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.
The YWCA recently learned that our aging HVAC system can no longer reliably heat and cool our building. This means more than discomfort for members and staff – we are required to maintain a consistent and healthy temperature in the building for the well-being and safety of the children in our childcare programs. We are asking for your help to address the immediate need for $60k to replace the first five of our 24 HVAC units and ensure that both of our Childcare programs can continue to provide accessible childcare to working families and the work of the YWCA can continue without disruption.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Big Band Concert Lakeside White Tent

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Round Robin Tennis Tournament Outfitters Tennis Courts (Register online.)
9:15-9:45 p.m. | Floating Wish Lanterns on the Lake

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9 a.m. | Summer Worship Lakeside White Tent
7 p.m. | Concert with Darren Nicholson Band and Unspoken Tradition (Buy tickets online.) Stuart Auditorium

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Closest to the Pin Golf Competition Lake Junaluska Golf Course
8:30 a.m. | Morning Devotion by the Lake Harrell Center Porch
11 a.m. | Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla Contest (Register to participate.) Colonnade
12 p.m. | Judging for Decorated Porches Contest (Register to enter.)
7 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Ashley Calhoun followed by Singing Soldiers Concert Lakeside white tent
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks (Book the Fireworks Lake Cruise.)

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
11 a.m. | Parade (Register to enter.) North Lakeshore Drive
12-2 p.m. | Food Trucks & Family Fun on the Fourth
Picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass (live music), Family Square Dance & More Kid-Friendly Fun
Open-Air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
The addition of preservation grants to our existing efforts in advocacy, technical support, preservation easements, and education, will allow us to reach a new and diverse audience. This program will allow us to support both large and small projects from downtown Asheville to our rural and under-served communities.
Click here for the Grant Application
We look forward to helping with emergency stabilization projects and restorations of important places, to helping neighborhoods receive designations such as recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and to encouraging and supporting new and unique education and research opportunities. We want to be surprised and humbled by the projects our community asks us to support!
As our city faces the inevitable challenges of growth, PSABC’s voice and reach must expand. The important addition of this Preservation Grant Program comes in response to the needs of our community.
*Deadline to apply for the current grant round is Friday August 11th*
Preservation grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
- Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
Some examples: Windows and doors • Exterior painting • Porches • Roofs and gutters • Electrical and plumbing • Hardscaping • Foundation • Original exterior or interior details
- Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
Some examples: Research and documentation • Oral histories • Installations specific to buildings, place history, and culture • Exhibitions • K–12 educational publications • Seminars and lectures • Documentary films
- Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Some examples: Historic building condition reports • Engineering and rehabilitation plans • Feasibility studies • Historic resource surveys • Updates of previous surveys • Local and national historic designations
Read about our past winners here!
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group

Eblen Charities - Transportation Assistance for Western North Carolina Residents for Job Access: Eblen Charities aims to provide transportation assistance to low-income residents to improve job access and economic mobility. They offer gas vouchers ranging from $25 to $50 to help individuals attend job interviews and medical appointments and cover transportation costs until they receive their first paycheck. The organization plans to expand its transportation assistance program by creating an online portal for voucher requests. With this grant, they aim to serve an additional 200 job seekers, increase the voucher amounts to address rising gas prices and double their program budget.
The YWCA recently learned that our aging HVAC system can no longer reliably heat and cool our building. This means more than discomfort for members and staff – we are required to maintain a consistent and healthy temperature in the building for the well-being and safety of the children in our childcare programs. We are asking for your help to address the immediate need for $60k to replace the first five of our 24 HVAC units and ensure that both of our Childcare programs can continue to provide accessible childcare to working families and the work of the YWCA can continue without disruption.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
7 p.m. | Blue Ridge Big Band Concert Lakeside White Tent

SATURDAY, JULY 1, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9-11 a.m. | Round Robin Tennis Tournament Outfitters Tennis Courts (Register online.)
9:15-9:45 p.m. | Floating Wish Lanterns on the Lake

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
9 a.m. | Summer Worship Lakeside White Tent
7 p.m. | Concert with Darren Nicholson Band and Unspoken Tradition (Buy tickets online.) Stuart Auditorium

MONDAY, JULY 3, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
7 a.m.-7 p.m. | Closest to the Pin Golf Competition Lake Junaluska Golf Course
8:30 a.m. | Morning Devotion by the Lake Harrell Center Porch
11 a.m. | Decorated Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Flotilla Contest (Register to participate.) Colonnade
12 p.m. | Judging for Decorated Porches Contest (Register to enter.)
7 p.m. | Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Ashley Calhoun followed by Singing Soldiers Concert Lakeside white tent
9:30 p.m. | Fireworks (Book the Fireworks Lake Cruise.)

