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 every Thursday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm for music, poetry, comedy and stories performed by our favorite local artists! Feel free to bring your own food/drinks or anything you’d like to share!
Sign up begins at 6pm, show begins at 6:30pm. Each performer will have twelve minutes, and the show is always livestreamed on our Facebook account.
Every Monday, Ivy Rozen, Senior Editor of The Black Mountain Press, will host a poetry-specific open mic from 6:30pm-9pm. Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading (email Ivy at [email protected] if you’d like to be a featured poet)!
Grey Eagle Events and Asheville Vaudeville Present Asheville Vaudeville. Ages 18 and up.
– SEATED SHOWAsheville Vaudeville – Asheville’s LARGEST vaudeville show featuring WNC’s best comedy, juggling, magic, burlesque, acrobatics, aerial arts, short plays, puppetry, sideshow, music, and more!
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present THE MOTH Presents: Asheville StorySLAM – “RESET”. All Ages. Doors: 6:30pm // Show: 7:30pm. $18.45.
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night’s theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show! Tonight’s theme is…
RESET: Prepare a five-minute story about a fresh start. Clean slates and wet paint. When the tide came in and the sandcastle returned to sand. Expunging your past reputation and going back to square one. Cutting bangs after the big breakup. Whether you changed your zip code, career, or outlook on life, tell us about a time you felt new. Tomorrow is another day.
Seating is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the show. Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. All sales final. As many as 10 tickets may be available at the door for all of our StorySLAMs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Leave what you think you know about hip-hop at the door: This suite of works is designed to challenge popular perceptions of street dance — shaking the art form at its foundations to reveal the complex narratives and artistic ingenuity at its core. One of the most respected hip-hop choreographers in the country, Rennie Harris leads his company into a progressive new era of dance in “Nuttin’ But A Word,” where individuality, creativity and innovation reign supreme.
Coinciding with Rennie Harris Puremovement’s Asheville performances, Wortham Center Artist-in-Residence Otto Vazquez will host hip-hop dance classes in the performing arts complex’s Henry LaBrun Studio. Joining Harris to lead pre-show discussions on Jan. 17 and 18, Vazquez is a prolific street dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and educator. This season, he partners with the Wortham Center to offer education and community engagement programs and to present events through his production company, Nu Paradigm. ovazquez.net
Connect with the art and artists in classes and pre-show discussions.
Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.: Hip-hop dance pop-up class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Jan. 17 & 18 at 7 p.m.: Rennie Harris and Otto Vazquez lead pre-show discussions
Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.: Street Dance & Hip-Hop Master Class with Rennie Harris Puremovement company dancers
Feb. 4–March 25 at 7 p.m.: 8-week hip-hop class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Join us for an immersive experience in the art of grafting Japanese Maples, led by expert horticulturist Fritz McCall, owner of Blue Ridge Nursery and longtime Bullington supporter. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the intricate techniques of grafting and practice under Fritz’s guidance. You’ll have the opportunity to graft two beautiful maple varieties from the selections (Bloodgood, Inaba Shidare, Sango kaku, Seiryu, Tamukeyama, Viridis, Crimson Queen, and Japonicum) and take your grafted trees home. This class is perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners looking to expand their skills. Don’t miss this chance to create your own Japanese Maples and deepen your understanding of this ancient horticultural practice. Participants are asked to bring a sharp knife or Exacto knife.
$55 per ticket-class size limited to 14.
Saturday January 18, 2025. 10:00 a.m.– 12:30 pm
Leave what you think you know about hip-hop at the door: This suite of works is designed to challenge popular perceptions of street dance — shaking the art form at its foundations to reveal the complex narratives and artistic ingenuity at its core. One of the most respected hip-hop choreographers in the country, Rennie Harris leads his company into a progressive new era of dance in “Nuttin’ But A Word,” where individuality, creativity and innovation reign supreme.
