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.
We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:
- Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!
ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!
The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.
Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.
Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.
Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.
Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done
Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.
We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:
- Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!
ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!
The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.
Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.
Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.
Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.
Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done
Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.
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)
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.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
Hendersonville Theatre is holding a series of tap workshops to stay on top of your newfound tap skills or to refresh your brain on the basics ahead of our Spring 2024 Tap Classes. This class is NOT for those who have never tapped before as we won’t be learning new moves, but rather refining your previously acquired skills. This workshop is for beginners with at least a minimal understanding of tap and will be a hybrid of a traditional tap class and time to work on your own with coaching from Allison.
We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:
- Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!
ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!
The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.
Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.
Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.
Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.
Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done
Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.
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)
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
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.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
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)
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
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)
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
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)
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
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)
Asheville’s only and original DRAG QUEEN BAR CRAWL!
Experience Asheville’s one-of-a-kind Drag Queen Bar Crawl, a unique fundraiser supporting local non-profit organizations. “Beer Flight” offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the vibrant craft brewery scene of Beer City while enjoying the delightful company of our hilarious drag queen flight attendant. Perfect for special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, and even divorce parties, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable experience for all fans of drag and beer alike. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support local non-profits and have a blast doing it!
The two-hour tour promises a side-splittingly funny experience, featuring:
- The beer! The drag queen! FUN!
- 2-3 Flights of craft beer/seltzer/wine/sours ($45 value)
- Souvenir sticker ($5 value)
- Mid-flight snack (priceless!)
- VIP seats at an after-party event*
- No cover and no waiting at venues
- Photo ops with your drag queen guide
- See FAQs at the bottom of this page
- *After-party not available on all tours; ask!
Prepare for takeoff as Bearded Lady Productions presents a first-class “beer flight” bar crawl tour featuring the company of a hilarious drag queen wannabe flight attendant. You won’t want to miss this two-hour tour, where you’ll get to enjoy fine brews, seltzers, wines, and sours from multiple iconic downtown breweries, all while being entertained by a fabulous drag queen leading the way. Tickets for the first-class “beer flight” tour include the tour itself, all beverages along the route, fun surprises, and other perks. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now at https://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. You won’t want to miss this chance to experience the best of Asheville’s craft brewing scene while being entertained by a top-notch fabulous queen.
The tour has multiple dates and most tours end with VIP seats at a 2-hour special event, drag karaoke or drag music bingo. And don’t worry if a real airplane is not available for the tour, as the one-mile trip will be on foot. But that won’t stop you from experiencing the high-flying adventure that “Beer Flight” has planned for you. The after-party event is not available on all tours, so be sure to ask about it when booking your ticket. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, so grab your friends and get ready for an unforgettable experience. The sky’s the limit with this unique first-class experience!
Upon arrival at one of Asheville’s premier craft breweries, guests will be greeted by a world-class drag queen who will serve as their stewardess for the night. As guests wait for the “flight” to board, they will have the opportunity to mingle with their fellow passengers. The tour will then take off, with the drag queen leading the way through the vibrant streets of Asheville. Although a real airplane may not be available, all seats are first-class and drinks are included. Guests will be treated like royalty, with no cover and no waiting at the breweries along the route, and a guided tasting of each flight.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:
- Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!
ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!
The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.
Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.
Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.
Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.
Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done
Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.
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)
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
We love contra dance, and nobody gets paid for making the dances happen. We all just pitch in. You can too. Here’s how it works:
- Help us OPEN or CLOSE, and dance for free all night long! It only takes 30 minutes to an hour.
- Help us at the DOOR, and dance for free half the night AND another whole night!
ALSO – if you want to volunteer on a regular basis, e.g. work the early door every 3rd Thursday, tell us and we’ll set that up!
The Volunteer page on the OFB website has a convenient, easy-to-use sign-up form for each of our dances.
Kayla Birstein is our volunteer coordinator. If you have questions or ideas about volunteering, contact info is on the Volunteer page.
Volunteer Opportunities
Early Host: Arrive by 7:15, greet the sound tech, band, and caller. Get into the safe, take out the starter money, count and fill out pay-out sheet. And advise/supervise volunteers.
Openers (3 people needed): Early Arrive by 7:15 pm, check in with Early Host, sweep the hall, set up chairs, make sure the bathrooms are clean and stocked.
Early Door Person (2 people needed): Arrive by 7:30 check, in with Early Host, work when needed to take money at the door. Alternate with your other door people and Early host to switch off who sits and who dances. Goes ’til 9:00pm.
