Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Canadian Brass — One of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has an international reputation for greatness, earned through a repertoire that ranges from trademark Baroque to the Beatles. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun.
Amazing night of live music and dance at Alley Cat Social Club.
In a world filled with instant gratification, gimmicky over saturation and a lack of true improvisation, The Jauntee pays tribute to music’s ability to transcend simple entertainment and cultivate a truly distinctive experience. The Jauntee has fostered a musical community based on a breadth of original material that engages fans through nightly exploration and risk taking. Averaging over one hundred shows a year, with each containing a unique set list and their own special improvisational moments, the band is constantly expanding upon what defines them and their live performances.
With almost a decade’s worth of touring experience; appearances at major festivals such as Peach Fest, Catskill Chill, and Resonance; and 36 states toured with stops at national touring staples such as Brooklyn Bowl, Georgia Theatre, and the Paradise Rock Club, The Jauntee have been nurturing a fanbase of dedicated followers who are inspired by their music and willing to travel to see what the band has in store next. Fans that thoroughly analyze their music, track their set lists and passionately promote their music. The Jauntee makes each night an exciting prospect of a new shared experience with bust-outs, fresh jamming, poignant covers, and accessible songwriting.
Few singers have the range and passion to successfully cover Gregg’s music. A Brother’s Revival is fortunate to feature the voice of singer Mike Kach, who shares the vocal duties with Dickey Betts in his band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern. His strong, bluesy voice delivers a vocal reminiscent of Gregg’s iconic sound. As for the catalog of fan favorites, written and performed by Dickey Betts, A Brother’s Revival introduces Joe Weiss, whose voice will take the audience back to a time when Betts’ melodic vocal and wailing instrumentals built a legion of Southern Rock fans that still stand strong today.
A Brother’s Revival will perform all the Allman Brothers Band’s most memorable classic hits, including “Whipping Post,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Southbound,” “Ramblin Man,” “Melissa,” “Jessica,” “One Way Out,” “Midnight Rider,” “Soulshine,” “Statesboro Blues,” and of course, “Revival.” The song list will change from show to show, with unexpected jams added — just as the ‘Brothers have always done to keep the show exciting for their fans.
The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added. In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day. To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half. Now in its 8th year both days of races, including the challenges, are expected to be sold out, with 3,100 participants.
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; don’t miss out on being part of history at Biltmore Estate.
For more information about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate, visit
https://ashevillemarathon.com/. Follow the race on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Join us for games, food, entertainment, pony rides and more at our inaugural Fall Festival! Free admission. Pay for activities.
Join us in gathering at the grounds of Relia’s Garden on the campus of Nantahala Outdoor Center as we celebrate the life of Aurelia Kennedy.
Bring stories and remembrances of Aurelia and a Thanksgiving dish to share. Nantahala Outdoor Center will provide a main course featuring turkey and dressing.
Please RSVP here if you are attending so that NOC may plan the meal and space accordingly. If you would like to make a donation honoring Aurelia and further her life’s mission, donations may be made through the North Carolina Community Foundation for the Kennedy Endowment Fund. From this page you may search for and give to the Kennedy Endowment Fund.
Donation checks may be sent to:
The North Carolina Community Foundation
3737 Glenwood Avenue
Suite 460
Raleigh, NC 27612
*Please indicate that contributions are for the Kennedy Endowment Fund, #000386. All contributions are tax deductible.
Recipient organizations of the Kennedy Endowment Fund for 2019 in order of magnitude from $5,000 to $1,000 were:
- Clinic Nepal
- SOS Children’s Villages
- Medic Force
- Adventure Amputee Camp
- Swain County New Century Scholars
- American Red Cross
- IPAS
Join us to view one of the biggest meteor showers of the year at the farm with local astronomer and author Stephan Martin. While we’re enjoying the meteor show, we’ll also explore some of the stars, constellations, and other astronomical treasures of the fall night sky. All ages are welcome and no background in astronomy or science is required.
Darko Butorac, conductor
Zlatomir Fung, cello
Three thrilling classics for our November concert — we open with Glinka’s rousing overture from Ruslan and Lyudmila. We welcome International Tchaikovsky Competition winner, Zlatomir Fung for Tchaikovsky’s passionate masterpiece, Rococo Variations. The concert highlights Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony, his final testament and one of the most gripping and impassioned symphonic statements in the history of music.
