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.

Saturday, March 23, 2019
All Sports Booster Club Oyster Roast
Mar 23 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fluor Field at the West End

Annual major fundraiser for Greenville High Athletics. All you can eat Oysters. Also BBQ plates.

https://www.facebook.com/events/290700484918947/

Saturday, March 30, 2019
ReHAPPENING 9
Mar 30 @ 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Camp Rockmont

The {Re}HAPPENING is an annual afternoon and evening event at the historic campus of Black Mountain College – 15 minutes from Asheville. It is part art event, part fundraiser, and part community instigator, providing a platform for contemporary artists to share their responses to the vital legacy of Black Mountain College by activating the buildings and grounds of the BMC campus with installations, new media, music, and performance projects.

Visit www.rehappening.com for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1805197342924300/

Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s 28th Annual Spelling Bee
Apr 3 all-day
The Mothlight

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County will hold “Beauty and the Bee,” an adult Spelling Bee, on April 3, 2019 at The Mothlight in West Asheville. Beginning at 6 pm, fifteen teams of three adults each will compete in the themed, spirited, and zany word challenge.

While the word list is challenging to even the most advanced spellers, this event is not a traditional, stilted spelling bee. Audience members are encouraged to cheer on their favorite teams and can even purchase opportunities to cheat on the spellers’ behalf. Spellers and audience members are encouraged to wear costumes in homage to this year’s beauty-pageant event theme: Beauty and the Bee.

Spelling Bee teams are fielded by local businesses, non-profits, community associations, colleges, book clubs and friends. This year’s teams include the 2018 winning team, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café; the 2017 highest fundraising team, Chestnut/Corner Kitchen; and more.

Funds raised by the Beauty and the Bee Spelling Bee support the Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s programs that provide basic literacy and English language services to 2,200 people in Buncombe County.

Sunday, April 7, 2019
Week of the Young Child Celebration
Apr 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ira B. Jones Elementary School

2:00 p.m. Ticketed Magic Show ($8 per person, all ages)
3:00-5:00 p.m. Drop-In Pop-Up Adventure Playground (free and open to the community)

Join us to celebrate the Week of the Young Child and support young children in Buncombe County!

Children ages 2+ will enjoy The Professor Whizzpop Magic Show, which placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best of WNC” poll for 10 years.

Afterward, drop in for a FREE Pop-Up Adventure Playground where kids build their own place space using imagination, loose parts, and in collaboration with their peers. There is no charge to join the playground.

Roots Hummus will be served at no charge and sweet treats from The Hop Ice Cream Cafe will be available for purchase.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Dine To Be Kind
Apr 9 all-day
Participating restaurants

Enjoy a day of dining out to help local animals in need! Asheville Humane Society’s 16th Annual Dine To Be Kind presented by Prestige Subaru will be held Tuesday, April 9 at participating restaurants! Dine in (or carry out) for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and up to 25% of your bill will be donated to the lifesaving programs of Asheville Humane Society! Visit ashevillehumane.org for a list of participating restaurants!

Thursday, April 11, 2019
DRINK To Be Kind
Apr 11 all-day
Participating breweries

As part of Asheville Humane Society’s 16th Annual Dine To Be Kind presented by Prestige Subaru, an extra day has been added for the beer lovers of our community! On Thursday, April 11, participating breweries will donate 15% of the day’s sales to Asheville Humane Society! Enjoy a craft beer and help homeless animals at the same time! View ashevillehumane.org for a list of participating breweries.

Friday, April 12, 2019
Poetry for the Pantry – Fundraiser for Storehouse
Apr 12 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Artisan Entertainment

Tickets ARE ON SALE at eventbrite.com

Help raise money for Storehouse. Many families need our help, and The Artisan of Flat Rock is proud to team with The Storehouse of Henderson County, NC to bring Poetry for the Pantry. Tickets to this event and further information will be available soon, but go ahead and put this one on your calendar for such a great cause.

https://www.facebook.com/events/306525069987354/

Saturday, April 13, 2019
Join Us for Our First Birthday!
Apr 13 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carolina Holistic Health

We at Carolina Holistic Health are thrilled to announce our first birthday! To celebrate this exciting occasion we will be holding a birthday bash with all proceeds benefitting the Food Connection. The Food Connection is an amazing local non-profit that works in conjunction with local restaurants, schools, and businesses to get unused food to soup kitchens and shelters that need it most.
We are excited to have the amazing team at Massage On Wheels on deck with free five-minute chair massages. And what is a party without local food, drinks, and music? So stop on by and help us ring in our next year of business right!

