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.
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 Noble Cider Downtown!!!!
Nick Youssef is a LA/NY based comedian, writer, actor and host of The According To Nick Youssef podcast. Nick’s comedy has been featured on Hulu, NBCs Last Call, @Midnight, Viceland’s ‘Funny How?’ and podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience and WTF with Marc Maron. Nick’s first two standup albums debuted in the top 5 of the iTunes comedy charts and are obnoxiously available in physical vinyl format. In 2023, Nick released his first one hour comedy special, ‘Take Care,’ available for free on his YouTube channel. In addition to standup, Nick is a contributing writer for Esquire and Brooklyn Magazines and is constantly telling his dog Ricky he’s a good little buddy.
featuring Clay Jones
ages 18+
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of
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, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
“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.
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.
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.
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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.
Live fire cooking with Old Edwards Executive Chef Chris Huerta & Half-Mile Farm Chef Jason Tardo featuring locally grown Providence Farmstead protein.
Weekend Events:
Social Hour Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 – 6 pm with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and live music from 5 – 8 pm. Craft beverages also are available from the J. Henry Farmhouse Tavern.
ABOUT McCALISTER RUSSELL
McCalister Russell currently manages the American Wagyu beef program for her family’s Providence Farmstead, and is most likely the sweet face you’ll see delivering to your local restaurant or market. Cali has been working to get Providence Farmstead on the map and menu. McCalister graduated in 2020 from UC Berkeley and has since dedicated herself to the growth of our family business. While she puts in her time on the farm, you can also find her working with local restaurants and markets to fill orders and build connections. McCalister is a big fan of good books, hiking, photography, and salsa dancing!
ABOUT PROVIDENCE FARMSTEAD
While they came from different parts of the country, Georgia native C.A. Russell and California native Kirsten Clauss both shared a common passion for agriculture and family farming. After working together for 30 years in California, raising their family, and developing a nationally recognized Jersey Dairy, the couple has turned their compass back East towards the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Providence Farmstead represents the next chapter in their farming journey. Working together with their children Colin, Erica, Lars, and McCalister, the new focus for this innovative agricultural family is to provide premium American Wagyu beef to Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina. Their 100-acre farm in Otto, NC and 200-acre farm in Demorest, GA provides an idyllic setting for raising family farmed American Wagyu beef. Providence Farmstead American Wagyu is the perfect choice for consumers who want to know where their food comes from and how it was raised.
High-quality American Wagyu beef is not the only thing Providence Farmstead has to offer. We will be building a Jersey Dairy and Creamery in the Winter of 2022, and hope to be open in 2023! The plans are underway and our vision for the future is bright! We invite you to take part in this journey of bringing exceptional dairy products to our community.
Price: Hosted events are for Half-Mile Farm guests only.
To attend these complimentary events at Half-Mile Farm from May 5 – 7, book your stay today.
Book Online: https://www.oldedwardshospitality.com/half-mile-farm#/booking/step-1
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


Ayurveda-Influenced yoga designed for the spring season.
Bring a mat and stay afterward for community
Avoid the fee by sending a venmo to @burning-sage-yoga and put Hillman 5/7 in the notes.
Your amazing instructor Claudia will lead you through a spring flow designed to help you detox your winter and energize your spring.
Stay at Hillman for a great time afterwards!
“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.
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.
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.


Open to all ages and any skill set. We have a few boards, but folks are welcome to bring their own.
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
The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.
The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.
In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.
Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.
In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.
The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

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