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.

Saturday, July 8, 2023
Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 8 all-day
various locations
Sunday, July 9, 2023
NOC Paddling School
Jul 9 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 9 all-day
various locations
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 9 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

The Big Crafty
Jul 9 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center- Asheville

The Big Crafty is a hand-to-heart celebration of creative exuberance at the heart of Asheville, NC. We believe in supporting creative venturers by crafting warm communities of creative practice.

We extend warm welcome to the rich pageant of basement and backyard artists, juried prize-winners, and those who delight in them. And we’re so grateful to have been voted Best Arts/Crafts Fair (Thx, Mountain Xpress!) every year since we began in 2008.

Monday, July 10, 2023
Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 10 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Circle The Smokies Rally
Jul 10 @ 9:00 am
Asheville NC
From the bustling and quirky Asheville, NC, following the blue ridge parkway, winding switchbacks, the infamous “Tail Of The Dragon”, and the Cherohala Skyway as we make our way to Chattanooga, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and beyond.
Epic drives, a day at a drag strip and exciting nightlife await!

Entry is PER TEAM (Vehicle)

Entry Includes:

  • Rally Guide

  • 2 T-Shirts

  • Vehicle Decals

  • Entry To Multiple Museums

  • Dragstrip Entry for one Vehicle

  • Access to Hotel & Other Partners

  • Tickets to Rally Events & Parties

Start: Asheville, NC​

Finish: Asheville, NC

Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 10 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

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!

Hendersonville Honeycrisps Baseball Home Game
Jul 10 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Berkeley Park

, Come out toaka ‘The Orchard’ to watch the
Hendersonville Honeycrisps defend their 2022 Western Division title in The Old North State League. You are bound to see great
plays & big hits while you and your family make memories and are entertained at the ball park! $10, Season runs through July 30th,
Click here for the full schedule: https://www.hendersonvillehoneycrisps.com/schedule

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 11 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 11 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Monday Imagination Day w/ Asheville Parks + Rec
Jul 11 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Various Parks

Monday Imagination Day Our mobile recreation team will be offering a special day of open play geared for younger children to engage and explore. Giant building blocks, tunnels and fun games await. Ages 1-5 years with an adult. Drop in, no sign up required. 10am-12pm FREE
June 13th Weaver aArk
June 27th Hummingbird Park
July 11 Jake Rusher Park
July 18 Kenilworth Park
July 25th Hummingbird Park
August 1 West Asheville Park
August 8 Jake Rusher Park

Park + Rec CORE program at Buncombe County Pools
Jul 11 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Buncombe County Pools

Pools (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

  • June 13 – Cane Creek
  • June 27 – Hominy Valley
  • July 11 – Owen
  • July 25 – North Buncombe
  • August 8 – ErwinWhat is better than hanging out at a park, pool, or community center? Doing so while participating in fun games! This summer, the Buncombe County Recreation Services will be visiting county pools, parks, and community centers to provide free entertaining activities for anyone in the community.

    This includes yard games, pool activities, balls, and other activities for enjoyment. While the games can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age–with something available for anyone–the programming is aimed at those 5 to 15 years of age.

    This is part of the CORE program (Community Outreach and Recreation Experiences) which seeks to provide fun to everyone in the community.

    “We were interested in expanding recreational opportunities to communities that may or may not have parks and facilities,” says Mac Stanley, program coordinator with the County’s Recreation Services. “Also, an opportunity to expand and collaborate with county community centers such as Big Ivy, Sandy Mush, and Bent Creek Community Park. Core programming is designed to diversify our programming opportunities and outreach into the community.”

    From June through August, Recreation Services will be out and about in its CORE van, a green, Ford Transit van outfitted with County logos and a big sasquatch on the back.

Guided Trail Walk
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
NC Arboretum

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.
Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 11 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

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!

Cribbage In The Park
Jul 11 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
West Asheville Park

Cribbage In The Park

Nothing like some friendly competition at our Cribbage in the Park nights! Meet others who love to play! Light refreshments will be provided. Free. Ages 8+.

For more information call 828-254-1942

Tuesdays -July 11th, August 8th 5-7pm

Groovin’ on Grovemont – Saddletramp
Jul 11 @ 6:00 pm
Grovemont Park
Groovin’ on Grovemont, Swannanoa’s popular outdoor summer concert series, is returning to Grovemont Park for its twenty-first year, with a full schedule of music and family fun on three Tuesday evenings, July 11, July 25 and August 8, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and come enjoy these free family-friendly evenings of great music and food! Grovemont Park is located adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston Avenue.

As always, a large selection of delicious foods will be available for concertgoers to enjoy, including vegan and gluten free options, as well as smaller portions for the little ones. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Swannanoa Community Council and Friends of the Swannanoa Library, for the benefit of all those who use and enjoy the library, and Grovemont Park and Playground.

