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.
A Scottish fairy, La Sylphide, enters the dream of a young Scotsman, then allures him when he wakes. On the eve of his wedding, a sorceress reveals that his fiancé and best friend are actually a better match. Spirited Scottish dances infuse the first act’s pre-wedding celebration as the fairy makes her flirtations clear to the Scotsman. Sadly, if a human touches the fairy, she will lose her wings and perish. As the second act descends into the Scottish woods, the sorceress offers the Scotsman a charmed scarf and an ill-fated plan to romance the fairy.
Ballet Conservatory offers excellent classical training in its comprehensive pre-professional program and full schedule of open classes for all ages in ballet, modern, jazz & tap. Faculty include ballet mistress, Nadia Iozzo (KC & Alberta Ballet), director Angie Lynn (Arts Educational, UK; Vienna Festival Ballet) and Gavin Larsen (PNB; principal, Oregon Ballet Theatre; SAB). BCA hosts a popular four week summer intensive, plus frequent master classes with world-class guest teachers like Karen Averty (“Etoile”, Paris Opera Ballet; principal, San Francisco Ballet; JKO & Boston Ballet faculty); Daniel Ulbricht (principal, NYC Ballet); Paul Taylor Dance Company; John Selya (American Ballet Theatre dancer & choreographer, Tony Nominee-Broadway’s “Movin’ Out”); Amanda Edge (NYC Ballet, Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera”), Parson’s Dance Company.
Recent students have trained year-round at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre JKO School, The Royal Ballet School in London, School of American Ballet (NYC Ballet’s school), Harid and Nutmeg Academies; trained summers at ABT & SAB in NYC, Royal Ballet School, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Miami City and Chautauqua; and were accepted with scholarship to Indiana, Oklahoma, and Butler Universities, plus Marymount-Manhattan.
WNC Dance Academy presents their annual Spring Showcase, featuring award winning WNCDA Performance Company and the artistry of talented academy students and choreographers.
Singer, songwriter, author, and humorist Mark Lowry is best known for penning the lyric to the Christmas classic “Mary Did You Know?” and singing baritone for the GRAMMY© Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band for many years. Lowry, who’s entertained audiences since he was 11 years old, has a unique gift of communicating profound Biblical truths through music and storytelling. His life’s work features a large catalog of diverse projects including many videos, books, and CDs. As known by audiences world-wide, any time spent with Mark Lowry is sure to tickle your funny bone and lift your spirits.
Downtown Asheville comes alive with the sights, sounds, music, pageantry, colorful costumes and extraordinary talent of Latin America. Local and regional Latin acts take the stage and unite festival-goers with the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, Zamba, Tropical, Tango and Merengue.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, a renowned professional ballet company that brings Asheville vivid cutting-edge dance every summer, is ready to get back on stage after a year of shut downs and restrictions. This summer’s three shows and gala will be a huge celebration, including outdoor events where the audience can safely enjoy the first big party since covid numbers have decreased in Buncombe County. The renowned dance company will build a stage in the River Arts District and put together a stylish and festive way for people to enjoy dance, music, amazing food and drink. The events pay tribute to local philanthropists, John Cram and Leah Karpen, both major supporters in the arts and each show is dedicated to their memory.
The dance performances will showcase critically acclaimed dancers handpicked from companies across the US and abroad. Now in her nineteenth season as artistic director, Heather Maloy, a nationally recognized choreographer, is known for her creative stories that sometimes have humor, shed light on the complexities of the human experience and entertain. The company, typically known for making bold statements on current events, is choosing instead to focus on providing this summer’s audience an escape from them. Highlights on the program include Salvatore Aiello’s Senza Fretta, Maloy’s comedic crowd pleaser, Couch Potatoes, and the world premiere of Famous Last Words, created to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and featuring local comedian, Tom Chalmers.
The company has chosen to present this season’s performances at Foundy Street in the River Arts District. Audiences can choose from several different events. Opening Night features a post-performance dance party at Rabbit Rabbit. For families, the Saturday morning Family Matinee has a shortened run time, kid friendly repertoire and a more economical price tag. Gala Night, a “must” for performing arts patrons, is a full evening event, starting with dinner and drinks and finishing off with dessert with the world class dancers. The gala is being touted as the best party to happen in Asheville since 2019.
The 2021 season is being sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem and donors, Patty and Malcolm Brown.
For more information, visit: http://www.terpsicorps.org or call 828-761-1371.
Get moving in this high-energy virtual dance bootcamp focusing on Broadway-style choreography. Beginning with a traditional jazz warm-up and center exercises, students will learn new vocabulary, hone their dance skills, and practice picking up fun musical theatre choreography! Learn how to fill your movement with meaning and unleash the fun in expressing yourself through dance!
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
Consider Haiti’s 5th Annual July 4th Freedom Gala Benefit will be held in-person once again on Sunday, July 4th, 2021!
You can be a part of a great cause while still having loads of fun. All proceeds will go to Consider Haiti, a local 501c non-profit that provides sustainable food, clean water, and medical care to children in Haiti.