Program:
Glinka: Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture
Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
Three thrilling classics for our November concert — we open with Glinka’s rousing overture from Ruslan and Lyudmila. We welcome International Tchaikovsky Competition winner, Zlatomir Fung for Tchaikovsky’s passionate masterpiece, Rococo Variations. The concert highlights Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony, his final testament and one of the most gripping and impassioned symphonic statements in the history of music.
Program:
Glinka: Ruslan and Lyudmila Overture
Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6
Do you love cars? If so, then join us at Asheville Outlets (ShopAshevilleOutlets.com) for Cruise ‘In, a monthly car show featuring an exciting display of cars, trucks, motorcycles and special interest vehicles behind the Food Court on Sundays, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ‘In is free to car owners and spectators.
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Friends of Music Concert: Accent on Youth
Our free Jazz Hour is back for the fall season! Please join us in our auditorium to listen to an hour of jazz from Steinway pianist and composer Michael Jefry Stevens and his musician friends. Each performance is different and will take place on the third Monday evenings of each month. Everyone is welcome.
Join us for an evening program featuring Asheville School’s Handbell Ensemble and Chorale. The music program is complemented by an original choreographed work inspired by our current exhibition, Appalachia Now!, performed by Asheville School dance students.
Preceding the evening program, Asheville School students are popping up in the Exhibition Halls—sketching, spoken-word performances, and more! Pre-programs take place 4:30–5:30pm, and are free for Museum Members or included with admission. Space is limited.
Pisgah Brewing Company is bringing you another Holiday Craft Fair! This event will be held indoors, right in time for the holidays! Come check out an array of local vendors, all from Western North Carolina! Support local this holiday season and keep small businesses strong in our community! This event will surely be a one stop shop for all your holiday and seasonal needs!
*Live music throughout the day featuring the MoonFish 2
*Admission is free. Mimosa bar and beers on tap.
*D.O.G.S. will be on site all day and night if you get hungry…
Come share your talent with the community! All acts welcome (music, jokes, dancing, poetry, storytelling, etc)
Stop by to sign up for your slot!
Chart-topping jazz and blues artist Shoshana Bean is a powerhouse on stage — both in concert and underneath the Broadway spotlight. Inspired largely by Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand, the actress and dynamo singer thrills with a fresh new take on the big band tradition.
Dustin Clemons, RADTIP Construction Manager, will be joining us to talk about a plan for improving the RR crossing on Riverside Drive. Your perspective on this difficult bit of infrastructure is important.
The task force meets the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in room A-109 at the City of Asheville Public Works Building at 161 S. Charlotte Street. You can enter the building from the north end, the end where you find the parking lot and bike rack.
Join us for an evening of singing with WACC director Suzannah Park. Come learn some songs, laugh and connect with community and see what singing with WACC is all about.
Sliding scale donation
$5 – $20
Kids are welcome for free
5 Ravenscroft Dr Asheville – 3rd floor (entrance is around back)
In 2017, Cherokee student leaders assembled a forum for open discussion on what it means for them to be Cherokee in the past, present, and future and how they view their cultural heritage. This new work was created with the words, voices, and vision of the Cherokee Chamber Singers, choral students at Cherokee Central Schools, written by composer William Brittelle. Originally commissioned by the North Carolina Symphony, the BMCM+AC event will include a pre-concert discussion and performance with the Cherokee Singers and music director / pianist Michael Yannette.
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.
$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.
Specials
Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays
Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)
Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here. (Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.
Chevelle is bringing Convey to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center on Friday, November 22. Musical powerhouse, Chevelle, have continually delivered rock anthems for the past 24 years. 7 number one hits, 17 songs reaching the top 10 charts, over 4 million records sold in the USA and many more world wide. It’s all credit to their continuing dedication to be true to their craft, the genre and their fans. Don’t miss your chance to see Chevelle live.
We’re so excited for the Woodfin Greenway and Blueway project that we’re a part of! There’s a lot of work that still need to be done though, if you’d like to help us move this area one step closer to some beautiful riverside parks and greenways then this event is for you.
Join us as we work to cleanup some of the future locations of the Woodfin Greenway. RiverLink will provide all of the proper equipment, and Riverside Rhapsody Beer Company will provide some tasty refreshments afterwards! Bring your friends and family and a passion for protecting and improving our local waterways.
