Calendar of Events
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.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
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LEARN MORE THIS YEAR |
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Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
|
LEARN MORE THIS YEAR |
|
Brush up on your wilderness medicine or learn new survival skills! SOLO Southeast & NOC are offering over 200 courses in 2023 and classes in locations across the southeast.
Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected! |
Come be a community scientist for a day at Purchase Knob! National Park Service educators will take us through several ongoing research projects including a salamander survey and macroinvertebrate sampling. This outdoor education experience for middle and high school students is FREE!
Meet: Buncombe County Agricultural and Land Resources Office, 49 Mount Carmel Rd. Asheville, NC 28806
Bring: water and lunch, sunscreen/bug spray, closed-toe shoes
Cost: FREE!
Contact Rose Wall and Jen Knight for more details: [email protected]
Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens
For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.
Pick-up location:
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.
Cost: no charge
Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.
Join John Caveny, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s own Director of Conservation and Education, as we explore, examine and discuss one of the most endangered forest types in the United States, the Spruce-Fir Forest. During this field course, participants will explore off the beaten path to find some of the largest Red Spruce trees on the park property. Participants will learn about the forest ecology and wildlife and assist John in gathering scientific data to benefit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation’s Natural Resource Management Program. Participants need to be prepared to hike through the woods where there is no trail.
John Caveny has worked with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation for 10 years and has served in several capacities in the park. In his current role, he oversees the Department of Conservation and Education and has been very active in developing, implementing, and expanding the natural resource management projects that occur on the property.
Program Itinerary
10:00 a.m.: Meet at the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and Introductions
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Field time
12:00-12:30 p.m.: Lunch at Wilson Center
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Spruce-fir lecture
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Field time
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Wrap up/Q&A/Evaluations
Registration
This Adult Field Course costs $60 for general admission and $51 for members of Grandfather Mountain’s Bridge Club, plus tax. Attendance is limited to 20 participants. Registration opens below on April 20 at 9 a.m.
Your program cost includes admission into the park, field instruction, and transportation during your program (you may drive your own vehicle to visit sites on the mountain if you would prefer). It does not include meals or lodging. Bringing a bagged lunch is recommended for most field courses, although Mildred’s Grill will be open to attendees. Tips are not accepted for field courses. However, donations to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation are accepted if you would like to recognize a program.
General Clothing List
Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain, snow or shine. You should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions and temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important.
Equipment
- Daypack with enough room to carry extra clothing, water, lunch, camera, etc.
- Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Binoculars
Equipment Specific to this Course
- Note pad and writing utensil
- Long pants and preferably long sleeved shirts are strongly encouraged as we will be walking through the woods.
- Sturdy hiking boots or closed-toed shoes are required
- Data gathering instruments will be provided
Online: Zoom Webinar
No cost due to sponsor support
It seems like everyday we see a new social media platform popping up. Come to this seminar to learn the differences between them and how you can leverage these sites to build and grow your business. We will discuss Snapchat, Tik Tok, Clubhouse, and several others. Learn why, how, and what you need to know in order to make an impact for your business.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, owner and lead trainer of The Leadership Academy, assists small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by teaching them how to be the best in their field. Over the past 25 years, Matt has worked with thousands of businesses and has helped launch over 100 companies, while also consulting with several Fortune 500 and 100 companies. He conducts training sessions on social media marketing, customer service, strategic leadership, business planning, and other related business topics.
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce
Webinar info will be emailed after registration.
A fresh take on a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
For the last year Morgan Geer has been working from his home studio with Paul Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Palace), building on drum tracks initially recorded in New Mexico at Empty House Studios, home of doom metal bands like OM and Sleep. The end result evokes an ominous acid Western feedback-and-driftwood aesthetic.
The latest Drunken Prayer releases have been 2019’s acclaimed LP Cordelia Elsewhere mixed by Mitch Easter (Let’s Active, REM) and the ambitious 17 minute long death-raga, Electric Daddyland from 2021.
Over the past two years, before the pandemic, Drunken Prayer played hundreds of shows across 18 countries and across the US at venues such as the Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon and San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. Geer’s music has been featured on AMC, NPR, WFMU and SiriusXM.
