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.

Friday, September 10, 2021
Matching Gift Challenge! Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 10 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Sep 10 all-day
Peace Center

Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!

Premium Seating

Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.

Patron Accessibility

The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.

Support ACT and SAVE on products you need!
Sep 10 all-day
Online

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.

Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

Chautauqua History Comes Alive: Nikola Tesla
Sep 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Transylvania County Library, Brevard, NC

Outdoors bring lawn seating

Nikola Tesla performed by Ian Ruskin

Nikola Tesla has been called many things: wizard, showman, prophet, charlatan, magician, and Father of the 20th Century – perhaps even of the 21st. He was a prophet dishonored in his own time, but revered in ours. Now he’s a rock star icon for billionaires, cyberpunks, and inventors who are still fiddling with everyday machines in their basements and garages. A car, a rock band, and a unit of magnetic measurement have been named after him.

Tesla sparked the electrical revolution that transformed daily life at the turn of the 20th century. This lone genius inventor is credited with inventing everything from radar to the microwave oven – including alternating current, the Tesla coil, and wireless transmission.

Called a madman by his enemies, a genius by others, and an enigma by nearly everyone, Nikola Tesla was a trailblazer who created astonishing, sometimes world-transforming devices that were virtually without theoretical precedent. He is now seen as a visionary who sparked the electrical revolution and wanted technology to be used for world peace.


 Rain Plan: The show will be performed live at the Transylvania Library (next to the Amphitheater) in the Rogow Room.

Blippi The Musical
Sep 10 @ 6:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Blippi

Blippi is a fun, energetic character known for his signature blue and orange outfit and his entertaining and educational videos. He helps teach kids colors, letters and so much more!

Children between the ages of 2 to 7 have become great friends with Blippi, thanks to his goofy mannerisms and friendly demeanor. In addition, parents love his interactive and educational content that helps children get excited about learning.

Blippi has quickly captured the attention and hearts of children, and now he wants to make his content even more accessible to his young audience. Blippi hopes to reach them through every available platform, including television, movies, live shows, and new media.

The show has been a hit thanks to Blippi’s appeal to both children and parents. Children become great friends with the lovable Blippi persona, and parents appreciate the interactive and educational teachings. Blippi has taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more!

You can follow Blippi on FacebookInstagram and on Youtube in EnglishSpanishPortugueseGerman and Arabic!

Costume Drama: A Fashion Show 
Sep 10 @ 7:30 pm
online

Costume Drama: A Fashion Show

THIS IS A STREAMING ONLINE EVENT.

Asheville Community Theatre’s 10th annual fundraiser Costume Drama: A Fashion Show is a fan-favorite fashion show where designers create garments from unconventional materials. This year’s challenge includes three categories: TOYBOX (think board games, puzzles, musical instruments), GARAGE SALE (think tools, patio furniture, camping gear), and, in honor of Costume Drama‘s 10 year anniversary, MIX AND MATCH THROWBACK (garments created from 2 of the 4 categories featured in our first show – tape, feathers, paper, and flowers). There will be a category winner in each group and one overall Best in Show winner.

As in years past, Best in Show will receive a $500 prize, and the other 2 winners will each receive a $250 prize. Winners are revealed at the end of the broadcast!

 

Costume Drama will be filmed in advance and broadcast on Friday, September 10th at 7:30pm.

 

All tickets are subject to sales tax and a $3 ticketing system fee. All sales final. No exchanges or returns.

Macbeth + Pericles – The Montford Park Players
Sep 10 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Macbeth & Pericles – Sept. 3 – Oct. 17

by W. Shakespeare

One of the most-popular plays ever written, this classic tale of murder and madness appears just in time for students to ask their English teachers for some extra credit. Presented in repertory

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL
Sep 10 @ 7:30 pm
Magnetic Theatre

MAINSTAGE

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL

By Tom Godleski
Directed by Victoria Lamberth

Paula is at a crossroads, trying to find her way in the world, as she starts her first nursing job in Asheville. She gets assigned to a patient, Cleo Nicholson, who presents her with a very unusual request. As Paula digs deeper into Cleo’s life, she finds some very surprising information about him – and also herself.