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
6:30-9 a.m. | Terrace Hotel Buffet Breakfast
11 a.m. | Parade (Register to enter.) North Lakeshore Drive
12-2 p.m. | Food Trucks & Family Fun on the Fourth
Picnic, Whitewater Bluegrass (live music), Family Square Dance & More Kid-Friendly Fun
Open-Air Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym

If you’re behind on your water bill or afraid your water might get cut off, a new resource might be able to help you. On Jan. 4, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved more than $450,000 in federal funding for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The initiative is aimed at preventing water disconnections and helping reconnect drinking and wastewater services.
The LIHWAP will be administered by Buncombe County-based Eblen Charities. The nonprofit will make payments directly to utilities on behalf of qualifying households. The program is slated to run through Sept. 30, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
Households that currently receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Work First services, or those that received Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) services from Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, are automatically eligible to receive this benefit if their water services have been cut off or are in danger of being cut off.
For additional eligibility information or to apply, please contact Eblen Charities at (828) 255-3066.
The addition of preservation grants to our existing efforts in advocacy, technical support, preservation easements, and education, will allow us to reach a new and diverse audience. This program will allow us to support both large and small projects from downtown Asheville to our rural and under-served communities.
Click here for the Grant Application
We look forward to helping with emergency stabilization projects and restorations of important places, to helping neighborhoods receive designations such as recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and to encouraging and supporting new and unique education and research opportunities. We want to be surprised and humbled by the projects our community asks us to support!
As our city faces the inevitable challenges of growth, PSABC’s voice and reach must expand. The important addition of this Preservation Grant Program comes in response to the needs of our community.
*Deadline to apply for the current grant round is Friday August 11th*
Preservation grants from $500 – $5000 will be offered to the public in three categories:
- Bricks-And-Mortar
Rehabilitation, restoration and repair of structures that are 50 years of age or older
Some examples: Windows and doors • Exterior painting • Porches • Roofs and gutters • Electrical and plumbing • Hardscaping • Foundation • Original exterior or interior details
- Public Education
Development of educational materials and programs that advance knowledge of our shared history
Some examples: Research and documentation • Oral histories • Installations specific to buildings, place history, and culture • Exhibitions • K–12 educational publications • Seminars and lectures • Documentary films
- Planning, Survey and Designation
Planning and design for building rehabilitation and restoration projects, historic resource surveys and local or national designations
Some examples: Historic building condition reports • Engineering and rehabilitation plans • Feasibility studies • Historic resource surveys • Updates of previous surveys • Local and national historic designations
Read about our past winners here!
3.1 WEB – WebTrac Activity Search (vermontsystems.com)
Social Seniors
Grove Street Card Sharks
Senior Dining
Billiards
Exercise
Be Active Live Longer
A Cappella Alive
Square Dancing
Groove at the Grove
Pen to Paper Writing Group

