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.
Included with admission
Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:
- An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
- A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
- Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels
Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.
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Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home. Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection. |
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.
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.
There’s giggles galore, madcap magic and plenty of books as Professor Whizzpop encourages your eager readers to READ! There will be laughter, wonder and friendship as we do amazing magic with our best buddies, perform tricks together and giggle as a group! Guaranteed to amaze, & amuse!
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Using hands-on science experiments, discover how two unlikely heroes work together to save their town (and the planet) from a super-polluting mastermind. Presented by Talewise. Explore a new topic each month through stories and hands-on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities. Grades K-5. |
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!
Henderson County Extension Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show Steve Pettis will talk about the importance of Western North Carolina’s tree canopy, tree health, tree care and more.
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Join us for a book discussion hosted by the Friends of the Skyland/South Buncombe Library! This month we will be reading Daybreak by Belva Plain. The book is available in both physical and digital editions through Buncombe County Public Libraries, and we will also have a few extra copies to borrow at the South Buncombe branch that you can stop by and sign out. From the publisher: The doctor’s office is cool, white, sterile. But the doctor’s words are searing: blood tests prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Margaret and Arthur Crawfield’s beloved, dying son is not their child. Now they must face Peter’s death and the shock of having a son they have never met. Grieving, yet compelled, they begin a search that will tear two families apart. Laura and “Bud” Rice share an elegant home and two children, brilliant, handsome Tom, and cherished, chronically ill eleven-year-old Timmy. But after nineteen years of marriage, Laura’s respectable husband is a stranger—and the reason for Tom’s escalating involvement with a group of campus bigots. Suddenly the Crawfields enter their lives and shatter their fragile world. As the Rices’ quiet Southern town explodes with hate and violence, the two familes must embrace—or be destroyed by—the shattering truth. |
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
List of Supporters (Discounts, donat
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Fabulous fungi are all around us – mushrooms are just the tip of the iceberg! We’ll dig under the surface with games, crafts and hands-on exploration to learn about how these not-quite-a-plant-or-animal organisms grow, eat, and communicate.
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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, 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
Let’s celebrate the youth and families of our community and kick off a new school year off right!
Last year we had an amazing crowd show up and we want you to join us!
Bring the whole family to this FREE event featuring youth performers, a DJ, free food, agency booths, activities, a youth career fair, and more.
This event is made possible by the joint efforts of the partners of United for Youth who are all committed to ensuring that by 2035, ALL Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams.
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.
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Meet Gracie, a certified therapy dog whose spirit and affectionate personality are sure to win your heart. Despite having one less leg, this nine year old “tripod” Great Pyrenees mix is excited about life, always eager for a run or swim and approaches everything with a big smile. Gracie’s physical difference does not stop her mission to spread love and happiness to everyone she meets. Her empathy and willingness to listen, make her the perfect friend for anyone in need of comfort or support. Join Gracie and her parent, Lisa, for an hour at the library where you can take turns reading, petting, or saying hello! No registration is required for this program, but we will ask you to sign-in so everyone gets to spend time with Gracie. Gracie is child friendly & parents must stay with children. **Our allergy free, robot dog, Puptart will still be available on Wednesdays from 4-5 PM! |
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Join us on a walking tour of the Foundy in the River Arts District where we learn about the only existing Street Art Gallery in Asheville and all the artists who have created graffiti and mural installations that have made our town an urban art destination.
THRIVE | Coworking provides a purpose-driven, socially engaged environment for freelancers, entrepreneurs and enterprises of all sizes, combining design-forward style and thoughtful amenities with philanthropy and community involvement. It’s a remote workspace for the contemporary, hybrid workforce set in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods and offering a curated culture that features scheduled events, 24/7/365 access, and monthly catered breakfasts, lunches and happy hours. Members have access to all THRIVE locations around the Southeast and Midwest, as well as workspaces around the country and internationally through reciprocal use of LExC coworking spaces. And THRIVE is on track to open 500 locations throughout North America in the next five years.
