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.

Friday, May 8, 2020
St. Louis Symphony 2020 BMC Instrument Playground Online
May 8 all-day
online
The Cleveland Orchestra “Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax with this Mindful Music Moment.”
May 8 all-day
online
Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
May 8 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings. 

Buncombe County River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen
May 8 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen

Alexander River Park view of the French Broad River

“We know that parks provide a connection to our natural world, opportunities for physical activity that can reduce stress and improve mental health, and places to seek peace and restoration,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As COVID-19 remains a threat, everyone does not live somewhere with a yard to play in or safe access to walking or jogging opportunities. We believe these eight parks can be used safely and responsibly by the residents of Buncombe County. As long as visitors practice ‘COV-etiquette,’ these parks will remain open for everyone to enjoy fresh air. We owe it to essential workers on the frontlines to continue extra precautions each time we walk out the door. Let’s continue the progress we’ve made together.”

When possible, exercise at home, walk in your neighborhood, enjoy your yard and residential outdoor spaces, and visit less crowded parks or during off-peak hours. You should only visit parks with members of your own household and not use these spaces to meet up with others for social opportunities. O’Conner said Recreation Services staff are monitoring parks regularly to ensure they do not become too crowded.

Guidance for park visitors:

  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. There are no restrooms or water fountains at the eight parks that are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Refrain from touching surfaces including trees and rocks. Picnic tables, grills, and fitness equipment remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.

The reopened parks are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Collier Cove Nature Preserve on 194 Rhododendron Drive in Arden
  • Alexander River Park on 2589 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Bent Creek River Park on 1610 Brevard Road in Asheville
  • Corcoran Paige River Park on 9 Pinners Road in Arden
  • Glen Bridge River Park on 77 Pinners Road in Asheville
  • Hominy Creek River Park on 220 Hominy Creek Road in Asheville
  • Ledges Whitewater Park on 1080 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Walnut Island River Park on 3042 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander

Buncombe County Recreation Services has been the trusted steward of the county’s parkland for decades and continues to serve the public by providing, protecting, and preserving a unique collection of outdoor and indoor recreational facilities – which we see as a core service to the people of Buncombe County. We believe our community is a better place when everyone from infants to retirees have the opportunity to be strong, healthy, and successful. Our projects and programming represent a primary goal of low-cost, equitable, inclusive wellness and therapeutic opportunities that are accessible to all residents regardless of cultural, physical, cognitive, or socioeconomic background to create a livable, healthy, and vibrant community.

In This Together: closer with music and conversation
May 8 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
online radio

Check out our new weekly segment called In This Together, something to help bring us a little closer with music and conversation in a time when we need to be apart. Hosted by Daniel Gilliam and Teddy Abrams, with each show we’ll virtually gather with notable figures, musicians and you. You can listen Fridays at 3pm on 90.5 WUOL or watch live on Facebook.

Free Dead Fridays
May 8 @ 5:30 pm
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Join us at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall every Friday at 5:30PM for our FREE Acoustic Grateful Dead series Featuring members of Phuncle Sam and great drink and food specials.

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Steep Canyon Rangers
May 8 @ 6:00 pm
Salvage Station

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Little Stranger from Second Stage @ SMA
May 8 @ 8:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Little Stranger with special guests April B & The Cool, and Pip the Pansy!

Born and raised in Philly, crash landed in Charleston, Kevin and John Shields are breaking into previously uncharted waters with their quirky indie hip-hop group, Little Stranger. Between John’s melodic singer-songwriter magnetism, Kevin’s in-your-face delivery, and an overall undeniable groove, this duo is sure to get any audience up and moving. Stylistically similar to the Gorillaz but with a loose reggae beat, every track brings the uniqueness and strangeness that their name implies.

Expressive vocals and impressive guitar work are just part of what makes April B. & the Cool special. Drawing from hip-hop, soul, rhythm and blues, funk, rock, soul, jazz and reggae, April Bennett puts it all together in sultry and alluring fashion. The band features players familiar to Asheville audiences — members of The Marcus King Band, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band often turn up — but Bennett is the undisputed star of the show.

Million Dollar Quartet CANCELLED
May 8 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
VIRTUAL: Aaron Price’s Sessions from the Cocoon
May 8 @ 9:30 pm
facebook

Aaron price is a longtime fixture of the Asheville music community. Known as an indispensable sideman and record producer, Aaron is known for working in the studio and onstage with many iconic Asheville bands. He is opening his personal studio to the public eye for NIGHTLY 9:30 performances (you can even make requests!) on his Facebook page. Aaron plays originals and covers at the guitar and piano and features the occasional special guest.

