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.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.
Wortham Presents Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.
The Olivette Farm 5K & Fun Run, hosted by Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery, will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM. This unique race offers an early spring challenge for both competitive and novice runners with an on-and-off-road course through the beautiful Olivette Community and Farm. After the race, attendees can enjoy an after-party featuring local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds will support the sustainable farming mission of Olivette Farm.
Winter Warm-Up | Saturday, March 8 | 1-4 p.m. | Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Road, Arden | Bring your family, friends, and love for the outdoors to enjoy s’mores, hot chocolate, crafts, play, and more and celebrate the changing season. The program is free, and no registration is required.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.
The road to the NCAA Final Four starts in Asheville. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the nation’s best conference tournament action as the Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will take place March 6-10, 2025 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown. SoCon Tournament week has become an annual rite of spring in the Asheville community. Enjoy spending time in a city you’ve heard so much about. With excellent restaurants, breweries, shopping and activities, Asheville is a city with something for everyone.
In partnership with Explore Asheville, the Southern Conference is directing a portion of premium level ticket sales to the Always Asheville Fund, an emergency grant program supporting small, independent travel and hospitality businesses as they recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, there will be numerous onsite giving opportunities for fans.
Fishes of the Southern Appalachians with Carlton Burke
ON-SITE | Thursday, March 13 | 12 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge Naturalist – Wildlife of the Blue Ridge Core Credit
The Southern Appalachian region is rich with a variety of fish species. These include not only the better known species of game fish that we love to catch for sport or food, but also include an incredible diversity of smaller, lesser-known non-game fish, which play an important role in the ecology of our aquatic mountain habitats. In this class we will discuss many of the fish species found in the mountain region and learn about their classification, habitat, life cycles, and their identifying features.
This program includes a lab portion of the class where students will see some features of fish hands on with real fish specimens.
The Basement Famous Tour – An evening of standup with TJ
March 13, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
After touring Europe with his second hour of standup, NYC comedian TJ is heading to Asheville for one night only! Bringing his signature wit and conversational delivery on stage, he tackles his ongoing immigration journey in the United States, religion, languages, and why America might be near the end of its run as the world’s most powerful empire.
It’s TJ’s most insightful and funniest hour yet. It’s not a show for the faint of heart, but if you love standup comedy, then you surely will love this show!
Protecting our Native Hemlocks: Treatment Demonstration with Hemlock Restorative Initiative
ON-SITE | Friday, March 14 | 1 – 4 pm
Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Elective Credit
Join Hemlock Restoration Initiative staff for a demonstration and workshop in the Arboretum forest to learn the fundamentals of treating hemlock trees to protect them from the invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid. Designed for a general audience, this workshop is great for homeowners who steward hemlocks on their property or for anyone interested in learning treatment basics. Today hemlock management is simpler and less expensive than ever before!
Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton
Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.
He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.
America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!
His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!
Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton
Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.
Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.
He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.
America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!
His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!
Wortham Center Student Series TheaterWorksUSA presents The Magic School Bus. Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.*
Grades K–5 • Show Length: 60 min.
*Please note: These Student Series performances are currently wait list only.
Take your class on an interplanetary field trip, guided by Ms. Frizzle, in this latest live-action installment of the classic book and TV series.
Reservations for individuals (10 people or less): $12 each. To reserve, call the box office at 828-257-4530 ext. 1, or email [email protected].
Reservations for groups (11 people or more): $11 each. To reserve, complete the Student Series Reservation Form. Please note that all group reservations require a deposit of $1 per ticket. Please contact the box office if you have questions.
Biltmore’s next exhibition is an unforgettable exploration of the culture of ancient Egypt, the time of Tutankhamun, the search for and thrilling discovery of his tomb, and the treasures found within.
The event hailed as the world’s most complete Tutankhamun exhibition becomes all the more fascinating in its Biltmore presentation—this is the only experience that reveals the historical connections between the monumental discovery and the Vanderbilt-Cecil family.
This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition premieres March 21 in Amherst at Deerpark®. Reserve your admission tickets and special admission-inclusive overnight packages today.
The Golden Girls are back in an all new show! 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring at Shady Pines. Blanche and Rose created CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sex-crazed love interest who turns out to be the district attorney prosecuting Sophia. What could possibly go wrong! Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! This new comedy is for fans 18 and older…. because they’re not the same girls from the 80’s. Produced by Murray & Peter. Get tour info at GoldenGirlsTour.com
Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, 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 who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.
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 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, March 29 & 30! This 4 and half-hour round trip special event train departs the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 am and will travel through the Smoky Mountains to our picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and Egg Hunt.
Passengers will be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride! Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a give-away bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and a yummy Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy at the layover. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so do not forget your camera!
“The Thorn,” a powerful and popular live theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring the passion of Jesus to life this spring at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church. Watch the trailer here. For more information, please visit TheThorn.com
Author John Bolin created the show over 25 years ago to convey the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death to a group of young people who knew little about the story of Jesus’ suffering but were familiar with pain through their own practice of cutting and self-harm.
The show has evolved ever since, with the current live version returning to the original format featuring St. John, “the beloved disciple,” recalling his many amazing encounters with Jesus.
“It’s a story full of love, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, and redemption,” said Bolin.
Ages 5+
Suitable for Beginners to Advanced Birders
This outing takes place at Lake Julian Park from 8:30-11:30 am. Get to know the birds of Lake Julian, one of Buncombe County’s birding hotspots! We will start with a walk along the shore of Lake Julian and ends with birding on the lake from Lake Julian’s pontoon boat. Free, Registration Required. Binoculars are available upon request but supplies are limited. Dress for the weather!
Registration opens 30 days prior to activity.
For more information email [email protected] or call 828-250-4260.
Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.
April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!
Asheville Junior Theater Presents Shrek JR.
April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
April 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical! It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part reimagining of traditional fairy tales, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.
Shrek The Musical JR. is a 70-minute version of the Broadway hit, great for audiences of all ages… if a little potty humor is acceptable in your family!
Bored Teachers are BACK with all new material on their “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour. For years, Bored Teachers Studios has brought a sense of humor to teachers around the world to ease their daily struggle in the classroom. They’ve amassed over a billion views on their viral videos on social media, over 10 million followers, and the #1 ranked teacher-comedy podcast—#6 of all Stand Up Comedy shows on Apple Podcasts.
Since 2022, Bored Teachers has been selling out comedy clubs and major theatres across 49 states, bringing laughter to over 150,000 teachers throughout the school year and has become the main event to attend in all of teacher world. Even non-teacher fans have reviewed it as one of the funniest stand up shows they’ve ever seen! The Bored Teachers Show is a comedy powerhouse that anyone who’s ever been in a classroom can relate to.
Please note that PG-13 language is used during some sets.