THRIVE | Coworking, a stylish, community-focused workspace for freelancers, entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes, is celebrating its Grove Arcade Grand Opening! Join in the festivities on August 17th — there will be plenty of food, catered by Huli Sue’s, as well as drinks, including the Grove Tonic, a cocktail created just for THRIVE’s opening in honor of Grove Arcade Founder E.W. Grove and his namesake “Chill Tonic.” You will also be able to tour the space and get a first-hand peek at this hybrid-work operation, which features private offices as well as shared workspaces, and have the opportunity to win some great prizes, too. We are also running a special deal for attendees on membership! THRIVE offers a curated workplace experience for a healthier work/life balance, featuring monthly events and networking opportunities, including monthly catered breakfasts, lunches and happy hours. Come check it out! If you’re tired of a long commute or working from a cramped kitchen table … this is your working solution.
The event is located in suite 280 on the 2nd floor of the Grove Arcade. The elevators are located at the center of the building. Parking is limited to around the Grove Arcade + nearby streets.
| Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.
Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you. With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party. The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs. To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens! August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm. |
Asheville’s only and original DRAG QUEEN BAR CRAWL!
Experience Asheville’s one-of-a-kind Drag Queen Bar Crawl, a unique fundraiser supporting local non-profit organizations. “Beer Flight” offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vibrant craft brewery scene of Beer City while enjoying the delightful company of our hilarious drag queen flight attendant. Perfect for special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, and even divorce parties, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all fans of drag and beer alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support local non-profits and have a blast doing it!
The two-hour tour promises a side-splittingly funny experience, featuring:
- The beer! The drag queen! FUN!
- 2-3 Flights of craft beer/seltzer/wine/sours ($45 value)
- Souvenir sticker ($5 value)
- Mid-flight snack (priceless!)
- VIP seats at an after-party event*
- No cover and no waiting at venues
- Photo ops with your drag queen guide
- See FAQs at the bottom of this page
- *After-party not available on all tours; ask!
Prepare for takeoff as Bearded Lady Productions presents a first-class “beer flight” bar crawl tour featuring the company of a hilarious drag queen wannabe flight attendant. You won’t want to miss this two-hour tour, where you’ll get to enjoy fine brews, seltzers, wines, and sours from multiple iconic downtown breweries, all while being entertained by a fabulous drag queen leading the way. Tickets for the first-class “beer flight” tour include the tour itself, all beverages along the route, fun surprises, and other perks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. You won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best of Asheville’s craft brewing scene while being entertained by a top-notch fabulous queen.
The tour has multiple dates and most tours end with VIP seats at a 2-hour special event, drag karaoke or drag music bingo. And don’t worry if a real airplane is not available for the tour, as the one-mile trip will be on foot. But that won’t stop you from experiencing the high-flying adventure that “Beer Flight” has planned for you. The after-party event is not available on all tours, so be sure to ask about it when booking your ticket. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, so grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience. The sky’s the limit with this unique first-class experience!
Upon arrival at one of Asheville’s premier craft breweries, guests will be greeted by a world-class drag queen who will serve as their stewardess for the night. As guests wait for the “flight” to board, they will have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow passengers. The tour will then take off, with the drag queen leading the way through the vibrant streets of Asheville. Although a real airplane may not be available, all seats are first-class and drinks are included. Guests will be treated like royalty, with no cover and no waiting at the breweries along the route, and a guided tasting of each flight.
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.
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.
Please join us at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville, NC for our first monthly book club meeting that strives to read books that create a closer knit and more inclusive community! We will meet virtually and in person monthly to discuss a book, so read the book and then join in the discussion in person or online every third Thursday. All are welcome! At the end of each meeting we will vote on the next book! The virtual club meeting will be in Zoom format and will meet 2.5 hours after the in-person meeting (8:00pm EST). After the meeting there is live acoustic music so stay and enjoy the vibe with your new friends! Put us down on your calendar for every third Third Thursday!
The first book is going to be called Disability Visibility.
Synopsis from the back cover: One in five people in the United States lives with a disability. Some disabilities are visible, others less apparent—but all are underrepresented in media and popular culture. Now, just in time for the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people.
From Harriet McBryde Johnson’s account of her debate with Peter Singer over her own personhood to original pieces by authors like Keah Brown and Haben Girma; from blog posts, manifestos, and eulogies to Congressional testimonies, and beyond: this anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now. It looks to the future and the past with hope and love. Preview:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51456746-disability-visibility
Message me for the Zoom link to the online meetup. Thanks!
