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.

Saturday, July 11, 2020
Hands-on History Carl Sandburg House
Jul 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Carl Sandburg House


Hands-on History

Join Park Rangers on Saturdays in July to get hands-on with history. Each Saturday features a different topic and allows visitors of all ages to interact with history related to the Sandburg family experience at Connemara. Come anytime between 11am to 3pm. All programs will be offered at the amphitheater.

Strolling through History Online Tour
Jul 11 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, sky and outdoor

This year, we weren’t able to host our “Strolling through History” series of walking tours, but thanks to some awesome work by interns we hosted from UNC Asheville this spring, they will be partially available virtually!

Enjoy “Scrolling” through history from your couch, or grab your tablet or smartphone and follow the tour in real life. (Make sure to follow local safety guidelines!)

The tours will be posted as links in this event discussion. Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jul 11 @ 12:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Additional Library Curbside Service
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches

 

Buncombe County Public Libraries will be opening three additional locations for curbside pickup service, the Fairview, Leicester, and Oakley/South Asheville branches. These locations will operate from 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, in addition to our current curbside pickup service locations at the Black Mountain, North Asheville, South Buncombe, and West Asheville locations. For more information about library curbside pickup service or to place an item on hold for pickup, please call your local library or the Ask-A-Librarian line (828-250-4700) or visit buncombecounty.org/library. We hope to see you soon!

Hemp Xpress Trolley: Exploring Botanical Extraction
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 4:20 pm
Carolina Hemp Company

Exploring Botanical Extraction: What is Whole-Spectrum Hemp Extract? Our friends at Asheville Botanicals invite you into the extraction lab to learn about production, processing and how hemp nourishes the endocannabinoid system. After the tour, we’ll visit the neighbors at Cursus Keme to nourish our souls with a tasty craft brew! We’ll offer this experience periodically on Saturdays; tickets includes a ride on the Hemp Xpress Trolley, a hemp pre-roll, a 45 minute tour of Asheville Botanicals and a bubbly beverage from Cursus Keme! First Tour Date Saturday July 11th 1pm-4:20pm. Meet at Carolina Hemp Company, 290 Haywood Rd. Asheville

Private Rentals: Spark up your next Asheville area celebration with our personalized rental platform! We offer several packages at different price tiers to best cater to your party’s needs! Our team is dedicated to working with you to create an experience that will leave your guests (and your smoke) blown away!

The Hemp Xpress is dedicated to the safety of the Asheville community; public routes and experiences are operating at half capacity within social distance guidelines. Hand sanitizer is readily available to riders, and surfaces are regularly sanitized. Buncombe County requires a face mask be worn in public places.

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jul 11 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jul 11 @ 2:30 pm
Biltmore Estate

Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Two-guest minimum, Four-guest maximum

*Price is in addition to estate admission and subject to change. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
Passholders and guests of The Inn and Village Hotel receive a 10% discount.

Cost$125 per person plus tax
Buncombe County Outdoor Swimming
Jul 11 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Buncombe County Pools Various

Child in pool

Buncombe County Recreation Services will open its five outdoor swimming pools. Safety and sanitation measures have been taken to comply with Buncombe County’s Stay Safe, Stay Smart order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering when entering/exiting the pool and when not in the pool, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

Pool will open for two sessions Monday-Saturday, closing between sessions for a sanitation period that includes wiping down all common touch points. Sunday hours include one session. Admission for each session is $3 per guest. Due to limited capacity, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online. If a pool is unable to open for any reason or is forced to close within the first hour of operation, all guests will receive a raincheck via the email address provided when purchasing the original ticket. Booking are currently available through July 10.

Monday-Friday
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
2:15-5:15 p.m.

Saturday
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
3-6 p.m.

Sunday
1-6 p.m.

“While this summer is different in nearly every way for local families, we’re happy to safely and responsibly open our pools to the community,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “While we are not allowing toys, balls, noodles, dive sticks, and other communal items inside pools, the guest experience should be enhanced as visitors will be able to enjoy pools with a capacity limit of roughly 30% normal occupancy.”

Cane Creek Pool
590 Lower Brush Creek Road
Fletcher, NC 28732

Erwin Pool
58 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806

Hominy Valley Pool
25 Twin Lakes Road
Candler, NC 28715

North Buncombe Pool
892 Clarks Chapel Road
Weaverville, NC 28787

Owen Pool
117 Stone Drive
Swannanoa, NC 28778

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020
Jul 11 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville Gallery of Art

Asheville Gallery of Art July Show 2020

Asheville Gallery of Art

July Show

“Infinite Possibilities”

Asheville Gallery of Art’s July show, “Infinite Possibilities,” is a multi-member show highlighting the insights artists gained during increased time in their home studios during the COVID-19 pandemic. The show runs July 1-31 during gallery hours.