On the side Geer is the lead guitar player for alt-country goths Freakwater and writes for different artists including the Brooklyn rock and soul phenom Bette Smith. Morgan has also been touring internationally, opening for and often joining the eccentric Handsome Family.
Today Morgan splits time between Portland, OR and Asheville, NC.
Rhythm & Brews Concert Series
Presented by Horizon Heating & Air, Rhythm & Brews Concert Series brings together live music, local craft beverages, and the community! These FREE shows take place on the third Thursday of every month from May-September, closing part of South Main Street to make room for all the fun. Local food trucks will line the street cooking delicious eats from kettle corn to pizza to barbecue. Each show begins with an opener at 5:30 p.m. followed by the headlining performance from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
May 18: Hawktail [[Bluegrass/Americana/String]] with Holler Choir [[Americana/String]]
June 15: Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights [[Blues Rock/Southern Rock]] with Carolina Drifters [[Southern Rock]]
July 20: The Stooges Brass Band [[New Orleans Brass Band]] with Zydeco Ya Ya [[Zydeco/Cajun Swing]]
August 17: Fireside Collective [[Progressive Bluegrass]] with The Roving [[ Americana/Indie/Rock]]
September 21: Melissa Carper [[Americana/Western Swing]] with Angela Easterling & The Beguilers [[Singer/Songwriter]]
Beer & Wine Garden
Adults can sip Henderson County beverages from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Bold Rock Hard Cider, Guidon Brewing Co., Oklawaha Brewing Co., Dry Falls Brewery, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, and Flat Rock Cider Company.
All net proceeds from adult beverage sales will benefit the Friends of Downtown Hendersonville 501c3 nonprofit serving the Downtown Program, whose mission is to identify, preserve and enhance the key factors that contribute to the authentic small town urban character of historic downtown Hendersonville.
Kids love Rhythm & Brews, too!
For the youngest in the family, the Hendersonville Honeycrisps & the Hendersonville Toy Company Kid Zone will provide kid-friendly fun, including hula-hooping and activities provided by Hands On! Children’s Museum.
Camp chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. Please leave coolers and pets at home.
R&B Super Fan Package – LIMITED QUANTITIES REMAIN – Purchase here!
The R&B Super Fan Tent provides an enhanced experience with an exclusive, shaded viewing area including beer, wine, and refreshments. Individuals can become R&B Super Fans by purchasing a season package sponsorship for $200 per show. The package includes two sponsor tent tickets to each show and two R&B season t-shirts. By becoming a R&B Super Fan, you are supporting our 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of Downtown Hendersonville. Your support will not only help sustain R&B, but all our other events as well, including Garden Jubilee, Hendersonville Farmers Market, the Bearfootin’ Art Walk, and more. The Super Fan Sponsor Tent is sponsored by B Squared Realty.
Volunteer
Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity? Lending your time at Rhythm & Brews is a great way to meet new people and get involved in a community event. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form to get started.
The Inclement Weather Policy is to delay each act by 30 minutes before moving onto the next act. If the headlining act is unable to perform by 8 p.m. the show will be cancelled. Follow the weather decisions on our Facebook page.
Please leave your pets and coolers at home.
- Live Music, 6:00 p.m. and $8 specialty martinis all day at Leo’s Italian Social
For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!
Erick Baker is an Emmy Award-winning writer, TV show host, and singer-songwriter. For over a decade, he’s been making a life as a touring musician, performing alongside artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Heart, Gavin Degraw, Edwin McCain, and the Goo Goo Dolls. Known for his aching intensity, passion, and unguarded emotional energy, Erick’s live performances are a powerful example of what can be accomplished through song. His music blends a divergent set of American roots influences – Country, Rock, Folk, Soul, and Blues – into one seamless sound, delivering a heartfelt dose of music medicine.
Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.
An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.
Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Chloe Kimes
Nashville based singer-songwriter Chloe Kimes is actively defining the next generation of folk-singing troubadours with an old-soul sensibility for storytelling in a spirited alt-country outfit. Born and raised on the lakeshores of northern Michigan, Kimes remains unbound by genre and consistently navigates a delicate balance between poignance and charm with vocals wrung out and steadfast as any before her. Named one of NPR’s 2022 Slingshot Artists to Watch, her debut album is ambitious and strikingly live. Reviewed as “reminiscent of contemporary roots heroes like Lucinda Williams,” Kimes’ self-titled debut is a raw reflection of the artist, and with music as homegrown as its penman, Kimes and her band are not to be missed.
