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.

Saturday, July 27, 2024
The Art Dash 5k
Jul 27 @ 8:30 am
Smoky Park Super Clubs Boat House

The Art Dash 5k in Asheville — on Saturday, July 27, starting at 8:30 a.m. — helps raise fund for LEAF Global Arts.

Runners can enjoy a fast, flat out and back run along the River Arts District Greenway, with Asheville-based performance artists along the race course showcasing our city’s special style. Start and end at the Smoky Park Super Clubs Boat House riverside, 350 Riverside Drive.

Friday, August 2, 2024
Light Up the Night 5K
Aug 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Carrier Park

The Light Up the Night 5K is a fundraising, glow-in-the-dark, night-time, walk or run and will be timed by Finish Well Timing. This will be Western Carolina Rescue Ministries’ 6th annual Light Up the Night 5k race to raise funds and spread awareness of the ministry’s community impact. This event will take place on Friday August 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in Asheville’s Carrier Park, and all proceeds from this event will directly benefit WCRM.

Last year, your support gave a second chance to 26 moms and 46 babies in our Abba’s House Recovery Program. The success of these moms would not be possible without your valuable contribution.

As we embark on another year of service and outreach, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This year, we want to include you in playing an even greater role in our ministry. We will be pursuing funding for the need of life transformation across all our programs.

This event is one of the Ministry’s most significant opportunities to raise funds in support of our community and these funds will be directly used to break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in our region. For the past 43 years, WCRM has been serving the homeless community of Asheville providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to people in crisis. We care for our clients with dignity, providing help, hope, and opportunity for our ministry participants to reengage in society. Whether it’s a hot meal, a warm shelter, or recovery from addiction, our compassion shines on everyone we meet.

Thursday, September 26, 2024
A Wild Night for Wildlife: Celebrating 10 Years of Saving Wild Lives
Sep 26 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a Candler-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, is excited to announce its 10th Anniversary Celebration, “A Wild Night for Wildlife: Ten Years of Saving Wild Lives and Counting!” The event will take place on Thursday, September 26, from 6:30-9:00 pm at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, located at 131 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville.

For the past decade, Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has provided care for more than 7,000 wild animals while also offering conservation education and promoting a deeper appreciation for local wildlife.

Event Highlights:
Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm (6-6:30 pm early admission for VIPs)
Location: The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC
Dress Code: Business Casual
Tickets: $50 per person
VIP Tickets: $85 per person (benefits listed at ApplachianWild.org)

This special celebration will feature live music, food, drinks, silent auction, and live ambassador animals. Guests will have the opportunity to meet ambassador animals and learn about getting injured and orphaned wildlife into care.

Ticket Information:
Tickets are available for $50 per person. VIP tickets, which offer early entry at 6 pm and additional perks outlined on AppalachianWild.org, can be purchased for $85 per person. All proceeds from the event will directly support the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating this milestone,” said Savannah Trantham, executive director of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. “This event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our supporters, volunteers, and staff over the past ten years. We look forward to continuing our mission and making an even greater impact in the years to come.”

Tickets for “A Wild Night for Wildlife” will be available in late August. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit AppalachianWild.org. For information on sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife in Western North Carolina. The organization also focuses on educating the public about conservation and wildlife protection, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.

Sunday, October 27, 2024
Great Smokies Eco-Adventure
Oct 27 @ 12:00 pm – Oct 29 @ 4:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mark your calendar for an immersive Smokies experience like none other! Spend your days exploring the wilds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and your nights glamorously camping off the grid. Discover Life in America and partner A Walk in the Woods bring you a 3-day, 2-night adventure, with expert-led nature hikes, camping in a luxurious off-grid setting, mouth-watering, local food and drink, and much more. All proceeds from this fundraising event will help DLiA discover and conserve the rich biodiversity of the Smokies.