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.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
Kanopy Available Free
Apr 30 all-day
online

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free with a Buncombe County Library card.  Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, or Roku.

With the motto of “thoughtful entertainment,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie films, classics, and world cinema. Explore a world of movies with no wait, no fines, and no borrowing limits.

“Streaming video—and the Kanopy service in particular—is something our patrons have been asking for,” adds Library Director Jason Hyatt. “We’re excited to provide this service as part of our ever-growing digital library.”

To access Kanopy, visit the library website, or download the app to your phone, TV, or digital device. If you have any questions, contact your local library.

Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 2 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Passholder Experience: Late Spring Birding Hike
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park
 Advance Registration Required.

Enjoy this intimate spring birding walk with a local bird expert and get to know your fellow passholders, too. Scope out some of our many resident species as they enjoy the late spring weather from our spot on the NC Birding Trail. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 4 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 5, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 5 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 6 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

2023 Get In Gear Festival
May 6 @ 12:00 pm
The Outpost

Showcasing the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East
Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 12-5pm
The Outpost 521 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC
Connect with local companies, products, and experiences.
Demo the latest gear and exclusive sales
Enjoy local food and beverages
Activities for the whole family
https://fb.me/e/6jjByMplL

Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
May 6 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The HALL at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium’s RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS concert series presents Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience May 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW

Sunday, May 7, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 7 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Thursday, May 11, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 11 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 12, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 12 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Departure A Journey Tribute Band
May 12 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The HALL at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium’s RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS concert series presents, Departure A Journey Tribute Band May 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW

Slippery When Wet The Ulitmate Bon Jovi Tribute Band
May 12 @ 7:30 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

The HALL at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium’s RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS concert series presents Slippery When Wet The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute on May 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets on sale NOW

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 13 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

MLC Spring Pop Up Market
May 13 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Montessori Learning Community (west)

Montessori Learning community presents its spring pop up with local vendors.

Fairview Handmade Market
May 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hickory Nut Gap Farm

On May 13, join us for a day celebrating local NC artists and vendors! 30 local artisan vendors will be set up under the big barn, where you’ll find local massage therapists, potters, printmakers, blacksmiths, glass artists, woodworkers, papermakers, weavers and so much more!

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.

Artisan Markets at Nantahala Outdoor Center
May 13 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC Outfitter's Store

market-on-the-river-bank

From the regional crafters to local guide artisans, set up on the river banks of the Nantahala. Come and meet these vendors and more on the second Saturday of every month, May – September.

If you are interested in joining us as a vendor, please fill out your information here: https://forms.gle/BgqQQpY4XSGqtH6f6

Sunday, May 14, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 14 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

LEAF Retreat
May 14 all-day
Lake Eden

Everywhere across this great land, we see, hear and feel impressions of the peoples that once cultivated it. In this year’s Spring Retreat, we will uplift and honor First Nations, Indigenous and LatinX peoples as a precursor to our Fall Festival, “Legends of The Americas!” We also have a yearly focus on Health: mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. It is a time of rejoicing and celebrating those who came before us. A rekindling of the wisdom passed down through generations; a time of honoring beautiful legacies, stories and traditions. Please join as we enter a world of learning through the eyes of the greats, this May 11-14th at LEAF Retreat!

Theme:
“Legends of the Americas”

Artists:
The Headhunters
Arise Roots
Boukman Eksperyans
Chinobay of Uganda and Dance of Hope
John Toineeta (John-John of Cherokee)
Larry & Joe
LEAF International Guatemala
VOXMANA (w/ Natalia Clavier of Thievery Corp)
A Sneak Preview Screening of “The Last Ecstatic Days”
Adama Dembele Artist in Residence
Amado Espinoza – Native Instruments
Angela Gladue & The 1st Nations Dancers
Aztec Dance Chichimeca
Billy Jonas
Blue Ridge Pride Drag Queens
BoogiTherapi
Carol Rifkin
D.O.A. Breakdancers
EarthShine Nature Programs
Elder Roy Harris
Haviken Hayes
James Nave’
Kinney
Marcos Napa
Masankho Banda
Melissa McKinney
Monika Guerra
Mountain Circus Arts
Nélida Lopez-Fernandez
NewSong LEAF Songwriters Showcase
Pickleball
Playing with Fyre
Quadre’ Stuckey
Quraishi Roya
Ronna Dragon
Sarauniya “Niya” Zulu
Seffarine
Shalullaby League
Sonos Poetica featuring Jeff Firewalker
Spaceman Jones
Stephanie Winters
Street Creature Puppet Collective
The Grief Happening
The Wandering Swordsman
Tom Heck
Tracey Schmidt’s “The Awakening of Turtle Island: Portraits of Native Americans”
Underhill Rose
Unifire Theater
Unspoken Tradition
Volando Magnifico

