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.
Join us for The HEAL Collective’s one-of-a-kind Summer Tour!
📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2025
🕔 5:00–7:30pm (doors open at 4:45)
📍 The Studio AVL — 34 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
You’ve done the inner work.
You know how to name your patterns, ride the emotional waves, maybe even hold space for others.
But…
You still crave something deeper.
A place where your body can exhale.
Where healing doesn’t feel like a solo mission.
Where you can be held, celebrated, and activated alongside others who get it.
This is that space.
We’re Carissa & Eric—partners in love and in the wild vision of a more embodied, relational world.
We’ve walked through burnout, heartbreak, anxiety, and the kind of disconnection that healing work alone couldn’t quite touch.
This event is a call to come back into the body.
Into connection.
Into playful, powerful presence.
✨ What You’ll Experience:
❤️🔥 Grounding breathwork + guided meditation
❤️🔥 Somatic practices for regulation and joy
❤️🔥 Authentic relating & vulnerable connection
❤️🔥 Dance, movement, and community magic
🌟 You’ll Leave With:
💫 Practices to anchor yourself when the world feels chaotic
💫 Soul-nourishing connections with conscious humans
💫 A felt sense of possibility—in your body, your life, and your relationships
We believe healing is a path we must each walk ourselves, but we don’t need to walk it alone.
Healing can be embodied. It can be communal. It can be alive.
This isn’t just an event.
It’s the revolution.
A gathering of people who are ready to feel more free—together.
🎟️ Tickets
$44 – Individual
$77 – Bring a friend, partner, or fellow seeker and receive a discount
🍇 Light refreshments provided.
🌸 Space is intimate—reserve your spot early.
Come as you are. Leave more fully expressed.
We can’t wait to heal with you.
THURSDAY JULY 31, 7:30Pm at The Orange Peel PULP
ENJOY standup comedy in a whole new way with picture and videos to go along with the fun in a bourbon bar comedy club! Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Prime Video. Headliner Jordan Julius, winner of Slice Standup Comedy Contest. Featuring hot regional comics Sarah Love, Jason Reel & Lois Adjevi
FREE SNACKS, outside food ok!
Get you tix now, these shows sell out!
On July 31, August 1, and 2, 2025, a different show will be presented live on stage each evening allowing you to appreciate the talent and dedication of the hundreds of musicians, dancers, and storytellers who are preserving the traditions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These traditions involve not only the hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythms of Bluegrass, the style and stories of century-old ballads, the high energy of clogging, the elegance of Big Circle Mountain Smooth Dance, the fun and entertainment of storytelling, but also include an awareness of the hardships and trials that have brought us to this place and time.
The first annual Bodhi Fest, a Buddhist Arts and Film Festival at Asheville Community Theatre on August 16th, 2025 will be a day of illumination as we explore the gladdening qualities of the human spirit ranging from sweet solitude to ecstatic joy. The program will consist of Buddhist films + Q&A, shorts, a dance workshop, a songwriting workshop, musical performances and more. Crafts, art and food from Buddhist sanghas, artists and local vendors will be shared in the front lobby during the festival.
Enjoy an event of immersion in compassionate-wisdom activities that provoke insight and lift the spirit.
We have another standup comedy contest, coming up on Thursday August 21! Come out for the fun as you pick your favorite comic of the night!! Audiences love these shows and tickets go fast!
___________________________________
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Fall/Winter Standup Contest Series: ROUND 1
Thursday August 21, 7:30p-9:30p, doors at 6:30p
The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
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! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics on the show will do approximately 3-1/2m of comedy. This show’s 3 top comics will be brought back with other show winners to compete in our pageant finale, date TBD. Audience votes through paper ballots to be picked up and counted at end of show, winner will be announced.
Want to compete?
These spots go fast! There is no cost to performing comics. Comics should have 3-5m of material and be prepared for additional material in the event of a tie-breaker performance. Winners will be compensated for the night and move on to the finale.