 

Here’s the entertainment schedule:

 

Tues., 7/11/23 – Saddletramp: The ultimate 90’s Country Party Band! High-Energy interpretations of all your favorite country hits that will keep you dancing on the green all night long! Saddle up, and hold on tight! www.blakeellegemusic.com

 

Tues., 7/25/23 – Mama and the Ruckus: The Ruckus is led by “Mama”, aka Melissa McKinney. This intergenerational project is based out of Asheville, and features original music inspired by blues and soul. melissamckinneymusic.com/mama-and-the-ruckus

 

Tues., 8/8/23 – Queen Bee and the Honeylovers: This dance band performs classic swing, blues and Latin music. Vocal-driven with an infectious groove, the Honeylovers are guaranteed to put a grin on your face and a tap in your toes. www.queenbeeswing.com

 

Bonus feature during every concert: GIANT USED BOOK SALE from 5 – 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Swannanoa Library. Come check out the newly-remodeled book sale space. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

 

Sponsorships, donations, and volunteers are always welcome and encouraged. If you’d like to support Groovin’ through a sponsorship or donation, or as a volunteer, please call (828) 250-6486 or visit www.GrovemontPark.org. Contributions can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card at

grovemontpark.org/donate.

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Hoop + Flow Jam Tuesdays
Jul 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

We are honored to host the Asheville Community Hoop and Flow Arts Jam in Pritchard Park, located in the heart of our beloved city. This event began in 2008 and we are honored and thrilled to bring you this FREE event open to all ages and all levels of experience! Asheville Hoops provides jammin’ tunes, demo props for all to use and a positive event that promotes movement, creativity, dance and FUN!

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship
Jul 12 all-day
Ride Rock Creek

 

The 2023 USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in beautiful Henderson County, NC, from July 12th to 16th, 2023. This marks the first time our scenic county will host this prestigious national event, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome over 350 talented athletes to our trails as they compete for national titles.

Spectators, here’s some fantastic news for you: admission to this thrilling event is absolutely free! Prepare to witness adrenaline-fueled action as riders tackle the gravity-defying challenges of mountain biking. For a detailed event schedule and further information, please visit USACycling.org and be part of this incredible mountain biking extravaganza.

Spectating

WHAT TO EXPECT

Attention all spectators of the USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships! Get ready for an exhilarating experience like no other. First and foremost, we’re thrilled to announce that this sensational event is free for all on-foot spectators, so gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day of mountain biking action. We are offering a pay-for spectator shuttle pass per day that will give you access to the spectator shuttle up to the top of the mountain. Safety is our utmost priority, which is why we have designated secure areas specifically for spectators to enjoy the races while maintaining a safe distance. Waivers must be signed by all individuals on the property. So come one, come all, as we extend a warm welcome to Rock Creek, where the thrill and excitement of gravity mountain biking awaits you!

National Championships Shuttle Spectator Pass

From: $25.00

Lake Lure JUNIOR OLYMPIAD
Jul 12 all-day
 Rumbling Bald Resort Beach

JUNIOR OLYMPIAD
IMG_3035.JPG
EVENT INFO

Saturday, August 12, 2023
Hosted at: Rumbling Bald Resort Beach

WHAT ATHLETES ARE SAYING

“I’m here to support the charities that help take care of my community all year long.”

     – Jackson Yelton

WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER

Now your kids don’t have to sit around and watch while mom and dad compete – they get to jump into the action and earn medals too! Organized by Lake Lure Classical Academy, your children can enjoy many events in our Junior Olympiad. 

EVENT DETAILS

Being able to share in the spirit of competitive events makes the Lake Lure Olympiad even more special for athletes and their families. Kids can enter one or all of the events listed below and earn medals accordingly. The Lake Lure Olympiad is truly fun for the whole family!

BASKETBALL SHOOT
Sink as many of your 10 shots as possible. A standard height hoop used for older kids (7 years and up) and lower height hoop for younger kids.

BASEBALL THROW

See how many baseballs you can throw through the target!

40-YARD DASH
What else? A race against the clock!

STANDING BROAD JUMP
See how far you can jump from a standing position.

PLUS…
Obstacle Course and Inflatables

RETURNING THIS YEAR– Anthony Famiglietti, 2-time U.S. Olympian,

will be at the Junior Olympiad meeting kids, taking pictures and

signing autographs!

PRICING & REGISTRATION

Walk-up registration at the Rumbling Bald Resort Pavilion on
Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5pm – 7pm

& Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 7am -10am

Price
Cost to participate in any or all events is $10.00/child

All proceeds benefit the Lake Lure Classical Academy

Sports Program

All Kids ages 4-14

EVENT DAY DETAILS

JUNIOR OLYMPIAD T-SHIRTS

Shirts are given FREE to the first 100 students who register.