Saturday, May 9, 2020
A History of Classical Music by The Kennedy Center
May 9 all-day
The Kennedy Center Online

A History of Classical Music
Brought to you by The Kennedy Center
Follow the development and impact of classical music in the U.S.

Brevard Music Center Video of the Week: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy”
May 9 all-day
online
VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Each week this summer, the Brevard Music Center will bring stunning performances straight to your inbox as our gift to you. This week, enjoy Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” performed in 2016 during BMC’s celebratory 80th anniversary season.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9
Mvt. IV – Allegro molto assai (Alla marcia)
Brevard Music Center Concert Orchestra and Chorus
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 9 all-day
Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane

A message from the founders of Cold Mountain Music Festival:

To our Cold Mountain Music Festival, Lake Logan, and Camp Henry families,

In recent weeks, we have stood alongside our nationwide cohort of festival organizers to witness the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and assess how it would impact our 2020 event schedule. While we originally hoped the situation would be subdued in time for our June gathering, we have also kept a watchful eye on the trajectory of this outbreak and have learned that the likelihood of this occurrence is slim.

In the interest of public safety, the 4th Annual Cold Mountain Music Festival will be postponed until August 14-15, 2020. While we can not yet reveal the exact lineup details, rest assured that we have been able to preserve the majority of originally scheduled artists. The talent team is working diligently to put the finishing touches on the new bill and will be ready to announce next week.

All previously-reserved tickets will be valid for the new festival date. In the event that you are unable to attend this August, you may contact ([email protected]) to secure a refund on your ticket purchase. All refund requests must be made before May 15.

Cold Mountain Music Festival is proud to announce the lineup for its 4th annual event happening June 5-6, 2020 at the picturesque Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton, NC. GRAMMY-winning newgrass pioneer Sam Bush Band will headline the weekend-long retreat, with additional appearances by fast-rising alt-country sensation Charley Crockett, West Coast folk-rock outfit Blitzen Trapper, critically acclaimed troubadour Amythyst Kiah, plus regional powerhouses Futurebirds, Sierra Ferrell, and more.

With less than half a decade of programming under its belt, Cold Mountain Music Festival has already been recognized as one of the Southeast’s best goldmines for live music, outdoor recreation, and family-oriented activities. Located just outside of Asheville in one of Western North Carolina’s most pristine stretches of land, Cold Mountain utilizes the vibrant Pisgah National Forest as its playground, and encourages exploration throughout the two-day immersive experience. At the heart of the festival site is the glistening Lake Logan, which boasts plenty of swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Paired with performances by some of live music’s leading forces on the scene and plenty of kid-friendly offerings, the upcoming Cold Mountain Music Festival will offer the trifecta of rustic summer experiences.

Weekend passes are on sale now on the Cold Mountain Music website. General admission passes are available for $75, and youth passes for those aged 12-17 can be purchased for $40 apiece. Overnight camping spots and catered breakfast meal tickets are also available for $75 (per site) and $12-$15 (per person), respectively. Group discounts may be applied for parties of 15 or more. Enter the code DioWNC at checkout to purchase each pass (minimum 15) for $60 each. Cold Mountain Music Festival is presented by Ingles Markets, with partners iHeartMedia and Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. For more information, visit www.coldmountainmusic.org. A complete lineup can be found below.

NC Brewers and Music Festival CANCELLED
May 9 all-day
Historic Rural Hill

UPDATED INFO:

To make the transition from this year to the 2021 event as seamless and exciting as possible, we have already worked with our artists, our brewers, and our vendors to make sure that we are able to carry over this year’s lineup and infrastructure to next year’s festival date. In addition, we are also in conversation with Eventbrite regarding the best options we can offer you when it comes to making a choice about how your ticket investment plays out. 

Because this decision affects you as much as it does us, we will offer full refunds of all ticket purchases to any of you who would prefer that option. We understand the inconvenience that this change might cause you, and we ask that you offer us your patience while we organize that process. As another option, we would also like to offer you the opportunity to retain your ticket purchase and to roll it over into next year’s attendance. Any ticket that has already been purchased for 2020 will be honored at our 2021 festival in lieu of a refund. That is a choice we are allowing you to make, and we will be delighted to have you back as our guests then! 

Please check back with us often as we continue to plan for the 2021 (“unofficial 10th Anniversary”) North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding, but mostly for your continued support at the festival. We couldn’t keep putting on this event without you, and we continue to be thankful year after year. 