Coinciding with Rennie Harris Puremovement’s Asheville performances, Wortham Center Artist-in-Residence Otto Vazquez will host hip-hop dance classes in the performing arts complex’s Henry LaBrun Studio. Joining Harris to lead pre-show discussions on Jan. 17 and 18, Vazquez is a prolific street dancer, choreographer, filmmaker and educator. This season, he partners with the Wortham Center to offer education and community engagement programs and to present events through his production company, Nu Paradigm. ovazquez.net
Connect with the art and artists in classes and pre-show discussions.
Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.: Hip-hop dance pop-up class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
Jan. 17 & 18 at 7 p.m.: Rennie Harris and Otto Vazquez lead pre-show discussions
Jan. 18 at 1 p.m.: Street Dance & Hip-Hop Master Class with Rennie Harris Puremovement company dancers
Feb. 4–March 25 at 7 p.m.: 8-week hip-hop class with Otto Vazquez, Henry LaBrun Studio, Wortham Center
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 Fierce Fitness Dance Fundraiser.
Join Amy Fahmy to understand the planting design principles that she has found most useful in 30 years of residential garden design experience. For both novice and experienced gardeners this class is about placing and growing plants for the most eye-catching effect. You’ll leave class knowing what to buy, and where to plant to transform your existing garden! Jan 25, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00. $20.00. Class limit 40.
Queer Girls Literary Reading Series Celebrates its Fifteenth Anniversary
Asheville, NC—On Sunday, January 26th at 6:00 PM, Eulogy at Burial Beer Company (10 Buxton Avenue in Asheville’s South Slope) will host the Fifteenth Annual Queer Girls Literary Reading, a celebration of Asheville’s queer literary women. This year’s lineup includes local and regional writers, UNCA students, and community members.
Admission to the event is by donation, with a $5-10 suggested donation (more if you can, less if you can’t). Doors will open at 5:30 PM.
Join us for a spore-tacular time at the Mountain Mushrooms Workshop! We’ll teach you the fun-gamentals—it’s quite the ‘fun-guy’ activity! We’ll also explore the best wild mushrooms to forage in the forest, making sure you’re not in truffle when identifying them. This class is perfect for beginners and seasoned mycophiles alike. Don’t miss out on this morel of a good time!
January 28, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Pruning is a crucial practice for promoting the health, productivity, and aesthetics of your plants and landscapes. Join us at Bullington Gardens for an informative and hands-on class led by horticulture expert John Murphy. In this course, you will learn essential pruning techniques that can help control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain the beauty of your garden. The class will include a walk and demonstration in the gardens.
John Murphy will guide you through the basics of pruning, including the best times to prune different types of plants, proper tools and their maintenance, and step-by-step methods for achieving optimal plant health and appearance. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best pruning decisions for your garden. Questions and Answer session included.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your horticultural skills and ensure your plants thrive.
February 1, 2025, 2-4pm.
Bike Love ’25 @ Eulogy is Asheville on Bikes’ annual fundraiser.
Whether you ride or just love a great party, Bike Love ’25 is where music, community, and high-energy vibes come together. Bring your crew, hit the dance floor, and celebrate the joy of movement—on and off the bike!
Led by a certified Inward & Artward Creative Facilitator, Tikva Kingrea, this second annual, pre-Valentine’s Day workshop offers space to connect + craft a love letter from the heart. We’ll talk about the history of love letters complete with examples, what elements go into its writing, how to find and capture meaningful moments, and provide the needed materials to complete a written letter. This is a multi-disciplinary workshop focused around writing. Playful. Meaningful. Connective. Open to lovers of all types! Participants will walk away with:
– creative letter-writing
– a wax-sealed envelope and letter
– meaningful connection exercises
– a shared experience
– snacks
You’ve visited famous gardens and gone on amazing residential garden tours. Remember that sense of magic – like stepping into another world? How did they do it? Join Amy Fahmy to learn how she builds the structure of a residential garden using time honored techniques from the world’s great gardens. With 30 years of experience in renovating old gardens, and designing and building new residential gardens, Amy will share how she listens to clients, identifies priorities and sets affordable goals. Leave with specific ideas for the changes you know will fit your own garden!