LEAF Retreat “Legends Of The Americas”
May 14 all-day
Lake Eden

Performer Aztex Dancer

Everywhere across this great land, we see, hear and feel impressions of the peoples that once cultivated it. In this year’s Spring Retreat, we will uplift and honor First Nations, Indigenous & LatinX peoples as a precursor to our Fall Festival, and honor our own community leaders. We also have a yearly focus on Health: mental, physical & emotional wellbeing. It is a time of rejoicing and celebrating those that came before us. A rekindling of the wisdom passed down through generations; a time of honoring beautiful legacies, stories and traditions

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 18 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Friday, May 19, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 19 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

Asheville Amadeus Festival: Young People’s Concerts with Béla Fleck
May 19 @ 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

The Youth Orchestra will present two consecutive educational Young People’s Concerts, free for all Buncombe County’s 5th-graders, featuring Béla Fleck and members of the Asheville Symphony! They will perform a wide range of pieces from “Shenandoah” to “Sourwood Mountain,” Bizet to Sibelius

Welcome to the new Asheville Amadeus Festival!

Building upon the success of our rock-themed Festival in 2019, the 2023 Festival moves in another exciting new direction, this year celebrating all things Americana with theater, art, music, culinary arts, and more. Featuring banjo superstar Béla Fleck as our Festival Headliner, Kishi Bashi as our Festival Opener, and 25+ partner organizations offering 40+ events throughout this extraordinary ten-day Festival, this is the most ambitious Amadeus in Asheville Symphony history!

There are endless ways to get involved in this year’s Festival, including attending the myriad of free or ticketed events, buying exclusive Amadeus merch, and drinking our exclusive collaborative beer. Click on the link below to learn more about this year’s Festival. 

MORE ON THE FESTIVAL

Black Mountain Garden Sale
May 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Black Mountain Town Square

Black Mountain Garden Sale, one of the most popular gardening sales in WNC, will be held on Friday, May 19, 4-8pm and Saturday, May 20, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.

Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other specialty items.

The popular Members’ Market will have personal services and baked goods for sale. Purchase raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award, Community Improvement Award, and to keep the town beautiful!

Additional information at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!

Saturday, May 20, 2023
Asheville Merchandise Guide
May 20 all-day
online

Asheville Merchandise Guide

All the wearable merch in Asheville in one place.

We love a souvenir T-shirt

So much so that we were inspired to create this guide, first published in May 2023. We’ll be updating it a few times a year, and we encourage you to check in with the businesses listed in the guide about availability. Often merch sells out quickly or is a limited edition. 

While these items aren’t strictly secondhand, we love supporting local businesses and know firsthand how lovely it is to hold on to a memory of a special place you visited on a trip. 

If you know of some merch we’re missing or have feedback or questions, fill out the form below to let us know! 

The Bazaar at St. John in the Wilderness
May 20 @ 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
St John in the WIlderness

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) will host “The Bazaar at St. John in the Wilderness” on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 8:30am to 1pm inside the Parish Hall and grounds on the church campus. Fine items, artwork, jewelry, glassware, furniture, linens, silver, plants and more will highlight the fundraiser with proceeds assisting local charities involving women, children and families. Early bird shoppers are welcome at 7:30am with a $10 entry fee. There is no fee to shop inside the Parish Hall from 8:30 until 1pm. The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more information call the church office at 828-693-9783.

Asheville Habitat ReStore Customer Appreciation Sale
May 20 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Spring has sprung and there is no better time than Saturday, May 20th to shop the Asheville Habitat ReStore for all your home and garden needs. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project, updating your décor, or reimagining your outdoor living space, be sure to swing by the Spring Sale at the Asheville Habitat ReStore at 31 Meadow Rd. on Saturday, May 20th between 9am and 6pm to save big. Everything – building supplies, appliances, lighting, furniture, housewares, and more – is 25% off, for one day only. Discount not applicable in the Weaverville ReStore.

Saluda Arts Festival
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Downtown Saluda

18 Years of Dedication to the Arts in Saluda

The Saluda Downtown Foundation is proud to celebrate Saluda’s heritage and art culture at the 18th annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 20, 2023, in historic downtown Main Street in Saluda. Stretching along historic and charming Main Street, every art medium is represented in this popular annual event including paintings, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, sculptures, fiber, and more.

List of Vendors

WNC Bigfoot Festival
May 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Downtown Marion

You may come a skeptic, but you’ll leave a believer after attending the WNC Bigfoot Festival. Educational panels, a Bigfoot Calling Contest and other family-friendly activities make this the southeast’s premier Bigfoot event.

Whether you’re a foodie interested in trying Bigfoot-themed dishes or you have a desire to see art inspired by Sasquatch and created by regional artist, there’s something for everyone at the 2023 WNC Bigfoot Festival.

Click Here to See Saturday’s Bigfoot Festival Satellite Parking Locations