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, June 20, 2020
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Jun 20 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Historic Train Depot

Hendersonville Farmers Market is located at the Historic Train Depot (650 Maple Street) in downtown Hendersonville’s Seventh Avenue District.

Limited free parking spaces are available at the market on Maple Street off of Fifth Avenue in addition to parking on surrounding streets. Lot and metered parking are available 0.3 miles away at the City Hall lot (145 Fifth Avenue) or 0.4 miles away at the Maple lot (124 Fifth Avenue).

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Jun 20 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Please note: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks has been postponed until July; however, the exhibit will have an extended schedule and will be open until November 1. We look forward to seeing you!

The Arboretum is excited to welcome back the widely popular traveling exhibit, Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney. Featuring 14 larger-than-life-size sculptures place created with nearly 500,000 LEGO Bricks, this family-friendly exhibit draws inspiration from the living world and combines art, play and science to create an inspiring intersection of education, entertainment and the environment. New sculptures include a 5-foot tall colorful peacock, giant dragonfly, bonsai tree and more!

 

North Asheville Tailgate Market – Every Saturday Morning
Jun 20 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
North Asheville Tailgate Market

Locally grown eggplants

May 2 – November 21

Now with special COVID-19 procedures, the North Asheville Tailgate Market features local produce direct from area farmers, local baked goods, crafts, music and more.

PLEASE SEE THE NEW PROCEDURES BEFORE COMING TO CAMPUS. You can find information, including about pre-ordering, and changes in payment and shopping procedures on the market’s website.

Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon in UNC Asheville Parking Lot P28. maps.unca.edu

For more information, visit northashevilletailgatemarket.com

Paddle Grapple
Jun 20 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tsali Recreation Area

Registration Opens June 2020

 

Age: All Ages

Join us Saturday, August 1st at the Tsali Recreational Area for the 2020 Paddle Grapple, a 3 or 6 mile flatwater kayak, canoe and SUP race on beautiful Fontana Lake, which is nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, just a few miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. This popular event will take participants on a beautiful loop on Fontana Lake that will give you incredible views of the highest peaks in the National Park. Come enjoy the cool water, and hot competition at the 2020 Paddle Grapple.

Event Information

Distance: 3 or 6 miles
Course Map: Click HERE
For more information please visit Nantahala Racing Club’s Website.

Pre-Registration: Online Registration will open June 15, 2020 and close at 11:59AM on Wednesday, July 29th. Cost is $40 for each class.
Onsite Registration: A $10 Late Fee applies. You may register from 8-9:30AM at the NRC Event Tent next to the boat ramp.

2020 Schedule of Events | Tsali Recreation Area Boat Ramp

Saturday, August 1st Time
Onsite Registration 8-9:30AM
Vendor Demos 9AM
Competitor’s Meeting 9:30AM
Race START 10AM
Awards Ceremony 1PM
Chimney Rock Park Phase 2 Reopening
Jun 20 @ 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Chimney Rock Park

New Park Updates Starting June 5

Since moving into Phase 2, we have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting:

  • The Park is open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. We will continue to be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot.
  • Since the Park will be operating at a “limited” parking capacity to allow for safe & maintainable social distancing, entrance into the Park will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If capacity is reached, the Park will close to any further entry until some space has cleared to allow more vehicles to enter.
  • The top parking lot is still closed due to construction, so all guests will be required to park in the Meadows area (just past the Ticket Plaza).
  • While we are still encouraging guests to hike into the Park from the Meadows, we are now offering a limited shuttle service up to the top parking lot for those who are unable to hike. Facemasks or face coverings are required on all shuttles. Masks will be available for purchase for a minimal cost at the Ticket Plaza and in our gift shops. Shuttles will only be able to transport a limited number of guests per trip which may result in longer wait times. If you plan to ride the shuttle, please plan your day accordingly.
  • All annual passes purchased between March 2019 and March 2020 will receive an additional two months to their expiration date to make up for the period in which the Park was recently closed.
  • All six hiking trails are open, the Great Woodland Adventure trail is open for those looking for an easier, family-friendly hike. The Animal Discovery Den will be closed.
  • The elevator will remain closed at this time.
  • Cliff Dwellers gift shop and the Sky Lounge (near the Chimney) will be open with limited capacity. Snacks and bottled drinks will be available at both of these locations.
  • The Ticket Plaza will be accessible by drive-thru windows or the lobby will be available for one-person entry at a time.
  • The restrooms are open and will be marked with standing areas to provide proper social distancing. Beverage vending machines are also located next to each of these restrooms.
  • The Old Rock Café (in Chimney Rock Village) is open daily from 11am – 5pm for limited indoor and outdoor seating, which will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Take-out service is also available. Please see OldRockCafe.com for more information.
  • Our associates will be taking appropriate precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and all of our guests. We are prepared and trained to handle any situation during this time.
  • Please recreate responsibly and continue to maintain proper social distancing, handwashing, and hygiene during your visit. Stay safe!

This plan is subject to change depending on circumstances. We appreciate your support and understanding during these unprecedented times and look forward to seeing you on the mountain sometime soon.

Animal Habitats VIP Tours
Jun 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

See where the cougars and otters sleep overnight, meet black bears that are not commonly on display, learn the ins and outs of what it takes to care for the animals year-round, observe a training session and find out why the animals call Grandfather Mountain home.

Offered on weekends, April – October.

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 20 @ 9:00 am
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
Pisgah Legal Services: Helps Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance
Jun 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online

Pisgah Legal Services Launches Campaign to Help Those Recently Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Find Health Insurance through Special Enrollment Process

 

Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), a nonprofit that provides free, civil legal aid in Western North Carolina, recently launched a targeted campaign to reach people recently unemployed due to COVID-19 who may have also lost their health insurance. Anyone who has experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days, including job loss, may qualify for Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance. Pisgah Legal Services offers free assistance and free information to help understand options for affordable health insurance. To find out more or to make an appointment, visit pisgahlegal.org/aca  or call 828-210-3404.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people without jobs and with that, health insurance,” said Jim Barrett, Executive Director for Pisgah Legal Services. “Many of these people may qualify to file for health insurance through Special Enrollment and it’s our goal to help them understand their options.”

 

As recently as early May, NC had surpassed the one million mark for individual unemployment insurance benefit claims, as noted on the N.C. Division of Employment website. Almost one-quarter, or 20.3 percent of the 4.97 million North Carolinians listed in the state’s workforce as of mid-March have filed an unemployment insurance claim. “The need is great and will likely grow,” notes Barrett. “Pisgah Legal wants to make sure that no one misses health care coverage as a result of recent job loss.”

 

When qualifying for a special enrollment period, people do not have to wait until November for Open Enrollment; they can take advantage of options now. One Asheville resident, Christina, lost her job in March and with it, her insurance. She suffers from heart disease and without insurance, was unsure how she would afford her medicines. By working with Pisgah Legal Services, she was able to get a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for less than $17/month.  “Pisgah Legal took care of everything for me,” said Christina. She hopes others take advantage of this valuable, free service.

 

Pisgah Legal Services works with organizations in WNC to provide these services across the region. These organizations include: Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Legal Aid or North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., and, Western Carolina Medical Society.

 

 

 

 

Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions Exhibit
Jun 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

 

Toe River Arts Reopens in Spruce Pine and Burnsville
Jun 20 @ 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Toe River Arts

Guests can once again peruse and purchase handmade wares from the local artist community. Guests who visit
the Spruce Pine location will also be able to preview artwork that will be featured in an upcoming
online auction to help raise funds lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep all visitors and staff
safe, visitors will be required to wear a face covering and sanitize their hands upon entering.
Toe River Arts has made great strides within the last few years to reassess programming and artistic
endeavors to ensure the organization is truly fulfilling its mission. The organization has wonderful
partners in both the town of Burnsville and Yancey County. Since 2006, Toe River Arts has occupied
office space and featured the work of local artists at 102 West Main Street in Burnsville. In July Toe
River Arts will turn the upper floor into artist studio spaces. Artists who are members of Toe River Arts
with studio space in the Burnsville location will have access to the gallery space, as well as unlimited
access to their studio space. Toe River Arts will feature artist demonstrations and continue to sell
artist’s work in the gift shop.
Anyone interested in renting a studio space should contact Nealy Andrews at [email protected]