Monday, April 22, 2019
Diaper Drive hosted by Aeroflow Healthcare
Apr 22 – Apr 26 all-day
Aeroflow Healthcare

Every mother wants to ensure their baby is happy, health and dry. Unfortunately, not all moms are able to provide diapers at the quantity they need. Most spend up to $80 a month on supplies and often have to make the decision between food or diapers. Help moms in need by donating a pack of diapers today!

All proceeds will be donated to Diaper Bank of North Carolina and distributed to the county with the highest child poverty rate in Western North Carolina (McDowell County – 25.9%).

Is your company interested in participating? Contact us for information on how you can have a donation box in your business.

Thursday, April 25, 2019
Dining Out For Life
Apr 25 all-day
100+ Participating Restaurants in Asheville & WNC

On Thursday, April 25, 100+ restaurants in Asheville & WNC will donate 20% of sales to the Western NC AIDS Project to support their mission of HIV Prevention & Care in our local community. Simply by dining out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, or dessert, you will be helping to change – or save – a life!

Saturday, April 27, 2019
Asheville GreenWorks Awards & Trashion Show
Apr 27 all-day
DoubleTree by Hilto Biltmore-Asheville

Asheville GreenWorks 2nd annual Environmental Excellence Awards & Trashion Show featuring over 20 local designers strutting their one of a kind eco-fashion designs down the runway. VIP tickets get an open bar, front row seating and a VIP meet and greet.

Saturday, May 4, 2019
Mayfest
May 4 all-day
Downtown Rutherfordton

Mayfest is the one of the longest running festivals in N.C., drawing visitors from across the region for a full day of springtime, family fun. Annual entertainment and traditions will be enjoyed including live music from Rutherford County Line and the Houston Bernard Band, a Car, Truck and Bike Show, and a variety of artisans and crafters showcasing their one-of-a-kind items. Youngsters will have a ball in the Kids Playland featuring inflatables and rock climbing walls, plus obstacle courses, face painting, and the Pinewood Derby Race. Local dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders will perform, a Doggie Kissing booth will be open, and friendly fur babies will take the spotlight during the 4 Paws Kingdom Pet Contest. No festival is complete without fabulous food vendors. Indulge yourself with delicious BBQ, turkey legs, roasted corn, stir-fry, funnel cakes, kettle corn, cotton candy, homemade ice cream, and much more.

7th Annual Bike LUCK Presented by Charlotte Knights
May 4 @ 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Ride for HEARTS! Bike LUCK Presented by Charlotte Knights is a fundraiser for Camp LUCK, Inc., a 501c3 non profit organization. Funds raised are used to send heart kids and their siblings to camp. Camp LUCK also provides services (called Baby LUCK) for heart kids too young to attend camp as well as for those kids currently in the hospital.

The charity ride provides four (4) route options with a metric century (63 mile route) from Charlotte to include the challenging Spencer and Cramer mountain climbs, a half-metric route by the airport and a 5 mile family route along the Irwin Creek Greenway. All routes are supported by “heart family” volunteers with homemade baked goods, water and Gatorade. Post ride food, music, offerings from sponsors and beer for purchase from Unknown Brewery. For more information, visit https://campluck.com/camps-events/bike/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2111502822493987/

A Night at Reclaim: Madison MayFest
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ReClaim Madison (formerly Coal, Feed and Lumber Store)

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!

Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!

Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:

* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!

PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.

Proceeds go to CHC’s Mission, which aims to find solutions to the nationwide affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ReClaim Madison: Salvage & Hardware

Madison MayFest: A Night at ReClaim
A Unique and Unexpected Fundraiser Event!

Join the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County at “ReClaim
Madison Salvage & Hardware,” formerly the Coal, Feed and Lumber Store
where you’ll find yourself in an early 20th century social club – with live
music to match!

Emcee Joel Friedman, of Zuma Coffee fame, will lead us through an
evening of:

* Live music – a soundscape straight out of the past! Musicians Steve Davidowski and Melody King will serve up originals and the classics
* Scrumptious food and libations!
* Community brick-making and other creative activities!
* Fun photo opps with your friends!
* Dazzling raffle prizes – worth $500 each!
* And much, much more!