Event Details: (Sunday, July 4th, 2021)
Bike Ride Info: (sponsored by Downtown Asheville Racing Club (DARC)
There will be multiple bike ride options based on skill level including:
• A gravel and/or mixed surface ride that starts at 8:30 am
• A family ride only that starts at 10:30 am
• For information on bike routes, details, and pricing, click here.
• If you register for bike ride on or before June 16th, you will receive a free t-shirt with your registration.
Meal Info: (sponsored by Chop Shop Butchery, Siemens Family Law Group and Patton Parker House)
• Picnic meal on the lawn starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 10:30 pm and includes live music by the fabulous, Barsters.
• Meal will include: shredded pork & buns, baked beans, potato salad. There will be a vegetarian option. BYOB
• There will be PLENTY of parking for the event.
• Guests will have plenty of room to spread out on the lawn with gorgeous sunset views of downtown Asheville skyline. We do encourage guest to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets but seating will be provided as well.
• Tickets are available starting today through June 30th, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST. To purchase your tickets, click here.
• If you order your tickets on or before June 16th, you will receive a free t-shirt with your registration.
The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets, and became nationally known after they were included in the guidebook Blue Ridge Music Trails, Finding A Place In The Circle, written by Fred S. Fussell. The guidebook was winner of the first PRESERVE AMERICA Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism.
The sounds of fiddles and banjos playing at the Street Dances have been a part of Henderson County’s heritage for more than 100 years, calling people of all ages to journey to downtown Hendersonville to enjoy toe-tapping-good mountain music.
Hendersonville comes alive with people listening to the traditional mountain and bluegrass music performed by a live band, square dancing and special appearances are often made by area clogging teams for a foot stomping evening.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
Enjoy free, live music at the Visitor Center every Monday & Friday evening in July and August! Click here to learn more about Monday Night Live! and here to learn more about Music on Main Concerts.
For additional information call the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority at 828-693-9708. The Street Dances are coordinated, produced, and sponsored by Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
Click to download a copy of the 2021 Summer Music Series brochure.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
Sing and dance your way through an entire musical in just a week! This high-energy, low-pressure virtual class explores the plot and characters of a Broadway musical as young actors learn songs and dances from the show. With fun activities and games emphasizing creative play, movement, voice, and improvisation, this process-based camp will build theatre skills and allow a fun outlet for your bite-sized Broadway star. No experience is necessary.
REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 19
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
DIFFERENT STROKES! PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENTS
BLVCK BRILLIANCE: A Celebration of Melanin
Heart & Soul Dance Company featuring Melvin AC Howell
2021 Street Dances
The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets, and became nationally known after they were included in the guidebook Blue Ridge Music Trails, Finding A Place In The Circle, written by Fred S. Fussell. The guidebook was winner of the first PRESERVE AMERICA Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism.
The sounds of fiddles and banjos playing at the Street Dances have been a part of Henderson County’s heritage for more than 100 years, calling people of all ages to journey to downtown Hendersonville to enjoy toe-tapping-good mountain music.
Hendersonville comes alive with people listening to the traditional mountain and bluegrass music performed by a live band, square dancing and special appearances are often made by area clogging teams for a foot stomping evening.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
MTN VIBEZ Presents Latin Night-every Wednesday. Free Dance Lessons 8:30-9PM-All Skill Levels and All Latin Genres-Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton.
DJ Ephcto spins cultural bass music from 6:30pm-9pm and is a perfect time to come for some dinner prior to the start of Latin night.
“Move On Up” is a night of your favorite and forgotten Soul/RB cuts right after Comedy Night.
Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.
Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+
Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 
Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+
Are you ready to be part of the 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival®? On August 5, 6, 7, 2021, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
This 94th Mountain Dance and Folk Festival® has been made possible through the generosity of our music community volunteering their time and talent to preserve and promote the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling heritage.
A listing of performers who volunteer their time and talent to make our events possible can be found on Our Performers page. Please visit their websites and support their generosity by purchasing music, merchandise, making a contribution to virtual tip jars where available or just to tell them you enjoyed their performance. Our artists especially need our support during these difficult times.
The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival was founded by Bascom Lamar Lunsford as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music and dance traditions that have been handed down through generations in western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. Bascom Lunsford’s mission was to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lunsford’s was the first dubbed a folk festival, and he later consulted with many communities across the country interested in organizing similar festivals.
If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival!
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.
Click here for more history of the Festival.
Click here if you are interested in performing.
Click here if you are interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor.
The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets, and became nationally known after they were included in the guidebook Blue Ridge Music Trails, Finding A Place In The Circle, written by Fred S. Fussell. The guidebook was winner of the first PRESERVE AMERICA Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism.
The sounds of fiddles and banjos playing at the Street Dances have been a part of Henderson County’s heritage for more than 100 years, calling people of all ages to journey to downtown Hendersonville to enjoy toe-tapping-good mountain music.
Hendersonville comes alive with people listening to the traditional mountain and bluegrass music performed by a live band, square dancing and special appearances are often made by area clogging teams for a foot stomping evening.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
Enjoy free, live music at the Visitor Center every Monday & Friday evening in July and August! Click here to learn more about Monday Night Live! and here to learn more about Music on Main Concerts.
Click to download a copy of the 2021 Summer Music Series brochure.