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, May 2, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 2 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
ecoEXPLORE Family Herpetology Day
May 3 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Owen Park

Celebrate the warmer weather and bask with the frogs and turtles! Join us as we walk you through the web-based program, ecoEXPLORE. You’ll learn how to submit photos and complete nature themed challenges to earn badges and prizes!

This initiative by the NC Arboretum includes a different challenge each season that will keep children engaged in learning about nature year-round while also contributing to citizen science. The theme this spring is herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. We’ll explore shores of the fishing ponds and woods for a variety of scaly and slimy friends! Stick around after the program to continue your exploration of the nature trails and playground.

Click here to learn more about ecoEXPLORE

 

Ages: 5-10 yrs; families welcome

Where: Owen Park; Picnic shelter at the far end of the parking lot by the dock

For more information, contact Rose Wall and Jen Knight by email: [email protected]. Please reach out in the case of inclement weather to learn if the program will still take place.

Look out for more ecoEXPLORE Family Days one Wednesday every other month.

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 4 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 5, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 5 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 6 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Sunday, May 7, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 7 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Thursday, May 11, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 11 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 12, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 12 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Movies in the Park: DC League of Super-Pets
May 12 @ 8:00 pm
Pack Square Park

A summer tradition returns to Pack Square Park, the popular FREE Movies in the Park series produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation.

.: MOVIE SCHEDULE :.
📽️ May 12 – DC League of Super-Pets, begins around 8:10pm
📽️ June 9 – Cruella, begins around 8:30pm
📽️ July 14 – Top Gun: Maverick, begins around 8:30 pm
📽️ August 11 – Little Giants, begins around 8:10pm
👉 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime with games, giveaways, and other activities for kids and teens.

.: MAKE A PLAN :.
📍 All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes are listed, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
📍 Asheville Parks & Recreation Rec n Roll Fun Zone activities start an hour before showtime.
📍 Bring money for food and treats from local vendors. Smokee’s Pizza is scheduled for opening night on May 12 while Tin Can Pizzeria is scheduled for the remaining dates. Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn will be available at all dates.
📍 Free parking is available in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie Street after 6pm.
📍 Pets, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
📍 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights.

Movies in the Park allows people to enjoy blockbusters on the big screen with a spectacular backdrop – Asheville City Hall’s art decor exterior flanked by the rising mountains and a night sky full of stars. As Asheville’s town square, Pack Square Park’s central location allows community members in nearby neighborhoods including East End, Montford, South French Broad, and Southside to easily walk, bike, or ride to the show. Free parking in downtown after 6pm makes it a low-cost night out for those traveling from further away.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 13 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

MLC Spring Pop Up Market
May 13 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Montessori Learning Community (west)

Montessori Learning community presents its spring pop up with local vendors.

Fairview Handmade Market
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

On May 13, join us for a day celebrating local NC artists and vendors! 30 local artisan vendors will be set up under the big barn, where you’ll find local massage therapists, potters, printmakers, blacksmiths, glass artists, woodworkers, papermakers, weavers and so much more!

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, May 14, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 14 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 18 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 19, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 19 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Art Park
May 19 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carrier Park

Grove Street is back at it again. Come join us for our ART PARK Afternoon at Carrier Park from 2:00-4:00. Participants will enjoy “A Twist of Painting” in the Park. If you are feeling creative and like meeting new people, this program is for you!! If you have any questions please contact Grove Street Community Center at 828-350-2062, hope to see you there!!

Art Park in Carrier Park
May 19 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Carrier Park

ARP’s art instructors provide supplies and nature provides inspiration for painting in the park.

Black Mountain Garden Sale
May 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Black Mountain Town Square

Black Mountain Garden Sale, one of the most popular gardening sales in WNC, will be held on Friday, May 19, 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.

Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other specialty items.

The popular Members’ Market will have personal services and baked goods for sale. Purchase raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award, Community Improvement Award, and to keep the town beautiful!

Additional information at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 20 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

The Bazaar at St. John in the Wilderness
May 20 @ 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
St John in the WIlderness

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will host “The Bazaar at St. John in the Wilderness” on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 8:30am to 1pm inside the Parish Hall and grounds on the church campus. Fine items, artwork, jewelry, glassware, furniture, linens, silver, plants and more will highlight the fundraiser with proceeds assisting local charities involving women, children and families. Early bird shoppers are welcome at 7:30am with a $10 entry fee. There is no fee to shop inside the Parish Hall from 8:30 until 1pm. The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.