Jackson Grimm
and his band marry folk pop melodies with the lonesome sound of traditional Appalachian music. In a region with a strong music culture, it is no surprise that Grimm’s songwriting is representative of his musical birthplace: Asheville, NC. A modern string band leader, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Grimm is a talent on the rise.
What will it take to get two dozen powerfully passionate, exceedingly complicated, and all-too-human individuals to settle their differences, while they hold the very future of a nation in their hands? This Tony Award-winning Best Musical is tuneful, witty, and constantly surprising, especially in this revolutionary new production from directors Jeffrey L. Page (Violet) and Diane Paulus (Waitress) with a cast that reflects multiple representations of race, gender, and ethnicity. You may never think about our country—who we are and why—the same way again.
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
Book by Peter Stone
Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
Choreography by Jeffrey L. Page
Direction by Jeffrey L. Page and Diane Paulus
Classical guitarist Adam Holzman takes center stage alongside the lyrical playing and remarkable technique of Bruce Holzman, Martha Masters, and Celil Refik Kaya, three of the finest guitar players of their generation.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Adam Holzman, classical guitar
Bruce Holzman, classical guitar
Martha Masters, classical guitar
Celil Refik Kaya, classical guitar
All seating is general admission.
A fresh take on a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.
In 2004 The Goddamn Gallows began their rough and tumble voyage and haven’t looked in the review mirror since. Leaving six studio albums in their path, they have been reinventing their music with every record. Spit from the heart of America’s Rust Belt, arising from a night of flophouse violence. Drifting across the states, they cemented their sound in Portland, OR and later in Los Angeles, CA, where they lived in abandoned buildings, squatter camps, storage units and shoebox apartments. In 2007, they left everything behind and spent the next four years living out of whatever vehicle would get them to the next town. Building upon their original sound of twanged-out, punk rock “gutterbilly” (Life of Sin 2004 and Gutterbillyblues 2007), they began picking up stray musicians along the way and adding to their sound; washboard, accordion, mandolin and banjo (Ghost of th’ Rails 2009 and 7 Devils 2011) creating a sound referred to as “hobocore”, “gypsy-punk” or “americana-punk”, while never being stuck in any one sound. Enter 2018 and The Goddamn Gallows have reinvented themselves once again with The Trial. From rockabilly, psychobilly and punk rock, to bluegrass and metal, The Trial infuses disparate sounds into a new strange recipe of seamless genre bending profundities. Chock full of impromptu antics of the shocking variety and hauntingly eclectic instrumentation, The Goddamn Gallows have made legions of fans with their legendary, live shows. The Goddamn Gallows, takes their progression of mixing punk rock, bluegrass, psychobilly, and metal to a whole new level! The Goddamn Gallows have now partnered with Sailor’s Grave Records to help deliver the next chapter of their legacy to the world. The Trial begins now.
“Patience is a virtue.” Those words are tattooed across Coleman Williams’ right arm, forever reminding the alternative-country singer/songwriter of the benefits of taking one’s time.
The lesson wasn’t always so clear. As the great-grandson of Hank Williams Sr., grandson of Hank Williams Jr., and only son of Hank 3, Coleman spent years waging an internal battle with the expectations thrust upon him by his own lineage. He represented the fourth generation of country music’s most legendary family — hence his nickname, “IV” — and the pressure to launch his own career was enormous. Although Coleman would eventually make his mark with Southern Circus — the genre-bending debut from his band, IV and the Strange Band, combining southern storytelling and country textures with 100-watt guitar amps and DIY attitude — he needed to break free first and discover his own musical approach along the way.
“Before I even knew who I was, people were already expecting things of me,” he says. “It felt like there was zero freedom of expression for someone with the last name ‘Williams.’ Singing about a bloodline didn’t appeal to me, though. I wasn’t interested in fitting into a shadow that already existed. What did appeal to me was the underground scene in Nashville.”