Change can be good! As members of a cooperative, the 31 artists of Asheville Gallery of Art are used to being and working together to keep the gallery functioning. With COVID-19, everyone is working in their home studios and finding that they have the chance to do what they might not have tried before. Many say they have found infinite possibilities within their work as well as new ways to sell work they’ve been creating.

Sarah Peacock and Christie Lenée: Lawn Concert
Jul 11 @ 6:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

At the core of Sarah Peacock‘s brand of Americana is cunning songwriting and a commanding presence to deliver it; A crackling, soul-burning style with dramatic flair and a heart-stopping bourbon smooth voice.

Christie Lenée is the reigning Acoustic Guitarist of the Year.

lawn Concert Seated – Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

Andrew Scotchie + the River Rats Live from The Orange Peel
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Image may contain: 1 person

Streaming thanks to Iamavl.
Donations can be made direct to the artist.
https://www.paypal.me/TheOrangePeelAVL

Streaming options:
Website
www.iamavl.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Iamavl/
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/iamavl

https://www.andrewscotchiemusic.com/

Parsons Dance: ‘Caught’ at Home
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Enjoy this select program featuring archival gems, glimpses of the dancers at home, and sneak peeks of the world premieres that were scheduled for The Joyce this spring.

Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.

This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Parsons Dance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.

To learn more about Parsons Dance: https://www.parsonsdance.org/

Available exclusively via YouTube, appsummer.org

Twilight in the Treetops- Night Climbs
Jul 11 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Watch the world transform from dusk to night while climbing in the trees at our Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. Trails will be illuminated to give climbing the obstacles a new perspective. Over 15,000 colored lights, plus colorful lasers sparkling on thousands of leaves, cables, rope, and platforms throughout the park will create a mystical tree climbing experience like you can’t imagine. The Twilight session start time is 7:30 each Saturday night and runs until 9:30. Ages 4 and over. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 877.247.5539 or adventureavl.com.

  • EVERY SATURDAY EVENING June 13-Aug 29
  • Thanksgiving in the Treetops Nov 28 at 4:30
  • Holidays in the Treetops Dec 27 at 4:30
All-Star Concert by Swannanoa Gathering Teachers
Jul 11 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Online

Great professionals who teach at the Swannanoa Gathering come together for a wonderful concert in benefit for Julee Glaub Weems, long time coordinator of the Traditional Song Week. Should be spectacular. More info to come.

ArborEvenings
Jul 11 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

The Arboretum’s popular ArborEvenings summer after hours series will return this season with a special LEGO twist. Held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July through September, from 8 to 11 …

Live Stream: Lazybirds
Jul 11 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

The Lazybirds have been musical stalwarts of blues, jazz, country and ragtime in western North Carolina and beyond for over 20 years. A roots band who specializes in good time music, the Birds also exhibit a depth treasured by their many fans. It’s hard to stay still when they play. Jay Brown is on guitar, cajòn, resonator guitar, harmonica, piano, foot taps, and goodness knows what else. Jonathan Brown, co-founder of the band with Jay, is on drums. Asher Hill plays bass and shouts. Brad Pope is on tenor guitar. This is great music for fending off the COVID-19 blues.

The Matrix Drive-In Movie
Jul 11 @ 9:00 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium Brevard Music Center

The Matrix

On sale

Tue, Jul 7, 2020 9:00 AM

What is the Matrix? Have you ever had a dream that you were so sure was real? What if you couldn’t awaken? How would you know the difference between dream and reality? When a beautiful stranger (Carrie Ann Moss) leads computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth–the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence. Neo joins legendary and dangerous rebel warrior Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) in the battle to destroy the illusion enslaving humanity. Now, every move, every second, every thought becomes a fight to stay alive–to escape The Matrix. Run-time for this movie is 2 hours and 20 minutes plus previews.

Please note: Vehicles will be directed to an appropriate space upon arrival; location will be determined by vehicle size.

Limit of one ticket per account. All vehicles with a valid movie ticket for this performance will receive a free Drive-In Movie Pack upon arrival – one per vehicle. Familiarize yourself with our Drive-In Movies Instructions and Information.

Sunday, July 12, 2020
“Stay at Home Supporting Players” Volunteer w/ Flat Rock Playhouse
Jul 12 all-day
Online

There’s still time to volunteer with us!

