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 our Juneteenth Cinema at Swannanoa Library! Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. For teens and adults, run time 126 minutes and snacks will be provided. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up..
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
Free Event!!
The Town of Mills River Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting an outdoor movie in the park event at Mills River Park on Saturday June 22nd featuring Barbie (PG-13). Start time will be dusk.
The park is located at 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, NC 28759. The event will take place at the multi-purpose fields in the park.
This event is free to attend. No pre-registration is required. Concessions will be available (cash only). NEW! Baabals Food Truck will be selling concessions! Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Please leave all pets at home for this event. See less
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
Kids Camp is a free event for children who have completed kindergarten-completed 5th grade. Each evening, the kiddos will have a time in music, games, crafts, missions, and Bible. Dinner and snacks are provided with sign-up. Camp will take place on-campus Mon-Thurs with a pool party on Friday. Individual children must be registered to attend.
RANGER is a true tale of war seen through the lens of a Special Operations soldier, Sgt. David Waterhouse, in Iraq and Afghanistan. This first-hand account documents the brutality of combat and the raw nature of killing and death. It’s a journey of innocence lost, and the scars of war etched into the minds of service members. An untold account everyone should hear.
The Ranger Creed states that, “I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than other soldier.”
After the release of RANGER, Further Faster Harder Foundation was created to give veterans a platform to tell their stories and find their purpose and voice again through documentaries, books, art, podcasts, and many other avenues.
Friday, June 28th marks the 19-year anniversary of the largest loss of Special Operations life since the Vietnam War. This event honors the memories of the 19 men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
We want to welcome everyone to join us in our First Charity Screening and Silent Auction to help give Voices to Vets.
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
“These go to eleven.” “It’s such a fine line between stupid
and clever.” “None more black.”
Those and countless other quotes from the 1984
“mockumentary” This is Spin̈al Tap have long since entered
popular culture. The misadventures of Britain’s Loudest
Band™ were chronicled by director Marty DiBergi (Rob
Reiner) in the uproarious cult classic. The fictitious heavy
metal group featured Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest),
David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and Derek Smalls
(Harry Shearer). The hapless musicians endure countless hilarious misadventures in the classic
film. This is Spin̈al Tap was a critical smash and an extremely influential motion picture. A sequel
is set for release next year.
Sure, interested parties can view This is Spinal Tap at home. But some movies were designed to
be enjoyed as part of an engaged audience. And this film is most definitely one of those. And the
film has been out of theatrical circulation for years, so opportunities are few. Described as
“culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress and was selected for
preservation in the United States National Film Registry. But the main thing is that it’s really, really
funny and on-target.
Don’t miss this fun and rare opportunity. Black t-shirt optional.
As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Moviehouse in Asheville hosts a special one-
night-only showing of the film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author, music journalist (and
hardcore Spinal Tap fan) Bill Kopp, the evening will include a screening of the
film followed by an interactive discussion.
“Going to the movies has always been a kind of
communal experience,” says Kopp, host of Music
Movie Mondays. “Especially in this post-lockdown
era, the opportunity to not only watch a film but then
to discuss it with others is something even more
special. And music-related films lend themselves remarkably well to this
shared, interactive experience.”
Music Movie Mondays is a monthly series moderated by Bill Kopp, hosted by Grail Movie House
and sponsored by AshevilleFM. Music Movie Mondays presents a special screening of This is
Spinal Tap on Monday, July 8 @ 7 pm. The program will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll
watch the film together; afterward, we’ll engage in a moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of This is Spinal Tap is the latest in the ongoing popular series of
Music Movie Mondays at Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new releases,
classics and cult favorites.
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.
The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.
.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.
🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
In 2014, a group of Vietnam combat veterans began meeting at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville to participate in a unique creative writing program. The focus was capturing their stories through essays and poetry to find the voices war had taken from them. The hope was to reclaim a sense of their shared humanity, build camaraderie and find some degree of healing.
To continue this work, the NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation will be offering free creative writing classes at the East Asheville Library in June and July. The goal is to provide healing through the art of creative writing to all veterans in our community.
Join other veterans for this series of classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. from June 11-July 30 at the East Asheville library. To sign up, please e-mail Ron Toler at [email protected].
Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.
The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.
.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.
🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.