2nd Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Convention
Jun 20 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville

2nd Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Convention

$20 Day / $40 3-Day Pass

Children under 12 are free

Show Times

Ticket at door ONLY

Friday 2 PM – 11 PM
Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM

Free Lunches at Ferguson YMCA
Jun 20 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ferguson Family YMCA

Image may contain: 2 people, people sitting and outdoor, possible text that says 'the MEETING COMMUNITY NEED'

FREE LUNCHES for anyone 18 years of age and under at the Ferguson Family YMCA. Simply drive up to our front door and let us know how many lunches you need, no questions asked.

For additional food for your family, pick up a FREE box of fresh produce at our Mobile Markets. Calendars are online at ymcawnc.org/nutritionprograms.

Get Outside! w/ Girl Scouts Virtual
Jun 20 @ 11:00 am – 11:15 am
online

Join us Live Saturday Mornings at 11 AM for 10-15 minutes of Outdoor Fun and Enrichment!

Share, interact and invite your friends to tune in!

Everyone is invited to join us on Facebook for fun activities! We’ll be offering programs Monday-Friday 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Videos will also be available at www.youtube.com/girlscoutsp2p.

You can also register for virtual badge workshops and Journey jumpstarts! More info can be found at www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-program/VirtualGirlScouts.html

Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 20 @ 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
Curbside Hold Pick Up Now Available at the Library
Jun 20 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Buncombe County Libraries

Curbside hold pickup is now available at the library. You can pick up your holds on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the North Asheville Library, West Asheville Library, South Buncombe/Skyland Library, and the Black Mountain Library. Park in the library parking lot, have your library card handy, and call the phone number on the sign posted at your parking space. A librarian will bring your books out to the hold table and leave them for you to pick up. Your books will be checked out to you and ready to go.

You can place holds online using the library catalog link on the library webpage. You can also call (828) 250-4700 or email [email protected] for assistance placing or transferring holds.

Bookdrops are open

All library book drops are open. You may return your materials to any library book drop.  No fines will be charged while the library is closed.

If you need a library card, email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at the library!

While library programs are on hold, our Children’s Librarians are hosting online storytimes for kids of all ages on all library Facebook pages and YouTube. We also have a collection of stories you can listen to anytime on our StoryLine. Just call (828) 250-KIDS (5437) and hear a story read by your favorite librarian.

Since you can’t come to us while the libraries are closed, we are bringing some of our programs to you using Facebook live and ZOOM broadcasts.

Buncombe County Public Libraries have free wifi hotspots available outside any library building. To use the wifi, look for the LibraryGuest network and use the password readmore.

While the libraries are closed, you can call Ask-A-Librarian at 828-250-4700 with any questions you may have about library materials, digital services, or reference assistance. Librarians will be staffing the phones Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to connect you with all the resources we have available.

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 20 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
Falconry at the Biltmore Estate
Jun 20 @ 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
Living Web Farms presents: All About Legumes: Peas, Bean + Other Nitrogen Fixers
Jun 20 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Online

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop Series for Market Gardeners Covers Everything about Common Crop Families
Vegetable gardening and farming concerns itself with the culture of many crops, most of them fitting into one of five or six botanical families. Living Web Farms is producing an educational series that covers these crop families, one by one, delving into the particulars of growing the various species within each family, including tips for cooking and preservation. A virtual Zoom workshop on June 20, 2020 entitled All About Legumes will detail crops such as peas, beans, and other nitrogen fixers.
Denim and Pearls 30th Anniversary Celebration
Jun 20 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Bullington Gardens

Weaverville’s Music on Main
Jun 20 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Town Hall (30 South Main Street, Weaverville

Featuring Dangermuffin & A Weaverville Song Contest!

Weaverville’s Music on Main is an open-air, one-night concert event on Main Street in Weaverville.  Our headliner this year is Dangermuffin.  More details about this year’s event will be coming soon!