Hands of
                            various colors reaching up

Support the arts and Flat Rock Playhouse by joining our Supporting Players, a volunteer organization serving as the backbone of FRP for over 30 years. Whether a longtime member of this crucial wing of the Vagabond Family or someone interested in joining a program that supports the arts, economy, and history of our beautiful community, you can make a huge impact by joining our team. Be part of the first-ever “Stay at Home Supporting Players” and the first to discover new volunteer opportunities in 2020. To join, click the link below and select “Single Membership” or “Couples Membership” on the dropdown menu!

2020 Minor League Baseball Season Cancelled Over Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns
Jul 12 all-day

2020 Minor League Baseball Season Cancelled Over Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns

Drive’s 15th Anniversary Season in Downtown Greenville delayed until 2021

The Greenville Drive, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, and the South Atlantic League today announced that the 2020 season has been cancelled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the world.

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The ongoing concern regarding the safety of our community, and Minor League Baseball communities across America – including fans, front office staff, gameday staff, players and coaches – led to this decision.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) issued the following statement today:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
ACT Online Youth Summer Classes
Jul 12 all-day
Online

This Week’s Online Youth Classes

All classes are FREE! Please register for whichever class you’d like to take, and we’ll send you a unique link to the class! If you have any questions about these classes, email Amanda Klinikowski, Education Director!

 

Contact Amanda for specifics on the coming week’s classes.

Anti-Racisim: Resources Literacy Council
Jul 12 all-day
Online

Recognizing and understanding racism, and actively unlearning the everyday, built-in mechanisms of systemic racism is an ongoing effort that must be made by every single one of us. It can be difficult to navigate issues, origins, and solutions surrounding systemic racism, especially with so many different angles portrayed by the media.
There are countless truthful resources to help us find our way to social justice and equity. Here are just a few educational resources and ways to help our Black communities:
Educational reading:
The above photo has an excellent list of books!
Community:
Media:
Follow Black activists and voices on social media! Please reach out to us if you’d like suggestions on whom to follow.
Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jul 12 all-day
Online
Our second and final grant round of 2020 is now open.  We will be accepting grant applications through August 9th in the following categories:
1. Bricks and Mortar -Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
2. Public Education -Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
3. Planning, Survey and Designation -Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jul 12 all-day
Online

Now more than ever, we’re striving to provide you with inspiration, education, relaxation, and solace through art. Until we reopen to Members and visitors, we invite you to explore our Collectionvirtual programsblog, and art activities through the Museum From Home page on our website. Here’s a sample of our latest virtual offerings:

Work of the Week: Assistant Curator Whitney Richardson examines the history of craft and its ability to let historically silenced people express themselves artistically. When craft allows artists to make their voices actively heard, it can serve an even higher purpose. The pottery of Upstate South Carolina artists known as Pottery by Eugene offers husband-and-wife team Rosa & Winton Eugene a way not only to share their skills and creativity but also to communicate their voices as African Americans. Read more here.
#MakerMonday: In the 1960s, artist Ray Johnson began to create small collages and drawings. He mailed them to friends and other artists. Sometimes he would ask them to add something and mail it back. What began as a simple and creative form of communication developed into what is now known as “mail art.” For instructions and inspiration to create your own mail art click here. Look for a new art activity on our website this Monday.
Asheville Artists: Mural Artwork Opportunity
Jul 12 all-day
Online

How To Enter:

Send in your submissions to [email protected]

Contest Timeline:

 

  • Submissions will be accepted June 15, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
  • Top 10 designs will be selected July 31, 2020 – August 31, 2020 on Facebook.
  • We will select the winning artist based on portfolio/resume submissions to be announced on Labor Day Weekend.

 

A Note to the Artists Regarding the Final Mural:

Once the final artist has been selected, the mural artwork will need to include 2 of the following elements: The Toyota brand symbol, Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville logo, OR 1 Toyota vehicle.

Asheville Outlets Hosts Pop-Up Shoe Store Warehouse Sale
Jul 12 all-day
Asheville Outlets

LOVE SHOES? Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) is hosting a Pop-Up Shoe Store warehouse sale Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 12, 2020 during center hours. Featuring designer shoe brands Michael Kors, Timberland, BCBG, Adidas, and hundreds others, the pop-up shoe store will feature men’s, women’s, and children’s brand name shoes at up to 80% off traditional retail prices. You know you can’t resist, come on over!

Asheville PARC: Free Black Lives Matter Signs
Jul 12 all-day
2 Asheville locations-see below

They’re small, just 9×12, but highly visible.