ATTENTION! We will be meeting on August 17th at 5:30 AT A NEW VENUE! We are meeting at Guidon Brewing, 415 8th Ave. E. Hendersonville, NC 28792. It has free parking that is plentiful and it is quiet on Thursday in the early evening. https://guidonbrewing.com/
We’ll be discussing Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
Thank you to all who attended July 20 meeting! It was great to meet so many newcomers. Thank you to Mike and Debbie who graciously offered to help me with some admin stuff. They will help add emails to the spreadsheet so that communication will become better via email.
Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
Presented by Horizon Heating & Air, Rhythm & Brews Concert Series brings together live music, local craft beverages, and the community! These FREE shows take place on the third Thursday of every month from May-September, closing part of South Main Street to make room for all the fun. Local food trucks will line the street cooking delicious eats from kettle corn to pizza to barbecue. Each show begins with an opener at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headlining performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
May 18: Hawktail [[Bluegrass/Americana/String]] with Holler Choir [[Americana/String]]
June 15: Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights [[Blues Rock/Southern Rock]] with Carolina Drifters [[Southern Rock]]
July 20: The Stooges Brass Band [[New Orleans Brass Band]] with Zydeco Ya Ya [[Zydeco/Cajun Swing]]
August 17: Fireside Collective [[Progressive Bluegrass]] with The Roving [[ Americana/Indie/Rock]]
September 21: Melissa Carper [[Americana/Western Swing]] with Angela Easterling & The Beguilers [[Singer/Songwriter]]
Beer & Wine Garden
Adults can sip Henderson County beverages from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Bold Rock Hard Cider, Guidon Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing Co., Dry Falls Brewery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Flat Rock Cider Company.
All net proceeds from adult beverage sales will benefit the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville 501c3 nonprofit serving the Downtown Program, whose mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the key factors that contribute to the authentic small town urban character of historic downtown Hendersonville.
Kids love Rhythm & Brews, too!
For the youngest in the family, the Hendersonville Honeycrisps & the Hendersonville Toy Company Kid Zone will provide kid-friendly fun, including hula-hooping and activities provided by Hands On! Children’s Museum.
Camp chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. Please leave coolers and pets at home.
R&B Super Fan Package – LIMITED QUANTITIES REMAIN – Purchase here!
The R&B Super Fan Tent provides an enhanced experience with an exclusive, shaded viewing area including beer, wine, and refreshments. Individuals can become R&B Super Fans by purchasing a season package sponsorship for $200 per show. The package includes two sponsor tent tickets to each show and two R&B season t-shirts. By becoming a R&B Super Fan, you are supporting our 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. Your support will not only help sustain R&B, but all our other events as well, including Garden Jubilee, Hendersonville Farmers Market, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk, and more. The Super Fan Sponsor Tent is sponsored by B Squared Realty.
Volunteer
Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Lending your time at Rhythm & Brews is a great way to meet new people and get involved in a community event. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form to get started.
The Inclement Weather Policy is to delay each act by 30 minutes before moving onto the next act. If the headlining act is unable to perform by 8 p.m. the show will be cancelled. Follow the weather decisions on our Facebook page.
Please leave your pets and coolers at home.
Members of YPA are invited to this professional development session to walk through a case study of the recruitment of the Fortune 10 Jet Engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney. A panel discussion will give us a closer look at the tranformative $650M investment and innovative jet engine technologies being developed in Asheville and the wages and skills required to staff the 800 new jobs in our region. Discussion will focus on what factors drove the selection of our community and the role of the Chamber, Economic Development Coalition, County and State government and land developers in winning the largest economic development commitment in the history of WNC.
Panelists Include:
Dan Field, Asheville Site Leader, Pratt & Whitney
Tim Love, Buncombe County
Ben Teague, Senior Vice President for Strategic Develoment, Biltmore Farms
Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President for Economic Development
5:30-6:30 – Social Hour (snacks and beverages provided)
6:30-7:30 – PD Session
Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.
The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information or to join, please visit Young Professionals
Based on The Buncombe County Name Game Book by Mary McPhail Standaert, PhD. Over 300 posts written and distributed serially during the year of COVID-19. Mary will take participants on a journey through Asheville and the Swannanoa Valley using vintage postcards from her and her husband Joe’s vast collection