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, May 1, 2021
May Day Celebration Dinner with Chadwick Boyd
May 1 @ 6:30 pm – 6:30 pm
The Farm at Old Edwards

Please join us to sing the song of spring with a beautiful celebration welcoming the month of May and springtime to Old Edwards. Lifestyle guru, chef and cookbook author Chadwick Boyd will present a fabulous menu studded with the first harvests from the Old Edwards garden along with wines paired by Old Edwards Sommelier, Trevor Waldrop. Specialty welcome cocktails, a traditional May Pole and live music will round out this magical evening. 

LIVE: Liam Bailey
May 1 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 2 @ 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!

Bluegrass Brunch
May 2 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
May 2 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
“Paws + Pints” Adoption Day Free ·
May 2 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Hillman Beer - Asheville/Biltmore Village

Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.

Food Truck Sundays
May 2 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

Mary Fahl (of October Project)
May 2 @ 7:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYC- based Folk-Chamber Pop group October Project.  The hallmark of their sound was Mary Fahl’s awe-inspiring power vocals over gorgeous melodies played with passion and sophistication.

As a solo artist, she’s had more freedom to pursue her own muse, whether that means writing and recording songs for movies (including the theme for the Civil War epic “Gods and Generals”), singing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical or releasing a unique album-length take on Dark Side of the Moon. As befits a former Catholic schoolgirl who went on to major in medieval studies and develop a lifelong interest in Hermeticism, Mary Fahl makes music that feels timeless, esoteric and ecumenical. Her elegant, cinematic songs draw on classical and world music sources, American art song, as well as thinking man’s folk-pop which she performs with an earthy, viscerally powerful contralto that bridges the generational gap between Fairport Convention’s Sandy Denny and London Grammar’s Hanna Reid. Fahl’s sound has a hauntingly gothic romanticism that inspired Anne Rice to portray it emanating from a dead woman’s room in her 2013 novel The Wolves of Midwinter.

Over the past few years she’s been touring and recording on her own label, Rimar Records and her recent releases are garnering awards including an Indie Acoustic Award for Best Live Album for “Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House” (filmed for PBS) and an Independent Music Award for her recent holiday album, “Winter Songs and Carols” – “Winter Songs and Carols transports the listener to another time, another place. It is a wonderful experience”–Aaron Badgley SPILL MAGAZINE

Her latest release, a Blu-ray 5.1 surround DVD, “From the Dark Side of the Moon“, brilliantly mixed by Bob Clearmountain, has been called “Immersive Album of the Year” by Life in Surround.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Think + Drink- meet to listen, learn, think, and socialize with others
May 4 @ 6:15 pm – 8:15 pm
Online w/ THINK & DRINK:Hendersonville's Open Minded Discussion Group

ONLINE Think & Drink- meet to listen, learn, think, and socialize with others.

Come join us for a rich, topical discussion on the first Tuesday of the month. We come together to share perspectives and insights on subjects of interest in a welcoming and civil forum. We usually feature a TED Talk or YOUtube video for 15 minutes or so, followed by some questions for everyone to discuss. Topics are chosen by members and have ranged from mindfulness to addiction and everything in between. Feel free to eat your dinner or slurp your drink during the meeting–we’ll remind you to mute. For now, while we are taking COVID-19 precautions, our meetings will be online via ZOOM.  Free to the public.

Past THINK AND DRINK TOPICS are varied and have been on:
Mindfulness- by Gaillee
Clothes-Do they Matter- by Jason
Working with Millennials – by Karen Eve

What we’re about

Think & Drink…Enjoy tea, coffee, libations and snacks with other people interested in exploring and discussing the challenges, opportunities, and issues of the 21st century on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. It’s for anyone who is curious or just trying to maneuver life positively, holistically, and constructively. Our open meetings will be fun and include social time for conversation followed by relevant topics and respectful discussions. Topics may be presented by members via TED talks, You Tubes, films or other media, and be facilitated and open for discussion afterwards. We are open to all genders, races, interests, and ages. Bring your well-behaved kids . Bring ideas and open minds to engage, and intersect with others. The group members will determine topics and style as Think & Drink evolves.

Think & Drink should be a community group that is…
• Open and inclusive
• Welcoming & Safe
• Fun & Happy
• Participatory
• Respectful & Non-judgmental
• Confidential
• Productive
• Valuable

Eat, drink from 5 to 5:30 or so, then Think about our Topic and Discuss. Our one request is that all of those in the discussion remain respectful of one another. Think & Drink is a judgement-free zone, which doesn’t mean you have to agree with anyone here, but that you remain respectful of where every person is on their journey in life and to have FUN!