A bluegrass musical featuring beloved band Buncombe Turnpike, The Sparrow and The Whippoorwill is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

 

Saturday, September 11, 2021
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Applications Now Open!
Sep 11 all-day
Online

Some things you should know

  1. WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR

    We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.

  2. WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS

We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.

IMG_2368.jpg

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-20 minutes long

May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe

IMG_5047.jpg

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
25-40 minutes long

May be combined with one or more shows.

IMG_1814.jpg

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

IMG_0229.jpg

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

yuhas.jpg
Matching Gift Challenge! Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 11 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Sep 11 all-day
Peace Center

Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!

Premium Seating

Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.

Patron Accessibility

The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.

Support ACT and SAVE on products you need!
Sep 11 all-day
Online

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.

Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

Chuataqua History Comes Alive: Rosa Parks + Hedy Lamarr
Sep 11 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Warren Wilson College

ROSA PARKS and HEDY LAMARR

The Magills will provide a musical interlude between performers.

Meet two amazing American game-changers – hear their stories – ask them how they re-invented their world. You’ll laugh – you’ll cry – you’ll have lots of questions. And they’ll be answered. Bring your stories. Share your experiences. Get inspired. Because it’s not just history – it’s personal.

  • Join Rosa Parks and demand your Civil Rights
  • Set the stage for cell phones & wi-fi with Hollywood’s Hedy Lamarr

All Buncombe Chautauqua shows will be held at outdoors at the Morris’ Pavilion, Warren Wilson College. Seating is provided, or you can bring your own lawn seating.

You must be registered for this event. Advance Tickets Required – General Admission. No Reserved Seating.

REGISTER FOR BUNCOMBE CHAUTAUQUA Sep 11

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]


Rosa Parks performed by Becky Stone

Sometimes when the status quo needs to be shaken up, it is necessary to take a stand. Other times, one must courageously keep one’s seat. Rosa Parks is best known for being arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat. But Parks was not an apolitical, middle-aged lady whose fatigue kept her seated. Hers was an act that radically challenged America to reinvent itself.

Founded on the opinion that human beings can be owned by others, America placed its democracy in the hands of free white landed males. It took a bloody Civil War before America abolished slavery. Soon after, Jim Crow laws, lynching and voter suppression changed it back into a nation where rights were brutally divided along color lines.

By the 1950’s a different America was emerging. Brown vs Board of Education ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. And a woman named Rosa Parks and a whole new concept of Civil Rights was about to reinvent American democracy.

DETAILS: ROSA PARKS and BECKY STONE


Hedy Lamarr, performed by Judith Kalaora of History at Play

Who would have believed that “The Most Beautiful Woman in the World,” Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr, was a genuine ceiling-crasher scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication, and made your cell phone, GPS, and Wi-Fi possible? But there’s no law that says an inventor can’t be beautiful.

She was the scintillating adolescent in Ekstase; the cunning wife who wrenched herself free from a dead marriage to a Nazi munitions mogul, the beautiful refugee who fled the Nazis to become a Hollywood movie siren, the Mark Zuckerburg-esque twenty-something brash enough to believe her inventions would upend the world. Perhaps the most important thing Hedy Lamarr reinvented was herself.

For all the girls, women, and anyone ever told they cannot do math, understand science, or change the universe, Hedy Lamarr will inspire you to continue your pursuit to reinvent your world.

DETAILS: HEDY LAMARR and JUDITH KALAORA


The Magills

Beth Magill, wooden & silver flutes / vocals

Originally trained in classical flute, Beth became captivated by Celtic music. She is an active session musician, teaches Irish flute and tinwhistle, and has appeared on numerous recordings, performed on NPR’s Mountain Stage, served as the music director for Highland Repertory Theater’s production, A Mislaid Heaven, and currently plays with The Magills, Southwind, and various other musicians.

Jim Magill, guitar / mandolin / vocals

Jim is an award-winning songwriter and instrumentalist. He is the founding Director of the Swannanoa Gathering Folk Arts Workshops at Warren Wilson College, and was awarded the first Fellowship in Songwriting and Composition from the North Carolina Arts Council. With numerous album and performance credits, including performances with Emmy Lou Harris and Tom Paxton, Jim’s original songs have been featured on NPR’s The Thistle & Shamrock.

