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) |
You asked and we delivered! ACT is proud to offer a wide range of classes for adults. We invite you to join us to explore, discover, nurture, and refine your theatrical abilities – your stage is waiting.
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!
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)
“An entrepreneurial mindset can empower ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things,” according to the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI), a leader in entrepreneurial education serving academic, corporate, and non-profit organizations globally. Even if you are already extraordinary in certain arenas, learning to think like an entrepreneur can create possibilities and opportunities that may exist only in your dreams today. What would it be like to empower the entrepreneurial spirit within you that has a passion for building, connecting, and motivating yourself and others?
If this sounds interesting to you, you may want to consider enrolling in this course and becoming an Ice House Entrepreneur. Our 3-part program teaches how to think like an entrepreneur based on the book “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur.” This book, and the associated Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (IHEP), are inspired by the life story of Pulitzer Nominee Clifton Taulbert and the influence of his Uncle Cleve, who embodied the entrepreneurial mindset even when success seemed out of reach. “An entrepreneurial mindset exposes opportunity, ignites ambition, and fosters innovation. It shifts everyday thinking into a new framework, empowering people to identify problems, deploy solutions, and make connections using creative and critical thinking, communication, and collaboration,” states the ELI.
If you are a new entrepreneur, thinking about starting a business, or just need a jumpstart – this course is especially for you. It is also for anyone who aspires to improve their performance in any profession. Upgrading your mindset to better recognize and act on opportunities is a key to success in work and in life.
The instructor is Gold Certified Ice House Facilitator Beverly Jurenko, MBA, ACE-certified Executive Coach, and founder of Inside Edge Consulting LLC. She will be leading this course in the IHEP over the span of three Saturdays in August 2023 (8/12 9:30 to 3:30; 8/19 9:30 to 3:30; 8/26 9:30 to 1:30).
Because this is a deep dive course, we are limited to 20 students. The course will take place at AB Tech’s Enka campus. The cost to sign up is $89. This fee includes lunch all three days, and the book Who Owns the Ice House? Reserve your spot at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/ice-house-entrepreneurship-program
This project received support from NC IDEA and the AB Tech Small Business Center.
About the facilitator: Beverly Jurenko is a leadership and career coach based in Asheville, NC and the founder of Inside Edge Consulting LLC. She specializes in supporting diverse talent to embrace their power and realize their potential. She is certified as a coach by the Academy for Coaching Excellence, and a member of the International Coaching Federation. She is also an NC Idea Gold Certified Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator, and serves as an Advisory Board Member for UNC-Asheville Business Department and the Western Carolinas Coaches subchapter of the International Coaching Federation, and as an Advisory Committee member for the Asheville YMCA.
“If you are talented, and ambitious, but feel held back in some way, I want to support you. Together, we can identify and remove invisible barriers that get in your way so you can build your own sense of power and entitlement and pursue your goals with clarity and ease.” ~ Beverly Jurenko, Founder, Inside Edge Consulting LLC
Beverly brings her broad international background in the corporate, non-profit, and startup sectors to her work as a coach. She is a former Vice President for private equity investor BancBoston Capital; a co-founder of HBS Houston Alumni Angels; and the founder of two startups: That’s Math, an EdTech bilingual family math engagement company, and Best Cleaning Services, an award-winning commercial cleaning company she sold for 6.7x capital invested. She is also the former Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and has worked in Latin America, Russia, and Europe in energy for Amoco and Enron, and in financial services for the Prudential Investment Corporation. She is certified in Diversity Equity & Inclusion by eCornell, and is an alum of Yale (double major: BA Economics, Russian/East European Studies) and Harvard (full-time MBA). As a mother, wife, and serial expat, she has first-hand experience with transitions, career-life balance, and multicultural challenges.
You asked and we delivered! ACT is proud to offer a wide range of classes for adults. We invite you to join us to explore, discover, nurture, and refine your theatrical abilities – your stage is waiting.
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!
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!
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 |
|---|
Given the nature of railroading, durations are approximate and subject to change without notice.
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.
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.
The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.
Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.
The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.
Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
Written by Honor Moor
Directed by David Doersch
The second World Premiere of the season, Treasure Island is a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold, from local playwright Honor Moor. Fun for the whole family!
All shows will be at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in the Montford District of Asheville, and all will be presented absolutely FREE of charge!
All shows will run Fridays through Sundays and all will be presented at 7:30pm and prime seats can be reserved.
Montford Park Players has been bringing some of theater’s greatest works to Western North Carolina for over 50 years. Montford Park Players continues its mission of bring free theater to the community. The summer season allows everyone to come spend an evening under the stars, seeing some of the best live performances presented in Asheville.
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.
You asked and we delivered! ACT is proud to offer a wide range of classes for adults. We invite you to join us to explore, discover, nurture, and refine your theatrical abilities – your stage is waiting.
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!
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!