Join us as we celebrate the life of John Coltrane right here in his home state of North Carolina! The night will feature the Joseph Herbst Big Band, which consists of spectacular musicians coming from New York, Michigan, Texas, and, of course, Asheville, as well as a local spoken word artist.
The use of a big band to share Coltrane’s music creates a medium that allows for us to paint a story of his life through music, extrapolating the complex yet beautiful emotions of his playing into a 17-piece ensemble.
The night will feature a spoken word artist presenting the words and writings of Coltrane, performed both in between big band pieces backed by Coltrane’s music in its simplest form as well as interwoven into the fabric of the performance of the full ensemble.
Coltrane’s life and beliefs were intricately linked with his music. A celebration of Coltrane cannot be solely music – it must include all aspects of his life. Through this, Coltrane’s music is still timely today, speaking to the current political and racial state of our nation. This will not just be a historical celebration of Coltrane’s life, but also a reworking of his music and life in present time, making us look inwards and outwards in the way Coltrane would do if he were alive today.
The band will perform three of John Coltrane’s most iconic compositions arranged for big band, and three originals inspired by Coltrane’s music, all written by Joseph Herbst. These six tunes are all written in a light that captures the struggles, successes, and ultimate revelation throughout Coltrane’s all too short life.
Arrangements:
Lonnie’s Lament
Giant Steps
After the Rain
Compositions inspired by:
Like Sonny
Equinox
Pursuance
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. Open nightly November 22, 2019 – January 4, 2020, from 6 to 10 p.m. Walk through an outdoor winter wonderland and see the Arboretum’s gardens and landscapes dressed in more than half-a-million holiday lights. Listen to the sounds of your favorite holiday tunes or enjoy a cup of holiday-inspired cocoa, cider or beer.
$18-$8. See website for tickets and specials.
Specials
Friends & Family Discount Night – Tuesdays
Tickets are reduced to $15 for adults and $10 for children. Arboretum members receive an additional $2 off each ticket. (Excludes Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.)
Available on Thursdays through Saturdays only, this special ticketed event offers visitors the chance to enjoy a holly, jolly ride from downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village to Winter Lights courtesy of The Trolley Company. Upon arrival, guests will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and access to the Winter Lights. Pick-up is at 6:00 p.m. from the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville and 6:15 p.m. from the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. Guests will be dropped back off at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 per person (children 4 & under are free) and can be purchased through The Trolley Company’s website here. (Note: Arboretum member discounts do not apply for this tour). For additional questions, please call Eva Ritchey at The Trolley Company at 828.606.8606.
Originally from Switzerland, brothers Uwe and Jens Kruger began playing North American folk music at an early age and were particularly inspired by recordings of Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, and other progenitors of country, bluegrass and folk music. Their first public performances were as a duo, busking on the streets of cities throughout eastern and Western Europe. After gaining a recording contract as well as a radio show on SRG SSR, the Swiss public broadcaster, they teamed up with bass player Joel Landsberg, inaugurating a trio that has been playing professionally together since 1995. Landsberg is an American citizen from New York, NY. The first recording project to include Landsberg was Behind the Barn, Vol. 2, released in 1997. The Kruger Brothers moved to the United States in 2002, and are based in Wilkesboro, NC.
The group is highly regarded within the world of acoustic music in North America, in particular by those within the industry. They have also gained the attention of some of the musicians, including Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Tut Taylor, and Bobby Hicks, that once served as models. Watson has said, “The Kruger Brothers are just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with. … I love to play music with them.”
In 2013, Jens Kruger was named the fourth recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music. The prize, created and endowed by Martin, recognizes “outstanding accomplishments in the field of five-string banjo,” Jens was selected by a committee that included Martin, Pete Wernick, Béla Fleck, Alison Brown, J.D. Crowe,
Tony Trischka and others.
Jens Kruger has been inducted to the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, and has been nominated for Banjo Instrumentalist of the year by the International Bluegrass Musician Association (IBMA) in 2014 and has received commissions for his ensemble compositions that include through the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America.
Where Great Artists Are Discovered. The NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition is one of the premier showcases of exceptional emerging talent in North America.
Now in its 18th year, the NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition is one of the premier showcases of performing songwriters in North America. Judges will select eight finalists from advance online submissions. Those artists will perform in a live showcase and competition finals at Isis Music Hall on Saturday, November 23. A panel of music industry judges will select the overall winner of the competition.
Seated Main Stage Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner (Table) Reservations