PLUS, the Preferred Pairings Salon!
Local wines, gourmet chocolates, artisan roasted coffees – curated and
paired, for this mini-event limited to 60 guests.

Proceeds go to CHC’s mission, which aims to find solutions to the national affordable housing crisis right here in WNC by promoting and facilitating healthy, safe, and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development.

Thursday, May 9, 2019
Zombie Takeover Day
May 9 @ 5:30 pm
Catawba Brewing Company - South Slope

To get you excited about our first-ever White Zombie 5k fun run benefitting MANNA FoodBank, we’re hosting Zombie Takeover Day on May 9 with a one-day “killer” discount. Come out to our Zombie Takeover party to register at our South Slope tasting room or use online code – zombie – all day on the event site to get $5 off your registration. We are donating 3.5 meals per registration to MANNA, so you can do good and run for your life!

Friday, May 10, 2019
Leadercast 2019 to benefit Eblen Charities
May 10 all-day
Lake Hills Church

Leadercast Live is the largest one-day leadership event in the world. Broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of locations around the world each year, Leadercast brings together some of the most recognized and respected global leaders to create a leadership experience unlike any other. This is a simulcast of the Live Event. Ticket proceeds benefit Eblen Charities.

Leadercast Live focuses on the leadership issues most relevant to today’s time-starved leader. It is a place of inspiring messages coupled with rich interaction between fellow leaders that want to be intentional about raising their standard of leadership…all delivered with a creative, energetic and memorable approach. Leaders across all industries and various levels of their career are able to leave this event better equipped to take on their next challenge.

Saturday, May 18, 2019
Tryon International Film Festival – 5th Annual BBQ, Music & Movie Fundraiser
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mountain Brook Vineyard

5 th Annual Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser
Brought to you by the Polk County Film Initiative
Join us for the 5 th Annual, Tryon International Film Festival BBQ Fundraiser, at Mountain Brook Vineyards
in Tryon.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, bell bottom jeans, tie-dyed shirts and free spirit, as we trip back to
1969 for a special screening of “Woodstock”.
Rap with all your friends and dig the music of Michael Baughman. Then munch out on the classic BBQ of
Bird Mountain and Tim Wright. Soak in the fabulous wines which are grown, bottled and produced on
Mountain Brooks’ spectacular seven-acre vineyard.
Asheville’s Power Band, “The Paper Crowns” will take the stage as the evening gets rolling. Then, as the
sun goes down, toss down a blanket let the Polk County Film initiative take you on a trip to
“Woodstock”. See how 50,000 tickets holders brought along 500,000 of their friends and turned
Woodstock into a pivoting point of the pop culture.
It will be a groovy evening to remember. Please support Year 5 of the Tryon International Film Festival.

Friday, May 31, 2019
BeYOUtiful Fashion Show Fundraiser
May 31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ambrose West

BeYOUtiful, a fashion show benefiting Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders (CRC for ED), celebrates every body as beautiful regardless of size, shape, race, age, or gender, while bringing more awareness of CRC for ED’s mission and services.
Doors open at 6 in which guests will enjoy fashion, a live DJ, a cash bar, raffle prizes, and community!
To learn more about this event, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/406770760134416/
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders has served WNC as T.H.E. Center for Disordered Eating since 2004. With their new name, they remain the only nonprofit in North Carolina supporting individuals, families, and professionals concerned with disordered eating and recovery from eating disorders. To learn more about CRC for ED, please visit https://www.crcfored.com/

Saturday, June 1, 2019
Bear Banter + Brews
Jun 1 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
UpCountry Brewing

Bears Bees + Brews and UpCountry Brewing are celebrating National Black Bear Day, Saturday, June 1st. Join us for a fun and educational evening with two live interactive brewery talks, trivia, and much more:
> NC Wildlife Resources Commission biologist Ashley Hobbs: Coexisting with Black Bears
> Wildands Network scientist Liz Hillard: The Importance of Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife
> Frugal Backpacker: Leave No Trace workshop
> Center for Honeybee Research shares world honey for you tasting pleasure.
> Grift Town Goods live printing Bears Bees + Brews t-shirts to raise funds for our continued wildlife conservation efforts.
> UpCountry brews will be flowing all night long!

