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.

Thursday, May 13, 2021
Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

YPA Social at Ben’s Tune Up
May 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Ben's Tune Up

Join us on Thursday, May 13th for our monthly YPA Social!

This month we will be meeting at Ben’s Tune Up on South Slope in Downtown Asheville. Ben’s Tune Up is a sake brewery located in a converted auto shop with an Asian fusion restaurant and beer garden. This also have non-sake options and a full bar.

“Born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Ben’s American Sake has crafted a fresh new take on an ancient beverage: Sake! Our sake is unabashedly American. We aim to remove any pretension from the experience of serving and drinking this refined spirit. Our sake is easy to approach, with new fruit infusions, light carbonation, and packaged in friendly, familiar bottles and cans. Nothing could be more American than Ben’s!”- Ben’s American Sake

What we’re about

Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) (http://www.ypasheville.org/) connects young adults in order to better lead and serve the greater Asheville community. YPA welcomes young professionals (ages 21 – 40) living in WNC to join us for events focused on professional development, fostering connection and serving our community.

LINK IS NOW LIVE TO TO BECOME A YPA MEMBER FOR THE 2020-2021 YEAR
https://ashevillenccoc.wliinc24.com/events/2020-2021-Young-Professionals-of-Asheville-Membership-7026/details?fbclid=IwAR3-T31Ak_qIeATULaM1p-YmTnB6TcASvK8GEdhGZc2wEDNVYrtK-9ZN27w

We are happy to announce we will offering YPA membership for the 2020-2021 year for HALF OFF! For the entire month of June, if you sign up to be a YPA member, it will only cost $25! We recognize the membership experience has been a little different lately and we’re happy to still have the ability to connect and provide value to our members through our virtual experiences. We hope we will be back to safe, in-person events soon and hope the reduced cost of membership helps those that may have been negatively affected in these tough times.

If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Mackenzie HeslerYPA Co-Membership Chair

Asheville Fit Tribe Group: 60 minute of strength training
May 13 @ 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm
Carrier Park

Join the Asheville Fit Tribe Group for a 60 minute of strength training. You will get personalized training with the power of the group to positively motivate you. Get ready to get a full body workout in for all fitness levels. So, no matter where you are at from beginner to collegiate athlete Trainer Preston will make sure you get a phenomenal workout. For Strength day we focus on slow controlled weight lifting. Learning how to become more aware of our bodies. We hope you give us a shot and see what we are all about!! For any question shoot Preston a text/call (984)204-0591.

Charlotte Hornets vs. LA Clippers
May 13 @ 7:00 pm
Spectrum Center

Logo for Charlotte Hornets vs. Logo for LA Clippers

WATCH ON BALLY SPORTS SOUTHEAST – CHARLOTTE
LISTEN ON WFNZ 610 AM/102.5 FM
Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
May 13 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Friday, May 14, 2021
Lifeguard Certification
May 14 all-day
YWCA

Summer is around the corner and lifeguards are in high demand. Sign up to take our spring, Red Cross certified, lifeguard course today. Class is available to ages 15 and up.

Contact Kitty Schmidt, Director of Fitness and Aquatics to register.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 14 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 14 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
May 14 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 14 all-day
Online w/ Small Business Administration
As registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opens, the SBA has issued guidance on what to expect next.
What to expect next:
  1. As outlined by Congress, the SBA will focus their reviews on the priority applications that have been submitted. Applicants who have submitted a non-priority application will find their applications remain in a Review status while the priority applications are processed during the first 21 days. Applicants in this status should not anticipate any outreach from the SBA during this period.
  2. Following a successful application submission, all applications will first enter a stage called “IRS verification”. This process may take up to seven days and allows the SBA to validate your application submission.
  3. If you have questions about the award calculation, see the program guide, pages 7–9.
  4. The 4506T form is signed with your application during the e-sign process. You do not need to submit an additional 4506T.
  5. If you are entering a state in the address section(s) use the abbreviation in capital letters (e.g., PA, TX, ME, WA, etc.).
  6. For application support, you may submit a message using the platform inbox. For quick answers, this may be your best route.
As a reminder, per federal award program guidelines that require the same and equal information be provided to each applicant, SBA’s team members are limited on responses they can provide to applicants, including specific questions regarding RRF eligibility, potential award amount, and other detailed information.
Aston Park Tennis Center
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Brunch B’yahad Virtual
May 14 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Online w/ Asheville Jewish Community Center

Brunch B’Yahad is now available through Zoom meeting here.   

Join new and old friends for light brunch, socialization and lively discussion.  Featured guest speakers, and relevant cultural and timely topics will fill our minds.

Chamber Challenge
May 14 @ 4:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber
                                                          Challenge -
                                                          Jared Ka

Early bird registration for the Chamber Challenge is open through this Sunday! You can save $10 if you register before April 18.

The race is set for Friday, May 14 and we’re offering free training sessions with the YMCA every Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber (36 Montford Ave).

If you have any questions about the race, registration or our safety protocols, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section on the event page.