The quickest way to get a sign is to pick one up at:
Asheville Hemp Farms
28 N Lexington Avenue, downtown
11- 6 daily; 1–6 Sunday
or
Urban Orchard Cider
210 Haywood Rd, 28806
 2 –7, M–F; Sat/Sun 12-9
If you can’t make it to these places and you live within Asheville city limits, email us your address and we’ll put one in your yard. We’re running behind, but we’ll get there. If you’ve already requested one and still don’t have it, please email us a reminder!
Signs are free in Asheville and cheap everywhere else…
If you have out-of-town friends
who need signs,
Black Lives Matter Street Mural Project
Jul 12 all-day
Online

BLM Street Mural

In alignment with the community’s commitment to uplift racial healing and communal reconciliation, Councilwoman Sheneika Smith, along with other community groups and leaders, will be coordinating a public art installation in Asheville’s central business district. The purpose of this installation is to galvanize solidarity and celebrate our collective movement towards addressing systemic issues locally.

Upon final approval from the City of Asheville, the proposal envisions a street mural located at Pack Square Park on N. Pack and S. Pack Square – an area previously planned as part of the city’s public space initiative.

We need financial support to help make this happen! Our goal is to raise $24,000 for supplies, documentation, maintenance, removal, and most importantly to make sure the artists get paid. The Asheville Area Arts Council is the fiscal agent for this project. Please donate what you can and help us spread the word!

One of the main purposes of the Black Lives Matter mural is to elevate the voices of black artists and make sure they are paid for their work. But, it is much more than that. “The artists who will put their hands to this street mural represent many untold stories,” said Councilwoman Smith. “It is my hope that all eyes that connect with this piece will experience and appreciate the bloody truths released from our collective memory onto a hard canvas. Yet, this is more than a painting or bold expression. It’s an altar that observes the most sacred social movement of my lifetime.”

 

BUDGET

$  6,000 Painting supplies and other event day expenses
$  1,900 Documentation (live stream video, photographer)
$  2,000 Maintenance (This temporary installation could be in place for up to a year. Because of wear and tear from vehicular traffic it will require additional maintenance.)
$  6,000 Removal (As part of the approval process, we must provide a maintenance and removal plan. This expense is based on quotes we have collected from other similar projects.)
$  8,100 Artist Honorariums ($1,000 for 1 lead artist per word & $300 per letter for supporting artists)
$24,000 TOTAL*

 

Brother Wolf is Launching a Second Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic!
Jul 12 all-day
Online

The coronavirus pandemic halted spay and neuter surgeries as communities were forced to suspend non-emergency veterinary services. This has resulted in a huge backlog of unaltered animals. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that the current backlog is over 260,000 animals nationwide. Brother Wolf currently has a waiting list of over 500 animals that are in need of spay and neuter services.

Even prior to this pandemic, we couldn’t meet the existing need with our original clinic. A second clinic will enable us to double our capacity and serve an average of 180 animals each week! Spaying and neutering is so critical because it saves lives by reducing pet overpopulation. Our Second Spay and Neuter Mobile Clinic will travel around Western NC, providing low-cost services to under-resourced communities.

We need your help to make this program a reality. Please donate today, thank you!

 

Calling all local musicians! Get your tunes on the Dig Local Spotify playlist!
Jul 12 all-day
Online

Wow! Thanks to all those who have submitted tunes for the Dig Local Spotify playlist. If you’d like to be considered as an addition to our music compilation, we are still accepting submissions for our Spotify playlist now (check out the playlist here).

There are only three requirements to be considered:

  • You or your group must be regionally based in the Asheville area
  • Your song submissions must be all original compositions
  • The songs must be “family-friendly” (no profanity or obscenity or violence)

If selected, one or two of your songs will be featured in our Spotify playlist. There may also be opportunities to be featured in our Weekly Scoop email and on our social media platforms!

Submit your music by filling out the following info at the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5LCQovN51Y56SLuo7kB_hmeer33DsNhITEvz7TkF8O9ATqA/viewform?mc_cid=8ce4073971&mc_eid=258ba8532a

Celebrate Pride! Top LGBTQIA+ Owned and Operated Restaurants in America
Jul 12 all-day
Online

Illustration depicting two people celebrating Pride
                                                          month with
                                                          food

https://www.opentable.com/lists/pride-2019/usa?ref=9472&cmpid=em_Email2020&utm_campaign=Email%2BAdhoc%2BNA%253A%2BUS_104_20200629_Pride&utm_source=simon&utm_medium=email

Celebrate Pride!
Get in on global Pride by dining in or ordering from these LGBTQIA+ owned and operated restaurants around the U.S.