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.

Friday, July 9, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Jul 9 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Saturday, July 10, 2021
Cooper River Bridge Run Sept. 2021 Registration Open
Jul 10 all-day
Cooper River Bridge Run

Bridge Run Rescheduled

Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 10 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Jul 10 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Chasing Trail 8k Seasonal Series
Jul 10 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Richmond Hill Park

Join us for a fun off road, socially distanced running series. Professionally timed. $3 from each entry will be donated to BeLoved Asheville and all the good work they are doing in our community

 

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid trail runner this series is perfect for you with this short 8k route.

Motivate through 2021 with our 4 race series.

Race yourself by trying to better your time as the year progresses.

All runners will receive:

  • BOCO custom technical trucker.
  • Custom bib.
  • Professionally digital timed race.
  • Finisher collectors pin. Different for each race, collect them all!

Sign up for multiple races for a discount.

1 Race $35.00 per Race $35 Total
2 Races $33.00 per Race / 10% off $66 Total
3 Races $28.00 per Race / 20% off $84 Total
4 Races $24.50 per Race /30% off $98 Total

$3 from race registration will be donated to

BeLoved Asheville!

You’ll be able to donate more if you’d like during registration.

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Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jul 10 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Bold Souls Morning Yoga
Jul 10 @ 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Bold Rock Hard Cider (Mills River, NC)

Bring your yoga mats to Bold Rock for a mindful way to begin your Saturday! Get your “ohm” on with a local trainer and yoga instructor as they lead a fun and playful yoga session. This class is open to all levels of yoga experience for a $5 suggested donation!
After yoga, feel free to have a cider or some delicious lunch from the food truck.
2021 West Fork Tuck River Releases
Jul 10 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
West Fork Tuckasegee River

Thorpe Dam on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River

DESCRIPTION

2021 West Fork, Tuckasegee River scheduled releases are brought to you by our friends at American Whitewater. Nantahala Outdoor Center is a proud sponsor of American Whitewater’s work to protect and restore river’s across the country- Learn more about becoming an American Whitewater member here.

The West Fork of the Tuck is 5.5 miles of class III- IV+ whitewater, from Thorpe Dam to Thorpe Powerhouse. From slides to boulder gardens, this section of the Tuckasegee River offers a wide variety of fun challenges for advanced paddlers.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 10 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

First Saturdays at Jus’ Running
Jul 10 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Jus' Running

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: SOBREMESA
Jul 10 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Salvage Station

Sobremesa, literally “over the table,” is a word that describes the ritual of families and friends
lingering over a meal to chat — often into the early morning hours. It’s when the food coma
kicks in, but you just want to relax and be in each other’s company, occasionally picking at
leftovers or refilling your glass. In honor of Asheville’s vibrant Latinx/Hispanic community,
this event will celebrate the rich and diverse food traditions that stretch from Mexico to the
Southernmost tip of Argentina. The meal will be accompanied by a thoughtful conversation
highlighting the role of immigration in our region’s foodways with guests Marianne
Martinez, executive director of Vecinos; and Sergio Fernandez, executive director of El
Centro.

Chow Chow Culinary Festival: POLLINATING METAMORPHOSIS
Jul 10 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
OLIVETTE RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY & FARM

The presence of diverse and healthy pollinators like butterflies, bees, moths,
hummingbirds, and beetles is a signal that a landscape is functioning in beautiful harmony,
at its highest expression of health and diversity. Pollinators ensure the continued existence
of millions of plant species, as well as the animal species that depend on those plant
species, including humans. Many pollinator populations are in decline, attributed to the
mismanagement of the dynamic ecosystems that support our planet—pollution, the
misuse of chemicals, disease, and changes in climatic patterns are all examples of what
is causing shrinking and shifting pollinator populations. It’s time for a metamorphosis in
the way land is honored as a whole. Join Chow Chow and Kim Bailey, founder of Milkweed
Meadows Farm and Phyllis Stiles, founder and director emerita of Bee City USA for a
pollinator centered experience. From the farm fields to the forested mountaintops we
invite you to an inventive dining experience that imagines the bravery of metamorphosis,
and the synergy and abundance of intricate life that is supported when we honor the
ecology of the land.

