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.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 13, 2023
Fiction Writers’ Group @ the Weaverville Library
Apr 13 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Join this new group of supportive local writers for fiction writing practice, sharing & feedback.

This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 1-3 PM beginning January 26th- April 13th. 

Each session will include readings, critique, and creative writing prompts as time allows. This is a new group for all, and no pre-registration is necessary.  Light refreshments will be served.  Email [email protected] with questions.

Friday, April 14, 2023
Friday Night Jams with Collin Cheek at the Ridge
Apr 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Ridge at Saint Paul Mountain Farms

Our very own Keri Ann has connected with the African Christian Fellowship to embark on a Mission trip this July to Malawi, Africa.

$10 cover charge, a raffle and an opportunity to donate!

To support this wonderful cause, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard and Appalachian Ridge will kick off Spring with a 4 week Friday Night Jam’s Fundraiser at Appalachian Ridge from 6-9pm. �We will have live Music each Friday from 6-8:30pm. There will be a $10 cover charge, a raffle and an opportunity to donate. All of these proceeds go straight to the ACFUSA to provide and support primary health care needs to 6 villages in Malawi.

Friday Night Jam’s Malawi Fundraiser will take place every other Friday; Friday, April 14th- Live Music with Collin Cheek Friday, April 28th- Live Music with Hunnilicious Friday, May 12th- TBD Friday, May 26th- TBD

Saturday, April 15, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 15 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, April 16, 2023
Pan Harmonia | Adventure Armenia BENEFIT #2
Apr 16 @ 3:00 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Kate Steinbeck
Music for solo flute – A program of surprises

This concert is a fundraiser for a mission trip to Armenia to play concerts for UN Refugee communities and others

Advanced reservations are encouraged.

Read more about Adventure Armenia here: https://panharmonia.org/2023/01/02/adventure-armenia/

Tuesday, April 18, 2023
AVL Writers: Next Critique
Apr 18 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Odd's Cafe

As per usual, please bring a piece you can read in 10 minutes, support our wonderful venue, and if you want to simply listen/observe/sit in, that’s fine too!

Please DM me if you would like to be added to the email listserv that keeps us all in the loop.

Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 20, 2023
Common Word Community Read: “Being, Researching, Writing About, and Advocating for Dr. Gilmer” w/ Wiley Cash + Benjamin Gilmer
Apr 20 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center in the Manheimer Room.

Join New York Times Bestselling author and UNC Asheville alumnus, Wiley Cash ’00 in conversation with author Benjamin Gilmer on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center in the Manheimer Room.

This event is part of the Common Word Community Read, curated by Cash. The program brings the UNC Asheville community together to engage in a collective educational experience. Each semester, one book will serve as the focus of numerous virtual and in-person lectures and discussions that will allow participants to delve deeper into the text. Over the course of the academic year, participants will read one book each semester, gaining insights and sharing ideas in a welcoming and respectful environment. Spring 2023’s selection is The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, a Murder, and an Unlikely Fight for Justice.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 22 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, April 23, 2023
WomanSong: Earth Day
Apr 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
One World Brewing West

The Asheville Only One Earth Coalition is throwing a party for Earth Day!
Enjoy an evening of music, food, and drink with some local activists and other beautiful earthlings.
This event will be a benefit for Southside Community Garden.
Admission at the door will be on a sliding scale of $10 – $25, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
They will also have a raffle, which will include art, gift certificates, and various fun stuff.

Activists from some of the Coalition organizations will have tables to share information about what they are doing to make this world a better place.  Come join us as we celebrate Earth Day and our hopes for a better world!

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
Apr 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, April 27, 2023
Creative Writing Workshop: EcoFiction
Apr 27 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Fairview Library

In this series, we will write about encounters with the natural world through workshops in poetry, fiction, and autobiography. Drawing from the experiences you bring to class, and using a naturalist’s eye for observation and detail, you will capture encounters with vast mountain ranges and lush forests, garden insects and backyard bears, moon phases and songbird migrations. We will read example texts and practice writing prompts to deepen our relationship with nonhuman nature. We will also discuss how “eco” writing supports climate activism, environmental justice, conservation, and related issues.”

Spring creative writing workshops with Fairview author and teacher, Dr. Beth Keefauver, will be offered the last Thursdays of March, April and May.  The classes may be taken individually or as a series. The April class will focus on Eco Fiction.

Registration is required for these classes.  For more information call 828-250-6484.

This class is sponsored in part by the Friends of Fairview Library.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
Guided Meditation @ Enka Library
Apr 29 @ 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Enka-Candler Public Library

Join us for a 6 week series to explore the gentle practice of meditation. We’ll sample from a variety of traditions/tools; practices that have been known to inspire peace and insight.

