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.
Side Stories Live!Hosted by Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson
FULLY SEATED SHOW
It’s scary, it’s silly, it’s slimy. It’s SIDE STORIES. Dig into the latest true crime news and paranormal happenings, breaking down ooky-spooky stories. ONE night only.
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
The WNC Nature Center continues roaring back to life with one of Asheville’s favorite summer traditions — Brews and Bears!
Starting Friday, May 9, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., this after-hours event invites guests to enjoy the Nature Center in the cool evening hours with live music, local food, and plenty of local brews and beverages.
The Brews and Bears Summer Series will take place on the second Friday of each month through August, and each event features a unique lineup of food trucks, musicians, and animal education programs—so no two nights are the same!
Thursday, July 31 – Ben Bailey, Emmy-winning host of Cash Cab, brings hisrazor-sharp wit and storytelling mastery to the stage.
Friday, August 1 – Rising comedy sensation Jessica Michelle Singleton, known for
her raw honesty and viral stand-up clips, delivers a night of fearless, unfiltered humor.
Saturday, August 2 – Fan favorite and comedy powerhouse Eleanor Kerrigan, whose
no-holds-barred style and magnetic energy have made her a staple on the national
comedy scene, closes out the weekend with a bang.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
The laughs keep rolling August 7–9, with multiple showcase performances featuring over 30
of the fastest-rising comedians from across the U.S. These hand-picked performers represent
the next wave of comedy, from sharp observational wits to boundary-pushing storytellers.
All ACF shows begin at 7:30 PM at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, a
state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
Tickets on sale NOW at
https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-17th-annual-asheville-comedy-festival/. Early purchase
is strongly recommended — this festival has a history of sell-out shows and unforgettable
surprises.
Ticket prices for the 17th ACF are $23.50-$28.50 + fees while supplies last.
A limited supply of “Cosmo Passes” are also available!. The pass will be good for all shows and
has a savings of 35%!
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,
Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
Things to Know
Festival Entry
The Sourwood Festival is free and open to the public.
Pet Policy
Furry friends are welcome to attend the Sourwood Festival! All pets must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
Festival Location
The Sourwood Festival takes place in historic downtown Black Mountain. Vendors and festival events will be hosted on Cherry St., Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, Broadway Ave, Vance Ave and Town Square.
Food
The Sourwood Festival will feature snack vendors. We highly encourage attendees to visit one of the over 50 local restaurants Black Mountain and Swannanoa have to offer!
Road Closures
During the Sourwood Festival, these streets will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience – Cherry St, Sutton Ave, Black Mountain Ave, and a small portion of Vance Ave.
Parking & Shuttle
Free public parking is available at the old Bi-Lo, and additional parking is at the Black Mountain Ingles near the Garden Center. A free shuttle will pick up at this location every 15 minutes and drop festival goers off on Vance Ave.
Bathrooms
Public restrooms are available on Cherry Street and in Town Square, and there will be regular and handicap porta-jons throughout the festival area.
Family Fun Festival in the parking lot of the Asheville Mall. Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with your favorite fair foods like funnel cakes, fired Oreos, and more. Open Weekdays: 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sat & Sun 3:00pm-10:00pm. Daily wristbands $25 Mon-Thur and $30 Fri-Sun. There is no gate admission and parking is free.
The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,
Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.
Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmkt
The event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.
Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!
Eric Eaton
An Adults-Only Comedy Magic Show
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Eric has performed all over the United States with his sold out tour Magic for Adults. Eric can be seen on the hit TV Show Masters of Illusion that has had over 100 million viewers in 126 countries. He is a 2x Merlin Award (Oscar’s of Magic) for Comedy Magician of the Year. Eric has had many viral clips on social media some include celebrities such as; George Lopez, Gary Owen, Lou Ferrigno, Russell Peters, Desiigner, and many more in which you can find on his social media platforms; @themagicofericeaton. Eric is known for his unique blend of magic and comedic wit that makes his show not like any you have seen before.
Asheville’s longest running comedy open mic is rolling our a brand new comedy showcase every Weds 8pm at the Asheville Music Hall. The best of local and not-so-local comedians that come through out comedy open mic. We hand pick them and they do their stuff. Free show like always
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present: THE MOTH /Asheville StorySLAM – “CHILDISH”
All Ages
Thursday, August 21
Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm
Grey Eagle Music Hall
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…
CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Ditching second period or calling out “sick” from work. Middle school crushes or puppy love that had you feeling 16 again. Chasing ice cream trucks, building pillow forts, and losing stuffed animals. Whether it’s temper tantrums, tattle tales, or tumultuous inner-toddlers…it’s time to grow up. Tag! (no take backs times infinity)
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Starts: 7:30 PM
Tickets for Asheville StorySLAMs go on sale 3 weeks prior to the show date at 3 PM ET.
Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. As many as 10 tickets may be available at the door for all of our StorySLAMs on a first-come, first-served basis.
We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
___________________________________
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.
Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]
Get Ready for the United for Youth Community Engagement Block Party
Friday, August 22nd, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, Pack Square Park
We’re taking the block party to the next level — with live youth performances, mouthwatering food trucks. a DJ keeping the beat, 50+ community info. booths, interactive STEAM and Resiliency zones, kids’ activities, and surprises around every corner.
It’s a celebration of resilience, connection, and community power! Join us for this FREE event where families, friends, neighbors, and partners come together to celebrate what makes our community strong and the unstoppable spirit of United for Youth.
The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,
Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.