FUNK YOU WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYRIC
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

Funk You with Lyric Live at Silverados 07 10 2021.jpg

WE ARE THRILLED TO WELCOME FUNK YOU TO OUR OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYRIC. COME AND ENJOY A NIGHT OF ROCK N’ ROLL IN THE SWANNANOA VALLEY.

KENDALL STREET COMPANY
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage

Kendall Street Company

From late night jam sessions at the University of Virginia to main stages at venues and festivals
throughout the country, Kendall Street Company has broken the mold of improvised rock and enters a
world of jazz-grass infused psychedelic bliss. With no two shows ever the same, word of mouth has
quickly grown a ravenous fanbase eager to hear their favorite studio tracks explored and extended as
part of a live community. As seasoned KSC fans can tell you, any one of their songs could easily turn
from a fun sing-along, into a cacophonous headbanging garage-rock soundscape or Klezmer-disco dance
party, and then resolve into a peaceful ambience that evokes nostalgia of your childhood.
Averaging over 100 shows per year since 2013, the band is currently comprised of Louis Smith [Acoustic
guitar, vocals], Brian Roy [Bass, vocals], Ryan Wood [Drums], Ben Laderberg [Electric guitar], and Jake
Vanaman [Saxophone]. For such a young band, their accomplishments are sincere. Kendall Street has
performed at festivals such as Lockn’, Roosterwalk, Floydfest, Resonance, and Domefest and has opened
for acts such as Papadosio, Umphrey’s McGee, Tauk, and Leftover Salmon. All the while, the band has
proudly released three records and two EPs. Their most recent 2019 release, “Lunar Dude” showcases
their versatility and virtuosity, and was met with overwhelming support.
2020 is building up to be the biggest year yet for the band. Along with two (or perhaps three) new
records on the horizon, their upcoming Winter/Spring tour will take them all across the country in
Woody Guthrie fashion. From Louisiana to Texas, Colorado to Wisconsin, Ohio to Boston, New York City
and more, the band has no intent of slowing down any time soon. See you on the road!

Sunday, July 11, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 11 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Rafting
Jul 11 all-day
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Rafting

Available April – October with the morning departure of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing Bryson City, NC. Train seating in Open Air Gondola. Booking available by phone only: 1-800-872-4681.

Convenient, Inclusive, and Simple!

  • Adult (13 years and older) $109
    Child (Minimum of 7 years old or 60 pounds) $92

A Fully-Guided Experience

The original Raft & Rail© since 1988: enjoy the two best adventures in the region in one day, great for families. Southern Living Magazine calls this “an ideal adventure for families, first-timers, young or old.” This full-day guided adventure starts with a Wildwater staff member greeting you at the train depot, followed by a scenic train trip, deli lunch with all the fixings, and a Nantahala River whitewater trip with a guide in every boat. Hot showers and a photo show follow immediately after your 8 mile Nantahala River trip. All transportation is included to and from the Bryson City Train Depot.

Available by phone only. Book now by calling 800-872-4681.

Grab Brunch at River’s End
Jul 11 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
River’s End Restaurant

River's End Restaurant exterior

River’s End Restaurant is an iconic spot for locals and visitors to Bryson City. Enjoy spectacular views of the gorge, with paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Stop in for year-round lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch during the summer season, and choose from a wide range of appetizing entrees, burgers, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Hang out for a while and enjoy a large selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, including local favorites.

In River’s End Restaurant, every seat has a view of the river! Enjoy music by the river and views of paddlers passing through as they complete their Nantahala River Rafting trip. Join our waitlist online to reserve a table or order online and grab your meal to go, for a sunny lunch right by the river!

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 11 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Bluegrass Brunch
Jul 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!

JAZZ BRUNCH Free · One World West
Jul 11 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
One World West Brewing

JAZZ BRUNCH @ ONE WORLD WEST
EVERY SUNDAY FROM 1:30-4PM
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
WEEKLY BRUNCH MENU FROM UMAMI MAMI
Food Truck Sundays
Jul 11 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Archetype Brewing

In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!

BLACK JOE LEWIS + THE HONEYBEARS
Jul 11 @ 7:00 pm
Salvage Station-Outdoor Stage

BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears return with their most subversive record to date: an exploration of the sordid trappings of ego, isolation, consumption, waste, and war. Sonically inspired by the Hill Country blues, cowpunk, and the southern soul of Stax, this album charts new territory with a heavy stream of lyrical consciousness. This is The Difference Between Me & You.

