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.

Thursday, August 3, 2023
Zumba
Aug 3 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grove Street Community Center

Come join in on the fun at this Latin Inspired Zumba Exercise Party. This fun and upbeat class is exhilarating and easy to follow. All levels are welcome and it’s free!! This Program is offered every Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm. Please call 828-350-2062 for more information.

Goodwill Business Advisory Council (BAC)
Aug 3 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
A-B Tech Asheville Campus

Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Meeting: Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: A-B Tech Asheville Campus – Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville. Garage parking is available immediately behind the conference center. Click here to view the campus map.

Topic: Why Community Partners Matter
Keynote Presentation: Dr. John Gossett,  A-B Tech President and Goodwill Board Member

We look forward to seeing all our community partners on Aug. 3. Please register to attend; space is limited.

Outdoor County Pools Open
Aug 3 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
Various Buncombe County Outdoor Pools

Gather bathing suits and sunscreen, Buncombe County’s outdoor pools are getting ready to open. The County’s five outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on May 27. This includes the pools at Cane Creek, Erwin, Hominy Valley, North Buncombe, and Owen.

Outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until area schools are out for the summer. Starting on June 10, Pools will be open seven days a week.

Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost for pool entry is $3 per person.

Private lessons at the outdoor pools are available for different age groups from 3-year-olds and up. For more information on lessons or to register for a class, click here.

The pools can also be booked for private parties 14 days in advance and must have a minimum of 50 patrons. Pool bookings are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Click here for more information on booking pools.

Buncombe County Pool Locations:

  • Cane Creek Pool – 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
  • Erwin Pool – 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
  • Hominy Valley Pool – 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler
  • North Buncombe Pool – 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville
  • Owen Pool – 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa

In addition, lap swimming is available year-round at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center, a 10-lane pool managed by the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools.

For more information on outdoor pools, visit the County’s pool website or call (828) 348-4770.

The Photographs of Anne Noggle
Aug 3 @ 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
On Exhibit
TFAC’s JP Gallery
June 22 – August 18
Anne Noggle’s work consistently challenged the stereotypes and standard mythologies of women. She herself began her artistic career at age forty-three, to complement her already-established
profession as a pilot.
The exhibit is a joint presentation between TFAC, and the Tryon Arts & Crafts School and both locations are curated by Martha Strawn, president of the
Anne Noggle Foundation and art historian Lili Corbus.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
Aug 3 @ 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.

Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 30m Arrive at Dillsboro, NC
1h 30m—2h 50m Layover
2h 50m Depart Dillsboro, NC
4h 00m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity

Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.

A Chorus Line
Aug 3 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

The “One Singular Sensation,” A Chorus Line, is coming to Flat Rock Playhouse for the first time and we are thrilled to share this award-winning musical with everyone! A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers. The show follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the cut for a new Broadway Musical. One by one, the dancers come forward to share the stories of their lives, giving it their all and putting themselves on the line to make the cut. Only eight will remain. Capturing the spirit, tension, and hope of an audition, A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all out there to make it come true!

A Chorus Line once held the record as the longest running show on Broadway with over 6000 performances, and heralds nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett. Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban. Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian. Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

Summer Animal Encounters
Aug 3 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!

Biltmore Park Farmers Market
Aug 3 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Biltmore Park Town Square
We are delighted to announce the opening of a new farmers market coming to Biltmore Park Town Square! Every Thursday from June 1st through Aug 17th

, get ready to explore a wide array of farm-fresh seasonal produce, eggs and honey, locally-grown flowers, artisan baked goods, foraged mushrooms, handmade soaps, and much more at the Biltmore Park Farmers Market. This exciting addition to our community promises to be a haven for food lovers and a hub for supporting local farmers, artisans, and crafters.

This 8-week market will be held along the Town Square Blvd. esplanade and celebrates the spirit of community that makes Biltmore Park Town Square so special. Ample parking and easy access for shoppers ensures a stress-free and convenient experience for all. Whether you’re a home cook or someone who appreciates the goodness of nature’s bounty, this market is tailor-made for you!