Brewery Bear Talks start at 6pm and live music at 8pm.
Come one, come all! Let’s party… FOR BEARS!

Built to Last: A Concert Benefiting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity
Jun 1 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Ambrose West

Join us June 1st for a special concert event benefiting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity featuring Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats! 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

WHEN: Saturday June 1st, 2019
WHERE: Ambrose West | 312 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806
TICKETS:
– $20 General Admission
– $30 General Admission Seated
– $40 VIP 1st 3 Rows Seated | VIP Mixer with light appetizers | Swag Bag

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is an organization that transcends politics, race, gender and other things that often divide us. Thanks to thousands of supporters united in the shared vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, 1,600 adults and children in Buncombe County have achieved the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future through Habitat homeownership and home repair programs. On the foundation of stable housing, more of our neighbors experience greater educational achievement, better health, increased safety and security, and the opportunity to age in place. Get involved at ashevillehabitat.org.

Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats formed in Asheville NC as a street busking project in late 2011. Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship & Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the band has continued to craft their hard driving style of rock n roll and are dedicated to building their musical family. Consistent studio recordings, year round touring, earnest songwriting & sharing show bills with legends such as Sonny Landreth, Blind Boys of Alabama, Drivin N Cryin and Bettye Lavette has made Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats one of the industry’s fastest growing rock n roll bands.

Buy Tickets Here: https://avlhabitatbenefit.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, June 8, 2019
Park in the Dark
Jun 8 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Celebrate the beginning of summer vacation by seeing day turn to night from the top of the Rock!

Enjoy an extraordinary evening of stargazing, hands-on nature activities, and storytelling around the campfire during this fundraiser for the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park.

Camp Fires, Marshmallows & S’mores!
Storytelling with Doug Elliot & Brian Bockhahn!
Cherokee Legends!
Stargazing with Astronomy Club of Asheville!
Live Nocturnal Animals!
Naturalist Programs!
Night Time Gear Demonstration with Frugal Backpacker

Cost: $20 per adult;
$8 per child ages 5-15;
Free for children ages 4 and under.
(Please print your receipt for purchase OR have the receipt available on your mobile device in order to redeem at our front gate.)

Get your ticket soon, this event usually sells out quickly!

Thanks to Ingles, Frugal Backpacker and Chimney Rock Management for supporting this amazing event!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2386226444781600/

Thursday, June 13, 2019
8th Annual International Black Jar Honey Tasting and Cocktail Event
Jun 13 all-day
Renaissance Asheville Hotel

The 8th Annual International Black Jar Honey Tasting & Cocktail Event begins on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 5:30pm, just about the time our panel of celebrity judges are completing their mission to choose the Best Honey In The World from submissions from all over the world. Attendees will also get to taste national and international honeys, bid in our silent auction, mingle with the judges who include Mayor Esther Manheimer, internationally reknown Chef Katie Button of Curate, singer Kat Williams and more, snack, drink and schmooze, all to the sounds of live music. It all takes place at the Renaissance Hotel where the Center for Honeybee Research, beneficiary of this fundraiser, maintains hives on the roof. This is our 8th Annual event, marking the same number of years that the Center’s research into colony collapse disorder has been underway – possibly the longest running such project anywhere! CCD is threatening the lives of honeybees around the planet, so supporting the Center’s work is critically important, and we’ve planned a delicious, pleasant way for attendees to do it.

Saturday, June 15, 2019
Just Brew It
Jun 15 all-day
Wedge at Foundation

Homebrew Festival and tasting. Proceeds of this event benefit Just Economics, an Asheville-based non-profit organization whose mission is to build a more just and sustainable local economy that works for all in WNC.
– Sample over 100 unique home brewed beers
– Vote for your favorite for People’s Choice Award!
– Learn about Just Economics’ work and how to engage

Momentum – a Party for Terpsicorps
Jun 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
East West Vintage Rentals

Join us for an elegant evening of good food, new friends, and remarkable entertainment at a wonderfully quirky vintage venue in the heart of West Asheville. Savor gourmet heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne cocktails while listening to the music of Secret B-Sides’ own Juan Holladay.

Our amazing guest of honor, Harry Brown, will be the auctioneer for the evening, presiding over live and silent auctions filled with irresistible items.