Eblen Charities - Transportation Assistance for Western North Carolina Residents for Job Access: Eblen Charities aims to provide transportation assistance to low-income residents to improve job access and economic mobility. They offer gas vouchers ranging from $25 to $50 to help individuals attend job interviews and medical appointments and cover transportation costs until they receive their first paycheck. The organization plans to expand its transportation assistance program by creating an online portal for voucher requests. With this grant, they aim to serve an additional 200 job seekers, increase the voucher amounts to address rising gas prices and double their program budget.
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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! |
Start your 4th off on the right foot with this fun, fast and flat 5k.
Included in registration is a race t-shirt, professionally chip timed race, commemorative bib and for those 21 and up a free beer from Wicked Weed Brewing!
Start your celebration off with a BANG!
Asheville Independence Day Races!
Start/Finish at the Carrier Park Velodrome.
Fun, fast and flat courses.
Bring your family & friends to join us for a fun, fast & flat run!
Choose from the 5k the Firecracker Loop fun run for kids and/or the Wicked Beer Mile for 21 and up.
Event Schedule
Monday, July 3rd
4:00-6:00 pm ~Early Packet Pick Up/On-site Registration
~ Jus’ Running, 523 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC
Tuesday, July 4th
7:00- 8:00 am ~ Race Day Packet Pick Up – Carrier Park
7:30 am On-line registration for the 5k closes
8:00 am ~ 5k Race Start
8:05 am ~ Firecracker Loop starts
9:00 am ~ 5k Awards
9:30 am ~ Wicked Beer Mile starts
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
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- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
-
- Library open hours
- Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
-
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations Holidays call for hours
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center
85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
-
- Library open hours
Included with admission
Embark on a scenic journey across George Vanderbilt’s Italy with a large-scale outdoor display that combines brilliant botanical designs with authentic messages written by Vanderbilt himself.
Beautifully handcrafted of natural elements, each sculptural postcard depicts a location or landmark Vanderbilt visited more than a century ago. This captivating complement to Biltmore’s Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition reveals Vanderbilt’s passions for travel, culture, architecture, and art as well as his personal experience of such renowned Italian cities as Milan, Florence, Venice, Pisa, and Vatican City.
Adding to the charm and visual appeal of Ciao! From Italy—sure to be a hit among kids of all ages—is the G-scale model train that travels in and out of each postcard in this enlightening display!
Bryson City Freedom Fest: 10 a.m. downtown. Arts, crafts, food. Music at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. Go rafting or tubing nearby. Kids area at Riverfront Park with bounce house, slide, monster truck combo, obstacle course. $5 wristband for all-day play.
Food Scraps Drop Off
The City of Asheville, in partnership with Buncombe County and the Natural Resources Defense Council, is offering a FREE Food Scrap Drop-Off program in
two locations for all Buncombe County residents. This organic matter will be collected and turned into good clean compost, keeping it OUT of our landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Register for Food Scraps Drop Off
Need a handy kitchen countertop food scrap bin? Let us know on the registration form! We’ll be having bin giveaways at city and county facilities and would love to give you one.
Locations
West Asheville Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the south side of the building
942 Haywood Road, Asheville
Library open hours
Stephens-Lee Recreation Center “Food Scrap Shed” next to the Community Garden on the North side of the parking lot
30 Washington Carver Avenue, Asheville
-
- Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m.
Murphy Oakley Community Center and Library – “Food Scrap Bin Shelters” on the east side of the parking lot
749 Fairview Road, Asheville
-
- Dawn – Dusk
Buncombe County Landfill – Convenience Center85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander
-
-
-
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12:30 pm
-
-
he Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association is proud to sponsor this year’s parade, which guarantees to be a highlight of the summer season.
The 4th of July parade will kick off at 10:30 AM, with parade entries lining up at 9:00 – 9:30 AM on Main Street, south of Caswell. We encourage all participants to visit the Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association website for additional information and parade entry applications at www.nchmba.com.
To ensure a smooth event experience, no parking will be allowed along the parade route on Main Street after 6:00 AM. Main Street will be closed at approximately 9:00 AM, with the avenues remaining open until 15 minutes before the parade begins. We appreciate the community’s cooperation in adhering to these closures, which will help create a safe and fun environment for all attendees. Nearby paid parking is available in the City’s parking deck at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church with more information available at www.hvlnc.gov/parking.
