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, September 2, 2021
ArborEvenings
Sep 2 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase 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 October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.

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.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

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, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! 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.

ORDER AHEAD

Musician Schedule

Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.

Know Before You Go

  • Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
  • Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
  • Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of  buildings.
  • To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
  • Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
Gluten-Free Comedy, open mic at Ginger’s Revenge
Sep 2 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge
Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show
Sep 2 @ 6:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Hilliary Begely, Cary Goff, Morgan Bost, Blaine Perry, Marlene Thompson, Ben Sia Hian

 

 

Open mic Come sing, play, and support fellow artists
Sep 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain
PERFORMANCE: KATHERINE YOUNG / TIM DAISY DUO
Sep 2 @ 7:00 pm
Online

Thursday, September 2 at 7 PM Eastern

Streaming to this event page, FB Live, IGTV + Youtube

Chicago-based percussionist Tim Daisy and bassoonist, improviser, and composer Katherine Young (a recent Atlanta, GA transplant) bring their two-decades-long collaborative experience to the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center for a live recording of improvised duets.

Investigating a wide array of sonic territory from laser-focused pointillism to extremes in density and texture, Katherine and Tim aim to use the art of listening combined with their shared performative experience to create a unique blend of sound-making, taking full advantage of the unique instrumentation involved.

Trae Sheehan
Sep 2 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Raised on a small alpaca farm in West Virginia, twenty-three-year-old Trae Sheehan began writing songs as soon as he started learning how to play. Having lived in both New York City and Nashville, along with touring the country in his converted minivan, there is no lack of inspiration for Trae. With songs he calls “Hymns for the Heavyhearted”, his 2019 release Arizona reached No. 7 on the Roots Radio Charts and received international airplay. Sheehan’s latest album Postcards from the Country, full of stripped-down arrangements and personal stories, has been featured in American Songwriter, The Bluegrass Situation, Glide Magazine, PopMatters, and is available now via Half Moon Records.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks in the Isis Music Hall Lounge. Reservations are highly recommended.

YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND
Sep 2 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center--Genevieve's

yonder

Pioneers. Innovators. These are but a few of the monikers that Yonder Mountain String Band has worn since its inception. From the first Yonder shows in the fall of 1998 to their drive-in tour in 2020, this touring force has brought their adventurous musical spirit to countless cities and venues for nearly a quarter-century. You can experience it all this summer when they land in Greenville, South Carolina.

Fueled by a desire to create a sound distinctly their own, Yonder Mountain’s take on traditional bluegrass is informed by members’ diverse musical influences ranging from punk rock to the Grateful Dead. These unique perspectives and personalities, combined with their jam band fan culture and collaborative approach to writing and arranging original songs, has brought a whole new generation of Bluegrass fans to light. Of course, no band has stood the test of time without transformation, and Yonder Mountain has had its fair share of change. Today, Yonder Mountain String Band is comprised of founding members Adam Aijala (guitar), Ben Kaufmann (bass), and Dave Johnston (banjo) alongside the 2015 addition Allie Kral (fiddler) and multi-instrumentalist newcomer Nick Piccininni (mandolin, second fiddle, anything stringed – wow!).

Yonder Mountain String Band is a quintessential ensemble honing its craft night after night. The result? Music that is continuously progressing and breaking unprecedented ground. We can’t wait to see where they take their sound on their ninth studio album set to release later this year.

Official Website

Sunset Rooftop Stand Up Comedy Shows in Downtown Asheville
Sep 2 @ 8:00 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather, where we go to an awesome space below
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue and Asheville Pizza

Featuring:
Asheville’s Hottest Standup Comics
What:
Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop*
Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: :
Thursdays Sept 2,9,16, 23
8p (doors 7:30p)
Where:
Rabbit Rabbit,
Downtown Asheville, 75 Coxe Ave

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
*Rooftop depends on weather, we have a great space under the roof too!