DETAILS: THE MAGILLS

Thomas Edison Discussion with Hank Fincken
Sep 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
online

Virtual Discussion with Hank Fincken (Thomas Edison)

During the History Comes Alive Festival afternoons at 2:00p from Tue Sept 7 – Sat Sept 11, you can pick the brains of the historical performers. No costumes, no script, just a chance to have some personal time and dialog with the Chautauqua performers. The Conversation Series is held virtually online.

Each Discussion features a different performer/historical figure. And if you tune into multiple Discussions, you’ll begin to see how the 2021 “Reinventing America” historical figures relate to each other.

The event is Free, however registration is required.

Macbeth + Pericles – The Montford Park Players
Sep 11 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Macbeth & Pericles – Sept. 3 – Oct. 17

by W. Shakespeare

One of the most-popular plays ever written, this classic tale of murder and madness appears just in time for students to ask their English teachers for some extra credit. Presented in repertory

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL
Sep 11 @ 7:30 pm
Magnetic Theatre

MAINSTAGE

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL

By Tom Godleski
Directed by Victoria Lamberth

Paula is at a crossroads, trying to find her way in the world, as she starts her first nursing job in Asheville. She gets assigned to a patient, Cleo Nicholson, who presents her with a very unusual request. As Paula digs deeper into Cleo’s life, she finds some very surprising information about him – and also herself.

A bluegrass musical featuring beloved band Buncombe Turnpike, The Sparrow and The Whippoorwill is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

 

Sunday, September 12, 2021
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Applications Now Open!
Sep 12 all-day
Online

Some things you should know

  1. WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR

    We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.

  2. WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS

We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.

IMG_2368.jpg

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-20 minutes long

May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe

IMG_5047.jpg

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
25-40 minutes long

May be combined with one or more shows.

IMG_1814.jpg

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

IMG_0229.jpg

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

yuhas.jpg
Matching Gift Challenge! Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 12 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Sep 12 all-day
Peace Center

Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!

Premium Seating

Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.

Patron Accessibility

The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.

Support ACT and SAVE on products you need!
Sep 12 all-day
Online

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.

Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL
Sep 12 @ 4:00 pm
Magnetic Theatre

MAINSTAGE

THE SPARROW AND THE WHIPPOORWILL: A BLUEGRASS MUSICAL

By Tom Godleski
Directed by Victoria Lamberth

Paula is at a crossroads, trying to find her way in the world, as she starts her first nursing job in Asheville. She gets assigned to a patient, Cleo Nicholson, who presents her with a very unusual request. As Paula digs deeper into Cleo’s life, she finds some very surprising information about him – and also herself.

A bluegrass musical featuring beloved band Buncombe Turnpike, The Sparrow and The Whippoorwill is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

 

Macbeth + Pericles – The Montford Park Players
Sep 12 @ 7:30 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre

Macbeth & Pericles – Sept. 3 – Oct. 17

by W. Shakespeare

One of the most-popular plays ever written, this classic tale of murder and madness appears just in time for students to ask their English teachers for some extra credit. Presented in repertory

Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree
Sep 12 @ 7:30 pm
Hendersonville Community Theatre

This hilarious hoedown is Nunsense fun with a Laugh-In/Hee-Haw/Grand Ole Opry slant!

In Nunsense I, a wacky nun known as Sister Mary Amnesia regained her memory and recalled that she always wanted to be a country singer. In Nunsense II, her dream became one step closer to reality when Reverend Mother landed a recording contract for her. In this show, Nunsense Jamboree, Sister Amnesia’s dream is realized as she headlines a brand new show promoting her debut album, I Could’ve Gone to Nashville.

Monday, September 13, 2021
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival Applications Now Open!
Sep 13 all-day
Online

Some things you should know

  1. WE ARE A HYBRID FESTIVAL THIS YEAR

    We will be presenting a combination of in-person and online shows. Email us if you’ve got any questions.

  2. WE HAVE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHOWS

We accept performances from 5 to 60 minutes in length, plus installations and films. Depending on its length, your piece may be grouped with others, or scheduled as a Random Act of Fringe.

IMG_2368.jpg

1. FRINGE SHOT

A piece that is
5-20 minutes long

May be featured in a showcase, as part of our popular LaZoom Bus Tour, or as free Random Act of Fringe

IMG_5047.jpg

2. SHORT FORM

A piece that is
25-40 minutes long

May be combined with one or more shows.