Go to SliceofLifeComedy.com for more information. Contact Michele with any questions, or to sign up at [email protected]
Join the fun, French inspired dance party that is the rage in Europe and gaining ground here in the US. Guest teacher Catherine Rudin joins us from Omaha, Nebraska where she leads a local IFD group and is a frequent teacher at Midwestern workshops. Live music will be by Geraud Barralon who was born in France to a musical family then relocated with marriage to Brasstown, NC. There he is a musician with the John C. Campbell Folk School and an instructor with the Junior Appalachian Musicians when not touring with Balfolk events in France. Dances will be led but not taught. https://www.mountainplayshop.org/balfolk-concert-details
ART PARTY ON THE ROOF AT THE RADICAL HOTEL
Thursday, August 28, 2025
7-9pm
The Roof
The Radical Hotel
95 Roberts Street
Asheville, NC 28801
You are invited to an unforgettable evening of creativity and community with Miranda Wildman and friends on The Roof at The Radical Hotel!
This August evening we will play with a plethora of colors and shapes to create your very own tabletop lantern to set the mood for your summer soirees.
No experience? No problem! This is all about fun, self-expression, and connecting with others through art. Let the local DJ’s inspired beats set the mood as you create alongside new and old friends.
Come as you are—bring your curiosity. Art is for everyone, and this art party is too!
$25
all materials included
N.O.T.A.F.L.O.F.
(no one turned away for lack of funds)
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.
The Grey Eagle Presents: Blue Country Line Dance’s Giddy-Up Brunch
Join us on August 29th through September 1st for the 2025 NC Apple Festival in downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina, for a fun-filled celebration of apples, local culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re here for the delicious apple-inspired treats, the exciting street fair, or the family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
We’re thrilled to bring together over 250,000 visitors each year to celebrate the rich heritage of Henderson County’s apple-growing tradition. From the vibrant parade to live music, and of course, the best apples around, the festival is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!
We can’t wait to see you at the NC Apple Festival, where community, family, and fun come together in the heart of Hendersonville.
Come make this textured and riveted sterling silver ring in a hands on workshop at Ignite Jewelry Studios. A qualified instructor will safely take you through the steps until your piece is complete. You’ll use a variety of common metalsmithing tools including a torch, rolling mill, and more!
Choose from 4 textures: Hammered/ Striped/Boho/Smooth
All materials included! Make it to your size.
Also makes a unique wedding band, fabulous bachelorette event, or team building!
Want to learn to make jewelry? This beginner friendly introductory metalsmithing course teaches the basics skills involved in making your own jewelry. Learn to use a variety of tools and equipment common in a jewelry studio.
This Intensive 16 hour 2 day workshop will teach many techniques including sawing, filing, polishing, soldering, bezel setting, textures, and more! $499 plus a $55 materials fee (paid separate at class)
Class Times: Saturday Sept 13th 9-5 and Sunday Sept 14th 9-5
Students will also have access to 4 Open Studio sessions through the following 4 weeks to practice their skills. A knowledgeable instructor is present during these sessions for questions and safety. Wednesdays 10-4pm (These are only valid the 4 weeks following the class and do not carry over)
Please know this will be a substantial amount of information over the two days and the intensity may not be ideal for everyone. Some jewelry making knowledge may be beneficial, but is not required. The course is designed to teach the skills through a series of jewelry pieces.
The course is designed to teach techniques and skills rather than completing actual aesthetically pleasing pieces, but the goal is that everyone can complete 2-3 pieces of finished jewelry or more. Attending some or all Open Studios will absolutely ensure this and likely many more pieces.
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us for a FREE WORKSHOP designed to help seniors and their families navigate the often-complex process of downsizing, relocating, and preparing for what’s next.
This event, held at the East Asheville Public Library, will provide guidance from professionals on a variety of topics to help make your next transition smooth and stress-free.
Refreshments will be provided!
Workshop Highlights
Financial Guidance from a Lender: Learn how lenders utilize a combination of your retirement income and assets to qualify you for a mortgage.
Legal Planning with an Estate Attorney: Get expert advice on key legal issues, including how to organize assets, taxes, and your beneficiary structure, as well as ensure the instructions for your death or medical circumstance are followed.
Practical Moving Tips from a Realtor: You are not alone! See how a Realtor can act as your personal “project manager” to make the transition stress-free.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered by experts in the field. There will be a time for Q & A at the end! If you have questions that you would like addressed, include them in the appropriate area as your register.
This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Register to secure your spot.