 

Along with a rich Americana lineup, North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival also shines a spotlight on local brewers and their contribution to North Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. Over 50 breweries offering a selection of craft beers will be featured on-site throughout the weekend. Tasting tickets, which include access to beer samples plus a commemorative sampling glass, are available for purchase for $50 ($39 for early birds).

North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival began as a fundraising effort to preserve the historic site of Rural Hill. The site, which boasts extensive hiking trails, is a beloved landmark in the Central NC region and is home to many educational field trips and events. Since its inception, the North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival has continued to support the awareness of Rural Hill and attract diverse crowds from all over the country.

Friday music-only passes with sets from Acoustic Syndicate and Fireside Collective are $15. Saturday music-only passes with sets from the Steep Canyon Rangers and Hayes Carll are $22 for early birds. For attendees who would like to sample an unlimited assortment of celebrated North Carolina brews on Saturday, Tasting Tickets (which include daily entrance to the festival for music happenings) are available at the Early Bird price of $39. Camping options are available for attendees who would like to make the most of their weekend. Two-Day weekend tent camping, premium tent camping, and RV/Camper camping with hook-ups are available for $45, $65, and $85 respectively. North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival is a family-friendly event. Children 4 and under are free. A Children’s Ticket is available for kids 5 – 15 for $8.

PostClassical Ensemble: “Shostakovich and the State” Pick of the Week Brevard Music Center
May 9 all-day
youtube

PostClassical Ensemble: “Shostakovich and the State”
Joseph Horowitz, Angel Gil-Ordóñez, and Solomon Volkov
Bill McGlaughlin hosts the inaugural “More Than Music” video

For more staff weekly pics:

https://www.brevardmusic.org/online/around-the-web/?utm_source=Brevard+Music+Center&utm_campaign=16d219d56a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_1_31_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b154873bc5-16d219d56a-131688489

St. Louis Symphony 2020 BMC Instrument Playground Online
May 9 all-day
online
The Cleveland Orchestra “Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax with this Mindful Music Moment.”
May 9 all-day
online
Broadway Musical By Jeeves Free youtube
May 9 – May 10 all-day
youtube channel
Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
May 9 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings. 

Buncombe County River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen
May 9 @ 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Buncombe County Parks

River Parks and Nature Preserve Reopen

Alexander River Park view of the French Broad River

“We know that parks provide a connection to our natural world, opportunities for physical activity that can reduce stress and improve mental health, and places to seek peace and restoration,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “As COVID-19 remains a threat, everyone does not live somewhere with a yard to play in or safe access to walking or jogging opportunities. We believe these eight parks can be used safely and responsibly by the residents of Buncombe County. As long as visitors practice ‘COV-etiquette,’ these parks will remain open for everyone to enjoy fresh air. We owe it to essential workers on the frontlines to continue extra precautions each time we walk out the door. Let’s continue the progress we’ve made together.”

When possible, exercise at home, walk in your neighborhood, enjoy your yard and residential outdoor spaces, and visit less crowded parks or during off-peak hours. You should only visit parks with members of your own household and not use these spaces to meet up with others for social opportunities. O’Conner said Recreation Services staff are monitoring parks regularly to ensure they do not become too crowded.

Guidance for park visitors:

  • Stay home if you are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
  • Wash your hands before leaving home and bring sanitizer or wipes, water, and sunscreen. There are no restrooms or water fountains at the eight parks that are currently open.
  • Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and anyone who does not live in your household.
  • Refrain from touching surfaces including trees and rocks. Picnic tables, grills, and fitness equipment remain closed.
  • Keep it moving when using trails and step aside to let others pass. At some parks, trails may be marked as one-way only.
  • Limit your park time so that others can also safely enjoy the space.
  • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter to help minimize invasive species, bank erosion, and water pollution.
  • Let us know how you’re enjoying your parks! Tag Recreation Services on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #IHeartBCParks.

The reopened parks are open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

  • Collier Cove Nature Preserve on 194 Rhododendron Drive in Arden
  • Alexander River Park on 2589 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Bent Creek River Park on 1610 Brevard Road in Asheville
  • Corcoran Paige River Park on 9 Pinners Road in Arden
  • Glen Bridge River Park on 77 Pinners Road in Asheville
  • Hominy Creek River Park on 220 Hominy Creek Road in Asheville
  • Ledges Whitewater Park on 1080 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander
  • Walnut Island River Park on 3042 Old Marshall Highway in Alexander

Buncombe County Recreation Services has been the trusted steward of the county’s parkland for decades and continues to serve the public by providing, protecting, and preserving a unique collection of outdoor and indoor recreational facilities – which we see as a core service to the people of Buncombe County. We believe our community is a better place when everyone from infants to retirees have the opportunity to be strong, healthy, and successful. Our projects and programming represent a primary goal of low-cost, equitable, inclusive wellness and therapeutic opportunities that are accessible to all residents regardless of cultural, physical, cognitive, or socioeconomic background to create a livable, healthy, and vibrant community.