IMG_1814.jpg

3. FULL-LENGTH

A piece that is
45-60 minutes long

Ticketed theater-style show.

IMG_0229.jpg

4. INSTALLATION

A piece that is
Site-specific (any length)

May be in an unusual location, or repeated many times. May be seen by as few as one person at a time.

yuhas.jpg
Matching Gift Challenge! Asheville Community Theatre
Sep 13 all-day
online w/ Asheville Community Theatre

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor all donations given through Sunday, November 21 will be matched up to $8,500 – turning each donation into a SUPER DONATION! When you donate to ACT, you are assisting with scholarships, helping to keep ticket prices affordable, and so much more!

Help us reach this goal with a gift of any size!

Support ACT and SAVE on products you need!
Sep 13 all-day
Online

Want to save money and support your community organizations at the same time? Join the Target Circle Rewards Program! Members have the chance to vote for a local non-profit whenever they shop at Target between now and September 30.

Join today at target.com/circle and vote for ACT! It’s the easiest way to support ACT and save on products you need!

Studio 52 ACTING Class(In-Person), K-2nd Grades
Sep 13 @ 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Studio 52/ Flat Rock Playhouse

ACTING (In-Person), K-2nd Grades

Does your little kid have a big imagination and lots of energy? Then this class exploring the fundamentals of theatre is just for them! During this 8-week class, students will explore favorite storybook characters and bring them to life through acting, creative movement, and music! This high-energy class will celebrate your young artist’s creativity, develop skills in improvisation, public speaking, and expression, and release creative energy in a meaningful way. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times!

Notes: To ensure increased ventilation, this class will be held outside whenever possible. If rain forces the program indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep our community safe. Read more about our Covid Safety Guidelines here.

Instructor: Tania Battista
*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more below about payment plans and multi-student discounts.
Studio 52: MUSICAL THEATRE 9th – 12th Grades (In – Person)
Sep 13 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Studio 52/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Picture

Instructor: Anna Kimmell and Matthew Glover

Hone your acting, singing, and movement skills in this class that dives into Broadway repertoire. With a focus on vocal technique, storytelling through song, and ensemble-based performance, this class will celebrate each actor’s individuality and boost their confidence to make more bold choices on and off stage. With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times!

Notes: To ensure increased ventilation, this class will be held outside whenever possible. If rain forces the program indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep our community safe. Read more about our Covid Safety Guidelines here

*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more about payment plans and multi-student discounts below.

Studio 52: ACTING (In-Person), 6th-8th Grades
Sep 13 @ 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Studio 52/ Flat Rock Playhouse

In this eight-week semester, young artists will learn to create dynamic relationships through theatre games, improvisation, and scene work. With an emphasis on ensemble storytelling, character creation, physicality, and voice and speech, students will leave feeling more collaborative, creative, and confident making bold choices on stage and in life. Apply your skills in an informal showcase for friends and family. No prior experience is necessary, only an open mind! With new material every semester, this class can (and should) be taken multiple times.

Instructor: Tania Battista

Notes: To ensure increased ventilation, this class will be held outside whenever possible. If rain forces the program indoors, all students and staff will be required to wear masks. Thank you for understanding as we work to keep our community safe. Read more about our Covid Safety Guidelines here

 

*Need-based scholarships are available upon application.
Learn more below about payment plans and multi-student discounts.

Studio 52: SKETCH COMEDY Adult (In – Person)
Sep 13 @ 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Studio 52/ Flat Rock Playhouse

Picture

Learn the ins and outs of sketch comedy in this eight-week course for adults led by Flat Rock Playhouse’s favorite comedic actor, Scott Treadway! Dive into the history of two-person comedy, learn about the straight man vs character actor and how to break down comedic beats and jokes in a script. Hone your skills in delivery, timing, and physicality as you pair up and perform a comedic scene, coached and directed by Scott. Laugh, learn and level up your comedy skills in this low-pressure, highly-humorous class. 

*** All participating students must be fully vaccinated with proof of vaccination presented on the first day of class. 
Masks are optional at this time.
Space is limited.
No previous experience is necessary.

Instructor: Scott Treadway