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.
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.
- 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
Join us for a very fun concert featuring trios for oboe, bassoon, and piano. This unique combination of instruments is not often heard, but is truly special to listen to, especially in our intimate settings. Those wonderful reed instruments are so plaintive and expressive while also allowing for humor and great energy. On this program, we welcome back oboist Margaret Herlehy and bassoonist Janet Polk, two good friends of mine from New Hampshire. We will be performing works by Ludwig Milde, Ludwig van Beethoven, Geoffrey Bush, Madeleine Dring, and Paul Carr. In fact, I could have entitled this program “Ludwigs and the Brits!” Hope you can join us for this really cool program!
Join us once again at one of the finest places to hear a concert anywhere in the country! Dan and Jerry have a fabulous house in the Hendersonville area with panoramic views of mountains, an amazing acoustical space, an incredible interior setting, and two fantastic grand pianos! Jerry also always provides some delicious food and they have plenty of wine as well. Seating will be limited so please sign up as soon as you can. Light food, desserts, and wine are included in the $35 price. Experience chamber music the way it was meant to be heard—in a true chamber. Enjoy the intimate setting and the Salon atmosphere.
Jazz legend Branford Marsalis joins BMC’s all-star faculty and students in a swinging night of beloved tunes and timeless standards.
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
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.
Ages 18+
The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades they have played with spirit and adventure, made their own rules and done so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide with their unique sound and flair for live performance.Now in their 21st year, The Bad Plus continues to push boundaries as founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) embark on a new piano-less incarnation of the band with Ben Monder (guitar) and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone) – instigating a new wave of excitement and anticipation within the band that is re-energizing their sound and inspiration. The Bad Plus have constantly searched to bridge genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.
The Bad Plus is set to release their 15th studio recording and debut self-titled album as a dynamic new quartet via Edition Records on Friday, September 30th. “Evolution is necessary for life and creativity,” say Dave King and Reid Anderson. “We’ve evolved, but we’re still The Bad Plus.”
MARC RIBOT’S CERAMIC DOG
“I got a right to say FUCK YOU!!!” is how the new album from veteran guitarist Marc Ribot’s trio Ceramic Dog starts off, with Ribot howling in anger at corruption, tyranny, life in general, and nothing in particular. Ribot certainly isn’t the only one piling-on, but if you’ve got a serious case of outrage fatigue, Ceramic Dog’s explosive cocktail of balls-to-the-wall abandon, chameleonic disregard for style constraints, political commentary, and absurdist humor is just the shot in the ass you might need. In fact, Ceramic Dog’s new album — titled YRU Still Here?— directed in equal parts at themselves, the commander in chief, and the listening public — arrives just in time to remind us that now is a moment when anger is not only necessary, and unavoidable, but also good for house plants . Thanks in no small part to the fire, brimstone, and dextrous facility summoned by kindred spirits Shahzad Ismaily (Secret Chiefs 3, Will Oldham, Ben Frost) on bass and drummer Ches Smith (Xiu Xiu, Secret Chiefs 3, Trevor Dunn’s Trio Convulsant), YRU Still Here? comes to the table armed with more than just sloganeering rhetoric. By way of stylistic explanation, Ribot comments: “Yes, we too are subject to the post-modern condition, but we see it as a kind of psoriasis.” Alongside his monumental career forging his peerless guitar style with the likes of Tom Waits, John Zorn, the Lounge Lizards, etc, Ribot has also worked for decades as a tenant union and artist rights activist, where he master ed the agit-prop skills used to such dazzling effect on hits such as “Fuck La Migra” and “Muslim/Jewish Resistance”. As much as it is a rallying cry, though, YRU Still Here? also further consecrates Ribot’s bond with Ismaily and Smith, referring to them as his “musical conscience” and to the band as a “family…although not always in a good way”. “After all the playing I’ve done,” Ribot explains, “there’s just something about this group that still manages to shock me.”
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.
Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.
“REED ‘EM and WEEP”
FUN TRIOS FOR OBOE BASSOON, AND PIANO
Join us for a very fun concert featuring trios for oboe, bassoon, and piano. This unique combination of instruments is not often heard, but is truly special to listen to, especially in our intimate settings. Those wonderful reed instruments are so plaintive and expressive while also allowing for humor and great energy. On this program, we welcome back oboist Margaret Herlehy and bassoonist Janet Polk, two good friends of mine from New Hampshire. We will be performing works by Ludwig Milde, Ludwig van Beethoven, Geoffrey Bush, Margaret Dring, and Paul Carr. In fact, I could have entitled this program “Ludwigs and the Brits!” Hope you can join us for this really cool program!