Son’s of Ralph
May 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

The Sons of Ralph are the sons of Bluegrass pioneer Ralph Lewis. In the heart of WNC, these masters of Bluegrass are “The Sons of Ralph”. Martin and Don Lewis, Cousin Steve Moseley, and the “other brother” Ozzie Orengo, Jr. have been playing and singing the unique style of bluegrass music since Ralph’s upbringing in Madison County.

Zoe + Cloyd
May 14 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Hailing from opposite ends of the Appalachian mountains, Zoe & Cloyd is renowned fiddler and vocalist Natalya Zoe Weinstein and award-winning bluegrass songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist John Cloyd Miller. With soaring harmonies and heartfelt songs, the pair seamlessly combine original bluegrass, klezmer, old-time and folk with sincerity and zeal. Zoe & Cloyd will be joined by master musicians, Kevin Kehrberg on bass and Bennett Sullivan on banjo.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.

This concert will also be Live Streamed from the Isis Music Hall Facebook Page

LIVE: Chuck Brodsky
May 14 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Cooper River Bridge Run Sept. 2021 Registration Open
May 15 all-day
Cooper River Bridge Run

Bridge Run Rescheduled

Eblen Charities’ 20th anniversary Walk, Run or Roll
May 15 all-day
Eblen Charities

  • Walk, run or cycle anytime between May 8-15.
  • It’s a virtual event, so you can participate whenever you want; wherever you want!
  • Form a team and walk, run or cycle with your friends, family neighbors or co-workers.
  • Raise $100 to earn a 20th anniversary commemorative T-shirt (pictured below).
  • It’s easy – ask 10 friends or family members to donate $10 or 5 friends to donate $20 and you’ll reach your goal.
  • Funds raised will provide emergency housing assistance for Buncombe County student families hurt by the pandemic.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
May 15 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Pisgah Legal Run for Justice Virtual 5K Begins May 29th
May 15 all-day
Pisgah Legal--Online

This beautiful spring weather makes it easy to get out and train for our virtual Run for Justice 5K which kicks off next month!  Register today to participate anytime between May 29th through June 12th on a route of your choice and then join us for our awards ceremony June 12th!  Everyone who registers by April 30 will receive a Run for Justice t-shirt.

Three ways to sign up

  1. Register for $25 per participant  (you can add a donation to support Pisgah Legal if desired)
  2. Peer to Peer Fundraising:  Invite your friends and family to donate $1,$5 or more for each kilometer you walk or run.
  3. Be a Sponsor:  Sponsor as an individual, a couple, a group or a business. Sponsors receive race entries, t-shirts and recognition. (Find out more about sponsor benefits here)

Check out our registration page for more details, a fun explainer video and FAQs.

Rafting
May 15 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Kids Fishing Tournament
May 15 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Lake Julian Park

This event is open to all youth 15 and under. Competitors will be divided into age groups with prizes in each for Biggest Fish, Smallest Fish, and Most Fish Caught. The grand prize for Biggest (Longest) Fish regardless of age is a Moken Lite kayak and 15% off accessories from Waterways and Feelfree Kayaks.

This is a catch and release tournament. After each fish has been weighed and measured, they will be released back into the lake. Your $10 registration fee includes a bucket, bait, and snacks and drinks. Competitors bring their own poles and current health guidelines must be observed.

No fishing license is required for residents under 16 years old. No boat fishing is allowed by competitors. All competitors must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is recommended. Fishing begins at 8:30 and ends promptly at 11:30.

All competitors will receive a reusable water bottle, pen, stickers, snacks and drinks, and a discount at local kayak fishing and paddlesports retailer Waterways.

  • Current public health guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives must be observed.
  • Your $10 registration includes a bucket and bait, but competitors must bring their own poles.
  • This is a competition for kids and youth. Parents are allowed to help younger kids cast their poles. In the spirit of sportsmanship, any competitor receiving excessive assistance from an adult will be disqualified.

If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected].

Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 15 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
May 15 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
Aston Park Tennis Center
May 15 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Taylor Martin and Song Dogs
May 15 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

One of Western North Carolina’s most respected songwriters backed by his ever revolving cast of virtuoso musicians.  From folk to bluegrass through blues and country Taylor’s original compositions are well mixed with an obscure selections of the American songbook.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.

LIVE: Life Like Water
May 15 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Nantahala Outdoor Center Reopens for 2021 Season with New Offerings
May 16 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rafters swimming on the French Broad River Rafting: Full-Day (with Lunch) trip

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), has reopened all adventure activities and river outposts for the 2021 season featuring new food and beverage venues, expanded courses, and the return of events and live entertainment to main resort campus in Bryson City.

  • Launched whitewater rafting on seven rivers in the Southeast and aerial adventures to high demand
  • Two new food and beverage venues launching on NOC’s 500-acre campus including a renovated coffee and donut shuttle bus as well as a beer venue featuring New Belgium beer and custom beer blends
  • Expanded courses at NOC’s Paddling School for kayakers to learn new skills and experience Southeastern rivers
  • Full calendar of live music from local and regional bands, and the return of events like Women’s Paddlefest and river releases
  • Relia’s Lost Kitchen dinner series kicking off this month with a sold out Orin Swift Wine Dinner; more to follow through October.