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.

Friday, September 1, 2023
LABOR DAY WEEKEND DANCE PARTY
Sep 1 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

DJ MOLLY PARTI & DJ CAMARO
 

Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)

Saturday, September 2, 2023
SILENT DISCO: RAVE V. DISCO PARTY
Sep 2 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

DJ ERIK MATTOX

Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)

Friday, September 8, 2023
Embracing Roots of the South with Ballet Folklórico Raíces and David LaMotte
Sep 8 @ 7:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

 

The brilliant colors of traditional costumes and the songs and folkloric dance of Mexico by local, talented youth will fill The White Horse Black Mountain on Friday, September 8. Ballet Folklórico Raíces, a program of Raíces Emma-Erwin, a local Latine cultural arts organization, will share the stage with musician David LaMotte and the Indigenous Mä hñäkihu musical group.

Ballet Folklórico Raíces was organized just last fall by Latine teens, some of whom had been dancing with Raíces Emma Erwin programs for almost 10 years. They applied for and received grant funding to hire professional folklorico dancer, Daniel Vega Vazquez, as their instructor and creative director. He is the founder of Ballet Folklorico Asheville. Verner Learning Center in Emma provides space for their weekly and intensive rehearsals and they have performed six times in the last year including at the Hola Carolina festival in downtown Asheville.

“I think it’s something beautiful,” Yoltzin Alviter Hernandez, 16, says. She started folklorico dancing in the first grade and loves how it allows her to embrace her culture and share it with other people. “All the colors and each dance has a meaning behind it.”

David LaMotte is a big fan of Ballet Folklórico Raíces and traditional cultural art, dance and music. He proposed the event to create awareness about the youth dance group, to support their funding needs, and to have fun. He is contributing his talent to the evening–including a song in Spanish– and a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the program. Mä hñäkihu, the namesake of a language and cultural preservation project based in Emma, is composed mostly of Hñähñu musicians who are Indigenous to the Mezquital Valley in Mexico. 

SILENT DISCO: TECHNO/STROBE/LASER
Sep 8 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

DJ JAZE & DJ ERIK MATTOX

Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)

Saturday, September 9, 2023
Beginning Adult Tap
Sep 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

Class cost: $150

Min students: 6

Max students: 12

Class Dates: Saturdays, July 22 – September 9 (8 weeks)

Time: 1 pm to 2 pm

Must be 18+ to attend

The last day to receive a full refund is June 22, 2023. After June 22, 2023, no refund will be issued.

Class Description:
Does tap dancing seem a little daunting? Is it something you always wanted to try but didn’t have the time to commit to months of classes at a time? Whether you are preparing for a show that has tap involved or you are just interested in a new skill for fun, this class is for you. Allison Starling will break down the basics of tap into easy to catch on to moves that build the foundation of any tap number. This 8 week class is a comprehensive basics course that you don’t want to miss!

Friday, September 15, 2023
SILENT DISCO: VIRGO PARTY
Sep 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Rabbit Rabbit

DJ SPENCE & DJ CAMARO

Virgos get in free

 

Ages 18+ (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent)

Saturday, September 16, 2023
Dirty Dancing Festival of Lake Lure
Sep 16 @ 10:00 am
Morse Park, Lake Lure, NC
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LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

We are lining up some GREAT entertainment for 2023! 

Look forward to 3 LIVE Bands AND a guest appearance by Franke Previte and Lisa Sherman!

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ASHEVILLE BALLET

Festival favorites, Asheville Ballet will be teaching all your favorite dance moves and adding some new twists. 

AND, they’ll be performing on stage and encouraging you to get on your feet, too!

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REFRESHMENTS

Come hungry and enjoy the tasty food trucks coming this year – your stomach will thank you.

And, we always have the best local beer, wine, cider, and mead of any festival around!

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ARTISAN VILLAGE

This year’s “Village” will be a blend of handcrafted and quality items you just can’t live without. Added bonus: they will serve as fond reminders of your Lake Lure Dance Festival experience!

Hella Good Dance Party
Sep 16 @ 10:00 pm
Little Jumbo

Imagine this: it’s 2001 and you’re seeing No Doubt’s video for Hella Good for the first time. Maybe you’re sitting on a carpeted floor eating pop tarts and watching cable TV when it happens. Your aesthetic ideals have shifted since the matrix came out a couple years back and you find yourself wondering what it takes to become a badass. Quickly you determine that it has a lot to do with motorcycles, jet skis, wet looking hair and wearing black. You don’t even know about Evenescence yet but pop music is about to take some real dips into heavy riffs and darker themes. You’re for it—it makes you feel alive. Let’s run that one back, shall we?