AWARDS

Medal ceremony will take place at the conclusion of the events.

Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 12 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!

Biltmore Estate: Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcard Display
Jul 12 @ 8:30 am
Biltmore Estate

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!

Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club
Jul 12 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Cradle of Forestry

Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club  is a weekly educational program designed for children ages 4 to 7 to explore nature with their trusted adult and Cradle naturalist. Programs are 1.5 hours long and begin with the reading of a forest-themed story and include fun activities, games and a craft.  Programs run weekly on Wednesdays between June 21 through August 9.  Come to one or all eight programs. Great for families vacationing in the Blue Ridge mountains this summer! 

The program costs $5 per child and $3 for accompanying adults – All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults with a Cradle Season Pass get in free. 

Programs take place outdoors utilizing our paved trails and outdoor amphitheater. 

The program starts promptly at 10:30 A.M. at the outdoor amphitheater at the Cradle of Forestry. Plan to arrive early to find parking and check in at the Forest Discovery Center lobby. 

Please ensure all members of your party are dressed appropriately for the weather and are prepared for outdoor exploration. Note that the weather at the Cradle of Forestry is often cooler than nearby Brevard and Asheville. 


Please meet at outdoor amphitheater
 

 

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Water Bottle
Jacket
Rain Gear

CANCELLATION POLICY

All ticket purchases are NON-REFUNDABLE.  Unused ticket purchases will go to support the mission and work of FIND Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit organization Tax ID# 56-1302500.

Customers will receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Program Dates (Themes for each week to be announced): 

June 21
June 28

Due to generous grant funding from the NC Museum of Natural Sciences the July sessions are FREE for all attendees: 
July 5- Free for all attendees

July 12 – Free for all attendees
July 19 – Free for all attendees
July 26 – Free for all attendees

August 2
August 9

COST

Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club – $5 (for each child) There is no discount for child even with a pass. 

Accompanying Adult (½ price general admission)- $3

If accompanying adult is a Cradle Season Passholder, their admission free, but not the child’s.

 

Summer Animal Encounters
Jul 12 @ 2:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Weekdays only at 2pm

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!

Pritchard Park Summer Series: Summer of Science with Asheville Museum of Science
Jul 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Pritchard Park

Explore hands on activities and experiments while we learn about the Science of Bubbles or the Science of Sound. Every other week we will play and learn together using a variety of tools, instruments, and toys. AMOS has a plethora of science to intrigue the zeal of every learner!

Wednesday Pub Run
Jul 12 @ 6:15 pm
Archetype Brewing

Wednesday Pub Run

Join us every Wednesday at 6:15pm at Archetype Brewing – West off of Haywood, for a fun pub run featuring two different routes!

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on when we have special guests, shoe demos, and giveaway nights!

Thursday, July 13, 2023
Gravity Mountain Bike National Championship
Jul 13 all-day
Ride Rock Creek

 

The 2023 USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships will be held in beautiful Henderson County, NC, from July 12th to 16th, 2023. This marks the first time our scenic county will host this prestigious national event, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome over 350 talented athletes to our trails as they compete for national titles.

Spectators, here’s some fantastic news for you: admission to this thrilling event is absolutely free! Prepare to witness adrenaline-fueled action as riders tackle the gravity-defying challenges of mountain biking. For a detailed event schedule and further information, please visit USACycling.org and be part of this incredible mountain biking extravaganza.

Spectating

WHAT TO EXPECT

Attention all spectators of the USA Cycling Gravity Mountain Bike National Championships! Get ready for an exhilarating experience like no other. First and foremost, we’re thrilled to announce that this sensational event is free for all on-foot spectators, so gather your friends and family for an unforgettable day of mountain biking action. We are offering a pay-for spectator shuttle pass per day that will give you access to the spectator shuttle up to the top of the mountain. Safety is our utmost priority, which is why we have designated secure areas specifically for spectators to enjoy the races while maintaining a safe distance. Waivers must be signed by all individuals on the property. So come one, come all, as we extend a warm welcome to Rock Creek, where the thrill and excitement of gravity mountain biking awaits you!

National Championships Shuttle Spectator Pass

From: $25.00

Skyview Pro/Am Golf Tournament
Jul 13 all-day
Asheville Municipal Golf Course

The 63rd Annual Skyview Golf Tournament will be held July 11-13, 2023 at historic Asheville Municipal Golf Course. The Skyview Golf Tournament welcomes all new golfers and we hope to see all of our returning players at Muni.

Wild West Adventure Trips w/ Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 13 all-day
various locations
Wilderness Medicine + Survival Skills at Nantahala Outdoor Center
Jul 13 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Bryson City, NC
  • Chattanooga, TN
  • Collegedale, TN
  • Greenville, SC

Find your next course with SOLO Southeast and be prepared for the unexpected!