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
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.
Life Like Water is a multi-colored, intricately woven tapestry of sounds. With a focus on hypnotic rhythms, elegant vocal harmonies, and melodies that contain flavors of Africa, Ireland and the Middle East, the music of this eclectic quartet is sure to uplift and inspire.
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.
– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
PEGGY RATUSZ & KELLY JONES
Local faves Kelly Jones (guitar & vocals), praised as one of the best and most versatile players on the scene and 10 times best in Blues award winner Peggy Ratusz (singer songwriter & percussionist), combine their exceptional talents for an intimate early evening 2-set showcase of their favorite acoustic Blues, Classic Country and Pop Rock covers and originals.
Expect to hear a heaping helping of Bonnie Raitt’s early classics as well as scaled down and evocative arrangements from the superb library of the late, great Piedmont guitarist and songwriter, Sean Costello. They call themselves Downtown Duo Delux, and together they’ve been seducing new and faithful fans for nearly two years. You’ll not want to miss a chance to hear them in this cozy and rustic setting out on the Grey Eagle patio stage.
gates open at 4:30pm All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval RAIN OR SHINE CLEAR BAGS ONLY
– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Join us for a very fun concert featuring trios for oboe, bassoon, and piano. This unique combination of instruments is not often heard, but is truly special to listen to, especially in our intimate settings. Those wonderful reed instruments are so plaintive and expressive while also allowing for humor and great energy. On this program, we welcome back oboist Margaret Herlehy and bassoonist Janet Polk, two good friends of mine from New Hampshire. We will be performing works by Ludwig Milde, Ludwig van Beethoven, Geoffrey Bush, Madeleine Dring, and Paul Carr. In fact, I could have entitled this program “Ludwigs and the Brits!” Hope you can join us for this really cool program!
A wonderful new venue for us in the heart of Asheville in the beautiful Kenilworth area. We hope to build another intimate musical community here where we can perform our thrilling and educational concerts. This is a very welcoming Church with fantastic people and great acoustics. Suggested admission at the door is $20 for general, $15 for Church members, and free for all children 18 and under.
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
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.
– FULLY SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE
GUY DAVIS & WALTER PARKS
Guy Davis and Walter Parks, thought they were bonded simply through years of incessant touring and their love of the music of rural America. Yet they only recently discovered a deeper and very specific common connection which inspired this collaboration – their respective ties to southeast Georgia. Guy’s grandfather ran the only black-owned track-lining railroad construction company in the Waycross, Georgia area during the early 1900’s. Coincidentally this was the same era and location that spawned distinct music interpretations of hymns, hollers, reels and work songs which Walter has researched and continues to archive in The Library of Congress American Folklife Collection.
In contrast to his deep south familial ties, Guy Davis was raised in New York City by his parents Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, talented and world-renowned authors, actors and activists. And whereas The Blues remains Guy’s foundation, his live performances, with a banjo, harmonica or a six or twelve-string guitar are entrancing sonic travelogues through Americana, Folk, Blues, and even World music. In concert Guy is often light-of-foot and spirit yet on occasion he calls upon dark moments in U.S. history in hopes of realignment towards a better day, as he’s done in “God’s Gonna Make Things Over” – a song based on the infamous “Black Wall Street” racism-doused conflagration in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Walter and Guy often crossed paths on Walter’s 10 years touring worldwide as Woodstock legend Richie Havens’ sideman. When Richie retired in 2011, Walter knew he had to forge his own style and something compelled him to wonder if music had ever been made where he frequently camped as a boy – in southeast Georgia’s Okefinokkee Swamp. Sure-enough, a Library of Congress deep-dive has given rise to Walter’s unique interpretations of historic music heretofore largely unnoticed since their original recording in the early 1940’s by naturalist Francis Harper. Walter interprets most of this playful and upbeat – Irish and Scottish rooted music in a light-modern electronica feel.
Together, Walter and Guy delve into the stories and songs of their ancestors, both familial and distant, to blow the dust off of the places and memories of those who’ve gone before them, and to shine a musical spotlight on the gifts that are out there to discover and explore.
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.