Coleman became a fierce champion of Nashville’s house-show circuit as a teenager, drawn in by the scene’s supportive spirit and DIY ethics. This was a community that valued principles over pedigrees. A community that offered artists of all stripes a place to express themselves. From punk shows to heavy metal gigs to electronic experiments, Coleman loved it all… and for the first time in his life, he felt like he belonged somewhere.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
Presented by Bee City USA- Hendersonville and Bullington Gardens
For educators: teachers, camp counselors, home-school parents, childcare professionals, summer program leaders, and more, the Pollinator Exploration Kit provides excellent tools. Bee City USA – Hendersonville is eager to help you share the wonder of pollinators with children you teach. The kit includes sets of 12 sturdy child-size insect nets, special bug capture bubbles, bug boxes with magnifying lids, and magnifying glasses. Two pop-up insect habitats and two sets of laminated fold-out field guides (NC Trees & Wildflowers, NC Butterflies & Moths, Bees & Other Pollinators) are also included. The kit can be loaned for up to a week (as available) and may be picked up and returned weekdays 9am-4pm.
Pick-up location:
Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville.
Cost: no charge
Reservation needed: contact [email protected] to check availability and reserve the dates to borrow the Pollinator Exploration Kit.
Do you know our staff has a wild side? Join a Park naturalist to meet some of our live Animal Ambassadors and learn about the types of wildlife in the area and their jobs. Some of our best educators have feathers, fur, shells or scales!
- July 21: The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux with Funk’N Around
- August 18: Asheville All-Stars with Asheville Rock Academy
- September 15: The Sensational Barnes Brothers with Alex Krug Combo
From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!
May 27th 5pm-8pm – Mama and the Ruckus
May 28th 5pm-8pm – The Lefties
June 2nd 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Trio
June 3rd 5pm-8pm – Laura Thurston
June 9th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton
June 10th 1pm-4pm – Jacobs Well
June 10th 5pm-8pm – Natti Love Joys
June 16th 5pm-8pm – Rae and the Ragdolls
June 17th 5pm-8pm – Beer and Loathing
June 23rd 5pm-8pm – TBA
June 24th 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton Trio
June 30th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 1st 5pm-8pm – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
July 7th 5pm-8pm – Bayou Diesel
July 8th 5pm-8pm – Pioneer Chicken Stand
July 14th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
July 15th 5pm-8pm – Christina Chandler Duo
July 21st 5pm-8pm – Terry Haughton
July 22nd 5pm-8pm – TG and the Stoned Rangers
July 28th 5pm-8pm – Blue
July 29th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
August 4th 5pm-8pm – Trial by Fire
August 5th 5pm-8pm – Andy Johnson
August 11th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Solo
August 12th 5pm-8pm – Eddie Clayton Band
August 18th 5pm-8pm – Big Deal Band
August 19th 1pm-4pm – Mckinney
August 19th 5pm-8pm – Funk N’ Around
August 25th 5pm-8pm – Wyatt Espalin
August 26th 5pm-8pm – Somebody’s Child
September 1st 5pm-8pm – TBA
September 2nd 5pm-8pm – Regatta 69
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.
The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.
Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
The 40,20,10s
are an Americana band out of Asheville, NC. The members consist of Galen Holland, Springs Wade, Donny Brazil, and Didier Rubio and they’ve been hittin the scene 3 years strong now. They bring a mix of country, blues and rock into a spooky western sound that would fit perfectly into your favorite road trip out west. Their latest release, POLVO, is out on all the streaming platforms, along with ESCENAS, their first EP.
Julia Sanders and Kevin Fuller
Americana artist Julia Sanders’ new album Morning Star—produced by John James Tourville of New West Records band The Deslondes—unfolds a meticulously arranged musical landscape anchored by transfixing vocals and a compact but thoughtful narrative style that calls to mind forebearers like Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris. On Morning Star, Sanders explores the complexities of transitions: from woman to mother, partners to parents, and freewheelin’ musician to an adult with roots and responsibilities. The album is a poetic, often dark, yet silver-lined portrait of transformation and growth. With each track, Sanders explores a different facet—a career, a partner, a child—and the range of emotions they carry with them, from joy and pleasure to struggle, loneliness and self-doubt. Unafraid to address the complexities that walk hand in hand with the bliss of having children—such as the loss of autonomy and the fracturing of identity—Morning Star provides a much-needed soundtrack to the experience of matrescence—the physical, emotional and social transition to motherhood