Stay tuned for further updates and exciting announcements by following Biltmore Park Town Square on social or click the button below to learn more about the market including a full list of vendors! Together, let’s make the Biltmore Park Farmers Market a thriving center of community, food, and lasting memories!

Learn More About the Market
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
Aug 3 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Enka-Candler Tailgate Market
75% of Enka-Candler Tailgate Market proceeds go towards a student and summer camp scholarship fund for Asheville Farmstead School to promote diversity and accessibility to children learning about themselves and nature through farm and forest. The remaining 25% will be given back to the local Enka-Candler community, directed by the Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Advisory Committee.

List of Supporters (Discounts, donat

Flat Rock Farmers Market
Aug 3 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Flat Rock Farmers Market

Join us on Thursdays from 3-6 pm through October

 

Celebrating over 15 years of bringing fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods to the community of Flat Rock NC.
Join us every Thursday, May – October at our location at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church at the corner of Upward Rd and Greenville Hwy. 

Flat Rock Farmers’ Market
Aug 3 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pinecrest Presbyterian Church

Flat Rock Farmers’ Market, Every Thursday 3pm-6pm, The Flat Rock Farmers Market celebrates over 15 years of bringing fresh,
local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through October to Flat Rock, NC. This farmers market is made of a diverse
group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and merry makers. You will love the friendly, informative,
creative vendors that set up for the market. Be sure you stop by each one to introduce yourself and ask questions. Located at
Pinecrest Presbyterian Church

Crime and Politics Book Club
Aug 3 @ 4:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Crime and Politics Book Club

Crime and Politics is a book club for people who want to explore the overlap between true crime and public affairs. We will explore scandals, malfeasance, murder, corruption, and cover-ups. We will alternate months, beginning with a work of true crime, then a book on politics or public affairs. Crime, from the most personal to the global, is the theme. We meet the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. Contact [email protected].

Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across true crime and public affairs. The club meets in Asheville and offsite, usually at a restaurant, on the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. Please email [email protected] for info and instructions to attend. See the list of upcoming dates above and click here to learn more about the club, view important news, and find the pick for this month!

Intergenerational Lego Club-East Asheville Library
Aug 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
East Asheville Library

Intergenerational Lego Club

Have fun building a unique creation with Legos at the East Asheville Public Library!
Flex your Lego building skills and make some friends while you’re at it.
Please leave your personal Legos at home because we’ve got plenty.

Open to all ages 5 & up.

For questions call 828-250-4738.

Intro to Ukulele
Aug 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Students will receive a solid foundation in beginner Ukulele skills for vocalists. Chords, Rhythm patterns, and basic theory will be introduced through songs with an uplifting message. Students will also learn to play the song that the Songwriting Class will be writing and get to record it in the One Mic Studio.

Pours on the Porch
Aug 3 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Restoration Asheville

Meet us on The Exchange patio for a social hour featuring complimentary pours from one of the state’s top breweries, Sierra Nevada. Then come in for dinner at The Exchange or a full section of local beers at The Draftsman Bar & Lounge.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth”
Aug 3 @ 5:00 pm
Hazel Robinson Amphitheater

The Montford Moppets Youth Shakespeare Company presents William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at Hazel Robinson Amphitheater.
* 5pm Thursday, August 3
* 5pm Friday, August 4
* 11am & 5pm Saturday, August 5
* 11am & 5pm Sunday, August 6
Experience Shakespeare’s classic tragedy like never before! Our talented young actors bring the story of power, ambition, and betrayal to life with passion and energy in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable theatrical event!

Asheville Outlets Summerfest Carnival
Aug 3 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Asheville Outlets

From Friday, July 21 through Sunday, August 6, 2023, D & J Amusements is bringing the Summerfest Carnival to Asheville Outlets! Enjoy carnival rides and games for all ages along with favorite fair foods including funnel cakes, fried Oreos, turkey legs and more. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm; Fridays from 5pm to 10pm; Saturdays from 1pm to 10pm and Sundays from 1pm to 10pm. Tickets are $20 Monday – Thursday, and $25 Friday -Sunday. For more information, visit AshevilleOutlets.com.