Closers (3 people needed): Job time: 10 minutes. Break down the hall, put away chairs, tables, sweep the floors, empty and take out trash. Check in with the Late Host to make sure everything is done
Late Host: Arrive by 9:30, check-in with Early Host, the pay-out form should be filled out. Dancers should pay full price until first contra after the waltz break. Count the money, do the payout, supervise breakdown and close the hall.
Driving through the Appalachian Mountains in Fall is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. It is a time when nature itself proves to be the original artist, painting the landscape and the sky with hues of red, orange, and yellow.
It doesn’t matter if you live up the hill or across the state, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour, happening November 10-12, 2023, provides the intrepid seeker of art experiences a reason for an adventure.
Artist studios are exciting places to visit because they offer a glimpse into the dynamic processes used to create a finished piece. Every artist has their own way of telling a story, inviting visitors to ask questions, hold their work, and share a moment. You can count on the studios being as unique as the artists: the building off to the side of the house, or across the field or down the road or right off the main road or down a gravel one-lane. Two-stories with a gallery space or small and cozy with a table set up or cleared off for display. Still there are others that devote a corner to each artist sharing the space.
The art is as diverse as the artists with the tour featuring the work of glassblowers, jewelers, printmakers, potters, fiber artists, ironworkers, painters, sculptors, and woodworkers.
Just 40 minutes north of Asheville and two hours from Charlotte & Greenville, the Studio Tour makes for an exciting day trip. However, with 85 studios and 8 galleries to visit, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour becomes a fantastic way to enjoy a weekend mini vacation. Both Chambers of Commerce in Burnsville-Yancey and Mitchell County provide information on lodging, eateries, and other local events. Additionally, Toe River Arts is incredibly grateful to Explore Burnsville for being the event sponsor.
For more than a quarter century, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour has intrigued those who make the journey to visit places of inspiration and creation. Situated between Roan Mountain, which boasts the world’s largest rhododendron garden, and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the Toe River Arts Studio Tour is a free, self-guided journey of the arts. This arts adventure through Mitchell and Yancey Counties will take visitors along the meandering Toe River, across its many bridges, around barns, acres of fields and miles of forests all while visiting the talented studio artists who often take inspiration from the mountains, they call home.
2023 Fall Studio Tour
Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12
Mark your calendars for the 2023 Toe River Arts Fall Studio Tour, happening November 10 – 12, 2023.
This driving tour through Mitchell and Yancey Counties will take visitors along the meandering Toe River, across its many bridges, around barns, acres of fields, and miles of forests all while visiting the talented studio artists and galleries participating.
Fall Studio Tour Preview Exhibition
November 4 – December 30
An exhibition featuring a selection of works from participating studio artists and galleries.
Kokol Gallery, Spruce Pine
Meet the Artist Reception
Friday, November 10, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Kokol Gallery, Spruce Pine
The November Studio Tour Exhibition opens in the Kokol Gallery, in Toe River Arts’ Spruce Pine location at 269 Oak Ave, November 4, 2023, and runs through Saturday December 30, 2023. This exhibition gives visitors an opportunity to have a glimpse into each studio and plan their route. It is also a great place to begin the tour or take a break from a day of non-stop art and artists.
Normal gallery hours are 10:30am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday; and 10am – 5pm during the Studio Tour, 11/10-11/12.
Join artists, staff, and the volunteers who make the tour the best and one of the longest continually running self-guided tours in the country, as we toast the beginning of the season during our “Meet-the-Artists” reception on Friday, November 10, from 5:30-7:30.
“Every year is unique. The artists change, and the work evolves. I am always excited when the boxes arrive—to see a new artist’s work or the evolution of a more seasoned artist” said Kathryn Andree, who has been Toe River Arts Exhibits Coordinator for over a decade. The participant shows are the biggest exhibits during the year, averaging over 150 pieces on pedestals, tables, walls, with a few bigger pieces relegated to the floor. They are the most diverse, with media ranging from 2-dimensional to glass, clay, wood, and fiber—something for every palate, every wallet.
Toe River Arts is a non-profit organization that has been connecting the community with the arts for over four decades.
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)
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.
GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
ASHEVILLE SWIFTIES, living for the hope of it all? Cancel plans just in case they’d call? Come scream it out at the ultimate Taylor Swift Dance Party on Nov 10th!
– ALL AGES
– STANDING/DANCING ROOM ONLY
TAYLOR SWIFT DANCE PARTY: TIS’ THE DAMN SEASON
DJ playing Taylor through her eras, costume contest, lipsync battle, themed photo areas, free koozie, bracelet trading, and more!