We are delighted to invite you to a special gathering designed exclusively for the women of our community—Reflect: A Ladies-Only Event at Elevation Church AVL Watch Party! Join us on 9/13 at 7 PM (10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801) for an evening dedicated to reflection, renewal, and connection.
This event is sure to uplift and inspire each lady as we reflect on our personal journeys and celebrate our shared faith. Your presence will add a unique and cherished dimension to our gathering.
We can’t wait to share this special evening with you and experience the joy and renewal that comes from coming together in faith.
If you missed the critically-acclaimed 2023 movie The Boys in the Boat when it was at the theaters, now is your chance. The Swannanoa Library will host a brief discussion of the book by the same name (written by Daniel James Brown), followed by a free screening of the movie on Thursday, June 27, from 4-6:30 p.m.
Set against a fascinating historic backdrop, The Boys in the Boat tells the true story of the University of Washington rowing team and their inspiring quest to compete for gold at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The Swannanoa Library is located at 101 West Charleston Ave. For more info, call the library at 828-250-6486.
Flat Rock, N.C. – The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness will offer a “Blessing of the Animals” on Sunday, October 6, at 4pm in the back parking lot located behind the Parish Hall at 1905 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock.
Furry and feathered companions are invited to this special service to receive a blessing. Cats,
dogs, snakes, chickens, horses, birds, goats, in fact all domestic animals, are welcome! As an option, a stuffed animal or pet photo may be presented to receive a blessing. Our outdoor meeting space will create a lively Eucharist for all creatures involved.
“The more time I spend in Creation, the more I feel connected to the plants and animals that surround us and the God who made it all,” said Rev. Josh Stephens, the Rector of the parish. “We know your pets and farm animals are members of your family so please come out for this special service that honors your animals and asks for God to bless and care for them as they bless and care for you.”
The service comes a few days after the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a man with a true
spirit of love and peace that could have only come from God. He turned the cerebral,
inward-leaning theology and scholasticism of the Middle Ages, on its head by his radical
commitment to living a life of poverty and service in the pattern of Jesus of Nazareth.
Those who encountered St. Francis were drawn into the peaceable Kingdom of God to know
more fully the Prince of Peace. Even animals, it is said, were attracted to his Christ-like
gentleness. In one story he preaches to a flock of birds. In another he makes peace with a wolf that had been terrorizing a village calling the creature “Brother Wolf” and reconciling him to the village.
As we thank God for the animals in our lives we pray that the reconciling work of Jesus Christ might extend beyond our relationship with God to include all creation. We hope you will join us with your animal companions for this fun outdoor worship service. In the event of rain, the service will be relocated inside the Parish Hall.
For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.
Four billion years. Millions of species. Five mass extinction events (and counting, but more on that later). It’s the story of Life on Our Planet, a stunning new series chronicling the ongoing rise and fall of lives on Earth, from the cataclysmic events that reshape our ecosystems to the creatures that survived (or didn’t) along the way. Because life always finds a way — but as this eight-part epic journey proves, the road from single-celled life-form to the biodiversity we know today was anything but drama free.
About Keith Scholey
Keith Scholey is the series producer for Netflix’s Our Planet and Director of the cinema film David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet. Born and raised in East Africa, he qualified as a Zoologist with both a degree and PhD from Bristol University. He began working with the BBC Natural History Unit as a Researcher and subsequently became a producer making many films for the Natural World and Wildlife on One series as well as for special series including David Attenborough’s award winning The Private Life of Plants. As Head and Editor-in-chief of the BBC Natural History Unit, he oversaw series including David Attenborough’s Life of Birds and The Life of Mammals, Blue Planet, Andes to Amazon, Cousins and Wild Africa. A veteran producer, editor and director of the natural history world, he left his job as Controller of Factual Production, responsible for all BBC ‘in house’ Factual content to join Silverback Films and continue the mission and aim of making content that makes a difference. Awards for productions he has been responsible for include Emmys, Baftas, RTS’s, Wildscreen pandas and Jackson Hole Awards. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Bristol.
Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.
Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!
Enjoy a uniquely elevated holiday experience created by the partnership of Greenville Convention Center’s Annual Holiday Fair and Rotary Club of Greenville’s Kringle Holiday Village.
Holiday Fair & Kringle Village will delight locals and draw visitors to the Upstate for three days of holiday fun December 5-7, 2024, at the Greenville Convention Center.