Retreat leader, educator and Jungian psychotherapist Diana McKendree leads a discussion exploring the world of dreamwork and how we might better understand our dreams. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series, the Thursday, September 18 event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. McKendree’s “What Did You Dream Last Night?” discussion begins at 11 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall. Bring a recent dream, notebook and pen. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.
Retreat leader, educator and Jungian psychotherapist Diana McKendree leads a discussion exploring the world of dreamwork and how we might better understand our dreams. Part of Kanuga’s Lunch & Learn series. The Thursday, September 18 event begins with a forest bathing nature walk (weather permitting) at 10 a.m. McKendree’s “What Did You Dream Last Night?” discussion begins at 11 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch in Kanuga’s dining hall. Bring a recent dream, notebook and pen. Registration and more info at kanuga.org/events.
Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 1pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
Free with Advance Registration
Fancy & The Gentlemen- self described as ‘Gothy-Tonk’ and we think that fits! These guys are a lyrical story-telling band with beautiful, haunting and sometimes humorous vocals, songs that stick in your head, and melodies that feel like home. Sit back and soak up the picture they paint, or bop out onto the floor in your good boots- lets git to it!
- HNG will be running a bar with local beers and NA beverage and snack cart.
- Barn Door Ciderworks will provide some sweet and snappy sips of their legendary cider brewed right here in Fairview.
- Root Down Farm food truck brings their signature farm-to-table eats featuring HNG meats and local fresh farmed seasonal veg, often from their home farm! Root Down tastes like hard work paying off, savor it.
- Pro tip: we have picnic tables, benches & patio sets, but always bring a backup folding chair or picnic blanket JUST in case. It can get packed!
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.
Join us at Ignite Jewelry Studio’s on select Friday night’s from 5-8 for our new Ignite Maker Nights. October 3rd is Hammer a Circle Pendant. You’ll choose from a variety of hammer textures and complete your silver pendant.
Each Ignite Maker Night will feature a different drop in workshop to make something fun for yourself or a friend and costs $25 for 25 minutes of less. Before or after this fun experience you can also wander downtown’s galleries for Asheville’s First Fridays. This makes for a great date night or girls night out experience as well!
Age appropriate for ages 10+.
Cost is $25/person and includes materials.
*You don’t need to sign up, as this is a “drop-in”. Our gallery will be open to shop locally handmade jewelry as well.
Experience Appalachian music and dancing at this lively community gathering! Enjoy a live old-time string band as a caller leads fun, easy-to-follow dances—no partner or experience needed. Start the evening with a short flatfoot lesson and try your luck in the cake raffle. All ages are welcome!
Plenty of free parking is available at Haw Creek Elementary School (10 Bethesda Rd), just a short walk from the hall. Accessible spots are also available next to the dance hall at Haw Creek Commons.
Admission: $10 per person, $5 for children 12 and under. Pay at the door via cash, Venmo, or Zelle.
Sign up for email updates below!
https://mailchi.mp/39798f75c04a/signup_asheville-community-square-dance
Lecture Demonstration Series for the Curious, the New, and the Devotee
Sun Oct 5 • 3 pm | 60 minutes
Louis and Duke were there at the beginning—and their influence echoes through every note that comes after. Louis taught the world to swing with joyful individuality. Duke, America’s greatest composer, gave us music that is sophisticated, soulful, and gloriously open. Between them, they laid the foundation—unshakably cool and warmly welcoming.
Jazz Is for Everyone is a series of five one-hour sessions exploring jazz music. Come to one or join them all—each session stands on its own and welcomes listeners at any level.
What You’ll Experience:
Guided listening
Live music demonstrations
Stories that connect the music to people, places, and intent
A space for questions, curiosity, and shared discovery
Jeremy Walker launched Jazz Is for Everyone in 2004 at his Brilliant Corners Jazz Club, with Wynton Marsalis serving as Artistic Advisor. The program was developed as an Educational Affiliate with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Since then, Walker’s been writing, composing, performing, producing, and speaking about why this music still matters.
Dark City LIT! A Literary Festival at the Black Mountain Public Library
105 N. Dougherty St. Black Mountain NC 28711
Saturday, November 8
Join us for the inaugural Dark City LIT! Literary Festival!
