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.

Monday, May 1, 2023
Dogwood Alliance Ambassador Meeting
May 1 @ 6:00 pm
online w/ Dogwood Alliance

We need inspired, compassionate Ambassadors. You can help to spread the word and speak truth to power. You can help us grow the movement to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging.

By signing up to be an Ambassador, you’ll receive:

  • Regular updates
  • Exclusive event invitations
  • Opportunities to shape this important work
Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 1 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Tree Nursery Workdays
May 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sand Hill Tree Nursery

Join us for weekly workdays in the Sand Hill native tree nursery. Tasks vary and often include repotting, weeding, mulching, and other special projects to improve infrastructure and function.

Need to know

Please come dressed in work clothes with close toed shoes. Bring water and sun protection. All other gear and supplies are provided.

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 2 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
WILD (Women in Lively Discussion) Book Club
May 2 @ 6:30 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

WILD (Women in Lively Discussion) Book Club

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 – 6:30pm
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 – 6:30pm
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 – 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 – 6:30pm

Join former Malaprop’s General Manager Linda-Marie Barrett for this woman-only book club that seeks to have fun by reading books (fiction & non) by women writers. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Tuesday of the month.

Please RSVP to the moderator at [email protected] for location and details.

Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 2 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Read to Puptart!
May 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

Malaprop’s Book Club
May 3 @ 7:00 pm
online w/ Malaprop's Bookstore

The Malaprop’s Book Club, hosted by Jay Jacoby, explores a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction books determined by member suggestion. Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The club will meet virtually until further notice. To join the club, please email [email protected]

Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 3 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Thursday, May 4, 2023
14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner + Auction
May 4 all-day
Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center

We are thrilled to share the news that bestselling author of Southernmost, Silas House, will keynote Literacy Together’s 14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center.

House has authored six novels, a book of creative non-fiction, and three plays. He is the executive producer and one of the subjects of the documentary Hillbilly.

House is a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered.” His writing has appeared in Time, The Atlantic, Ecotone, The Advocate, Garden and Gun, and Oxford American. House serves on the fiction faculty at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Creative Writing and as the NEH Chair at Berea College. Read more about Silas here.

Proceeds from the Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction will benefit programs to help people of all ages reach their personal and educational goals through the power of literacy. Literacy Together provides volunteer tutors to more than 300 students and sends books to over 5,000 preschool children in Buncombe County.

General admission is $95, and a limited number of VIP passes include a meet and greet with the author.

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 4 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Weaverville Library Afternoon Book Club
May 4 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join us this month as we discuss Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell.  We will meet in person at the Weaverville Library with the option to join in via ZOOM. Only ZOOM participants need to register.  Copies of this title are available at the library as long as supplies last. Newcomers are always welcome.

Crime and Politics Book Club
May 4 @ 4:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Crime and Politics Book Club

Crime and Politics is a book club for people who want to explore the overlap between true crime and public affairs. We will explore scandals, malfeasance, murder, corruption, and cover-ups. We will alternate months, beginning with a work of true crime, then a book on politics or public affairs. Crime, from the most personal to the global, is the theme. We meet the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. Contact [email protected].

Join host and Malaprop’s Bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across true crime and public affairs. The club meets in Asheville and offsite, usually at a restaurant, on the first Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. Please email [email protected] for info and instructions to attend. See the list of upcoming dates above and click here to learn more about the club, view important news, and find the pick for this month!

14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner + Auction
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center
Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 4 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Friday, May 5, 2023
Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 5 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Everything is coming up CREEPY
May 6 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
East Asheville Library

Join us for a special event featuring Jasper Rabbit of Creepy Tales! From overly helpful crayons to petrifying underwear, Creepy Tales features the humorous (and spooky) message of bravery from Aaron Reynolds. The event features stories, Creepy crafts, and the opportunity to meet Jasper Rabbit and dive into the pages of his delightfully creepy world! Co-sponsored by Malaprop’s Bookstore.

Everything is coming up CREEPY!

Connect Beyond Volunteer Opportunities
May 6 @ 8:00 pm
Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville

We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:

  • May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
  • June 13th: boygenius
  • August 12th: Motionless in White
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Bend + Brew at Hillman Beer
May 7 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Hillman Beer in Old Fort

Ayurveda-Influenced yoga designed for the spring season.

Bring a mat and stay afterward for community

Avoid the fee by sending a venmo to @burning-sage-yoga and put Hillman 5/7 in the notes.

Your amazing instructor Claudia will lead you through a spring flow designed to help you detox your winter and energize your spring.

Stay at Hillman for a great time afterwards!

Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Amercian Red Cross Blood Drive
May 9 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Looking Glass Realty

We are hosting our third blood drive!

Please join us on Tuesday, May 9th at our Connestee Falls office from 12-4 PM.

Give us a call at (828) 884-7355 to reserve your appointment or go online to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor keyword: LookingGlass

We hope to see you there!

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 9 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Read to Puptart!
May 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

Puptart is a tail wagging robot dog who sits and stays, pants when listening, and responds to someone talking to and petting it. It will not jump up or run away, plus it’s fur free, so no sneezes and runny noses coming your way!

Every Wednesday afternoon, Puptart will be available for reading practice in the children’s picture book room. Help establish a joy of reading and develop early literacy skills. Sign up at the front desk, pick a book and practice reading for up to 15 minutes.

Thursday, May 11, 2023
Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 11 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Friday, May 12, 2023
Yoga with a View
May 12 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
Advance registration required.

Enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed at this outdoor class led by Namaste in Nature. Enjoy a practice suitable for all levels of expertise as you overlook Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. You won’t find a view like this in any studio! Lightweight yoga mats will be provided by your certified yoga teacher.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Build Crew Work Days Hendersonville Theatre
May 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Pan Harmonia | Concoction 5
May 13 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Asheville Art Museum Atrium

ASO Amadeus Festival

Visit the Asheville Art Museum Atrium for Music Mixology!

Music on the hour from Noon to 5 pm
The music begins with Flute at Noon, adds Bassoon at 1 pm then Clarinet at 2 pm; Oboe at 3 pm and finally mixes in a French horn at 4 pm to concoct a woodwind quintet!

Gorgeous music featuring: Kare Steinbeck, flute; Rosalind Buda, bassoon; Taylor Massey, clarinet; Michael Jones, oboe; Anneka Zuehlke, French horn

Each musical portion is 20-25 minutes long. Drop in for any part of the afternoon. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are encouraged, as seating is limited.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
North Asheville Book Club
May 16 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
North Asheville Library and Zoom

Join us to discuss this month’s book: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk This is a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting. Participants may come in person to the North Asheville Library or participate via Zoom.

Elementary After-School Volunteer Creative Peacemakers
May 16 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Deaverview Apartment Community

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in our small after school program for children in West Asheville in low-income housing.  We provide a safe and nourishing environment, healthy snacks, and creative activities.  Our program currently meets during the school year on most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm. You may volunteer for one or two days a week. 

Volunteer Responsibilities:

  • Assist with serving snacks
  • Interact with children during activity time
  • Supervise games and outdoor free time
  • For people with background in education, there is also an opportunity to assist with curriculum development and program planning and administration

Requirements:

  • Background check
  • Orientation booklets will be provided
  • Masks are required if unvaccinated
Fairview Online Book Club: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
May 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Fairview Library
  Klara and the Sun offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Enka History Book Club
May 17 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Enka-Candler Library

The Enka History Book Club reads historical fiction and non-fiction. We’ll be discussing, Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk. Books are available for pick up at the library in large print and regular print. The group meets in the community room and newcomers are always welcome.