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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.

Monday, May 1, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 1 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 2 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

Chamber Challenge: Asheville’s Annual 5k Celebrating Workplace Wellness Registration Open
May 2 – May 1 all-day
online
Grab your colleagues, your friends, even your family, and celebrate workplace wellness in this fun 5k. You might walk every step or sprint to the finish – either way we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register by April 2 for early registration rates, and by April 16 to get your race shirt.

Join us for free trainings starting March 21st

Hosted by the YMCA of Western North Carolina
Tuesdays starting March 21st • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet in the Asheville Chamber parking lot top level (36 Montford Ave.)

• Open to everyone: share this info with co-workers or another business and encourage them to join a training.
• All fitness levels welcome: from first-time 5k walkers to active runners who want to improve.

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2rd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

AVL on Bikes Spring Out
May 2 @ 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Wedge Brewery at Foundation

here’s a link to the event for more info: https://ridewithgps.com/events/205172-spring-out-23#routes/41972013/preview

Join Mark & I for the Main Ride (you may also choose to do the short ride, 3.3 miles and meet up with us after!): 8.8 miles of a mix of bike lanes, greenways, and protected bike lanes plus a variety of neighbor slow streets and active urban streets with a few climbs.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 2 @ 6:00 pm

Get BOGO GA Adult Tickets with promo code INGLES when you buy online.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 3 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

Chamber Challenge: Asheville’s Annual 5k Celebrating Workplace Wellness Registration Open
May 3 – May 2 all-day
online
Grab your colleagues, your friends, even your family, and celebrate workplace wellness in this fun 5k. You might walk every step or sprint to the finish – either way we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register by April 2 for early registration rates, and by April 16 to get your race shirt.

Join us for free trainings starting March 21st

Hosted by the YMCA of Western North Carolina
Tuesdays starting March 21st • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet in the Asheville Chamber parking lot top level (36 Montford Ave.)

• Open to everyone: share this info with co-workers or another business and encourage them to join a training.
• All fitness levels welcome: from first-time 5k walkers to active runners who want to improve.

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2rd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 3 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Your four-legged friends love baseball too! Be sure to join us for Doggies at the Diamond presented by Patton Ave. Pet Co.

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 4 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

Chamber Challenge: Asheville’s Annual 5k Celebrating Workplace Wellness Registration Open
May 4 – May 3 all-day
online
Grab your colleagues, your friends, even your family, and celebrate workplace wellness in this fun 5k. You might walk every step or sprint to the finish – either way we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register by April 2 for early registration rates, and by April 16 to get your race shirt.

Join us for free trainings starting March 21st

Hosted by the YMCA of Western North Carolina
Tuesdays starting March 21st • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet in the Asheville Chamber parking lot top level (36 Montford Ave.)

• Open to everyone: share this info with co-workers or another business and encourage them to join a training.
• All fitness levels welcome: from first-time 5k walkers to active runners who want to improve.

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2rd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner + Auction
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center
Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive
May 4 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

Join us for Thirsty Thursday presented by Catawba Brewing Co. and 105.9 The Mountain. $1 Domestic Beer, $1 Coca-Cola and $3 Craft Beer.

Friday, May 5, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 5 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

Chamber Challenge: Asheville’s Annual 5k Celebrating Workplace Wellness Registration Open
May 5 – May 4 all-day
online
Grab your colleagues, your friends, even your family, and celebrate workplace wellness in this fun 5k. You might walk every step or sprint to the finish – either way we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register by April 2 for early registration rates, and by April 16 to get your race shirt.

Join us for free trainings starting March 21st

Hosted by the YMCA of Western North Carolina
Tuesdays starting March 21st • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet in the Asheville Chamber parking lot top level (36 Montford Ave.)

• Open to everyone: share this info with co-workers or another business and encourage them to join a training.
• All fitness levels welcome: from first-time 5k walkers to active runners who want to improve.

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge!

