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.

Sunday, May 17, 2020
VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 17 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Monday, May 18, 2020
#ACTHappyHour Watch Party on Facebook
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
facebook

New Online Programming!

Starting Monday, April 20, we’re launching online programming that anyone can enjoy! And even better – it’s all free! Find this content on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube!

Mondays

11:00 am – My ACT Memory – the craziest, most wonderful, or unbelievable things that have happened at ACT
7:30 pm – Movie Monday! We’ll watch a movie together using Netflix Party!

Tuesdays

11:00 am – ACT Reads: Storytime (for Young Children)
7:30 pm – Living Room Cabaret – A mini-concert from 3 local performers!

Wednesdays

Watch for our next e-newsletter!

Thursdays

11:00 am – Backstage Pass with Amanda and Chanda
7:30 pm – Face With a Name: Brief Interviews with Fascinating People

Fridays

11:00 am – ACT Reads: A Chapter at a Time (for Older Kids)
5:00 pm – #ACTHappyHour Watch Party on Facebook

VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 19 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
May 19 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

“The party Broadway’s been looking for!” –TheaterMania

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Official Website

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 20 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Trolls LIVE! Rescheduled from May 19-20 to Tuesday, May 18, 2021
May 20 @ 6:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

The journey begins when the Trolls’ Hug Time is unexpectedly put at risk. Knowing the only way to save it is by doing what the Trolls do best, Poppy hosts a toe-tapping, Trolls-tastic show! Poppy, Branch, Cooper, Cloud Guy, Satin and Chenille, Smidge, Guy Diamond, Fuzzbert, Biggie and Mr. Dinkles invite you into the colorful world of Troll Village for this interactive performance only the Trolls can create. This is one Trolls party you won’t want to miss!

The world of the Trolls comes alive in this totally interactive, story-rich musical celebration of everything the Trolls love – singing, dancing, rainbows, glitter and plenty of hugs. The extravaganza utilizes the latest in scenic projection, puppetry, media technology and features a host of special effects and interactive surprises. Trolls LIVE! includes two acts with an intermission and will enchant both children and adults with its popular Trolls show-stopping songs, as well as introduce audiences to all-new electrifying Trolls music and choreography.

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

“The party Broadway’s been looking for!” –TheaterMania

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Official Website

The Lifespan of a FACT
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

A determined young fact checker is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author. Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin—with undeniably delicious consequences.

“stinging relevance to so much of what’s been happening for years now in American social, cultural and political discourse” – The Hollywood Reporter

Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language

Thursday, May 21, 2020
Asheville Community Theatre: Class Interest Survey
May 21 all-day
Online

We are trying to see if there is enough interest in a Zoom class for Adult Improv, taught by Tom Chalmers. If you would be interested in this, please fill out the interest form. Thank you!

Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 21 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 21 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Face With a Name
May 21 @ 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm
facebook

Face With a Name

New Episodes Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Hosted by Kelly Shanafelt

Episode 1: Get to Know Jill Summers
Episode 2: Get to Know Carina Lopez

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
May 21 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

“The party Broadway’s been looking for!” –TheaterMania

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Official Website

The Lifespan of a FACT
May 21 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

A determined young fact checker is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author. Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin—with undeniably delicious consequences.

“stinging relevance to so much of what’s been happening for years now in American social, cultural and political discourse” – The Hollywood Reporter

Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language

Friday, May 22, 2020
Asheville Community Theatre: Class Interest Survey
May 22 all-day
Online

We are trying to see if there is enough interest in a Zoom class for Adult Improv, taught by Tom Chalmers. If you would be interested in this, please fill out the interest form. Thank you!

Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 22 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.

Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 22 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Flat Rock Playhouse Cancels 2020 Season
May 22 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

“We are heartbroken to have to make this decision,” said producing artistic director Lisa K. Bryant. “With state-mandated limitations on gathering sizes for the foreseeable future, as well as recent information that union rules for actors returning to work may not even be issued until summer, it is now clear we cannot reopen in mid-July as we had hoped. The right decision for the long-term health of the Playhouse and for our patrons is to move the entire 2020 season to 2021.” This decision was ratified unanimously by the Playhouse Board of Trustees.