Attention singer/songwriters!  2020’s Music on Main in Weaverville is looking for an original Weaverville song to be performed this June 20, 2020 at Weaverville’s Music on Main outdoor street concert! The successful candidate/candidates will open this year’s Music on Main by performing the song to the thousands in our community who love music and love Weaverville!

This is a great opportunity for any musician(s) of any genre to write and perform! Weaverville’s Music on Main is a hugely popular event.

The concert will  take place in front of Town Hall (30 South Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2020. The event is free and open to the public.

Music on Main is brought to the community by the Weaverville Business Association and the Music on Main Sponsors.

There will be food, drink, kids activities and booths. Local restaurants will be open all along Main Street. Traffic will be stopped between Merrimon Avenue and Brown Street.

Fontana Trestle Train ft. BBQ & Brews
Jun 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Great Smokey Mountain Railroad

Back by popular demand our BBQ & Brews now featured on the Fontana Trestle Train, will roll out this Summer! Featuring slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing our local breweries! Family friendly seating will be available on this experience!

Departing from Bryson City, these trains will travel to the Fontana Trestle and beyond remaining parallel to the Fontana Lake stopping at the perfect viewing spot just around sunset for a spectacular view! A delicious BBQ meal will be served during the trip. Returning back to the Bryson City Depot at 9pm.

In the Basket

Each of you will get your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans and house-made coleslaw.

And, of course, no respectable Southern barbeque would forget to warm up some apple cobbler for dessert.

Featured Breweries

                                

 

March 14                     May 2                      May 23(S)

              

    June 19 and 20       July 17&18(S)                                                 August 22
Live Stream: Ashely Heath + Her Heathens
Jun 20 @ 7:00 pm
Online

LIVE STREAM: Ashley Heath & Her Heathens

Legally Blonde
Jun 20 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre
Nature at Night: Last Night of Spring Hike Chimney Rock
Jun 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock Park
 Advance registration required. Includes Park admission.

Ever wonder what Chimney Rock looks like after sundown? Find out during this nighttime excursion, led by an expert naturalist. You will want to bring a headlamp or flashlight, dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required

Chorus Line POSTPONED to 2021 Season
Jun 20 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
White Horse Live Stream #9: Josh Goforth
Jun 20 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse online

Josh Goforth is one of this country’s finest old-time and bluegrass music performers and storytellers. He attended East Tennessee State University to study music education, and to be a part of ETSU’s famous Bluegrass and Country Music Program. In 2000, he played fiddle for the movie, Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed all over the United States as well as Europe and Asia. In 2000, 2003, and 2005, he was named Fiddler of the Festival at Fiddler’s Grove, making him the youngest ever 3-time winner. Join us this Saturday evening at 8 PM EDT for a virtual concert with Josh Goforth!

The video should start automatically at show time, but if it doesn’t, please refresh this page, or visit this link.

Sunday, June 21, 2020
 Keith’s Corner! Czech composer Leoš Janáček
Jun 21 all-day
Online
It’s time for a brand new Keith’s Corner! This week, Keith explores the music of Czech composer Leoš Janáček, specifically the Adagio movement from the Idyll for String Orchestra. The featured performance is by A Far Cry, a self-conducted and Boston-based chamber orchestra.
Apply Now for a Preservation Grant
Jun 21 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 Summer Art Camp To Go!
Jun 21 all-day
online classes

Summer Art Camp To Go!

Join us for Summer Art Camp To Go! Sessions are available for K–12 students. Each weekly session includes several age-appropriate art projects using a variety of materials to engage students in an exploration of art through creativity and imagination. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required.Registration includes instructional videos for each project, art materials, and daily virtual classes. Virtual classes—beginning at 10am via Zoom—include time for inspiration, Q&A, and sharing. Streaming instructional videos and creative challenges are designed to provide hours of creative engagement at your own pace each day. All art materials necessary for each session are available for curbside pickup at the Museum the week before each session begins; if you prefer to ship materials to your home, then two weeks’ advance registration is required. Registration starts this Monday. For more information, email Sharon McRorie, education programs manager, or call 828.253.3227 x124.

Members: $85, Non-Members: $95 (additional charge for shipping materials)

Asheville Art Museum: #MuseumFromHome
Jun 21 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.