m. Sierra Nevada Brewing – RegisterThe Sky High Growth Awards honor the determination and accomplishments of Asheville’s businesses. Honorees are companies experiencing growth and contributing to our local economy through innovation and hard work. A stand-up reception style event with plenty of opportunity for making new connections and engaging conversation.

 

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 19 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
Novant Health Enterprises invites health care heroes to appreciation networking event
May 19 @ 4:00 pm
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co

In recognition of remarkable service and valuable care provided, Novant Health Enterprises is recognizing all Western North Carolina health care heroes and invites them and a guest to an early evening event to reconnect, relax and enjoy complimentary refreshments and appetizers. The event will give all Asheville-area health care workers an opportunity to connect with one another in a casual environment, regardless of their level or affiliation. Individuals do not need to be affiliated with Novant Health to attend.

Please RSVP by May 12 by texting or calling Mark Turner at 336-692-0437 or emailing [email protected].

Comedy at Catawba: Ryan Brown
May 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Catawba Brewing Company - South Slope

Every Sunday evening Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country

Ryan Brown is a comedian and writer raised in North Carolina, where he’s currently based after 8 years of living and performing in NYC. His jokes combine an analytical worldview with child-like curiosity to create something equal parts insightful and ridiculous. In New York, Ryan was a regular at Comic Strip Live, Broadway Comedy Club, Carolines on Broadway and more. He can now be seen performing constantly in the Raleigh area and all over the country. Ryan’s also been featured in numerous festivals including the New York Comedy Festival, Cape Fear Comedy Festival, Laugh Your Asheville Off and Oak City.

 

ages 18+

Early show: doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 19 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 20 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 20 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
LAZOOM Tours: Kids’ Comedy Tour
May 20 @ 11:00 am
LaZoom Room


Kids’ Comedy Tour: 
Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.

  • Perfect for birthday parties
  • Makes for memorable school field trips
  • Tickets are $27 per person
  • Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 20 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 21 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 21 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
MOVE an Improv Workshop at Catawba Brewing with Joe Carroll
May 21 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Catawba Brewing

Join us at Catawba Brewing for an afternoon of improv comedy! “Move” workshop is focused on turning off your inner critic and embracing the moment. Joe Carroll will lead exercises that utilize movement and sound to get out of your head. Improv is a great way to build self-confidence, public speaking skills, and to connect with this awesome community. It’s also a lot of fun!

Open to all improv levels

ages 18+

Signup $40*

*sliding scale available

Instructor Bio:

Joe Carroll currently teaches improv Levels 1-4 at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. He began improvising at Appalachian State University in 2007 and taught workshops and classes at the Asheville Improv Collective. Joe has performed at the Dirty South Improv Festival, NC Comedy Arts Festival, Asheville Yes Fest, AIC Fest, Hell Yes Fest, the Asheville Fringe Festival, the Secret City Festival, and Chicago’s Annoyance Theater. He currently performs in his one man show “JOLO”, the all-star ensemble “The No-See-Ums”, and comedy duo “Mabel’s Baby”.

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
May 21 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Monday, May 22, 2023
Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations: Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway
May 22 all-day
online

Minority-Owned Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway

The winner will be chosen through public voting on social media.

 

 

Kudzu Brands’ $10K donation includes brand story development, logo creation, and marketing collateral development. Past winners include Literacy Together and More To Love Consignment.

 

The contest timeline, rules, details, and updates are on Kudzu’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The application, rules, and complete list of WNC counties permitted for entry are published on the agency’s website, too.

 

Kudzu’s $10K Brand Giveaway relies on the influence of social media to determine the winner. Once finalists are announced on June 7, they will need to use their social platforms to engage followers to vote them into the winner’s circle.

Kudzu Brands has extensive experience helping businesses and nonprofit organizations grow into memorable, profitable, and sustainable brands. Our full suite of brand and marketing services uses a proven and effective process that makes supporting you easy and effective.

LAZOOM: CITY COMEDY TOUR
May 22 @ 10:00 am
LaZoom Room

Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.

  • Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
  • 90-Minutes – tours run daily
  • 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
  • $39 per person (ages 13+ only)