Flat Rock Playhouse Lisa K. Bryant Interview on WLOS
May 22 all-day
online

Producing Artistic Director, Lisa K. Bryant, spoke with WLOS regarding our decision to postpone our 2020 season.

VIRTUAL: Asheville Community Theatre Daily Happy Hour Stream
May 22 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
online

Asheville Community Theatre is one of many organizations working to provide online content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is requesting video submissions of songs that make us happy. Participants are encouraged to submit videos with the hashtag #ACTHappyHour on Asheville Community Theatre’s Facebook page and look out for themes and other challenges. Then, every day, 5-6 p.m view the videos queued up for the ACT Happy Hour Watch Party.

Miss Gulch Returns!
May 22 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

May 8-24, 2020

She’s a woman wronged – wronged by a little girl in blue gingham. And her little dog, too. But the bike-riding, Toto-endangering spinster gets to set the record straight in this uproariously funny, off- Broadway musical featuring the wit and wisdom of Almira Gulch, last seen bicycling away from the Gale farm with Toto in tow. The years since The Wizard of Oz have not been kind to Almira and she laments about life, love and liquor. Mark Jones stars in this one-man show.

Miss Gulch Returns! is recommended for mature audiences only. Though the title references a character from The Wizard of Oz, this is not a show for children.

The Lifespan of a FACT
May 22 @ 7:30 pm
NC Stage Company

A determined young fact checker is about to stir up trouble. The demanding editor has given him a big assignment: apply his skill to a groundbreaking piece by the unorthodox author. Together, they take on the high-stakes world of publishing in this new comedy of conflict. The ultimate showdown between fact and fiction is about to begin—with undeniably delicious consequences.

“stinging relevance to so much of what’s been happening for years now in American social, cultural and political discourse” – The Hollywood Reporter

Discretionary Warning: Adult themes and language

Steel Magnolias POSTPONED to 2021 Season
May 22 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
May 22 @ 8:00 pm
Peace Center

“The party Broadway’s been looking for!” –TheaterMania

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls,” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

Official Website

Saturday, May 23, 2020
Asheville Community Theatre: Class Interest Survey
May 23 all-day
Online

We are trying to see if there is enough interest in a Zoom class for Adult Improv, taught by Tom Chalmers. If you would be interested in this, please fill out the interest form. Thank you!

Cold Mountain Music Festival Rescheduled August 14-15
May 23 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.

Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) FEST 2020
May 23 all-day
online

With over 30 members, Downtown Asheville Arts District (DAAD) is comprised of cultural centers, festivals, galleries, museums, retail shops, theatres, and tours — all located within a mile radius of historic downtown Asheville. Our mission is to promote visual and performing arts in all its forms.

We welcome you to our first virtual festival! Please enjoy a holiday weekend full of music, art, and theatre, and get to know the various arts businesses and organizations who bring inspiration to every corner of Asheville.

For more information about DAAD and its members, please visit https://www.downtownavlarts.com/

Flat Rock Playhouse Cancels 2020 Season
May 23 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

“We are heartbroken to have to make this decision,” said producing artistic director Lisa K. Bryant. “With state-mandated limitations on gathering sizes for the foreseeable future, as well as recent information that union rules for actors returning to work may not even be issued until summer, it is now clear we cannot reopen in mid-July as we had hoped. The right decision for the long-term health of the Playhouse and for our patrons is to move the entire 2020 season to 2021.” This decision was ratified unanimously by the Playhouse Board of Trustees.

Flat Rock Playhouse Lisa K. Bryant Interview on WLOS
May 23 all-day
online

Producing Artistic Director, Lisa K. Bryant, spoke with WLOS regarding our decision to postpone our 2020 season.