Greenville Convention Center will transform into a Winter Wonderland featuring a massive vendor market, roving performers, a European Bier Garden, the North Pole children’s play area, Santa’s Workshop, The Enchanted Tea Party, Little Miss Kringle Pageant, holiday movie night, snowball fights, main stage entertainment, the Grand Carousel, visits with Santa and more!
The Asheville Nativity exhibit entitled “Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy: Christmas Crèches from Around the World” returns to First Baptist Church of Asheville December 6-15, 2024. The eighth annual Asheville Nativity exhibit is a gift to the community coordinated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and First Baptist Church of Asheville. Nativity displays may be viewed in the dining room at First Baptist Church of Asheville beginning Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 15. The exhibit will be open to the public weekdays 5-8PM, Saturdays 10AM-8PM, and Sundays 12PM-8PM.
School groups, retirement communities, or special press visits can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. The complete schedule can be found at www.ashevillenativity.org. Over 250 Nativity scenes from around the world will be on display. This family-friendly event includes a life-size stable with costumes.
A crèche, often called a Nativity scene, is an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ. While focusing on the central figures of the mother Mary and Christ Child, crèche artists often telescope time and place to bring together a host of earthly and heavenly participants—shepherds, animals, wise men, angels, and commoners.
For centuries, the crèche as an art form has flourished in homes and churches worldwide. Whether the crèche depicts 19th-century Italian villagers dressed in silks and jewels or contemporary African animal herders crafted from clay, each representation reflects the unique talents, circumstances and culture of the artist.
This exhibit is an ecumenical effort to highlight the cultural diversity of each crèche on display, while honoring and celebrating the common theme that runs throughout—the birth of Jesus.
Past events have included participation from seven different Asheville area churches and displayed over 250 unique Nativity sets from seventy countries around the world. Thousands of people attend the exhibit each year. Guest comments included: “Awesome!” “Wonderful!” “Lovely!” “Words cannot express the beauty.” “Impressive and beautifully done.”
The event is free to the public. Donations are welcome. Tax-deductible donations can be made by visiting ashevillenativity.org. More information is available on the website or by emailing [email protected]. First Baptist Church of Asheville is located at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville.
“Oh Tidings of Comfort and Joy: Christmas Crèches from Around the World”
First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St, downtown Asheville
Free Admission
Weekdays: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
When the Holidays Hurt: The holidays can be difficult. In this season of sparkling lights, festive songs, and our communal efforts to maintain a sense of joy, it can be hard to find a quiet place that acknowledges both our collective grief and our personal struggles.
Please join UU Asheville’s Ministerial Interns and the Pastoral Care Team on December 15, 2024, at 1:30 PM in the sanctuary at 1 Edwin Place Asheville for an annual service that includes music, readings, quiet reflection and healing ritual. All are welcome.
Every Friday we’ll be having a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by our very own film-buff Carlos Steward!
The movie starts at 7PM sharp; B.Y.O. snacks/drinks!
French Broad River Academy (FBRA) invites you to a screening of the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF), a curated selection of adventure-based short films that celebrate the power, strength, and determination of women in the great outdoors. The films highlight inspiring stories of female adventurers from around the world, and are tailored for student and family viewing. The event is open to the public.
The evening starts at 5:30 pm with a panel discussion by Asheville-area community outdoor adventure enthusiasts, followed by screening of the short films at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per person, available for purchase in advance at https://www.fbra-avl.org/no-mans-land/ or at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit FBRA and the school’s outdoor programming for students.
ABOUT NMLFF: Founded in 2015 in response to the lack of women-representation in the broader outdoor media, the No Man’s Land Film Festival (NMLFF) has grown to become the premier adventure film festival for women and gender non-conforming athletes, storytellers, and filmmakers. Learn more: https://nomanslandfilmfestival.org/
ABOUT FBRA: French Broad River Academy (FBRA) is an independent middle school (grades 6-8) in Asheville, NC, with dual riverfront programs for boys and girls. We integrate rigorous academics with outdoor adventure, service learning, and international travel to help our students become confident, compassionate leaders, ready to take on the world. Learn more about FBRA: fbra-avl.org
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a beloved pastor and theologian whose work has blessed countless people around the world. Christians especially have cherished his practical theology, approachable writing style, and prophetic vision. This Epiphany chapel study will engage Bonhoeffer’s works to help us learn how to be faithful in times of political and social upheaval.