Bill Frisell: HARMONY featuring Petra Haden, Hank Roberts + Luke Bergman
Sep 2 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

 

In a career spanning more than 25 years and over 200 recordings, including 25 albums of his own, guitarist, composer, and bandleader Bill Frisell is now firmly established as a visionary presence in American music. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, filmmakers and legendary musicians. But it is his work as a leader that has garnered increasing attention and accolades. The New York Times described Frisell’s music this way. “It’s hard to find a more fruitful meditation on American music than in the compositions of guitarist Bill Frisell. Mixing rock and country with jazz and blues, he’s found what connects them: improvisation and a sense of play. Unlike other pastichists, who tend to duck passion, Mr. Frisell plays up the pleasure in the music and also takes on another often-avoided subject, tenderness.”

Salsa Night Thursday
Sep 2 @ 9:30 pm – Sep 3 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

Spice up your life with Latin sounds by local DJs Nex Millen & Mtn Vibez every Thursday.

Super bonus if you come early and get Dance Lessons from our knowladable instructors and get your body ready with sabor for the night. NO COVER All events 21+

Friday, September 3, 2021
2021 Brevard Music Center Raffle
Sep 3 all-day
Online

Official 2021 Raffle RulesAudi

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Sep 3 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.

Save on Concert tickets with Groups Sales: For King and Country
Sep 3 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Enjoy your favorite artists on stage at a concert with a group and save!

for King & Country Groups

Bring your friends and sing along to the award-winning duo on their Relate Tour
on October 10.

Save up to $5 per ticket with a
group of 10 or more.   Email to reserve your tickets: [email protected]

Save on Concert tickets with Groups Sales: Mercyme
Sep 3 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
MercyMe Groups

Share the excitement and create unforgettable memories at MercyMe
on November 18.

Save up to $5 per ticket with a
group of 10 or more.   Email for groups sales: [email protected]

Labor Day Special MercyMe Select Tickets 25% off
Sep 3 @ 12:01 am – 11:59 pm
online

 

Alternate text

“Best News Ever”

 

Save 25% off tickets to MercyMe with special guest Micah Tyler

at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 18!

 

Valid: Thursday, September 2 at 12:01am through
Tuesday, September 7 at 11:59pm

Use Code: LABOR

 

*Valid online only and on select seats.

Blippi the Musical
Sep 3 @ 6:00 pm
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

#BlippiGVL

Image result for blippi the musical

Blippi, is an energetic and loveable character clad is orange and blue that jumps off the screen with his goofy mannerisms and friendly demeanor. He’s taught millions of kids how to count, colors, letters, and much more.  In just a few years since his inception, Blippihas become one of the most popular YouTubers worldwide, with over 200 million views per month and billions in total across 139 countries and 7.4 million followers.

*Children ages 1 and over must have a ticket. Any child under 1 years old does not require a ticket to sit on a parent’s lap.

Eleanor Underhill + Friends Live in the Meadow
Sep 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Highland Brewing Company
STEVE EARLE + THE DUKES AND LOS LOBOS
Sep 3 @ 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage

Steve Earle & The Dukes and Los Lobos

LIVE ON THE OUTDOOR STAGE

GENRE: Americana/Rock/Tex-Mex
AGE LIMIT: All Ages are Welcome

RAIN OR SHINE; NO REFUNDS
Forrest O’Connor and Isaac Eicher
Sep 3 @ 7:00 pm
Isis Music Hall

Seated Concert with Dinner – reservations highly recommended. Please call the venue for tickets and reservations. 828-575-2737

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Forrest O’Connor, who co-founded and was the primary songwriter for the Grammy Award-winning O’Connor Band featuring Mark O’Connor, will be joined by two-time national mandolin champion Isaac Eicher for a set of original folk/Americana songs and bluegrass-inspired instrumentals. O’Connor frequently tours with his wife, Kate Lee, as part of the duo O’Connor Lee, who recently signed to Compass Records and will be releasing their debut album in 2022.

Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks in the Isis Music Hall Lounge. Reservations are highly recommended.

White Buffalo plus L.A. Edwards
Sep 3 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Masks and proof of vaccine or negative Covid test required for entry.

“At a show in Sacramento, in the space of five minutes, three people came up to me with life-changing stories. They told me how my music had helped them to deal with the loss of people close to them…” 

The White Buffalo is about engagement. The White Buffalo makes people laugh and cry. The White Buffalo is truth and wild imagination working together.