While normally we understand Downtown is pet friendly, we kindly ask that parade attendees leave their furry friends safely and comfortably at home. This will ensure the well-being and comfort of all participants during the parade. The same request applies to the July 4th Celebration Concert and festivities, which take place later in the day.
To view a map with street closures, please see the Independence Day Parade Map.
Downtown Waynesville will have the traditional Kids Parade at 11:00am and conclude with a patriotic concert by the Haywood Community Band at 2:00PM. Registration for the parade begins at 10:00AM Kids are invited to the Court House lawn to decorate bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards , wagons and strollers for the patriotic parade along Main Street that ends with an ice cream social at the First Baptist Church. Face painting, special characters, kids activities, live music and entertainment.
No fireworks in downtown Waynesville, but see them nearby in Maggie Valley and Lake Junaluska.
🇺🇸 Tomorrow is the day! 🇺🇸
Join us on the mountain for some delicious wines, jams from The Showboat Band, and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs! 🍔🌭🍷
Entry and parking are free – come ready to enjoy the day and celebrate with us!
OPEN 12-9pm
Music from 2:30-5:30pm
#pointlookoutvineyards #ncwines #hendersonvillenc #livemusicnc #fourthofjulync
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.
Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..
Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Know Before You Go
- Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
- Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
- Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
- Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
- COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
- At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Free ice cream and watermelon, ducky derby-$3 for a duck, music by Possum Creek 2-4 p.m., parade 4 p.m., Ruritan Club serving hamburgers and hot dogs as a fundraiser.
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!
Mars Hill July 4th Celebration: 3 p.m. on Athletic Street, in and around football stadium. Music, food trucks, inflatables, trackless train ride. Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
July 4th- Summer Water Party
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department is asking you to join us at the Sledding Hill for a Summer Water Party featuring a Giant Slip-N-Slide and water guns (this event is weather dependent). For more information call the Buckeye Recreation Center at 828-387-3003.
Brick Oven Pizzeria- Family Fun Night- Special Event
4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Please join us at the Brick Oven Pizzeria for Family Fun Night with live music (starts at 5:30 PM) by the Adam Church & Bounce House.. The event is free and and food and beverage is available for purchase. (This is an outdoor event and is weather dependent). Please call for more information 828-387-4000.
Beech Mountain Resort- Fourth of July Celebration with Live Music from Sam Collie & The Roustabouts
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Our favorite day of the year is finally here, and we want to share it with all of you! Join us on Tuesday, July 4 at 5:00 p.m. for a family-friendly celebration at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Sit by one of our many fire-pits and enjoy live music from Sam Collie & The Roustabouts. This event is free and open to all ages. Bring the kids; we’ve got complimentary s’mores, inflatables, and games. Food, ice cream, and drinks are available for purchase.
The Ingles Independence Day Celebration returns to Downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park on Tuesday, July 4. This event is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) in partnership with the City of Asheville. The free event features The Ultimate Air Dogs, live music, local food and craft beverages, and a fireworks extravaganza.
ULTIMATE AIR DOGS
The fun-filled day starts off with crowd favorite The Ultimate Air Dogs. Watch as the talented pups fly off the dock in a competition to see who can jump the furthest. Competitions take place at 1pm and 3pm. Think your dog has what it takes? No experience is necessary and your dog can jump too. Pre-registration is required to jump. Find more information here.
**Pets are only allowed in the Air Dogs area and not throughout the rest of the event. This is a City of Asheville ordinance.
LIVE MUSIC
4:30-5:15 Phantom Panton
5:30-6:15 Hit Dogs
7:00-9:00 Red Clay Revival
EATS & DRINKS
Food and beverage sales open at 5pm. Brews from locals Sierra Nevada, French Broad Brewing, Flat Rock Cider Company, as well as brews from Lagunitas, Sam Adams, Foothills Brewing, and wine from Noble Vines will be available for purchase. Water and other drinks will also be available for purchase.

Come out on July 4th for a family-friendly celebration of our nation’s birthday, which includes inflatables, kid’s games, and activities, food trucks, and 2 stages featuring live music. Concerts are at the Hendersonville Welcome Center Parking Lot & Historic Courthouse Square. At either concert location, you are encouraged to bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the music, followed by the fireworks display. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks and coolers are prohibited. Admission is free.
Concert Schedule:
5:00 pm – Lonesone Road Band performs – Historic Courthouse Square
7:00 pm – Junior Appalachian Music (JAM) Program performs – Welcome Center Stage
7:00 pm – Hightop Mountain Harmony performs – Historic Courthouse Square
8:00 pm – Hendersonville Symphony Brass Ensemble performs – Welcome Center Stage
9:00 pm – Fireworks display (shortly after dark)
Sylva July 4: 5-10 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Music at 6:30 p.m. in Bridge Park, fireworks about 9:45 p.m.