Comfortable, loose clothing is recommended and a floor mat if you have one, chairs will be out as well for your comfort. Can’t wait to see you there!

This program is for adults and will take place in our library community room every other Saturday morning. No registration is required.

All library programs are free to attend.

Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Apr 29 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Ross Farm’s Spring Fling with Appalachian Standard
Apr 29 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ross Farm

We’re doing it AGAIN y’all!!
Join us for the third annual Spring Fling, taking place at:
91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC, 28571
April 29, 2023
11:00 AM to 4PM
Our beautiful greenhouses are over-flowing with spring vibes and are full of unique plants, live music, a mechanical bull, h-e-m-p goodies, and fantastic vendors, ready to launch us into the warm season.

Come experience one heck of a unique venue as we have bluegrass jams, a set with HUG – Hendersonville Ukulele Group, the Substandards, almost madi, and a SURPRISE band! We’ll also have all the Farm Fam favs like Lauren Daviss of @fiddyshadesofgreen, Amy and Jesse Ross, and MS. SUSIE (#protectmssusieatallcosts).

Almost Madi will be joining us to play gentle tunes as you peruse our wonderful line-up of craft vendors, which will include artisan food vendors like App Wyld, as well as beautiful jewelry, amazing art, glass blowers, ceramics, and of course a wide selection (and maybe even a few special drops) of green goodness from Appalachian Standard!

The Spring Fling is *FREE* to the public. Parking is available on site but can be limited so it is recommended that groups carpool. This is an outdoor event. The first 100 people to join us will receive a goodie bag!

Benefit For Jennifer -STAGE 4 Bo More: Search For A Cure
Apr 29 @ 2:00 pm
Benefit For Jennifer- STAGE 4 No More: Search For A Cure

Please join us in Hendersonville, NC, April 29th, 2PM. Live Music From Johhny Blackwell and Joe Roads, as well as Raffle Prizes! Fundraiser benefits Jennifer’s cancer treatment and search for a cure. Thank you!!! Other ways to help: https://givesendgo.com/G9QUV?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=G9QUV https://gofund.me/57aec302

The Block Party presented by Looking Glass Realty AVL
Apr 29 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Liberty St. Block

The Second Annual Block Party will be held on Saturday, April 29th from 2:00 – 7:00 PM on South Liberty Street at the crossroads of East Chestnut and Merrimon Place in Asheville, North Carolina.

The event is free to enter, but a recommended donation at the door is encouraged, with all donations going directly to benefit The Pisgah Conservancy, an organization that leads sustainable projects to improve and preserve Pisgah National Forest.

The event will feature live music from several performers, including Red Clay Revival, The Larry Keel Experience, DJ Logic, and an interactive drum performance by Billy Zanski.

There will also be over 15 local craft vendors and fun activities for the whole family, such as yard games, a board breaking station from Premier Martial Arts Studio and more.

Food sold on-site by Pulp & Sprout, Smashville Food Truck, and sweet treats by Sunshine Sammies.

Craft beverages will be sold by One World Brewing, The Whale and N/A beverages by Headspace Elixirs. Complementary water provided by Blue Moon Water.

Pisgah National Forest is one of the most visited National Forests in the nation, with millions of visitors each year. The Pisgah Conservancy has successfully led projects focused on improving the forest’s trail systems and access points in a sustainable way, developing a close relationship with the National Forest Service in the process. The Block Party aims to create awareness and financial support for The Pisgah Conservancy’s work, which is crucial in the face of unprecedented growth in the outdoor recreation economy and the region as a whole.

The Block Party committee consists of seven individuals from Looking Glass Realty’s Asheville office, who donate their time and talents to organize the event. This year, event coordinator Jessica Grion of Pisgah Brewing has joined the team, and the committee is excited to work with The Pisgah Conservancy once again to make the event a success.

Please click the link below to learn more about our Sponsorship Opportunities for this year’s event: Block Party Sponsorship Opportunities.

Want to volunteer? Contact Jessica at [email protected].

This is a rain or shine event! Donations at the door can be made by Cash, Venmo and Paypal.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional event information and updates.

Thank you kindly for your support! Happy trails and see you on the Block!