Write Local, Read Local Author Fair is back for its fourth year! 20 local authors will be handselling books from 9-11 a.m. and reading from their works from Noon to 1 p.m.
Free Workshops Follow:
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
The Fun, Fascinating, and Fabulous World of Research with Dr. Susan Eischeid
In this engaging workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for harnessing research—whether historical, personal, or primary sources—to elevate your fiction and non-fiction writing with vivid detail and universal resonance.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Publishing as Collective Practice with Andrew Mack of Loblolly Press
Discover how vibrant communities and collaborative efforts—from writers’ groups to small presses—are reviving literature today and leave with your own personalized “community map” to sustain your creative journey.
Followed by An Evening with Tessa Fontaine!
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Author of The Electric Woman: A Memoir in Death-Defying Acts and The Red Grove, longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Tessa will be reading from her work and signing copies of her books.
Wortham Center Student Series Pilobolus
Fri, Oct 10 • 10 am
Grades 6–12
Show length: 60 minutes
Get ready for a high-energy journey through imagination and movement! Known for their athleticism, humor, and creativity, Pilobolus blends dance, storytelling, and visual surprises into a performance like no other. Students become part of the action with interactive engagement and enjoy laughter-filled moments that spark creativity and connection—leaving them amazed and inspired.
Reservations for individuals (9 people or less): $12 each
Reservations for groups (10 people or more): $11 each
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th 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 is the host of 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. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase 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. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. 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 and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM
Fri & Sat, Oct 10 & 11 • 8 pm
Journey into an astonishing universe where Pilobolus transverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry. Explore the human condition as they fuse sensuality, humor, and physical prowess in a spellbinding performance.
“If we think we know what’s going to happen at a Pilobolus concert, we’d be wrong.” —Dance Magazine
“The men and women of Pilobolus have no interest in playing by the dance world’s rules” —Huffington Post
Connect with the artists in a dance masterclass and preshow discussions.
Spotlight on Pilobolus:
Founded in 1971 at Dartmouth College; now hailed as an “Irreplaceable Dance Treasure”
Performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic Games
Famous for the Hyundai “human car” TV commercial
120+ works performed across 65 countries with 100M+ social media views
Known for daring athleticism, inventive storytelling, and playful artistry
BEFORE + AFTERPARTY
Saturday, October 11
8:30–11:00 pm
Suggested donation $40
Open to all
I Spy an immersive projection experience in the Center for Craft’s Ideation Lab. Curated cocktails, DJ, hands-on craft activities with Print House and Swannatopia, and a dance floor.
Bring an object to cast in acrylic. Record a message for the digital time capsule. Don’t miss it!
Sliding scale entry to support the Center for Craft’s mission to resource, catalyze, and amplify makers and scholars.
Activation and music by Frisson Studios.
Graphic design by Maxwell James Sauls.
ALL SCALES MODEL TRAIN SHOW
Friday, Oct. 10 12-6 pm
Saturday, Oct. 11 10 am-4 pm
Adults: $8
Children under 12: Free with an Adult
Scouts in Uniform: Free
Come see our Vendors, Layouts, Kids’ Play Zone, and win Door Prizes!
*Listen for the Train Whistle before the prize numbers*
27,000 sq ft of vendors, displays and TTraks to see! A canteen with an assortment of food to choose from.
Free Parking!
Asheville Plays is eeeek!cited to announce the 13th 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 is the host of 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. The show is loved by boils and ghouls from all over WNC and is proudly presented by our title sponsor Mellow Mushroom Asheville. The Treetop Adventure Park Aerial Glow Trail is available for purchase 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. Join us in saying BOO! to hunger; Each Ticket purchased to this event raises 4 meals for MANNA foodbank. 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 and allows any nervous little monsters to decide if they would like to re enter the line and receive the full show. Don’t miss PIRATES COVE! Featuring a 30 ft Pirate Ship Escape Room, Live Mermaid Encounter with photo opportunity, and free pirate themed activities. In addition to the Haunted & Aerial Glow Trails and Pirates Cove, there will be an entire festival with games, local vendors, food and brews, and new this year: a Cotton Candy Robot! Scare you there! Oct 3-4-10-11-17-18-19-23-24-25-26 6-9 PM