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.
What is a Youth Production?
An ACT Youth Production is an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity for students to undergo a comprehensive exploration of the theatrical process. Starting with auditions, they are taught how to prepare and present their best selves, and throughout the rehearsal process, students collaborate with the cast in a dynamic and supportive environment. A distinctive feature of this program is the inclusion of choreography and voice training sessions that enable students to discover and improve their vocal prowess and dancing abilities, thus turning them into well-rounded performers. Every aspect is designed to nurture creativity, foster teamwork, and instill a genuine love for theatre. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of their previous experience or exposure to theatre.
Interested in Technical Theatre classes?
If you’re interested in getting hands-on experience with technical theatre, our Tech & Run Crew class is tailored just for you. Whether you’re a beginner with a budding interest or a seasoned tech enthusiast aiming to sharpen your skills, you will get the opportunity to work on real productions in an education environment.
2023-2024 SeasonThe Asheville Performing Arts Academy facilitates a life-long appreciation and advocacy of the arts by providing a loving community where students discover the tools needed to navigate life on and off the stage. MissionThe Asheville Performing Arts Academy is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance, and drama. We foster a love and appreciation for the arts through student-teacher relationships, which encourage and help you to excel at your dream. We offer high quality instruction and educational experiences because we are committed to the art of teaching and the teaching of the arts. It is our hope to build art and awareness in the community and provide a home for families to pursue their dreams. With classes for students of all ages, the Asheville Performing Arts Academy is your place to discover the love of music, drama, and dance in your life. Asheville Performing Arts Academy… where the arts come alive! |
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February 2-4, 2024 Mean Girls, Jr.
February 9-11, 2024 Mean Girls HS Version
March/April 2024 A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Homeschool Academy) |
Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!
With new content for every program,
returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.
Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!
What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.
Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.
Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”
Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.
LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.
Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden
Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!
Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!
Tuxedo Junction will be performing at the beautiful Point Lookout Vineyards on 8/25/23. The Vineyard is located 10 minutes from Hendersonville atop the southeast slope of Point Lookout Mountain with 30 mile panoramic views! Come enjoy the tasty meads and wines of Point Lookout Vineyards while Tuxedo Junction showcases many of the classic to contemporary hits from of Swing, Classic Rock, Classic to Contemporary Country, Funk, Beach, Motown, Folk, Folk-Rock, Pop, and Americana genres.
- Journey to Imaginationland (Ages 5-7)
- Youth Improv (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Acting (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Voice (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 8-12)
- Teen Acting (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Improv (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Voice (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 13-18)
- Youth Productions
- Technical Theatre Class
Asheville Community Theatre offers after school classes for ages 5-18!
- Fall Session (September 4-October 22)
Announcing 8 weeks of Fall Musical Theatre/Theatre Camps for rising K-12th Graders and Adults!
With new content for every program,
returning students will always have the chance to dive into fresh material.
Share what you have learned with a performance at the end of the semester!
What!!! Rahzel from the original Roots is coming to LEAF! The Human Beatbox aka the Grammy-winning Rapper/MC from the original, world-renowned Roots lineup, has been added to the Saturday night lineup of the October Festival.
Famous for his jaw-dropping vocal percussion and beatboxing prowess, Rahzel is not just a performer, he’s an experience. Dive deep into the pulse and rhythm of hip-hop (on the 50th anniversary of the genre) with this masterful artist who blurs the line between voice and instrument. It’s more than a show: it’s musical genius live onstage.
Aaaand … there will be a Beatbox Play-Shop for all ages. Don’t miss it!
Rahzel is one of the biggest names in beatboxing today, and continues to redefine the limits of the human voice. Known as “The Godfather of Noyze,” he was growing up in Queens when hip-hop blew up. LEAF is thrilled to welcome Rahzel to the fall Festival on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Rahzel’s cousin Rahiem was an original member of the Furious Five, and Rahzel recalls sneaking into their shows, “watching Grand Master Flash before I could even see over the gate.” Rahzel embraced the philosophy that “not having’ was never an excuse for ‘not doing. … To me, [beatboxing] saves lives and I’m a prime example of it. It inspires kids to be creative and motivated.”
Through both his solo work and his stint with the live-music hip-hop group The Roots, Rahzel is credited with bringing beatboxing back to the fore of hip-hop in the 1990s. Rahzel can sing a chorus and beatbox the back-up simultaneously, a skill showcased on his signature song, “If Your Mother Only Knew,” from his groundbreaking first album, Make the Music 2000. Rahzel has worked with artists from Björk to Branford Marsalis.
LEAF Global Arts is on a mission CONNECTING CULTURES and CREATING COMMUNITY through world music, arts education, preservation and experiences. The closest distance between two people is a story, a song, or a dance.
Join us at LEAF Festival October 19-22, 2023 at Lake Eden
Special Olympics Fall sports registration is now OPEN!