 

 

The Difference is influenced by Lewis’ first decade on the road, embodying a deep repertoire of sounds and drawing from: the heavy grooves of Albert King, the punked-up blues of R.L. Burnside, the storytelling of Bobby “Blue” Bland, and the soulfully layered horns of the Stones. No one’s sound holds more weight than the next; all are all omnipresent throughout.

 

 

The Difference Between Me & You is the band’s fifth studio album. And while it’s an approach that might veer slightly from the typical sounds those who’ve followed the band are used to hearing, it was a conscious step in a new direction for Lewis. When asked, Lewis says he wanted to “make a more complex and reflective record” than he had before.

Monday, July 12, 2021
Nantahala River Rafting Fully Guided
Jul 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests rafting on the Nantahala River Raft & Duck Rentals in North Carolina trip

A guided whitewater rafting trip is one of the best ways to experience the Nantahala Gorge. The crystal-clear Nantahala River is the perfect family-friendly river where experienced river guides will help you navigate through splashy Class II-III rapids and bouncy waves, with occasional calmer waters where you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. The fully guided rafting trip the most popular adventure at NOC, with thousands of families returning year after year.

Aston Park Tennis Center
Jul 12 @ 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
Aston Park Tennis Center
people playing on the courts at aston park tennis center

 

Asheville Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the opening of Aston Park Tennis Center on April 1 for the 2021 season.  The tennis facility will be open seven days a week with two sessions of court availability — a morning session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and an afternoon session from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with a one-hour break for midday cleaning.

Visitors can expect some changes to typical operations to meet current state and local health guidelines including enhanced cleaning, social distancing and mandatory mask wearing except while actively engaged in tennis activity on the court.  The Pro Shop will remain closed to foot traffic, however basic tennis supplies, drinks, and racquet drop-off for restringing will be available at the window.  Court fees will also be accepted at the window by credit card only and water fountains and showers will not be available.

 

Tennis Center prices are the same as they were in 2019, with hourly rates beginning at $6 and $7 and season passes starting at $299 and $399 for City of Asheville residents.  For more information and to purchase a season pass, visit the City’s Parks & Recreation website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.

 

The Aston Park Tennis Center, 336 Hilliard Ave.,  is one of the finest public clay tennis court facilities in the US.  The complex is open from April through November and offers 12 lighted courts for play.

 

The City of Asheville Parks & Recreation Department is committed to providing quality facilities and programs in a safe environment for everyone in our community.  For more information about everything Asheville Parks & Recreation offers, visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/parks,  Facebook page at www.facebook.com/APRCA or call 828-259-5800.

Beer + Bath Night
Jul 12 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Down Dog

Beer & Bath Night

Join us every Monday for Beer & Bath Night with Jan from Paisley Paws Mobile!

Services include:
$25 for a bath + 1 beer (mostly dry)

$25 for fanny, face, feet clip + 1 beer

$10 for pooch mani/pedi + 1 beer

First-come, first-serve. You can sign up at the bar upon arrival.

Join us for a Frenchie party!
Jul 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Down Dog

Down dog

Join us for a Frenchie party! Bring your French Bulldog and enjoy drink specials & a fun polaroid photo-op in front of our wing mural!

BIKE NIGHT MONDAYS
Jul 12 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverados

Join us every MONDAY for our 2021 Summer Bike Night Series with special musical guest Contagious rocking our stage. Fresh catered BBQ Plates will be available for sale. Hop on your bike and come on down for bike nights in the Swannanoa Valley!

Just a friendly reminder, the State of NC requires a MEMBERSHIP to enjoy our venue.

Jonathan Foster
Jul 12 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
One World Brewing West

Jonathan Foster

On tour, Americana roots songwriter Jonathan Foster performs solo-acoustic at One World Brewing West in Asheville, North Carolina! -www.JonathanFosterMusic.com

One World Brewing West Trivia Night
Jul 12 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
One World Brewing- West Asheville

Trivia Flier

Trivia Night hosted by Kristen and Daniel Priest-Prizes include One World Brewing gift cards.