~ Looking Glass Realty

Asheville Comedy Hypnosis Show at The Hypno-Larium Comedy Club in Downtown Asheville
Apr 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown

Get Hypnotized as the “Most Asheville” Thing to Do in Downtown Asheville This Weekend. SATURDAY NIGHTS Hypnotist Jon Dee Show all the LAUGHS behind the Subconscious Mind. GUARANTEED to have a Fantastic Time but also to leave with more Hope, Smiles and Belief that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Meditative Morning
May 2 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
The North Carolina Arboretum

We’ve heard your valuable feedback, and now you don’t have to hear us! Beginning May 4, 2021, the period between 8 and 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday morning of every month will be reserved for “Meditative Mornings,” a pause for quiet time in our gardens and on our trails. During this time, our working garden crew will abstain from using leaf blowers, mowers and other equipment so you can be sure to enjoy the sounds of birds and the wind in the trees.

Take advantage of half-price parking on the first Tuesday of every month and come out to the Arboretum to enjoy a Meditative Morning!

Dark City Poet’s Society
May 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Thursday, May 4, 2023
14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner + Auction
May 4 all-day
Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center

We are thrilled to share the news that bestselling author of Southernmost, Silas House, will keynote Literacy Together’s 14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center.

House has authored six novels, a book of creative non-fiction, and three plays. He is the executive producer and one of the subjects of the documentary Hillbilly.

House is a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered.” His writing has appeared in Time, The Atlantic, Ecotone, The Advocate, Garden and Gun, and Oxford American. House serves on the fiction faculty at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Creative Writing and as the NEH Chair at Berea College. Read more about Silas here.

Proceeds from the Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction will benefit programs to help people of all ages reach their personal and educational goals through the power of literacy. Literacy Together provides volunteer tutors to more than 300 students and sends books to over 5,000 preschool children in Buncombe County.

General admission is $95, and a limited number of VIP passes include a meet and greet with the author.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
May 6 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Sunday, May 7, 2023
7th Annual Filthy Franklin Mud Run
May 7 all-day
The Franklin School of Innovation

Get your old(est) running shoes out and prepare to get seriously muddy! The Filthy Franklin Mud Run happens Sunday, May 7th. Our course is guaranteed to steal at least a few shoes before the day is done!
The races will be a timed trial start and there will be crazy obstacles and lots of mud!! Teen and adult races are approximately 2 miles, children 10 and under run just under a mile. Of course, the army crawl and mud trench will be part of this again, as well as other various challenging obstacles!
The Mud Run raises funds for Bolts Athletics. It helps fund equipment, uniforms and facilities. It is planned and created by Community Council members and student-athletes. OH YEAHHH!
You must register by April 12th to receive a free t-shirt. After the deadline, T-shirts can be purchased the day of the event for $20. Limited quantities.
You can register and purchase tickets at:
https://franklinschoolofinnovation.networkforgood.com/…
We will have race day registration as well!
Kids Race at 2:30pm
Adult Race at 3:00pm
Teen Race at 3:30pm
The event is free to attend, but to race registration is $25 for Kids and $40 for Adults & Teens.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
May 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Friday, May 12, 2023
George Birge Live in Concert
May 12 @ 7:00 pm
UNC Asheville at Sherrill Center

Support your firefighters and paramedics of North Carolina by coming to see the Hottest new artist out of Nashville TN. George Birge with “Give me that drink” song is sweeping the radio stations. Get your tickets now!

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
May 13 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Dark City Poet’s Society
May 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Black Mountain Library

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society Writers Group
May 16 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
online

Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society Writers Group: 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Email [email protected] for connection details if you want to join the meeting.

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Bridge the Gap! A Fundraiser for SkillSet Scholarships
May 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
UNCA STEAM Studio

You’re invited to an evening of food, fun, and fundraising in honor of the UNC Asheville STEAM Studio’s SkillSet Program!

Join us on Thursday, May 18, from 5 – 7 p.m. to tour the studio, take part in a silent auction, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Tickets for the event are $30 through Eventbrite

Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for SkillSet, an outreach program of UNC Asheville’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Studio.
SkillSet provides access to life-changing skills through maker-based education. Through SkillSet, community members of all ages can participate in summer camps and day classes, learning everything from making custom electric guitars to programming robotics and building furniture. Students of all skill levels become familiar with tools and develop the technical skills and resilience to create these objects.

SkillSet primarily serves under-resourced communities, female-identified, and gender-expansive students to ensure visibility of diverse identities in STEAM fields and inspire students to consider new interests and career paths.

Over 50% of our families receive financial assistance in the form of pay-what-you-can tuition. Monies raised from this event will help send a kid to summer camp! Help us meet our goal of raising $8000 for the summer 2023 scholarship fund.

Learn more about the STEAM Studio SkillSet Program at www.skillset.tools

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
May 20 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.