Choose your sport and join the fun! Athletes can pick from soccer, bocce, basketball, and tennis. For any questions, please email [email protected]!
- Journey to Imaginationland (Ages 5-7)
- Youth Improv (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Acting (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Voice (Ages 8-12)
- Youth Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 8-12)
- Teen Acting (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Improv (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Voice (Ages 13-18)
- Teen Musical Theatre Dance (Ages 13-18)
- Youth Productions
- Technical Theatre Class
Asheville Community Theatre offers after school classes for ages 5-18!
- Fall Session (September 4-October 22)
Flag Football, $15 per player
Registration ends August 30, games begin September 9
Teams divided by ages 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and 14-16 practice drills for 30 minutes prior to weekly games with two 20 minute halves at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue.
Softball Clinic, $10 per player
Registration ends September 3, clinics begin September 11
Instructional five-week clinic with divisions for 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 year-olds teaches fundamentals through drills and scrimmages at Asheville Middle School on 211 South French Broad Avenue with the intent of building a youth softball program in the future.
Youth Archery Class, $25 per archer
Registration ends October 10, class held each Thursday from October 26-November 16
This introductory course teaches individuals 9-12 years-old range safety and proper shooting techniques.
Winter Basketball League, $35 per player
Registration ends October 31, evaluations begin November 6
Age divisions include 5-6 (instructional), 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15.
Fling the Fletch Junior Disc Golf Open, $5 for beginner and $20 for advanced competitive
A local pro teaches a clinic followed by a nine-hole family fun tournament for beginners ages 8-18 and an 18-hole competitive round for advanced players ages 12-16.
Turkey Tee Off Family Mini Golf Tournament, free
Registration ends November 10, tournament on November 18
Enjoy friendly competition with friends and family at Lakeview Putt and Play on 2245 Hendersonville Road.
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!
Learn Asheville’s history, discover hidden gems, and laugh at LaZoom’s quirky sense of adventure.
- Guided comedy tour bus of historical Asheville
- 90-Minutes – tours run daily
- 15-minute break at Green Man Brewing
- $39 per person (ages 13+ only)
KidCycle Club Pop-up Kids’ Bicycle Playground – come take some laps around and around the cones and flags with us. Bring your own bike and helmet or demo some of ours! #kidcycleclub #bicycleplayground #morekidsonbikes #bikefun
Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!
The Tuckasegee (tuck-uh-SEE-jee) River Excursion includes an 1 hour and 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find more than 50 shops, restaurants, a brewery, and country inns. There is time to shop, snack, and visit the many unique shops before returning to Bryson City.
Here’s what we plan on doing. Refer to this train’s schedule for departures times.
| 30m before departure | Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot |
| See schedule for departure time | Depart Bryson City, NC |
| 1h 30m | Arrive at Dillsboro, NC |
| 1h 30m—2h 50m | Layover |
| 2h 50m | Depart Dillsboro, NC |
| 4h 00m | Arrive at Bryson City Depot |
| Time from Departure | Activity |
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Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Join us Saturday August 26, 2023 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville.
$20 VIP tickets include early admission 10am – 11am, and a sturdy tote bag the perfect size to carry your purchases, and including goodies from our sponsors.
$5-10 Suggested Donation Regular Admission 11am – 5pm
We’ll have over 30 vendors this year providing over 10,000 square feet of records, 45s, CDs, collectibles and MORE!
Hear great live DJ sets and performances by local artists!
Tickets Available Soon!
***You*** can sign up to be a record fair vendor HERE
We want your unwanted vinyl and CD collections!
If you’ve got a batch of interesting and eclectic vinyl and CDs that you’d like to donate to us ahead of the fair, please email us. We use these donations to help fill in holes in our ever-expanding music library and to help generate funds for the station. And we will happily provide a tax receipt for your donation!
We’re looking for business sponsors for Record Fair!
Volunteer to Help!
Just like the rest of our programming, we rely on volunteers to make our Record Fair a great experience for vendors and attendees! Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jess Speer at [email protected] to learn more!
Location & Directions
Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (sometimes still referred to as the Civic Center) is located in downtown Asheville at 87 Haywood St.
Paid parking is available at the Center, with all parking fees supporting Asheville FM. Enter on Rankin Ave.
There are also over 700 metered parking spots, and several parking garages within a 3-5 minute walk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION email us at [email protected]
Kids’ Comedy Tour: Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.
- Perfect for birthday parties
- Makes for memorable school field trips
- Tickets are $27 per person
- Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Gather bathing suits and sunscreen, Buncombe County’s outdoor pools are getting ready to open. The County’s five outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on May 27. This includes the pools at Cane Creek, Erwin, Hominy Valley, North Buncombe, and Owen.
Outdoor pools will be open on weekends only until area schools are out for the summer. Starting on June 10, Pools will be open seven days a week.
Pool hours are Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost for pool entry is $3 per person.
Private lessons at the outdoor pools are available for different age groups from 3-year-olds and up. For more information on lessons or to register for a class, click here.