Million Dollar Quartet CANCELLED
May 9 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Asheville Symphony: Happy Beethday! Beethoven CANCELLED
May 9 @ 8:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

We request that you notify us at [email protected] should you wish to donate your ticket or receive a refund. Patrons do not need to come to the ASO Office to receive a refund or donate ticket(s) as we have patron information in our ticketing system. If you purchased tickets online through Ticketmaster, you will automatically be issued a refund for canceled events. If you purchased a ticket at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville Box Office on Haywood Road, please call the box office to request a refund.

We would be grateful if you would consider letting us convert your ticket purchase to a donation as we face increasingly uncertain times with concert and event cancellations. We are also happy to issue a refund upon request.

Online orders via Ticketmaster: Tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 5 business days, with questions please visit Ticketmaster Customer Service or call 800-653-8000.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Box Office:  If purchased at the venue box office, please submit a Box Office & Ticketing Inquiry. The box office will be closed until further notice.

Asheville Symphony Box Office: Please email info@ashevillesymphony with your request. We do not need the physical tickets to process requests.  Due to the high volume of requests, we will respond to patrons within 48-72 hours.

 

Darko Butoracconductor
Stephen Hough, piano

The final concert of the season brings a world class performer and thinker to our Asheville stage. Stephen Hough is a pianist known worldwide for his insights and interpretations. He joins the ASO for a performance of not one, but two of the most important works in the piano repertoire — Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, and Piano Concerto No. 5, “The Emperor”

Program: 

Beethoven: Coriolan Overture
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor”

Million Dollar Quartet CANCELLED
May 9 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
VIRTUAL: Aaron Price’s Sessions from the Cocoon
May 9 @ 9:30 pm
facebook

Aaron price is a longtime fixture of the Asheville music community. Known as an indispensable sideman and record producer, Aaron is known for working in the studio and onstage with many iconic Asheville bands. He is opening his personal studio to the public eye for NIGHTLY 9:30 performances (you can even make requests!) on his Facebook page. Aaron plays originals and covers at the guitar and piano and features the occasional special guest.

Sunday, May 10, 2020
A History of Classical Music by The Kennedy Center
May 10 all-day
The Kennedy Center Online

A History of Classical Music
Brought to you by The Kennedy Center
Follow the development and impact of classical music in the U.S.

Brevard Music Center Video of the Week: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy”
May 10 all-day
online
VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Each week this summer, the Brevard Music Center will bring stunning performances straight to your inbox as our gift to you. This week, enjoy Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” performed in 2016 during BMC’s celebratory 80th anniversary season.

Beethoven Symphony No. 9
Mvt. IV – Allegro molto assai (Alla marcia)
Brevard Music Center Concert Orchestra and Chorus
Keith Lockhart, conductor
PostClassical Ensemble: “Shostakovich and the State” Pick of the Week Brevard Music Center
May 10 all-day
youtube

PostClassical Ensemble: “Shostakovich and the State”
Joseph Horowitz, Angel Gil-Ordóñez, and Solomon Volkov
Bill McGlaughlin hosts the inaugural “More Than Music” video

For more staff weekly pics:

https://www.brevardmusic.org/online/around-the-web/?utm_source=Brevard+Music+Center&utm_campaign=16d219d56a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_1_31_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b154873bc5-16d219d56a-131688489

St. Louis Symphony 2020 BMC Instrument Playground Online
May 10 all-day
online
The Cleveland Orchestra “Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax with this Mindful Music Moment.”
May 10 all-day
online
Live Morning Didgeridoo Meditation
May 10 @ 7:30 am – 8:00 am
online

Tune in with me on Facebook Live each morning at 7:30am for a 20 minute live meditation with didgeridoo. I’ll be guiding you through simple and effective ways that will help you to:

  • Calm your nervous system
  • Become more resilient to stress
  • Get you ready for the day and evening

The intention is for you to learn this simple skillset quickly and use it right now to stay centered, balanced and show up for yourself, your family, and your community.

The more of us that can do that, the better! I hope to see you soon.  

Warmly, 

Corey Costanzo

ps If you miss the live meditation, check our website later in the day. We will be uploading all recordings.