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.
In this beloved cult classic, chaos erupts in small-town Texas when the elderly family matriarch, an upstanding member of the community, accidentally dies during a clandestine meeting in a seedy motel room with her married lover. The woman’s family must deal with more skeletons coming out of the closet while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral. In this ‘coming out’ story, the hilarious, sad, trashy truth about their lives runs amuck.
THERE IS ONLY ONE.
HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Recommended for ages 14+.
Directed by Angie Flynn-McIver
RIVETING | THOUGHT-PROVOKING | DARK COMEDY
A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. As the devil returns –and returns again– to convince her, unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed.
Content advisory: strong language, staged violence
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SAVE MONEY! With a Flex Pass, you’ll receive a bundle of tickets to use for our upcoming mainstage productions for less than $20 a ticket! This is a deal that just can’t be beat in WNC.
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Classes at the Wortham
Prioritize your health and wellness with a revolving series of ongoing classes for lifelong learners in yoga, dance, theatre, and more.
Classes are held in the Henry LaBrun Studio at the Wortham Center at 18 Biltmore Ave. Please access the front courtyard from the breezeway by White Duck Taco. Signs will then direct you to the studio door to the left. Parking information can be found here.
2024 Classes
Tryon Arts & Crafts School (TACS) is delighted to announce “Hearth & Anvil”, an open-flame dinner with acclaimed chef John Wilson, scheduled for Friday, March 22, 2024, 6:00-8:30 pm. This ticketed outdoor event invites members of the community to embrace the rich traditions of Western North Carolina and Appalachian open-flame cooking. Combining the laid-back atmosphere of a casual mountain picnic with a touch of sophistication, the event will take place at TACS, offering attendees a unique and memorable experience.
Set against the backdrop of the scenic outdoors, long tables adorned with rustic linens will create the perfect setting for a communal feast. Renowned chef John Wilson, from Rural Seed Restaurant, will showcase his culinary expertise with a curated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including both meat and vegetable dishes. Notably, John will demonstrate open-flame cooking methods on TACS’ newly unveiled, custom-designed grill—crafted in the school’s forge and welding studios exclusively for this event.
As guests dine beneath the open sky, skilled artisans will captivate with live craft demonstrations, showcasing the intricacies of blacksmithing and flame-based crafts. Renowned bladesmith Gerry Drew from G. L. Drew Knives will share his forging techniques, while TACS instructor Jim Cullen will showcase the fiery processes of live raku pottery. The ambient tunes of traditional music, presented by the Will Trakas Trio, will elevate the overall experience, and complemented nicely with the fine wines from event sponsor, Biltmore Wines, and locally sourced craft beer.
Combining casual elegance with the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge foothills, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a perfect blend of culinary delight and artistic craftsmanship. Tickets for this exceptional event are priced at $75 for members and $95 for nonmembers.
TACS extends its gratitude to local farms and purveyors, including Caitlyn Farms, Anson Mills, and Twisted Fork, with more partners to be announced soon.
For enthusiasts of local farms, fresh food, and crafts, reservations for this unique experience can be made by visiting https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/hearth-and-anvil/ or by contacting Tryon Arts & Crafts School at [email protected] or 828-859-8323. Join us for a celebration of community, culture, and creativity at Hearth & Anvil.
LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!
Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.
SUMMER CAMPS
• June 17-21 – World Dance
• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food
• July 8-12 – Blues
• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti
• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*
• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation
• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*
• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art
*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th
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2024 Flex Pass
The 2024 Flex Pass gets you 4 tickets to use as you’d like for the 2024 Mainstage Season.
2024 Flex Pass Plus
The 2024 Flex Pass gets you 5 tickets to use as you’d like for the 2024 Mainstage Season.
2024 Mainstage Season
Minister of Sorrow
Written by Pam Kingsley
Directed by Noah Stout
Showing May 17-19, 2024
It is 1937. Emma is a pack-saddle librarian who came to her calling by way of a painful route. We learn of her life as she shares some of her favorite people in stories. Our 2023 Appalachian Playwriting Festival Winner.