Bio:
Amy is a licensed landscape architect with extensive horticultural knowledge. She has gardened for Plant Delights Nursery, Richmond Hill Inn and The Biltmore Estate. She is a certified professional plantsman, a certified permaculture designer, and a registered Landscape Contractor with 30 years of hands-on gardening experience. For the last 12 years she has managed a wide range of fine garden design commissions at Sitework Studios Landscape Architecture Studio in Asheville. She is currently transforming her own garden to include more native plants, and she is attempting to live exclusively off her own vegetable garden
Feb 8, 2025, 1:00 – 3:00pm. $20.00. Class limit 40.
Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.
Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.
In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.
By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.
By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.
Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better!
February 11, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.
Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!
Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.
From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.
You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.
Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.
Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.
This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.
So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.
Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.
We can’t wait to see you there!
WNC Dance Repertory Benefit Showcase February 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
WNC Dance Academy presents our annual winter benefit concert featuring the WNC Dance Repertory Company and Stewart/Owen Dance. All proceeds go to benefit Stewart/Owen Dance and their goal to enrich the community of Western North Carolina with education, promotion, and creation of contemporary dance by building a sustainable ecosystem where professional dance artists can thrive.
This 75-minute production tells the story of a character who has lost her inner light, plunging into a wondrous and surreal world where memories come to life and the ordinary becomes ‘extra’ordinary. With over 8 breathtaking acrobatic acts, “Solstice” combines light design, costumes, enchanting music, surreal scenery, and the magic of falling snow to create this celebration of the human spirit. A blend of local and national artists comprise the cast of seven.
Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the stage. In this season celebrating lineage and legacy, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will perform the beloved masterpiece Revelations and will bring to life works by numerous choreographers for whom Mr. Ailey paved the way, reminding us that dance is both a reflection of our past and a guide to our future.
Experience America’s most popular dance company when Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the stage. In this season celebrating lineage and legacy, Ailey’s extraordinary dancers will perform the beloved masterpiece Revelations and will bring to life works by numerous choreographers for whom Mr. Ailey paved the way, reminding us that dance is both a reflection of our past and a guide to our future.
Expect the Unexpected.
Rouge features daring aerial acts, thrilling acrobatics and poetic dance that cannot be missed. The Madame of Ceremonies, Rachel Houdek, is your guide for a mesmerizing good time that holds audiences spellbound. Rouge is the perfect event for a date night or night out with friends.
Mark your calendars & don’t miss PLANT BAR PRESENTS, an evening of high vibes, immersive energy & community on February 21st at Plant Bar Asheville. Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of Asheville’s hottest local DJ’s, sip endless tea, try a relaxing or invigorating zero-proof botanical elixir, enjoy local healthy food and take in the vibes with old & new friends.
Date: Friday, 2/21/25
Time: 6:00 -10:30 PM
Music: Live DJ’s
Haus Maus – 6:45 – 7:45 PM
Hunter The Gatherer – 8-10PM
Food:
Habibi Village – Organic, gluten-free Lebanese food
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Cheer & Dance Competition on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at ExploreAsheville.com Arena. Doors open at 7am. Event is 8:00am – 9:30pm. TICKET PRICES $20 at the door only.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
To celebrate this incredible 30th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.
Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.
Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.
Ross Gay is interested in joy.
Ross Gay wants to understand joy.
Ross Gay is curious about joy.
Ross Gay studies joy.
Something like that.
Ross Gay — Poet, Essayist, & National Book Critics Circle Award Winner — will visit ACS with a profound mission: to explore and understand joy.
Ross Gay is the author of four books of poetry: Against Which; Bringing the Shovel Down; Be Holding, winner of the PEN American Literary Jean Stein Award; and Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, winner of the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2016 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. In addition to his poetry, Ross has released three collections of essays— The Book of Delights was released in 2019 and was a New York Times bestseller; Inciting Joy was released in 2022, and his newest collection, The Book of (More) Delights was released in September of 2023.
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.