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2rd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

NOC Paddling School
May 5 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 5 all-day
various locations
The Chamber Challenge
May 5 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber Challenge is designed to promote community wellness through friendly competition between businesses in the Asheville area. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to participate. Whether you walk every step or sprint to the finish, we know you’re up to the challenge! Join in virtually or sign up for the in-person event on May 5th.

Register for the 2023 Chamber Challenge

Register by April 16th for your free race shirt. After April 16th, limited quantities of shirts may be available for $10.

Registration fee:

$35 – Early Registration until April 2nd

$40 – April 3-30

$45 – Late Registration May 1-5

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive — Fireworks Night
May 5 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5

Post Game Fireworks Show presented by Ingles!

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 6 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

NOC Paddling School
May 6 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 6 all-day
various locations
Girls on the Run Spring Season Celebratory 5K
May 6 @ 7:00 am
Asheville Outlets

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.

Free water safety family swim event w/ YWCA
May 6 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
YWCA Asheville

Come for a swim lesson and stay for family swim time and snacks in our warm indoor pool and Multipurpose room. Space for this event is limited and priority is given to families who qualify for swim lesson scholarships. Apply for swim scholarships here.

Asheville Tourists vs. Greenville Drive — Navy Jersey Giveaway
May 6 @ 6:00 pm
McCormick Field

The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a Navy Jersey courtesy of Fred Anderson Toyota.

High Velocity Wrestling Showdown Series
May 6 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Silverado’s

HIGH VELOCITY WRESTLING SHOWDOWN SERIES! HVW BRINGS ALL THE ACTION TO THE SILVERADOS MUSIC PARK ON SATURDAY, MAY 6TH!


Gates at 5pm, Belltime at 7pm, All Ages Show.

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.

Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 7 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!

 

NOC Paddling School
May 7 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

Voted “Best Place to Learn” by Outside, NOC Paddling School has taught more paddlers than anyone else, with 50 years of experience going into every class. Our commitment to the sport and to providing the best possible instruction has not waivered. So come and let us be your respected and experienced instructor.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 7 all-day
various locations
Monday, May 8, 2023
Asheville Art Museum 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund
May 8 all-day
online w/ Asheville Art Museum

Celebrate with us by contributing to the future of the arts in Western North Carolina.

 

Make your 75th Anniversary Spring Annual Fund donation today!

! The Diamond Anniversary is a time to honor our rich heritage and—more importantly—envision our future as the premier visual arts organization in this vibrant, creative region.

 

Founded in 1948 by a group of local artists to showcase the scope and depth of creativity in Western North Carolina (WNC), the Museum brings art of international significance to the region and encourages lively, diverse dialogue.

 

The Museum’s original home was a modest, unheated, three-room building on Charlotte Street in the former sales office of Dr. E.W. Grove. The building was designed by Richard Sharp Smith and provided to the Museum by the City of Asheville. Exhibitions by local painters and sculptors could only be staged in warmer weather, and Sunday afternoon receptions gave the community an opportunity to view original art and to listen to artists talk about their work. By the 1950s, the Museum had become an invaluable part of Asheville’s cultural life. It also began acquiring artworks for its Collection.

 

Three quarters of a century later, the Museum has evolved into the preeminent cultural and educational hub for WNC—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually, hosting several major exhibitions each year, holding scores of special programs, and housing its Collection of more than 7,500 works in its state-of-the-art Pack Square location. From its humble beginnings on Charlotte Street to its breathtaking permanent home in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Museum has remained dedicated to Its mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich the community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

The Asheville Art Museum was built, cherished, and supported by the community throughout the past 75 years. Our anniversary celebration will give back through community partnerships and special programs, and by creating new reasons to visit or become a Member. We hope you’ll join us at one (or all) of our Diamond Anniversary special events: the 2023 Gala on June 17th, the 75th Anniversary Community Day Celebration in August, and the 75th Anniversary Dance Party in November!