The pools can also be booked for private parties 14 days in advance and must have a minimum of 50 patrons. Pool bookings are available Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Click here for more information on booking pools.
Buncombe County Pool Locations:
- Cane Creek Pool – 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher
- Erwin Pool – 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville
- Hominy Valley Pool – 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler
- North Buncombe Pool – 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville
- Owen Pool – 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa
In addition, lap swimming is available year-round at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatics Center, a 10-lane pool managed by the YMCA of Western North Carolina and Buncombe County Schools.
For more information on outdoor pools, visit the County’s pool website or call (828) 348-4770.
Take a ride through the Orchard fields and its history every weekend. “Heyrides” last approximately 45 minutes. All ages are welcome (kids under 4 free); $7 per person; wheelchair accessible; well-behaved dogs by consensus. Reservations are not required but sign up as soon as you arrive.
Calling all car enthusiasts! Madden’s Ace Hardware, located at 2319 U.S. 70 in Swannanoa, is gearing up to host its Third Annual Car Show on Saturday, August 26, starting at 2 p.m. Between now and then, folks have a chance to purchase raffle tickets for a 1993 GMC 1500 pickup truck that will be tricked out, upgraded, customized, and otherwise spiffed up by Smoky Mountain Motorsports and Dark City Custom Autos.
As the lead-up to the big event in August, Madden’s Ace will be holding Cruise-Ins on Saturday, June 24 and July 29, at 2.pm., in the store parking lot. These events are a chance to check out the customization of the GMC truck, purchase raffle tickets, enjoy live music and food trucks, and hang out with friends and family. Raffle tickets are $30 each, and can also be purchased at any time inside the Madden’s Ace Hardware store. The truck will be raffled off at the Car Show on August 26.
The 4SCO (the outgrowth of the Jubilee! Summer Orchestra) returns with a program of lush and evocative orchestral music of Japan. The concert features the magical music of Joe Hisaishi from the classic Studio Ghibli animated films Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, as well as iconic video game music from Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Halo, Civilization IV, Kingdom Hearts, and much more. Concert pianist Steven Graff, who has performed all over the world, including in eight appearances with the Chicago Symphony, will join the orchestra as guest artist. The concert will also kick off the Stages for Stages campaign to support treatment and care for children affected by cancer.
We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we’re hosting live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going just a bit longer! View our upcoming schedule below:
AUGUST 2023
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH: Clara New // Mother’s Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH: TBA // Cactus Rainbow Gourmet Grilled Cheese (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH: Spencer Cranfill // Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH: Billy Presnell // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18TH: Billy Presnell // Mothers Pizza Pop-Up (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19TH: TBA // TBA
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH: Color Machine Music // Sweet Cheesus Food Truck (4-8pm)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH: Dave Desmelik // Trucking Delicious Food Truck (4-8pm)
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
DISSIMILAR SOUTH
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Dissimilar South has been likened to both Indigo Girls and Boygenius, locating them in the abundant space between folk and indie rock. Their refreshing sound is characterized by honest lyrics, luscious harmonies and exciting instrumental ideas. Though the full band is a four piece, Dissimilar South’s core is the musical relationship between Carter Hodge and Maddie Fisher, now a six year affair. Following their debut EP in 2019, the band enjoyed a successful release of Tricky Things (full album) in 2022, produced by the Grammy nominated Jason Richmond. Fisher and Hodge bring their songs to life with robust support from some of the best instrumentalists in North Carolina, including Joseph Terrell (Mipso), Alex Bingham (Hiss Golden Messenger), Joe Westerlund (Sylvan Esso, Watchhouse) and Joe McPhail.
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
Umphrey’s McGee will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible two-night run Friday, August 25th with and Saturday, August 26th! Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country will open for the Friday Show, and Butcher Brown will open Saturday!
Day of show information:
4:00PM- Salvage Station paid on-site parking lot opens
5:00PM- Satellite lots open + FREE shuttle service begins
5:00PM- Venue doors open
6:15PM- Concert starts
11:00PM- City-wide outdoor amplified music curfew
PARKING: DO NOT park along the railroad tracks, bike lanes, or at other businesses along Riverside Drive! YOU WILL BE TOWED! PAID on-site parking is first-come, first-served with a $10 cash; $12 credit card fee per car. Handicap on-site parking is available. As always, PLEASE carpool, Uber, Lyft, Taxi, or bike when you can!
FREE PARKING: will be available with complimentary shuttle service from 5PM to 11:30PM every 20 minutes (or faster, if traffic is good to us) just down the street at the Asheville Visitor Center (36 Montford Ave.)
*NO PARKING AT ZEN TUBING FOR THIS EVENT*
Brother West will perform a free concert. Classic cars will be on display from the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Free line-dance classes from Betty Busch from 5:30-6:30pm. Concert to follow from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note: no smoking,
coolers or pets.
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.