And for the highlight of the evening, sit back and enjoy the critically acclaimed Terpsicorps dancers up close in an intimate setting. Proceeds support the 2019 summer season of Asheville’s contemporary ballet company, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance.

Cost of admission includes FREE childcare at the Academy at Terpsicorps’ Parents Night Out event.

Friday, June 21, 2019
4th Annual Grip, Sip, Give Classic
Jun 21 all-day
Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course

Can’d Aid’s raucous, beer-soaked golf tournament is back!

Can’d Aid’s 4th Annual Grip, Sip, Give Classic will be held on June 21, 2019 @ Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course in Asheville, North Carolina

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: check-in, breakfast burritos, happy hour with MamaMosas (Mama’s Lil’ Yella Pils + OJ)
10:00 AM: shotgun start
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: 19th hole beers
2:30 PM: BBQ on the green, awards, silent auction & raffle
​$125/player – teams of four

Interested in SPONSORING Grip, Sip, Give? Throw your company into the limelight and do a lil’ good while you’re at it. Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities and email [email protected] to secure a Title, Gold, Silver or Bronze sponsorship.

Thursday, June 27, 2019
Secret Superheroes – An Intimate Pollinator-Derived Dinner Experience
Jun 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Masonic Temple

Bears Bees + Brews and Center for Honeybee Research present Pollinators: Secret Superheroes, an intimate dinner experience presenting the instrumental role pollinators play for the culinary world and for a healthy ecosystem.

Join us on Thursday, June 27 at The Asheville Masonic Temple, as Blind Pig prepares a delicious and diverse feast highlighting the tastiest pollinator-derived ingredients, paired by Pisgah Brewing ciders and beers, while enjoying pollinator and conservation presentations that will leave you feeling full of pollinated fare and wisdom. * Vegetarian option available!

We are proud to take part in Asheville GreenWorks and Bee City USA – Asheville’s 7th annual Pollination Celebration.

** To honor the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, please come dressed in black & yellow, with a hint of rusty orange.

Saturday, June 29, 2019
Weaverville Gardens Galore Tour
Jun 29 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Downtown Weaverville & Sourrounding Areas

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to see some of our area’s most inspirational, diverse and beautiful private gardens!

On June 29, 2019 the Garden Club of Weaverville presents the Weaverville Gardens Galore Tour, which will feature seven private gardens and the Weaverville Main Street Nature Park. This self-guided tour opens at 10AM and closes at 4PM. The themed gardens on the tour include an English Cottage Garden, Laughing Crow Ornamental Garden, Whimsical Fantasy Garden, Stone Fire Pit and Garden, Urban Food Garden, Kaleidoscope Garden and a Meandering Mediterranean Garden.

Visit the Garden Club website to view a Tour flier, descriptions of the gardens on the tour, & to pre-reserve a ticket (optional): https://gardenclubofweaverville.org/

Tickets and a Tour map for this fundraising event are available on June 29 at the Weaverville Town Parking Lot on Main Street beginning at 9:30AM. Suggested Adult Donation: $20. Supervised children 12 years and under are admitted free.

The Tour proceeds will support the programs, organizations and scholarships sponsored by the Garden Club of Weaverville, a non-profit organization. The Club is committed to providing gardening-related educational programs and promoting beautification and conservation in the Weaverville community.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Tickets for 12th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Silent Auction
Jul 10 all-day

 

Save the Date:
Friday October 25, 2019


12th Annual
Authors for Literacy
Dinner & Silent Auction

The Authors for Literacy Dinner & Silent Auction will begin with a cocktail hour and silent auction to include distinctive art and crafts, autographed and rare books, and priceless opportunities to enjoy excursions in Asheville and beyond. Following the cocktail hour, event guests will enjoy a three-course dinner and presentation by a current Literacy Council student. Our featured author will then give the keynote presentation. Autographed books will be for sale. Book sales will be managed by Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café.

 

Please note: Ticket sales will end Friday October 18, 2019.

 

Thursday, July 11, 2019
Liquidlogic Kayak Raffle in Support of RiverLink
Jul 11 all-day

 

RiverFest 2019 is less than two weeks! As part of our RiverFest celebrations this year we will be raffling off two kayaks from Liquidlogic. Funds raised from the raffle will support our work to revitalize the French Broad River and watershed.

 

Tickets are $10 for 10 or 25 for $20. Purchase your tickets here.