The White Buffalo is Jake Smith – singer, songwriter, guitarist, teller of stories, Emmy nominee; an artist whose voice – a timber-shakin’ baritone of gravitas and gravel – seems directly linked to a greater truth; an artist who will not be swayed by fashion or curtailed by genre.

And now, on April 17th 2020, The White Buffalo releases new studio album, ‘On The Widow’s Walk’ – a loosely linked collection of dark thrills produced by Shooter Jennings, who also provides piano and keys. With an eclectic history and catalogue to his illustrious name, Shooter doesn’t believe in sticking to the rules. He works with a diverse selection of artists, from Marilyn Manson to Tanya Tucker, and his collaboration with The White Buffalo has produced a special, signature release.

Of the six studio albums and three EPs thus far released under The White Buffalo banner, this latest 11-track outing is the most collaborative and organic, the most sonically round. It’s also the first for Snakefarm Records, a young label within the Universal Music Group focusing on music that’s roots-driven and real.

Born in Eugene, Oregon, but raised in Huntington Beach, California, Jake Smith is master of his own domain. Like so many creative spirits, he is often drawn to the shadowy side of the street, unveiling scenarios – effectively mini-movies – that sometimes have their roots in reality, sometimes not, but either way are delivered with unswerving conviction.

Kenny George Band
Sep 3 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Music Hall

 

General Admission Tickets are available on line :: Call the venue for Reserved Seating Tickets at 828-575-2737

Main Floor Reserved Tickets are available with dinner reservations only :::: There is a $20 minimum in food and beverage purchases per person with your dinner reservation :::: These are the only main floor tickets available :::: You MUST call venue to make a dinner reservation & purchase your tickets :::: General Admission Tickets are available for the Balcony only :: There is no dinner service for balcony seating

Emo Night Brooklyn: Asheville, NC
Sep 3 @ 10:00 pm
Asheville Music Hall
Everybody Free Dance Party
Sep 3 @ 10:00 pm – Sep 4 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Beauty Academy

DJ Dance Party with Meseret & Zati 🎧 Every Friday Nigh it’s you, it’s dark house and the dance floor. NO COVER 21+

Saturday, September 4, 2021
2021 Brevard Music Center Raffle
Sep 4 all-day
Online

Official 2021 Raffle RulesAudi

PROCEEDS

This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350

DRAWING

The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

TICKETS

The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.

Peace Broadway! On sale Now!
Sep 4 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.

Save on Concert tickets with Groups Sales: For King and Country
Sep 4 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Enjoy your favorite artists on stage at a concert with a group and save!

for King & Country Groups

Bring your friends and sing along to the award-winning duo on their Relate Tour
on October 10.

Save up to $5 per ticket with a
group of 10 or more.   Email to reserve your tickets: [email protected]

Save on Concert tickets with Groups Sales: Mercyme
Sep 4 all-day
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
MercyMe Groups

Share the excitement and create unforgettable memories at MercyMe
on November 18.

Save up to $5 per ticket with a
group of 10 or more.   Email for groups sales: [email protected]

Labor Day Special MercyMe Select Tickets 25% off
Sep 4 @ 12:01 am – 11:59 pm
online

 

Alternate text

“Best News Ever”

 

Save 25% off tickets to MercyMe with special guest Micah Tyler

at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 18!

 

Valid: Thursday, September 2 at 12:01am through
Tuesday, September 7 at 11:59pm

Use Code: LABOR

 

*Valid online only and on select seats.

Stella Blue presents: ASG, Delicious + BONEDOZER
Sep 4 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall
GOOMBAY 40TH anniversary FESTIVAL
Sep 4 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
YMI

calabar-festival2-scaled.jpeg

Asheville’s Goombay Festival has celebrated African & Caribbean heritage here in Western North Carolina. This year, celebrating 40th Goombay Anniversary!

The festival celebrates the richness and diversity found in the food, music, and art across the African Diaspora.

Goombay is free and open to anyone and everyone who wishes to attend!