⚡️Saturday, September 16th⚡️

☠️10pm-1am☠️

🏍️DJ Lil Meow Meow🏍️

⛓️at @littlejumbobar ⛓️

♥️$5 suggested donation♥️

Sunday, September 17, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza
Sep 17 @ 6:30 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Morgan Marie. Featuring James Burkes, Jack Pearson & more great comics!

Friday, September 22, 2023
Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Sep 22 @ 7:00 pm
pleb urban winery

Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery
Join us for a night filled with laughter and good vibes at plēb urban winery! Get ready to have great night of standup comedy by some of the best comedians in the region. This in-person event is on tap for Fri Sept 22 2023 at7p-9p! Featuring Moira Goree, Petey Smith McDowell, Jess Cooley & Jason Webb. Hosted by Morgan Marie.
Foodtruck will be available for the whole show!
What: Standup Comedy at plēb urban winery in the River Arts District
When: September 22, 7-9p
Where: Located at 289 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28801, plēb urban winery offers the perfect setting for an evening of comedy!
Tickets: $20
Get $4 off with promo code: WINECOMEDYONTAP
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/710423163807?aff=oddtdtcreator
HOST Morgan Marie is an Asheville based comic capturing the playful and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She writes a monthly beloved humor column, “Best Medicine with Morgan Marie,” for the Mountain Xpress.
Peter Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell
Jess Cooley is a writer and stand up comic from Upstate South Carolina, where he learned how to walk, and talk, and eat food like a real boy. Currently based in Asheville, NC, his comedy involves personal subjects like Autism, religion, and the loss of his favorite sex toy during a home invasion. His unique and colorful perspective brings his stories to life, and his demons to the spotlight.
Moira Goree is from Asheville,Nc she’s a transgender woman who is darkly funny and authentic in her delivery. Her mix of storytelling and humor will mesmerize you while crying laughing,
Jason Webb is Co-Creator and Co-Host of Follow That! at The Comedy Store on Sunset.Festivals: Bridgetown Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest) !0,000 Laughs Comedy Festival (Best of the Fest), Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Bird City Comedy Festival, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Big Pine Comedy Festival, Orlando Indie Comedy Festival.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Thursday, September 28, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

City Dance
Sep 28 @ 7:30 pm
Landmark Hal

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Sep 28 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp Lounge

9.28.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday September 28, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
Feature comic Julia Macias! An antenna for the unwell, Julia shares all the strange characters who filter through her life. She exploded into the Asheville comedy scene in late 2021 and has touring all over the Southeast. Her view video special will be released later this year.
Guest host for this show is the fantastically loved Ryan Cox! Slice is super happy to have him running the show. Ryan is a comedian’s comedian. He is also a comedian for people who aren’t comedians. Ryan has been performing stand-up around the Southeast since 2016, with jokes ranging from crafted one-liners to twisted parenting tales to the ghost of Kmart.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus a comedy open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table].
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Friday, September 29, 2023
NC Glass Center pumpkin patch
Sep 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Glass Center

Through Oct. 29 the center will showcase hundreds of glass-blown pumpkins available for purchase from local artists. . Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sep 30 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 1 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Monday, October 2, 2023
Ballet Hispanico
Oct 2 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Concert Hall

Ballet Hispánico is the largest Latine/Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States and one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Through its exemplary artistry, distinguished training program, and deep-rooted community engagement, Ballet Hispánico champions and amplifies Latinx voices in the field. As it looks to the future, Ballet Hispánico is pushing the culture forward on issues of dance and Hispanic creative expression.

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic + Feature Comedy at Pulp Lounge
Oct 5 all-day
Pulp Lounge

10.05.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday October 5, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $15 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Free snacks while availability lasts!
There is a comedy open mic! [Performing comics get 3-5m of stage time, FREE entry and FREE snacks. Contact Michele Scheve at [email protected] for info! ]
Hilliary will make you cry with laughter with her larger than life personality!! Voted Asheville’s Favorite comic in the Mountain Xpress. Film debut in the Netflix original Dumplin’ as Aunt Lucy, or “Jennifer Anniston’s fat sister,” In Austin Film Festival winning movie When We Last Spoke with Cloris Leachman, now streaming on Amazon Prime. https ://youtu.be/legRwEg4j-o
Guest host for this show is the fantastic Peter Smith-McDowell!! Petey was voted one of Asheville’s favorite comics in the Mountain Xpress! He has been tr aveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. Besides his standup comedy, Petey is Asheville native and known for his hysterical Asheville memes on Instagram : instagram.com/peteysmithmcdowell

Friday, October 6, 2023
Lightwire Theater presents The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation – Student Series
Oct 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

This electrifying combination of theatre, dance, and technology brings classic tales to new light.