Little Women
Written by Kate Hamill
Adapted From the Novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Erika Tyner
Showing June 7-16, 2024
Based on the literary classic, this play explores what it means to be a woman, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. We follow the story of Jo March and her reckoning with society, growing older, and finding her way as a writer with her sisters by her side. Each one exploring similar but different struggles and wins. Set to a backdrop of the Civil War, this play is a reflection of the waves of change that bookmarked author Louisa May Alcott’s life.
Almost, Maine
Written by John Cariani
Directed by Michael Lilly
Showing June 28-July 7, 2024
One night, a place that’s not a place, and six actors collide for this heartwarming play. A collection of vignettes, Almost, Maine shows us a story of falling in and out of love, bearing through life, and the magic of the unknown. Northern lights shine on these nine short plays and show us the beauty of Almost.
Ordinary Days
Written by Adam Gwon
Directed by Jeff Catanese
Music Direction by Lynda Shuler
Showing August 9-18, 2024
Connections are all around us in this impactful play. Lost items, missed taxis, tragedy, they’re all red strings that tie us to one another. Comedic at times, poignant at others, this musical features four characters whose stories are just a handful in the 8.3 million others that create the vibrance of the New York City landscape.
Vanities
Written by Jack Heifner
Directed by Marci Bernstein
Showing September 6-15, 2024
Chronicling the lives of three best friends from Texas, this show follows our cast from girlhood to adulthood and explores their differentiating opinions on life, experiences, and the future. Beginning in 1963 Texas and landing in New York in 1974 this play is an honest and real reflection of the impact of a changing world through a bittersweet comedic lens.
SINGLE SHOW TICKETS
Non-Musicals
Adults: $24
Seniors (60+), Students (18+ with ID), Military (active or retired): $22
Children (under 17): $12
Musicals
Adults: $26
Seniors (60+), Students (18+ with ID), Military (active or retired): $24
Children (under 17): $15
Junior Productions
Adults: $15
Children (under 17): $10
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Tanglewood Summer has long been a successful and inspirational part of children’s creative education in Western North Carolina. Our theatre camp has been extremely popular and is well-suited for any young person interested in exploring the exciting world of theatre. Our faculty represents some of the finest talent in the area, and we are thrilled to have them at Tanglewood Summer.
We have something for every kid this summer – whether it’s your first or one-hundred-and-first time trying theatre, Tanglewood Summer is the place for YOU!
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Imaginative kids can create, explore, and play in Summer Camps at the Wortham Center! With high-energy, low-pressure programs for rising 1st-5th grade campers, week-long camps expand minds, build life skills, and create meaningful friendships through the arts. Register now online or by calling the Box Office at 828-257-4530. Space is limited. A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available upon application through Arts for All Kids. Families who qualify for free or reduced lunch are welcome to apply. Questions? Email Director of Education Anna Kimmell at [email protected]. |
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CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JUNE 24-28, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Little kids with BIG imaginations can dance, sing, act, create, and collaborate in this high-energy, low-pressure arts camp! With engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will have so much fun expressing themselves through the arts, they won’t even notice they’re also building confidence, improving physical and emotional awareness, honing listening and focus skills, and learning to work within a group. At the end of the week, campers will celebrate what they’ve learned in an informal sharing for friends and family.
$185 in February ($205 after March 1)
PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
Rising 1st-2nd Grades
JULY 15-19, 2024 • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
In this week-long, half-day summer arts camp, students will have fun exploring the fundamentals of acting, music, and movement. Through engaging activities rooted in creative play, kids will make friends, explore the performing arts, discover new tools for expression, and share what they’ve learned in a short performance presented at the end of the week for friends and family.