Queer Music Exploration
Aug 3 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Queer Music Exploration – Students will explore guitar, bass, drums, singing and piano with a focus on learning music by artists from the LGBTQ+ community. Students will have the chance to interact with their peers and share their experiences through music.

ArborEvenings
Aug 3 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

Business After Hours
Aug 3 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Come join us for Business After Hours at Rabbit Rabbit  hosted by A Look at Asheville!

Make new business connections with other Chamber members and help A Look at Asheville celebrate 20 years of business!

Live Music specialty martinis all day at Leo’s Italian Social
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm
Leo's Italian Social
Open Studio at Different Wrld
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Different Wrld

Come have a drink and experiment with art materials while connecting with your community! Asheville Art Museum will host Open Studio at Different Wrld on the the first Thursday evening of each month throughout the year.

This free drop-in program, which is facilitated by the Asheville Art Museum and hosted at Different Wrld, aims to expose and engage participants with the Museum’s Collection and changing exhibitions. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. The Asheville Art Museum will provide all instruction, supplies, and materials.

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Singer/Songwriters
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!

The Orchard Sessions with Highbeams
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Farm at Old Edwards

A trio of brothers and best friends, Highbeams is Adam Pendlington, Ian Pendlington, and Stephen Quinn. They have lit up stages across the southeast with their emotive, high-energy performances and rich three-part harmonies. These travelers perform hundreds of shows across the Southeast every year; including opening slots for acts like Vertical Horizon, North Mississippi Allstars, Chase Bryant, Col Bruce Hampton, and the Grammy award-winning band: Brothers Osborne.

Zahner Lecture Series – Archaeoastronomy in Southwestern North Carolina
Aug 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Highlands Nature Center

Lecture 8 – Archaeoastronomy in Southwestern North Carolina

Featured Speakers: Jane M. Eastman, Ph.D.; Associate Professor; Anthropology and Sociology Department; Western Carolina University
& Brett Riggs, Ph.D.; Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies; Western Carolina University

Cost: FREE

Sponsored by Suzanne & Don Duggan, Julie Farrow, Florence & Tom Holmes, Ruthie & Franko Oliver, Adele & Nick Scielzo, and Margaret Waters.

In ancient Cherokee perspective, the matters of this world, the Above World and the Beneath World intertwine, and Cherokee peoples constructed ritual landscapes to engage the beings and forces of these realms. Recent investigations in the Little Tennessee River Valley have revealed one such landscape that marks astronomical phenomena and bespeaks sophisticated systems for measuring calendrical time and the cycles central to Cherokee life. These patterns indicate complex observational sciences that guided functions of indigenous societies long before European contact.

Astronomy Club of Asheville Club Meeting Presentation
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 UNC-Asheville Reuter Center

This free speaker presentation will be offered in-person at the UNC-Asheville Reuter Center and virtually online. Registration is not required; use this Zoom link to watch the presentation remotely.

Black Mountain Park Rhythms
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Black Mountain Veterans Park

FINAL_Park_Rhythms2023
Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to each show. The 2023 series is made possible by the following sponsors: Pisgah AVL, Mark Kleive DDS, Cup of Jomo, Dough House, LEAF Global Arts, Greybeard Realty, Four Sisters Bakery, Acoustic Corner, The Red Radish, and Sarah Sunshine Pottery.

Jazz Jam
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts Center

Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.

An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.

Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!

LAZOOM Tours: GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm
LaZoom Room


GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR

Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.

  • Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
  • 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
  • $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
  • Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue

*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.

Steve Simon + The Kings of Jazz
Aug 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The DFR Lounge

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz are Brevard’s newest and most exciting and entertaining jazz band with a sound that combines the funkiness of George Benson, the soulfulness of Ray Charles and the smoothness of Diana Krall all wrapped together in big Count Basie style arrangements of American and Latin jazz classics. If you are looking for an amazing live jazz experience then check out the hottest jazz band in the coolest city in North Carolina performing every Thursday at The DFR Lounge from 7pm to 9pm