We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story — which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Li’l Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light. Recommended for grades K-5. Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

*This production contains lasers and strobe lights.

Lightwire Theater presents The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation – Student Series
Oct 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

This electrifying combination of theatre, dance, and technology brings classic tales to new light.

We begin with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and the Hare but continue the story — which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Li’l Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line?

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light. Recommended for grades K-5. Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

*This production contains lasers and strobe lights.

The 11th Annual Haunted Trail
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Adventure Center of Asheville

Asheville Plays is excited to present the 11th annual Haunted Trail, Asheville’s only family friendly haunt! This event is ideal for Halloween lovers of all ages, 3-12 being the suggested age range. The Adventure Center of Asheville will host this one of a kind live outdoor theatrical experience where guests are promised an entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact. Asheville Plays creates a show with a unique perspective on Halloween fun with 15 live action scenes for guests to watch and enjoy. For younger guests who still aren’t sure about being scared, even for fun, a “Sweet Peek Tour’ is offered nightly at 6:45 pm. The trail is actor free at this time so that littles and parents can take a guided tour of the scenes to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for guests 4 years or older to enjoy at this event! Climb on two aerial trails while they are illuminated with thousands of colorful twinkle and laser lights. If you want to enjoy both of these amazing activities, combo passes are available and WILL sell out, so make sure you reserve your tickets early! *The Haunted Trail does not sell out, however the entrance closes at 9 pm. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room- Test ‘yer wit mateys! 10 voyages available nightly for purchase (groups of up to 6 per voyage) Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity. Free Pirate activities for kids of all ages are located in Pirates Cove. Mellow Mushroom pizza is available on site as well as local beers and non alcoholic beverage options. There is something for every member of your family at 85 expo drive this Halloween season!

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 6 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 6 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Saturday, October 7, 2023
It’s a Great Pumpkin Pop-Up Party
Oct 7 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mountain Made Art Gallery , Inside the Grove Arcade

Is it time to get your “Halloween Boo” on?

Halloween is not just a day; it’s a month-long experience! And what better symbol to represent this spooky season than the iconic pumpkin? As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. And this year, the Grove Arcade is about to get a whole lot spookier!

Here at Mountain Made Gallery, we are ghoulishly excited invite you to grab your costumes EARLY and join us inside Grove Arcade on Saturday, October 7 from 12-4 pm for a family-friendly fall event hosted by the Grove Arcade!

Here’s what you can expect at the Grove Arcade:
* Free Pumpkin Decorating Class: Unleash your creativity and design a pumpkin that stands out!

* Entertainment: Be mesmerized by life-size puppets from the Street Creatures collective and sway to live music that sets the perfect Halloween mood.

* Special Storefront Displays: Grove Arcade merchants, including Mountain Made Gallery, have curated special Halloween displays for you.

* And as a bonus event – Local Halloween Art at Mountain Made:
Don’t miss Mountain Made Gallery’s metal art and handcrafted glass “pumpkin patch” exhibit that promises to be a Spooktacular treat!

Never fear, we got some lovely, AND totally creepy Jack O Lanterns ready for you this year… Metal Halloween Art by Edwin Knies and Handblown Glass Pumpkins by Terri Sigler.

Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 7 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Wonderland Legacies: Alice’s Adventures in Murderland
Oct 7 @ 7:30 pm
Montford Park Players

Our Halloween Show!

a world premiere, written by Will Storrs

Directed by Deanna Braine Smith

Sunday, October 8, 2023
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Oct 8 @ 7:00 pm
Pinhead’s Graveyard
Friday, October 13, 2023
Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World West
Oct 13 all-day
One World Brewing West

Mark your calendars for the Freaky Friday Funktion with Niles at One World Brewing in West Asheville on Friday, October 13th! Joining Niles are fellow Atlanta producers Dopamine and Ace Taylor, along with Asheville’s very own Wij. Prepare for high-energy bass and house music, Funktion One sound from Dosobis, live painting by Art of Kiki, local artist vendors Much Love Jewelry, John Ebert Jewelry Art, and Ian Baker Glass, exceptional craft beer and cocktails, and spooky vibes!