$185 in February ($205 after March 1)
CREATIVE ARTS CAMP
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 8-12, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids will have fun exercising their imaginations in this week-long camp exploring the creative arts! With daily activities in acting, dance, music, design, technical theatre, and more, this high-energy, low-pressure camp builds life skills, confidence, and friendships through the arts. Kids will leave feeling empowered to take creative risks on stage and off.
$290 in February ($310 after March 1)
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Rising 3rd-5th Grades
JULY 22-26, 2024 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids can connect with other creative thinkers as they write, develop, and perform in their own original show! With an emphasis on self-expression, collaboration, and the creative process, kids will have fun exploring daily activities in acting, movement, creative writing, and improvisation in a low-pressure, supportive environment. At the end of the week, young artists will share their newfound skills in an informal performance for family and friends. No prior performing arts experience is necessary, only an open mind.
$290 in February ($310 after March 1)
3/27: How to Pack a Backpack Workshop
4/3: Hiking the Pilgrim’s Way: A Presentation with the WNC Camino Group
4/6: Backpacking Basics Presentation
4/11: Trailside Bike Maintenace Workshop
4/24: In-Store Map and Compass Workshop
5/1: Hiking the Camino de Santiago: An Introduction
Enter for your chance to see Tony Award winners Hamilton and Hadestown (from incredible seats) and get your travel and lodging expenses covered as well. Don’t miss your chance to enter! Tickets are only $45 and going fast.
The Broadway Raffle is Back!
Secure your chance to win a Broadway trip in May 2024! Each $45 ticket enters you to win:
- A pair of tickets to see Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre on May 17 at 7pm. Seats in Center Orchestra, Row D, on the aisle
- A pair of tickets to see Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theater on May 18 at 7pm. Seats in Center Orchestra, Row C, on the aisle
- $2500 for roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations during your stay
- Total package value: apx $3800
Raffle drawing to be held at the closing performance of Witch on April 7, 2024 at 2pm
THAT SOUNDS GREAT! HOW DO I BUY TICKETS?
Tickets are $45 each and there is no limit on the number you may purchase.
Here’s your chance! Asheville Community Theatre is thrilled to offer you the opportunity to win a magical 4-day Disney Cruise for four. By purchasing a raffle ticket, not only do you get a shot at an unforgettable family vacation, but you also support the arts in our community.
Prize Details:
- A Dream Cruise: The winner and three guests will embark on a 4-day journey to the Bahamas aboard a Disney Cruise ship. You’ll stay in a Veranda Cabin with breathtaking views and top-notch amenities.
- Customized Experience: Work with our travel agent, David Lloyd of Foothills Travel, to tailor your trip to perfection. Whether it’s exciting onboard activities or exploring the ports, your adventure will be exactly what you’ve dreamed of.
- Travel Support: We’ve got you covered with an additional $500 to help with transportation to and from Port Canaveral, ensuring a smooth start and end to your magical journey.
- Complete Assistance: From the moment you win to the end of your cruise, you’ll have personalized support to ensure your trip is seamless and unforgettable.
- Tickets are just $50 each, making this the perfect opportunity to potentially win a trip valued at $8,800, while supporting Asheville Community Theatre’s mission to enrich our community through the arts.
Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Get your tickets now!
Click here to view the complete set of rules.
Mini-grant applications are available three times during the 2023-2024 school year. You may apply one time during this cycle. Mini-grants must be used within a year after receiving the funding.
Applications due by:
- November 30, 2023
- January 30, 2024
- March 30, 2024
If you have questions about your eligibility to apply for funding, please email us at [email protected] before submitting your application. We are unable to provide mini-grants to schools located outside of our 23-county service area or to folks who have received a grant from us within the past year. Learn more and apply here!
One of the world’s most exciting dance companies, Pilobolus celebrates movement and creativity in a lively, interactive performance created for student audiences. Humor, happiness and hope abound in this rejuvenating program featuring fresh works.
Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.
Recommended for grades 3-12. The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.
Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].
Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.
Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Recommended for grades 3-12
Production duration: 60 min.
One of the world’s most exciting dance companies, Pilobolus celebrates movement and creativity in a lively, interactive performance created for student audiences. Humor, happiness and hope abound in this rejuvenating program featuring fresh works.
Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.
Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].
Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.
Directed by Angie Flynn-McIver
RIVETING | THOUGHT-PROVOKING | DARK COMEDY
A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. As the devil returns –and returns again– to convince her, unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed.
Content advisory: strong language, staged violence
Spring Musical
Finding Nemo KIDS
2nd-4th Grades
Fridays
2:30pm-4:00pm
2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10
No Class: 3/1 TWD, 3/29 Early Release, 4/5 Spring Break
Dress Rehearsal: 5/3 2:30-4:00pm
Performance: 5/10/2024 3:30pm
Tuition: $270
Students will learn all about teamwork as they work together with their classmates and a professional Teaching Artist to perform scenes and songs from a short musical. Each actor will receive their own part with lines and songs to learn. Class time will be used for rehearsal and a performance complete with costumes and props will take place on the final class day.
In Person at Avery’s Creek Elementary School
15 Park S Blvd, Arden, NC 28704
Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, four strangers grapple with birds who have been transformed from creatures of beauty into terrifying, menacing predators.
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
The Asheville Files–A Comedy show all about Asheville NC
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy
March 22, 2024 at pleb urban winery 289 Lyman Street in the heart of the River District
Hosts: Marlene Thompson & Petey Smith-McDowell
A comedy show about Asheville North Carolina and all the conspiracies that lie within the city.
Features:
James Harrod
Cary Goff
Blaine Perry
Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy and wine pairings in the heart of the River Art District. Food options will be available!
Uncork the laughs as Petey Smith McDowell & Marlene Thompson dive into a comedic conspiracy at the plēb urban winery featuring standup comedians Cary Goff, James Harrod and Blaine Perry
Embark on a laughter-filled journey in the heart of the mysterious Blue Ridge Mountains, where unexplained occurrences meet the tumultuous rhythm of Asheville, uncover a city that comedically defies ordinary or sanity.
The truth is out there: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
Promo code: AVLCOMEDYFILES $3 off
In this beloved cult classic, chaos erupts in small-town Texas when the elderly family matriarch, an upstanding member of the community, accidentally dies during a clandestine meeting in a seedy motel room with her married lover. The woman’s family must deal with more skeletons coming out of the closet while preparing for what could be an embarrassing funeral. In this ‘coming out’ story, the hilarious, sad, trashy truth about their lives runs amuck.
By Joe Tracz, Music by Rob Rokicki
Directed by Shelia Sumpter
Lloyd Main Stage
Unleash the power of the Gods.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a high-voltage adventure that brings the beloved best-selling novel to life on stage. Join Percy Jackson, the teenage demigod, on an epic quest filled with humor, mythological marvels, and catchy rock-infused songs. With themes of friendship, self-discovery, and embracing uniqueness, this electrifying musical is a must-see for all ages. Mark your calendars now and be prepared to be swept away into a world where legends come to life!
Suitable for all Audiences.
THERE IS ONLY ONE.
HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Recommended for ages 14+.
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Classes at the Wortham
Prioritize your health and wellness with a revolving series of ongoing classes for lifelong learners in yoga, dance, theatre, and more.
Classes are held in the Henry LaBrun Studio at the Wortham Center at 18 Biltmore Ave. Please access the front courtyard from the breezeway by White Duck Taco. Signs will then direct you to the studio door to the left. Parking information can be found here.
2024 Classes
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].
A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).
Register your child now!
Program Launch and Expansions
Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.
The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.
LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open!
Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers.
SUMMER CAMPS
• June 17-21 – World Dance
• June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food
• July 8-12 – Blues
• July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti
• July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making*
• July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation
• August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording*
• August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art
*middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th