Asheville Habitat ReStore Customer Appreciation Sale
May 20 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Spring has sprung and there is no better time than Saturday, May 20th to shop the Asheville Habitat ReStore for all your home and garden needs. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project, updating your décor, or reimagining your outdoor living space, be sure to swing by the Spring Sale at the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Rd. on Saturday, May 20th between 9am and 6pm to save big. Everything – building supplies, appliances, lighting, furniture, housewares, and more – is 25% off, for one day only. Discount not applicable in the Weaverville ReStore.

Makers Market at Atelier Maison + Co.
May 20 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison

Join Atelier Maison & Co. and Show & Tell Pop Up Shop for the monthly Makers Market in the Asheville Design District this Saturday, May 20!
The Makers Market is a monthly market of art & design, featuring vendors and artisans selling housewares, vintage clothing, original art, handmade crafts, fair trade imports, and more – happening on the third Saturday of each month at Atelier Maison & Co.
Shop from local artisans and check out Asheville arts and crafts. Each month, inside and outside the showroom of Atelier Maison & Co. you’ll find a wide variety of different artists and makers at these craft markets. We host vendors displaying everything from textiles to woodwork, fresh farmed flowers, or hand-blown glass.
From noon-5 on the third Saturday of the month, each market has dozens of vendors and hundreds of shoppers throughout the spacious grounds. The markets have a welcoming feel, often with a food truck, craft workshops, or complimentary beverages and treats for the whole family.
With roots in the Asheville Design District, Atelier Maison & Co. is the area’s home furnishings destination offering healthy, design-forward furniture, accessories, and their own exclusive line of green, envy-worthy pieces. They believe living green is not only better for the environment but essential in building a happier, healthier home.

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, May 21, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 21 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Thursday, May 25, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 25 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

City Dance
May 25 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Friday, May 26, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 26 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Saturday, May 27, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 27 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Senior Games and SilverArts
May 27 all-day
Buncombe County
man running and woman standing in front of artwork, Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games logo

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) challenges community members to make 2023 a record breaking year for Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts. The weeks-long festival celebrates the transformative ability of sports and the arts to foster friendship and wellness. There is a $10 fee to participate and online registration opens Feb. 6 at ncseniorgames.org.

“We know many people discovered or rediscovered their love for sports, performing, and literary and visual arts during the pandemic and this is the perfect time to share that talent with our community – so anyone who’s ages 50 or better should sign up,” according to Colt Miller, APR Athletic Coordinator and local Senior Games contact. “While many participants advance to the state and national competitions, the main focus isn’t winning, but showcasing the incredible talent found among active adults right here at home. This is also the perfect opportunity to try something new! In the past, we’ve had people who had never played a sport or worked in a particular medium who turned out to be naturals.”

The event is one of 53 local games officially-sanctioned by North Carolina Senior Games, the largest senior Olympic program in the nation. The schedule includes competitions and demonstrations to exercise the mind and body in April and May at locations throughout Buncombe County.

All events welcome spectators. Interested community members can print a schedule or pick one up at any APR community center. APR hosts Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games and SilverArts with Black Mountain Parks & Recreation, Buncombe County Parks & Recreation, and Henderson County Parks & Recreation.

Sports and Arts

Sports include bowling, croquet, golf, mini golf, track and field (including race walk and power walking), cycling, archery, swimming, billiards, badminton, cornhole, horseshoes, pickleball, basketball shooting, shuffleboard, and tennis. Age categories start at 50 and increase at five year intervals.

SilverArts categories are classified as Heritage (quilting, woodwork, crochet, basket weaving, jewelry, needlework, tole/decorative painting, weaving, knitting, pottery, stained glass, woodcarving, woodworking, and woodturning), Visual (acrylics, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastels, film photography, digital photography, sculpture, and watercolor), Performing (comedy/drama, dance, vocal, instrumental, and line dance), Literary (poetry, short story, essay, and life experiences), and Cheerleading. Art pieces will be displayed at Pack Memorial Library.

 

For questions or more information, please contact Colt Miller at (828) 707-2376 or [email protected].

 

Schedule at a Glance

 

For questions or more information, please contact Colt Miller at (828) 707-2376 or [email protected].