Beth Stelling
Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW
Beth Stelling is a comedian, writer and actress based in Los Angeles. Her new Netflix special “If You Didn’t Want Me Then” topped every ‘Best of 2023’ list. Her half-hour special is also on Netflix in the first season of The Standups. Conan O’Brien produced Beth’s previous hour special for HBO Max called “Girl Daddy.” Beth has been a writer for the following television series: Rick and Morty, Strange Planet, The Last O.G., I Love You America with Sarah Silverman, Another Period and Crashing on HBO. She’s a sought-after punch-up writer for feature films following her success as an on-set writer for the Universal hit, Good Boys. She has guest starred on Amazon’s Red Oaks, Corporate on Comedy Central, and she played Ms. Fish on the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls.
Join us for our bimonthly general meeting from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Enka-Candler Library. This meeting will include updates from our busy Action Teams, with opportunities to get involved, plus a peek at our upcoming voter outreach campaign launching this fall.
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/3216976-0?pid=10412
Date and Time: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:00 – Thu, 28 Aug 2025 19:30
Venue details: Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler, North Carolina, 28715, United States
ART PARTY ON THE ROOF AT THE RADICAL HOTEL
Thursday, August 28, 2025
7-9pm
The Roof
The Radical Hotel
95 Roberts Street
Asheville, NC 28801
You are invited to an unforgettable evening of creativity and community with Miranda Wildman and friends on The Roof at The Radical Hotel!
This August evening we will play with a plethora of colors and shapes to create your very own tabletop lantern to set the mood for your summer soirees.
No experience? No problem! This is all about fun, self-expression, and connecting with others through art. Let the local DJ’s inspired beats set the mood as you create alongside new and old friends.
Come as you are—bring your curiosity. Art is for everyone, and this art party is too!
$25
all materials included
N.O.T.A.F.L.O.F.
(no one turned away for lack of funds)
All Day Darling, the all-day eatery in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, invites the community to enjoy live music from local musicians every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm on their patio. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner, drinks and good vibes as local musicians set the tone for the weekend.
Upcoming performance schedule:
Friday, August 29 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, August 30 – Brent Riddle
Friday, September 5 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 6 – Ryan Furstenberg
Friday, September 12 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 13 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
Friday, September 19 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Friday, September 26 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 27 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
The rotating dinner menu features crave‑worthy offerings like the Thunderbird fried‑chicken sandwich with Harissa aioli and fermented vegetables, the Darling Burger with chop‑shop beef and house aioli, hearty salads and bowls, and seasonal specials – all served in a warm and laid‑back atmosphere.
Admission is free – no tickets or reservations required to enjoy Asheville’s live‑music scene alongside thoughtful, market‑driven fare.
The Hendersonville Farmers Market, Locally Grown, Community Strong,
Located at the Historic Train Depot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District. Opening its doors every Saturday from May 3rd to October 25th, this market is a testament to local community support and sustainable living. Running from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the market boasts over 30 vendors within a 60-mile radius. Explore a diverse array of offerings, including farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, and beverages. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live music every Saturday, creating a festive backdrop for your market adventure. Don’t miss special events like Tomato Day, Wellness Day, and Juneteenth Celebration, offering unique experiences throughout the season. With ample free parking available, the Hendersonville Farmers Market is your go-to destination for a weekly outing celebrating local producers, growers, and the community spirit.
All Day Darling, the all-day eatery in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood, invites the community to enjoy live music from local musicians every Friday and Saturday from 6-9pm on their patio. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner, drinks and good vibes as local musicians set the tone for the weekend.
Upcoming performance schedule:
Friday, August 29 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, August 30 – Brent Riddle
Friday, September 5 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 6 – Ryan Furstenberg
Friday, September 12 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 13 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
Friday, September 19 – Leo Johnson (jazz trio)
Friday, September 26 – Dinah’s Daydream (jazz trio)
Saturday, September 27 – Adam Rose (jazz trio)
The rotating dinner menu features crave‑worthy offerings like the Thunderbird fried‑chicken sandwich with Harissa aioli and fermented vegetables, the Darling Burger with chop‑shop beef and house aioli, hearty salads and bowls, and seasonal specials – all served in a warm and laid‑back atmosphere.
Admission is free – no tickets or reservations required to enjoy Asheville’s live‑music scene alongside thoughtful, market‑driven fare.
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. In 2024, Vulture called him stand-up comedy’s most prolific storyteller. Ali’s unique style of stand-up originated behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories. He is the first comedian to ever release a 4-part series of comedy specials, The Domino Effect 1-4, which has over 40 million views combined on YouTube.
Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt as Joe Zimmerman and his hilarious friends take the stage for a night of fun. In Downtown Asheville
Joe grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and started his comedy career in North Carolina shortly after graduating Davidson College (where obviously, he was an English major). While starting out in the South, he launched a tour with three friends, called “The Beards of Comedy” and landed a record deal with Comedy Central Records.
In 2012, he moved to New York City, quickly appearing on The Late Late Show and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, as well as Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival. His resume has since grown to include The Tonight Show, Conan, Nickelodeon, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour, and the Comedy Cellar’s topical show, “This Week at the Comedy Cellar”.
Joe’s first solo album Smiling at Wolves (2014) reached number two on the iTunes comedy charts, and shortly after Paste Magazine named him one of 10 best comedians from the south. His second album, Innocence, came out on Comedy Central Records (2018) and is played regularly on Sirius XM radio, and in 2019 he recorded a dry bar special with upwards of million views on YouTube. His first, fully produced one-hour comedy special “Cult Classic”, came out in 2023, directed by Nate Bargatze and produced by 800 Pound Gorilla.
Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.