Smoky Park Supper Club + Magnetic Theatre Outdoor Show
May 4 @ 7:00 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Join us Tuesday nights, beginning April 13th, as The Magnetic Theatre teams up with the wizards at Smoky Park Supper Club to host a live, outdoor variety show. We’ll be filling Smoky Park’s gorgeous, riverside outdoor space with comedy, theatre, music and so much more.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase.

  • This is a BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Chair) event.
  • In accordance with safety guidelines this show will be staged outdoors, with mask and social distancing protocols enforced. There will also be temperature checks and COVID waivers that need to be signed by each attendee at the gate.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the 7pm showtime.
  • We do require that masks be worn at all times unless you are actively eating or drinking.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Wednesday Kid’s Night! Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall
May 5 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Chick-fil-A Asheville Mall

Join us EVERY Wednesday night for Kid’s Night! Children receive a free four-count kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. See you on Wednesdays!

Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia
May 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
12 Bones Brewing

Totally Rad Trivia invades 12 Bones South every Wednesday evening for two hours of Pop Culture Trivia. Grab a beer, some BBQ and buckle in for some fun and challenging Trivia.
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 6 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.
Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
May 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
Friday, May 7, 2021
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: What to Expect Next
May 7 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.
Brunch B’yahad Virtual
May 7 @ 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.

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 7 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Son’s of Ralph
May 7 @ 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.

Runaway Gin
May 7 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station

Runaway Gin

Runaway Gin is the World’s most active Phish Tribute Band. They play every Sunday at the Charleston Pour House and tour constantly across the greater Southeast region. This summer the band sold out the Hard Rock Cafe “Fare Thee Well” Afterparty on July 4th in Chicago and catapulted themselves onto the National music scene.

Runaway Gin has played many Phish after parties and is known for dropping their own brand of “Phishy” theatrics including an all covers show where they played an entire show consisting of songs Phish has covered and a happy birthday show for Trey Anastasio in which they spelled out “Happy Birthday” using the first letter of each song.

Runaway Gin’s trademark attribute is capturing the essence of Phish yet adding an original twist to jams and shows to fit the mood of the present rather than attempting the futile task of reproducing the past.

Saturday, May 8, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 8 @ 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 8 @ 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.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Uncorked
May 8 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot

Passengers will enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride in our First Class cars with a private attendant and plush, well-appointed dining seating. A narrator will accompany the ride to present each pour to guests and share knowledge and history of the wines selected. Passengers on this specialty car will enjoy an exclusive sampling of cheeses and a surf and turf meal prepared fresh.

We have carefully selected our wine samples to accompany the meal. All passengers will receive a GSMR souvenir stemless wine glass, four samples of selected wine, and a dessert that’s perfect
for the season!

Uncorked is offered on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing on April 17, May 8, July 31, Aug 7, Sept 4 & Dec 31.

Tickets for this specialty experience is $139 per person (Adults 21+ only). Due to the exclusivity of this specialty car, tickets will be selling fast so make sure to reserve your seat today!

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Cost: $95 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: Ages 13 and over

Adam Meldore + Flipturn
May 8 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station

Adam Melchor + flipturn

Adam Melchor is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey, that is currently living in Los Angeles, CA. His mixtape, Lullaby Hotline Vol. 1 comes out on Warner Records this Friday, March 19th. Previously he’s toured with Mt. Joy, Dodie, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mac Ayers, J.S. Ondara, and more.

Paint & Wine
May 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy an afternoon of refreshments and art at the lodge! A glass of wine or a beer is included for parents and those under 21 can enjoy sweet tea, hot chocolate, juice, or sparkling water while working on a nature-themed painting under the instruction of our art teacher, M.

Class led by: M Rathsack
The registration fee is $35.00 and includes:
All materials: 11×14 canvas, paint, brushes, water cups, paper towels and
One glass of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages (additional may be purchased)

Socially Distanced Pod Show PYLETRIBE
May 8 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Ages 18+

All tickets must be purchased as a complete pod. Depending on the pod you purchase, you will be able to have up to 4 or 6 people in your pod. All pods are placed to ensure proper social distancing.

Click here for more details concerning our Covid policy.

SOUNDS LIKE: Southern rock with a percussion heavy tribal note, Pyletribe is legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyles’ newest project, which includes his son Chris Pyle and other long-time collaborators.

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Grab Brunch at River’s End
May 9 @ 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!

Mother’s Day Buffet
May 9 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Highland Lake Inn & Resort
Bluegrass Brunch
May 9 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
May 9 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI